Notice to clubs regarding Junior Handler competitions at shows
Last year, all clubs were advised of the new requirement in 2010 for Junior Handler judges to complete the Working With Children accreditation. DOGS Victoria has been encouraged at the number of clubs that have taken steps to meet this requirement. However we recognise that, for some clubs, this requirement has been difficult to meet, and might restrict the growth of Junior Handler competitions.
DOGS Victoria does not want to place any barriers in the way of the continued growth of Junior Handler competitions. Junior Handlers are the future of this organisation, and it is vital that clubs provide them with every opportunity to compete and develop as handlers. So, the following arrangements will apply from May 2010 onwards:
The timeframes for Junior Handler judges to be accredited for the Working With Children check is extended indefinitely. Members who are interested in participating as Junior Handler judges are encouraged to complete the Working With Children check, but it is no longer a mandatory requirement.
Your club should encourage a number of your members to complete the Working With Children check, regardless of whether they intend to become Junior Handler judges, to build up a bank of accredited people.
The Working With Children application form can be found on the DOGS Victoria website, under the ‘Juniors’ tab, then click on ‘Junior Handler Judges’ where you will be able to print out the form. (There is no application fee to obtain a Working With Children check.) All other ANKC requirements remain in place. Thank you to the clubs that contacted the Office to express their concerns. Please contact the office if you wish to discuss this further.
New Junior Handler Manual
The national Junior Handlers committee has approved a new version of the Junior Handler Manual. Junior Handlers and Judges should ensure they are familiar with the new manual as it is effective immediately. Download ANKC Junior Handler Manual.
NATIONAL JUNIOR HANDLERS
At the October 2008 ANKC Conference, a working party was established to organise the national junior handler final competition. Shellie Marshall was appointed as the Victorian representative on this committee.The committee has been energetic, and has now set guidelines in place, and developed specific resources, to further develop a national junior handler competition.
The following is from the minutes of that Conference
7. An Affiliated Club, other than a Breed or Group Specialist Club, must conduct a Junior Showmanship Competition at one of its shows in each calendar year.
7.1 Where an Affiliated Club conducts more than one show over a weekend the Junior Handler Showmanship must not be conducted on a regular school day and must be conducted on the weekend or days proclaimed a school holiday.
7.2 Where a Junior Showmanship Competition is to be held by an Affiliated Club, the competition must be advertised in the official schedule lodged with the controlling Body in respect of the show.
7.3 Entry fees may not be charged in respect of Junior Handler competitions.
Breed, group and other clubs that hold conformation events are similarly encouraged to hold Junior Handler events at shows.
The junior handlers event can take place before, during or after the show. All junior handler results must be submitted to the office with the catalogue.
Many clubs were not made aware of the new requirements and have not planned for a junior handler event in 2009. DOGS Victoria ask that, whenever possible, affiliates please attempt to meet the challenge put forward by the ANKC and help suppor our junior handlers by adding a junior handler event into your schedule.
Please note: junior handlers may only win three events with one breed, then they must change breeds.
Let’s get behind the revitalised junior handler competition and give it our full support – junior handlers are the future of our organisation.
