AKC Agility 2021 COVID-19 Updates for Trials

The American Kennel Club has released updated guidlines for agility tirals effective Feb 1, 2021. Link to full documant can be found at the end of this article.

Here is a list of updates made:

• Effective March 1, 2021, if a VMO or Agility Field Representative is measuring dogs at a trial, all present and entered dogs without a valid measurement must be measured. Until further notice, Judges of Record who are not VMOs will still not measure dogs.
• Masks must be worn as by required state/local guidelines. Clubs may require masks for all exhibitors and all trial help, even if not required by state/local guidelines. Judges must wear masks as required by state/local guidelines, the club or the facility. It is recommended that clubs also review CDC Guidelines for updates and best practices before each event and apply those recommendations. This change applies to Judges, ring crew and competitors alike.
• Exhibitors may place leashes in their pockets when running the course or wear on themselves (i.e., clip like a belt around the waist) through December 31, 2021. Note: if the dog grabs the leash while running this will be scored as an “E”.
• The two-judge requirement to title in the Novice through Excellent level agility classes was suspended as of July 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020. It is being extended through December 31, 2021.
   
• Effective Jan 1, 2021, events may close not less than seven (7) days prior to the trial. This is a change from fourteen (14) days prior to the trial. This is a permemn change. 

Source: https://akcagilityjudges.files.wordpress.com/2021/01/agility-suggested-best-practices-0221.pdf