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National Training Supervisors Report -2003 (report delivered to the National Council)
Members of the Executive, National Training Committee members, judges and sportsfriends, Looking back at the activities of 2003, our sport appears to be maintaining its momentum in all facets ,but is definitely not growing at the rate I would like to see. 2003 has been a largely uneventful year ,with no major upheavals or disasters to report ( Which is good to see!) At club Schutzhund level : A total of 25 club trials were held ( Nov 2002 to December2003) . The number of members qualifying BH has reduced dramatically- predominantly due the requirement being removed for first time Breed Surveys for bitches. I am not happy with this trend and think it is very shortsighted of members to delay the BH title ,as they have to do the BH before their “for life “ survey anyway! We must encourage BH qualifications at all clubs as the entry level to further achievements . (For a complete breakdown of club SchH trials – see attached schedule.) Tutor helpers: I am very disappointed to see that ,in general, our existing tutor helpers have not fulfilled their obligations of running the required tutor helper seminars . The message must be made very clear: If you do not want to fulfill the requirements I will have no option but to scrap the current Tutor Helper status of the existing panel –and embark on a program to appoint new ,active tutor helpers who will be of benefit to the system ,clubs and members. National Schutzhund Trial 2003 –Cape Town: It was very encouraging to see a total of :17 x SchH 1 entries , 4 x Schh 2 entering this event. I hope to see most of these graduate to SchH 3 by 2004 Nationals! We had an excellent event hosted by the Western Province .Herr Adolf Glaser ( SV) completed his final judging appointment for the GSDF Nationals but I am sure we will still see a lot more of Adolf in the future. Over the past few years he has become a good friend of SA Dogsport and has made significant contributions to our development. Robbie de Jong ( VDH) also completed his appointments-. He too has made a major impact on our sport. Sincere thanks to them both. The event was well run in all aspects and I must thank all who helped make this event one of the most successful Nationals we have had . (See attached schedule for results) We were fortunate to have Springbok Atlas tours on board as a major sponsor together with Nestle Purina. Thanks to Spingbok Atlas ( & John Easingwood) we were for the first time ever to make a Nett profit from a National Schutzhund Trial. ( see attached schedule) National “Protection Dog Championship” 2004: The date for the 2004 National will be 14/15/16 May in Gauteng at the Barnard” Stadium. (Kempton Park) It is a facility well suited to our needs for the National, with excellent lighting and general facilities and will be an excellent venue for us. The overseas judge will be Mr. Toine Jonkers (VDH –Holland). Toine has been in SA in 2002, and has judged a local event in SA. He was the 2002 Dutch SchH 3 Champion and is on of the principal organizers of the WUSV World Champs to be held in Holland in 2004. Overseas helper is Gerrie v Duyse. Local helpers –still to be confirmed. Helper and Training seminars: A number of seminars were held throughout the year by various hosts. ( Rob de Jong ( VDH) in Cape Town & Jhb, Manfred Dresher ( SV) –Pretoria) as well as seminars by local trainers. It appears that clubs are not supporting each others seminars as well as they could – this is a pity as the only losers are those who don’t attend!! I think members should be more open to new concepts and ideas and attend as many events as possible –Expand your knowledge- go to seminars!! WUSV World Championships –Ravenna Italy: The 2003 Worlds in Ravenna Italy was not an event for “sissies”. The extreme weather conditions ( up to 30 deg C) extremely dry and dusty ploughed field s for tracking, a less than perfect host town, dealing with temperamental Italians and less than perfect trial helpers made for a challenging event for Team SA!- But I am pleased to say they did extremely well –finishing 16th in the Team event. Notable is the 99 points Wade Armand & Vasco posted on the Track!! (see schedule for full results). We should be proud of our teams achievements and it was a very proud moment for Team SA when the SV President ( Herr Henke)and Doctor Helmut Raiser commented to the Team that people have noticed the dramatic progress SA has made at world level –and they think we have a bright future ahead of us ! A special thanks must be made to South African Airways Cargo who generously flew our dogs at no cost . It is greatly appreciated and thanks to Hennie & Estelle Fourie who initiated this offer with SAA. Other funds for the Worlds were enthusiastically raised from a number of sources: Biteathons at various venues countrywide, Raffles, Dinner parties etc Thanks to you all !! The SA contigent of spectators in Italy numbered about 20 people –the Team appreciates the support. WUSV 2004 in Eindhoven- Holland is something you shouldn’t miss- support your Team –Be There!! New Rules: The long awaited changes to the rules have finally taken place- The changes are fairly dramatic and come into effect in January 2004 internationally and will be implemented here on the 1st March 2004. I am in the process of briefing all judges ( and anyone else who may be interested on the changes and interpretation of the new rules). We had the first info session in KZN at the end of January –which was well attended . Other provinces to follow shortly. Each club Training Supervisor has been given a copy of the rules on CD. Please ensure that all who need a copy have access to the CD or contact me for more info and /or copies. Printed booklets are also available as well as a new set of judges guidelines. In essence the SchH rules are now the same as IPO 1/2/3 with the SV ,WUSV & FCI having accepted the same International Ordnances for the awarding of Titles. Wishing you all a successful 2004 both on and off the training field! Greg Lotter (National Training Supervisor)
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