Clean Run - October 2010 - 60

Understanding the Competition Environment
When I was first asked to be the national team manager and coach in 1999, I felt it was essential that we try to understand what our teams were going to face. Quarantine regulations in the U.K. were relaxed in 2000 and for the first time British handlers would be able to compete at international events with their own dogs. (I should also mention the open-mindedness of the FCI Agility Committee who supported our entry to the event, despite the U.K. Kennel Club not being a FCI Member country). Having attended the 2000 FCI Agility World Championships in Finland as a spectator, I was impressed with the high standard of handling and competition I saw and the professionalism of some of the leading teams. I started to grasp what a large task it was going to be to get ready to compete on level terms with other international teams. Our first foray into international competition, the 2001 FCI Agility World Championships in Portugal, can only described as a triumph of reality over confidence. From a management perspective we were poorly prepared and completely underestimated the level of competition. The lessons learned at this event were hard, but had the effect of ensuring that the team upped its game for next time. For me, I felt we needed to present ourselves as a much more professional outfit, providing a higher caliber of support for team members. The main aim was to be certain the team arrived at future events properly prepared and in the best possible shape to perform. The competition rules for the FCI event are very similar to those in the U.K. but there are subtle differences, which especially affect course design. This has an impact on the style of handling and the type of dog that is likely to be competitive in the Individual classes. The team event adds another layer of complexity to the team selection process, as a dog and handler combo capable of winning the Individual competition may not necessarily be best suited for the Team event. These are just a few examples of the problems I needed to address. There was another unexpected challenge our handlers had to face, despite having experience of the intense competition at home.

Qualifying Event or Series Complete (about 2-3 months before WC)

International Teams: World Championships Planning Cycle*

World Championships (WC)

WC -3 months

WC -2 months

WC -1 month

Before Qualifying
• Schedule Q event(s) • Pre-event briefing • Define selection criteria/objectives • Define post-Q training objectives

Qualifying/Selection
• Assess performance vs. planned objectives

Phase 1 Training

Phase 2 Training

Pre-Event Training
• Refine pre-event preparation techniques with individuals • Focus on positive output from training/confidence building • Team focus on what we are about & how we are going to operate

Post-Event Debriefing
• Analyze performance objectives • Review results against aims • Plan changes for next cycle

• Agree on training objectives • Assess performance against agreed objectives • Develop individual training • Analyze individual training • Did you get the type of team plans as needed plans your objectives indicated or • Skills drills & sequences the team you deserved? • Skills drills & sequences • Present training objectives to team members • Preparation techniques

Support Team Focus • Ensuring team peaks at the right time • Ensuring team members arrive in the best possible shape • Getting individual training plans right • Getting the team’s training schedule right • Managing relations with key players • Enjoying the experience

Key Roles • Training/analysis/focus for individual coaching • Relations with sponsors/fundraisers • Managing public relations • Arranging travel, accommodations, and so on • Ensuring health & welfare of team members & their dogs • Dealing with WAGs, HABs, and GABs** • Dealing with supporters/fans

Back to start of cycle

© Steve Croxford / PACE-Agility 2010

* There may be other planning cycles running in parallel for other international events ** WAGS = Wives & Girlfriends, HABS = Husbands & Boyfriends, GABS = Grooms & Bottle-carriers

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Clean Run | October 10
Clean Run - October 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - October 2010
