Flyball Definitions?
Flyballers have their own set of terms which may seem like a foreign language to those new to the sport. To helps you we have included an explanation of the most common ones.
Box |
This is the piece of equipment used at the end of the lane which holds the ball. There are several designs but all are most importantly safe for the dogs |
| Alternative - The cardboard thing used to collect the chinese takeaway in the evening. | |
Flyball |
A fast moving and exciting dog sport played in teams and leading to a concerning level of mass hysteria in both owners and dogs. |
| Alternative - A tennis ball in the middle of June when the dogs have dropped it in a cow pat. | |
Box Loader |
The person in the team responsible for making sure the ball is loaded correctly for each dog running. |
| Alternative - The person who collects the chinese - of course! | |
Jump |
There are 4 hurdles over which the dog must jump before and after collecting the ball. These vary in height based on the size of the smallest dog in the team |
| Alternative - What the owner must do over the netting when their dog disappears into the next field after a rabbit. | |
Tournament |
A sanctioned competition, usually held over several days and often including a variety of classes. |
| Alternative - An excuse for the owners to get away from home for a few days and forget the washing, cooking, cleaning, etc. and have a jolly good party. | |
Starters |
A novice competition, usually with nets for inexperienced and/or young dogs |
| Alternative - A competition for owners who can't keep up with their dogs yet. | |
Pairs |
A class similar to the normal competition but where only two dogs compete instead of the usual four. |
| Alternative - A class for silly owners, trying to keep up with their tireless dogs, who want to carry on when the rest of the team are tired out and want a rest |