FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We’re the only flyball organisation dedicated to outdoor racing, obviously!
However, we think the biggest difference is the way United Flyball – Outdoor is structured. We wanted to create an organisation that instils confidence from the outset; understanding that it takes time to build a reputation and that taking the leap and joining any brand new organisation is no small decision. A new national flyball organisation is a massive undertaking and we recognise that none of us are experts. So, we decided to get some experts on board. We have engaged a solicitor and accountant for the initial set up and intend to retain both for the protection of all members and officials.
Our solicitor advised setting up a Company Limited by Guarantee (many national amateur organisations use this structure), which gives a number of protections and ensures transparency for all. More information can be found at Companies House, in our Constitution and the Members’ Handbook.
Flyball has changed significantly over the last 10 years and it’s important to recognise that branching out is a natural progression and should be embraced. We have seen differences appear between outdoor and indoor racing that is more than the surface underfoot. We believe this is no bad thing, it’s so important that everyone is able to enjoy their hobby in a way that works for them and their best canine friend. There is nothing wrong with having preferences, whether it’s surface, format, seasonal racing or exposure to the elements! Many sporting activities have different organisations for what is essentially the same sport; nobody expects Rally drivers to race against Formula drivers just because they all like bombing around in cars!
We are not and have never been “anti indoor”. We will not entertain any disrespect towards our fellow indoor flyballers nor will we tolerate discourtesy towards any other flyball organisation; we actively encourage membership of more than one flyball organisation. BFA and, more recently, UKFL are the reason we have all been able to participate in the sport we love. We are - and always will be - immensely grateful to both.
There comes a point where differences need to be celebrated and accommodated - we believe that time is now.
Absolutely! We are excited to announce that it will be held at Kempton Race Course on 15th, 16th and 17th August.
We can't wait!
We will have a volunteering page that will be available in the new year and we’d love for you to be involved. For now, we have a suggestions box and welcome any ideas that you may have.
No, there won’t be but there will be requirements for each team to take up their ring party responsibility. All members will be required to be ring party if able and support will be made available at all times.
We have taken into account flyball rules from across the globe. Our rules will be mostly familiar, alongside some new ones and these will be clearly communicated.
Our annual fees are as follows:
Adult member: £36
Junior (12-18): £18
Child (under 12): Free
Dogs: Free
We spent a long time discussing membership costs and setting realistic fees.
The main reason for our decision is to future-proof the organisation, we never want to be in a situation where we have to significantly increase prices to avoid going into debt because we originally set them too low.
We took advice from our accountant and estimated costs for the first 3 years while taking into account what other organisations (including other dog sports) charge. With advice, it was decided to keep the fees fair and to offer value for money, they needed to be simplified and be on a “per human” basis.
As we are all painfully aware, costs are increasing exponentially and essentials like website hosting, insurance and legal fees are many times more than they were when other organisations were founded. In fact, many amateur sporting organisations have seen massive price hikes in the last couple of years. This influenced our decision to set up a Limited Company which will ensure our annual accounts are freely available to view so you will always know exactly where your money is being spent.
As a thank you to our early supporters, we will be announcing a significant early-bird discount for January.
Yes! We are planning a singles ranking system to include every breed recognised by the Kennel Club and American Kennel Club plus separate categories to include popular sport mixes and crossbreeds and the crossbreed option will be separated into small, medium, large and extra large (precise criteria for these groups to be defined).