Welcome to the Toonies Flyball Club!

Flyball is an exciting canine relay race sport and our club members are enthusiastic about keeping our club active and growing. The following information should help you understand the organization of the Toonies and expectations regarding joining the club and being a club member in good standing.

Who makes up the Toonies Flyball Club?

There is an executive consisting of a president, a vice-president, a treasurer, a secretary, a membership director and a social director. They have duties to ensure that club business is well looked after. The executive, as well as other club members, must be in good standing by paying yearly dues and demonstrating commitment to the club. Membership applications go through the executive for acceptance.

How can I become a member?

Generally speaking, dog owners first take an introductory set of flyball lessons to teach their dog the basics. Then they are invited to come to practices on a drop-in basis ($5.00 per session). Dogs are evaluated to see how they work with the more experienced dogs and vice versa before a request for membership is accepted. All applicants are strongly urged to attend at least one flyball tournament to experience the full intensity of a day of racing. Waivers of liability and basic application information will be required. Annual dues begin upon acceptance of membership. Membership applications will be reviewed by the executive factoring in attendance, participation, compatibility, etc. Since flyball dogs are working off-leash at high speed and in close proximity to other dogs and people, some applications may be turned down due to dog aggression or other reasons the executive may deem appropriate.

What is expected of a club member?

Club members show their commitment to the club by keeping their dogs in good physical condition, volunteering at our yearly flyball tournament, coming regularly to club practices (also see club practice requirements below), voting at club meetings such as the AGM, participating in social activities of the club, paying yearly dues and keeping up-to-date on club business.

How do I get on a team that competes in flyball tournaments?

If a member and their dog have learned the basics of flyball and work well with other dogs and handlers, they may be asked to join a team and participate in a tournament. Often a new dog will run on a "green" team with other inexperienced dogs (as well as some experienced dog/handler teams who will guide them through this new experience). Since more points are earned with faster more consistent teams, it may take time and experience to develop a more competitive team. There can be up to 6 dogs listed on a team with only 4 dogs running in each heat. Being on a team requires a financial commitment (tournament fees, also food, hotel and gas expenses if the tournament is out of town) and a time commitment (practicing regularly). A “full” day at a tournament can amount to a 12 hour day. Team members are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, be courteous and cooperative, have their dogs groomed and presentable, and conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to the sport of flyball and our club. They must always follow the rules and policies of the North American Flyball Association (if you would like more info on flyball see Internet sites www.flyballdogs.com and www.flyball.org .

Flyball is a great sport promoting physical fitness and a real bond and commitment to our canine friends. We wish you all the best in your flyball career! Get involved and HAVE FUN!

Club Practice Participation Requirements

1.	Arrive on time - all club members are expected to participate in set-up and cleanup of the practice facility.
2.	Only dogs being trained are allowed in the building unless they are crated. Bring all dogs in on leash.
3.	Respect the practice facility
	- Vehicle speed must be 5 km when entering or leaving the property.
	- Keep dogs away from the fenced outdoor run. If there are dogs in this run our dogs must be on leash.
	- Pick-up after you dog - scoopers and poop bins are on site and clean up indoor accidents using cleaners provided.
4.	Assist other members with training - all members should help with judging passes, timing, box loading etc. Special emphasis on assisting new dogs and their handlers - we want to get to know them and provide support and advice on training methods.
5.	Cleanup - all members are expected to participate in storing equipment used during practice and sweeping off mats before leaving the site.

08/2005