How to build Flyball jumps
and the ball box
Here are equipment descriptions and photos. You can probably purchase the
plans to make these but NOT FROM ME so please don't contact me.
JUMPS : Flyball jumps are
made out of 1/2" or 3/4" plywood. The 1/2" jumps
are lighter and easier to handle. The jumps are painted flat
white except for the posts (uprights) which may be painted any
color. The jumps have an inside width of 24 inches between the
posts, with posts not more than 36 inches or less than 24 inches in height. The
post shape is similar to a pyramid with a small circular hole cut in the top
for ease of carrying. The cross pieces fit into slots cut
into the posts and are 8" in height. One and two inch boards
are then used to raise the jump height to the proper jump height based on
the measurement of the smallest dog. (Jumps are set four inches lower
than the measurement of the smallest dog at the withers. Numbers
are rounded i.e. a dog measuring over 14 inches but less than 15
inches at the withers is considered 14 inches and jumps 10
inches.) The one inch boards should be made of the lighter
1/2" plywood because these are the boards that the dogs most often
strike and break. Thicker material could cause serious damage to
any dog striking the board.
BOXES : All boxes must
have mechanical (not electrical) pedal release mechanisms but may be
painted or decorated as the team wishes. The ball, when released, must
have a free unobstructed flight from point of release, of not less than
24 inches. Boxes may not be larger than 24 inches in width, 18
inches in height, or 30 inches in depth. The dimensions include
the throwing arm, but do not include any platform extending behind the
box that the box loader uses to hold the box in place. Most teams drill
holes in the platform on the back of the box so that the box can be
staked down when racing on dirt. The most important feature of most
boxes seems to be speed; the faster the box releases the ball, the
sooner the dog can get off the box and back to the start/finish line. There
are many styles of boxes available for purchase either as plans or ready to
race on. You can view some of them on the Flyball Home Page.
CRN Numbers : Before a
dog can race at a competition, it must have a Competition Racing Number
(CRN) which is assigned by the NAFA. There is a form to apply for this number
on the NAFA home page. Just print out the form and mail it in with the
$15.00 application fee. This number will be used to identify the
dog throughout its racing career. The CRN is not transferable to
another dog. On tournament morning, the captain of each team
fills out an official form which lists each dog's name and CRN number.
These forms are sent to NAFA at the end of the tournament. The line
judges circle the numbers of the dogs which are racing so that proper
points for titles can be credited to those dogs running.
Alisa Romaine
