Updated November 2023
***Beginning November 11th 2018 the APA will allow pulls to be sanctioned after the APA USA & APA European Championship to be counted towards seasonal awards & Championships for the following season.
***Starting in 2017 - NOVICE DOGS ONLY will be allowed to complete their pulls with a leash attached to their collar.
***All results from pulls in September must be overnighted to APA/Dwayne Walker (203 Bishop Ridge Lane, Mills River, NC 28759) on the Monday following the pull. If the results are not overnighted, the pulls will not count for the organizers dogs and the organizer will not be allowed to hold any future pulls in the month of September. Sanctioning fees can be sent my Paypal: Apaweightpull@gmail.com
***Starting January 1, 2015 the APA will only dual-sanction weight pulls with Iron Dog using APA Rules***I - REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
A. November 4th thru September 30th
II - MEMBERSHIP
A. No membership fees, everyone is welcome! 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.
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.
B. The Championships will be Rails/Carpet and Percent format every year.
IV - PULLING AREA
A. Chute
1. Width: Min 6’, 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 that are 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.Only Flat Buckled collars are allowed. No
choke collars,
pinch collars or anything considered a training device 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 all
times.
V-a - RAIL SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
A. Rail Type
B. Pulling Surface
C. Cart
D. 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 unless there is an APA Representative or Board Member present. The APA Board Members decision will take precedence over the Organizer, Chief Judge and Representative if everyone can not come to an agreement. If no Board Member is present the APA Representatives decision will be 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).
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 9 months 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. You may use
your leash after your dog has been hooked to the cart until your dog is
finished with the pull.
C. All pulls that novice dogs compete in will count towards the five pulls they need to qualify for Championships.
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 failure to comply to APA Code of Conduct & Ethics, Harassment Policy,
APA Rules and Regulations,
rude, disruptive, unsportsmanlike conduct, or interfering with another
dog pulling or the judge. Slander and or Liable of the APA is not permitted and will be subject to
immediate disciplinary action.
K. We must actively strive to promote a positive image of the sport and the dogs involved at all times. All dogs competing in the APA must be in good health. No dog will be allowed to participate at an APA show that is determined to be too thin. A dog will be defined as being too thin when there is one or more of the following; hip bones clearly protruding, over pronounced spine, or a sunken in head. A slight outline of the hip is acceptable. If your dog is determined to be too
thin you will not be allowed to compete in the weight pull for that specific weekend. Photo documentation will be taken whenever possible of any dog denied entry into a pulling event. No grievance can be filed by any owner that refuses to allow a picture taken of their dog when they have been denied entry.
L. 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
M. 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
or no collar at all 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. The handler can call a pass up until the
dog is hooked to the cart
1. Dogs will be allowed up to 5 minutes rest between
pulls when it comes down to the last few dogs pulling.
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
will be passed by the judge. Any dog that relieves itself on the track will
be DQ'd.
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 slingshot starts are permitted, if the dog backs
up on its own after being released it shall not be penalized. A walking start
is permitted.
8.
At no time is the handler allowed to be behind the dog inside the width of
the cart, including crossing over the tracer behind the dog. If you are
behind the dog when it is released, you must immediately step outside the
width of the cart. If you step behind the dog after releasing this
will be a DQ.
9. The time will start when the dog attempts to pull the
cart or the handler calls/signals the dog.
10. The judge can time the pull himself or elect a “timer” before the pull starts.
11. 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.
12. Dogs must complete the entire pull within the chute barriers.
13. 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.
14. If your dog touches you before the pull is completed
you will be DQ’d by the judge.
15. 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.
16. You are allowed one tangle per round. If your dog tangles twice
in a round it will be DQ’d by the judge.
17. If your dog gets completely out of it's harness at any time during the pull it will be DQ'd.
18. 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.
19. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated and you will
be DQ’d at the chief judges discretion.
20. Any attempt to cheat and you will be DQ’d. This
will be determined by the chief judge of the pull event.
21. Double handling will not be permitted. However, anyone can clap, cheer, call the dog's name, or otherwise encourage the dog from outside a 10 foot radius around the track. No one but the handler, judge, or cart handlers are allowed to walk behind the dog within the 10 foot radius. Double Handling will result in a disqualification at the judges discretion.
22. 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).
23. The organizer of an event will decide which format percent, or most weight pulled will be used when the sanctioning request is made.
24. When pulling on carpet, water will be the only substance
allowed on the dogs feet.
25. You may not use your leash after your dog has been hooked to the cart until your dog is finished with the pull.
ONLY exception is a NOVICE dog.
26. The judge will allow 30 seconds for the handler to call the dog, or the dog to begin pulling on it's own once it's been hooked up. Time for the pull will start when the 30 seconds has expired.
27. Reasonable concessions will be made for anyone with
a disability.
28. It is the organizer's responsibility to send in the Entry Forms, Score Sheets, Results Forms and $5.00 per dog within 7 days. If the organizer does not send in their paperwork on time, the first
time, they will be charged a $50.00 fee. The second time they will be charged a $75.00 fee and the pull doesn't count for points or towards
Championships for their dogs. The third time they will be charged a $100.00 fee, the pull doesn't count for points or towards Championships for their dogs, and they are suspended as an organizer for one year. Late fees must be paid before the results will be posted on the web site. If the organizer does not fill out the results forms correctly, the first time, they will be shown the correct way to fill them out and get a warning.
The second time they will be charged a $50.00 fee and the pull doesn't count for points or towards Championships for their dogs. The third time they will be charged a $100.00 fee, the pull doesn't count for points or towards Championships for their dogs, and they are suspended as an organizer for one year. Fees must be paid before another pull will be sanctioned for that organizer. If they already have a pull sanctioned they must send the fee in with the
results from that pull or the pull won't count for points or towards the Championships for the organizer.
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 drugs or 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 after a year has passed. 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
Light Weight Division (20, 30, 40) MWPP = 15 pts
Middle Weight Division (50, 60, 70) MWPP = 15pts
Light Heavy Weight Division (80, 90, 100) MWPP = 15pts
Heavy Weight Division (110, 120, UNL) MWPP = 15pts
Most Weight Pulled 70 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 71 Pounds & Over = 15 pts * If two or more dogs pull the same weight, MWP will go to the dog with the faster time.
Championship Divisional MWPP and MWP Over & Under = 30pts
** If a dog wins MWPP in their Division and MWP 70 & Under or 71 & Over there must be 12 or more dogs in their Division to receive points for both trophies.
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 World Records
A. All records will be set at the Championships.
XII - Drug Testing
A. The APA reserves the right to do random drug testing at any APA Sanctioned event.
Performance enhancing substances are Anabolic steroids, any/all stimulants, depressants, tranquilizers, local anesthetics, drugs or their metabolites, which could affect the health or performance of the dog. The testing will also look for any drug and/or substance that may interfere with the detection of the above.
1. Any Puller competing with a dog at
Championships can contest any dog pulling at Championships to a drug test no
matter the placement, Class or the division the dog is pulling in. The
individual contesting the dog will pay the NON-refundable $125 fee to the APA on
site and said person can/will remain anonymous if they choose. Collection of the dog will
be done immediately after the completion of the class/division pull.
Collection will be done by no less than 2 members of the APA Board and or
Representatives in the presence of the dogs owner. Owner will watch collection,
sealing and initial the sample once sealed.
2. Any positive test results will result with the
owner and their dog/dogs being DQ'd for championships and banned for a period of
5yrs with results being modified to reflect new placements.
3. Any person who doesn't allow for collection
of their dog/dogs will be DQ'd for Championships and placements will be
modified as such and handler will be treated with the same punishment of a
positive drug test with a 5 yr ban. Once a dog is weighed in the dog can
be contested even if it doesn't make a pull.
A.
If you are banned from pulling with the APA, you may file a written motion to
reverse the decision after a year has passed. 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 and/or any restrictions therein.
****ALL POSITIVE TEST RESULTS WILL BE MADE PUBLIC****