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I - SEASON SCHEDULE
A. January 1st thru October 31st

* The results from all events held during the month of October must be overnighted (the day after the pull) to Chris Wells P.O. Box 92 Watkins Co 80137, for the results to be counted towards Championships.

II - MEMBERSHIP
A. No membership fees, everyone is welcome!
B. Per dog fees are collected at event prior to dog(s) pulling
C. Entry fees may not exceed $ 20.00 for regular season pulls.

III - CHAMPIONSHIPS
A. Eligibility—If your dog has pulled at five APA events during one season it may compete in the APA Championships, which will be held in November.
B. Location—Rotational basis TBD.
C. The Championships will be Rails/Carpet and Percent format every year.


IV - PULLING AREA
A. Chute
1. Width: Min 10’, Max 16’
2. Length: Min 35’, Max none
3.Chute fence must be at least three feet high and see through.
C. Holding Area
1. Dogs competing in a weight class must stay in the holding area while the class is competing or until they are eliminated
2. Dogs NOT competing are not allowed in the holding area
3. No dogs allowed ahead of the start line
D. Pulling Surface
1. Track must be dirt, carpet or grass. No sand, blacktop, or large gravel.
2. Level or slightly uphill
3. Down hill tracks are not permitted
4. Dog must pull on the same surface the cart is on
5. Track can only be groomed between classes

V EQUIPMENT
A. Cart
1. Wood or metal framing
2. Two axles and four tires. Must also have one spare tire
3. Width: Not more than 6’ including tires & axles
4. Length a. Max 8’, b. Min 5’
5. Must be equipped with two solid rings at the front for attaching the lead rope.
6. Tires
a. Max height 18”
b. Min height 13”
c. Pressure
1. Must be equal in all four tires
2. Must be checked before pull starts by APA Judge
7. Load Capacity
a. Cart must be capable of carrying 5000 lbs safely
8. Clubs have the OPTION of using a smaller cart for the smaller weight class(s). There are no size requirements for the smaller cart. It should be capable of carrying up to 300 lbs safely.
9. Lead Rope
a. No less than 6’ and no more than 7’ FROM THE START LINE
b. Must be free of knots
c. Must attach to the cart with closed metal links or rings
d. Must be “V” shaped w/sliding ring.
e. Cannot be made of chain or steel cable
B. Weight
1. The amount of weight added for each increment will be determined by the judge of each class and may vary as the pull progresses.
C. Dogs Equipment
1. Each dog must have an acceptable crate
2. Flat Buckled collars are allowed. NO Choke collars, Pinch collars or anything considered a training device (bells, whistles, tugs, etc) is permitted.
3. Harness
a. Must be acceptable freight harness w/spreader bar
c. Must be in good condition and cannot be in need of repair
4. NO BAITING is permitted during the pull. You can not have food or rewards of any kind on your person while pulling your dog.
a. You can reward or treat the dog during the class in the holding area ONLY. This includes tugs or toys.
5. WATER IS PERMITTED at any/all times.

V-a - RAIL SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
A. Rail Type

Rails can be v-grove, flat, or round. Casters which fit around the rails are also acceptable.
Provisions for positive stop of the cart shall be made at both ends of the rail.
The rail must have provisions for leveling or angling the track.
The track may be angled uphill a maximum of 8” from the start line to the finish line.
The increase in height from start line to the finish line shall be listed with the pull results. Or listed as level.
B. Pulling Surface

Width of the pulling surface shall be a minimum of 22” and maximum of 52” between the rails.
Length of the pulling surface shall be a minimum of 25’ from the start line to the end of the track.
The pulling surface can be dirt or carpet. Pulls shall not be held on surfaces that may be unsafe for the dogs, such as concrete or asphalt.
The start and finish line shall be clearly marked with a distance of 16’ between them.
If the pulling surface is raised more then 12” off the ground, provisions will be made so the dog has access to the pulling surface without jumping or being lifted.
C. Cart

The cart shall ride on rails along the outside edge of the pulling surface.
The load platform of the cart may not extend more then 12” beyond any outside caster.
The cart shall be equipped with a single pull lanyard measuring 4 to 6 feet from the front of the cart.
The cart shall be equipped with either a manual breaking lanyard or a mechanical breaking device.
Weight shall not overhang the cart at any point.
D. Casters

Casters may be any configuration as long as they match the rail they are being used on.
Casters have no set diameter or configuration.
Bearing or bushings are acceptable on caster wheels.
The load rating of the casters shall be submitted to the Chief Judge before the pull starts.
Maximum load weight shall not exceed the combined load rating of the casters.
VI - PULL OFFICIALS
A. Judges
1. A list of APA approved Judges is listed on the APA website
2. Are responsible for upholding the rules and regulations of the APA as established in writing, and for adhering to the APA Code of Ethics.
3. The Chief Judge is responsible for supervising the event, handling disputes, and their decisions are final.
4. Any judge in violation of the rules, regulations, or code of ethics may be removed or disciplined by the Board of Directors by way of a majority vote.
5. Judges cannot disallow a person to compete because of personal reasons.
6. Judges’ decisions are final. If you disagree with a decision a grievance can be filed (see Complaints/Grievances).
7. To become an APA judge a prospective judge must fill out an application, complete the judges test, and judge two separate classes under two different APA approved judges. The judges that were apprenticed under must sign the application confirming the apprenticeship has been completed. The judges application, and completed test must be emailed to hik11@tds.net, or mailed to Chris Wells P.O. Box 92 Watkins, Co 80137.

B. Cart/Course Marshall’s
1. There must be two cart marshalls. One “brakeman” at the rear of the cart and one “hooker” at the front of the cart.
2. Are responsible for loading the cart during competition and unloading the cart when the class is completed.

VII - ELIGIBILITY
A. All dogs competing for points must be one year of age.
B. Novice dogs must be nine months of age and can pull for fun ONLY. Novice dogs do not earn or contribute points.
C. All pulls that novice dogs compete in will count towards the five pulls they need to qualify for Championships, provided the dog will be one year of age at the time of the Championship event.
D. All dogs must be current on immunizations
E. Handlers with more than two dogs in a class must have harnesses for all the dogs and will not delay the pull
F. The use of performance altering drugs are prohibited
G. No females in heat are allowed on the pull grounds
H. No pregnant or lactating females are allowed to compete
I. An APA entry form must be completed and entry fees submitted before the dog can pull
J. Control of dogs/handler conduct
1. You must keep your dog under control at all times
2. You will promptly clean up after your dog
3. Vicious dogs
a. Any dog showing unprovoked aggression towards another dog or person will receive one warning. If the aggression continues, the handler will be asked to remove the dog from the area and it will not be allowed to compete.
b. If a dog attacks another dog the handler will be asked to remove the dog from the area immediately. If it has not yet pulled, entry fees will not be refunded. If it has pulled it will neither earn nor contribute points that day.
c. Any dog that bites or attempts to bite a person will be immediately DQ’d by the judge and asked to leave the pull site.
4. Animal abuse or aggressive behavior, including verbal abuse WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. The judge will use his discretion and you will be DQ'd.
5. A handler can and will be asked to leave for ANY misconduct in or outside the pulling area/grounds. Misconduct includes rude, disruptive, unsportsmanlike conduct, or interfering with another dog pulling or the judge.
K. Weight Classes are as follows:
20# Class: 0-20 lbs
30# Class: 21-30 lbs
40# Class: 31-40 lbs
50# Class: 41-50 lbs
60# Class: 51-60 lbs
70# Class: 61-70 lbs
80# Class: 71-80 lbs
90# Class: 81-90 lbs
100# Class: 91-100 lbs
110# Class: 101-110 lbs
120# Class: 111-120 lbs
Unlimited Class: 121 lbs & up
L. Weigh-Ins
1. Must be within 24 hrs prior to the pull.
2. All dogs must be weighed in on the same scale
3. Dogs may only wear a regular flat buckle collar during weigh-In.
4. Each dog can only be weighed two times per day. The handler can choose which of the two weights he wants to keep.
5. All dogs must be weighed in by an APA judge. Judges can not weigh in their own dogs unless it's witnessed by two separate people.
6. A dog that weighs 81 lbs, but less than 91 is a 90 lb dog and will be pulling in the 90 lbs class. A dog weighing 91 lbs will pull in the 100 lb class

VIII - PULL PROCEDURES
A. A handler can choose what weight to bring the dog in at. It must be within the established weight increments. If the dog does not pull the start weight the dog is done pulling for the day and the entry fee will not be refunded.
B. Any dog showing illness or injury, at the chief judge’s discretion, will be dismissed and will not be allowed to compete that day.
C. Cart Placement
1. The cart will be placed at the start line. The point on the cart that is at the starting line will be the same point that must cross the finish line for the pull to be completed
2. A handler can only have the cart moved one time per round once it has been placed by the cart assistant
3. NO TEST ROLLING of the cart will be permitted
4. Dogs will be notified when they are on deck
5. Dogs will be ready to pull when called up or they can be passed by the judge.
6. The dog will be hooked by the cart assistant or by the handler of the dog
7. When the dog is hooked the handler must ensure that enough slack has been taken out of the line that the dog will not sling shot.. NO SLING SHOT STARTS are permitted. If the dog backs up on its own after being set it shall not be penalized.
8. The time will start when the dog attempts to pull the cart or the handler calls/signals the dog.
9. The judge can time the pull himself or elect a “timer” before the pull starts.
10. Dogs must pull 16’ in 60 sec. If the dog can not complete the pull in 60 sec. it will be a No Pull and the dog will be done competing for the day. However, if the cart is moving forward at 60 sec. the pull will count and the dog will move onto the next round. If at any point after 60 sec., and before the pull is completed, the cart stops forward motion a No Pull will then be called. The time will show the seconds the pull was completed in to 1/100th of a second.
11. Dogs must complete the entire pull within the chute barriers.
12. After a dog comes in on a weight increment, there is no limit to the number of times the handler can pass. Be ready to pull when it is your turn, the judge can pass you if you’re not there to pull when it’s your turn. The handler can not pass once the dog is hooked to the cart.
13. If your dog touches you before the pull is completed you will be DQ’d by the judge.
14. A tangle will be called ONLY if the dog could be injured in the harness or equipment. If the judge calls a tangle the cart will be repositioned back at the start line. The dog will then have 60 seconds to pull the weight.
15. You are allowed one tangle per round. If your dog tangles twice in a round it will be DQ’d by the judge.
16. If your dog gets completely out of it's harness at any time during the pull it will be DQ'd.
17. In the event of an equipment failure, the repair will be made and the cart will be repositioned at the start line. The dog will then have 60 seconds to re pull the current weight.
18. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated and you will be DQ’d at the chief judges discretion.
19. Any attempt to cheat and you will be DQ’d. This will be determined by the chief judge of the pull event.
20. No double handling will be permitted. However the crowd may participate by cheering for the dog during the pull. Double Handling will result in a disqualification at the judges discretion.
21. Winners of a weight class are determined by either the dog with the most weight pulled per pound (best percentage), or by most weight pulled. Ties will be broken by time. If two dogs have the same body pound percent, or pull the same weight, based on the format used, the winner will be determined by the time from the previous round(s).
22. The organizer of an event will decide which format percent, or most weight pulled will be used when the sanctioning request is made.
23. When pulling on carpet, water will be the only substance allowed on the dogs feet.
24. Reasonable concessions will be made for anyone with a disability.
25. It is the organizer's responsibility to send in the Entry Forms, Score Sheets, Results Forms and $3.00 per dog within 7 days.

IX - COMPLAINTS/GRIEVANCES
A. The chief judge has the right to reject someone from competition. The reason must be known to the individual and a letter of why they were refused must be sent in with the pull reports.
B. All written grievances must be sent in with the pull report to the APA.
C. Any grievance that is filed must be addressed to the judge of the class. If a verbal complaint is given to the judge and the judge corrects the problem immediately, no further action need be taken. A formal written grievance can be given to the chief judge immediately following the pull. If the issue can not be resolved by the Chief Judge, or if the Chief Judge is directly involved, the written complaint may be emailed to any current APA Board Member.
D. If a grievance is filed for activity outside the chute, it must be given to the chief judge. You can and will be asked to leave for any misconduct in or outside the pulling area. No refund of entry fees will be given in this instance.
E. No alcoholic beverages are allowed during competition.
F. If you are banned from pulling with the APA, you may file a motion to reverse the decision. The letter must be sent to the APA President and will be discussed by the Board of Directors. The Board will vote and a final decision will be reached. You will be notified, in writing, of the decision.

X - APA POINT SYSTEM
A. 1st place = 10 pts
2nd place = 7 pts
3rd place = 3 pts
Most Weight Pulled 60 Pounds & Under = 15 pts * If two or more dogs pull the same weight, MWP will go to the dog with the faster time.
Most Weight Pulled 61 Pounds & Over = 15 pts * If two or more dogs pull the same weight, MWP will go to the dog with the faster time.
Most Weight Pulled per Pound 60 Pounds & Under = 15 pts
Most Weight Pulled per Pound 61 Pounds & Over = 15 pts
** There must be a minimum of 12 dogs under 60 and over 61 pounds for 1 dog to get points for both MWP and MWPP. If there is less than 12 dogs they will get 15 points.
B. For every dog you beat that pulls
23 x it’s weight = 2 pts
18 x it’s weight = 1 pt
12 x it’s weight = .5 pt

XI - APA TITLES
A. WP Titles are earned after completing one of the following pulls
12 x the dog’s weight = WP1
18 x the dog’s weight = WP2
23 x the dog’s weight = WP3
WP titles are in certificate form and are available for $10,Payable to: Chris Wells P.O. Box 92 Watkins, Co 80137 or email at hik11@tds.net.
B. WP STAR Titles are earned after completing 100 pts towards each star title.
100 pts = STAR 1
200 pts = STAR 2
300 pts = STAR 3
Star 1 certficates will be mailed to the owner throughout the season when the dog has earned 100 points.
Star 2 (and above) plaques and plates will be awarded at the end of each season at the Championships.


XII - APA World Records
A. All records will be set at the Nationals.

XIII - Drug Testing
A. The APA reserves the right to do random drug testing at the Championships.

The American Pulling Alliance is a Non-Profit Organization