Goals of the APA
To promote the sport of canine weight pull in a positive manner and continue the growth of the sport for future generations.
It should go without saying that the American Pulling Alliance expects courtesy
and co-operation to be shown towards all participants, spectators, judges,
officials and organizers at any APA related event. While the pressures
and tensions which arise at a competitive level are understood, any
harassment, including aggression or abuse towards others (online or in
person) simply undertaking their duties, either online or watching the event or pulling their dog cannot be tolerated.
The American Pulling Alliance Code of Conduct & Ethics
- Sportsmanship – All participants should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner showing respect towards other participants, spectators, representatives and judges
while at the show or online.
- Slander and or Liable of the APA, its Board Members,
Representatives or Judges will not be permitted and will be subject to
immediate disciplinary action.
- All participants should help each other learn and succeed.
- Make an effort to reach out to everyone that show up to show.
- Participants should only communicate with a judge after judging has taken place and do so in a polite and professional manner. Any questions should be asked before the start of competition during the handlers meeting
or between rounds as dogs are pulling.
- Abusive, aggressive, or hostile behavior towards anyone at any APA related event – in particular the judge, other participants, event management or other officials - will not be tolerated under any circumstances
and can/will be delt with immediately by the APA Board.
- Interference with any dog is prohibited.
- Cheating or conspiring to cheat in order to improve the standing of any dog competing at an event; abusing or neglecting a dog in conjunction with an event; abuse of motel rooms by dogs and or persons attending the events
will no be tolerated.
- Participants are responsible for their own well being and for the well being of those in their care.
- Failure to follow APA Code of Conduct & Ethics, Harassment
Policy or Rules & Regulations will result in
disciplinary action against the person by the APA Board Of
Directors. This can include immediate dismisal, suspension or
being banned from participation in APA sanctioned events.
Harassment
A Zero Tolerance approach
No-one should be subject to intimidation or made to feel
threatened, alarmed or distressed or put in fear of reprisal. Harassment is a
criminal offence. No contestant, participant or other person, shall engage in any form of
misconduct or harassment (in person or online) toward, judges, participants or other exhibitors. Organizers have the
right to disqualify or refuse entry to any contestant in violation of this rule.
In the event a contestant, or other person, is asked to leave or withdraw from
any APA sponsored show, APA shall/will be notified, and a hearing to consider
disciplinary action against the person shall be scheduled by the APA Board Of
Directors.