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Dear ATA members,

It’s been an exciting year for the American Treibball Association, and we’d like to thank you for being part of that excitement and accomplishments. We now have almost 300 members, in six countries, participating in this sport—and it’s growing! For a young organization and a new sport, we’re excited about the future.

2013 brings fresh opportunities for you to get involved with ATA (more information coming):

• The first live ATA Sanctioned Trial is planned for early 2013, with some fun matches planned along the way. The Sanctioned Trial and Competition Rules, along with the registration forms, are on our website and in the ATA member yahoo email group. Stay tuned for dates!
• Several regional Treibball training workshops are on the agenda, as are Trainer Certification Academies throughout the U.S. to make them more convenient for Level II and III members to attend.
• ATA is currently developing organizational committees and establishing regional divisions, so trainers, facilities and general members can work together on a local level to better their training and foster competition.
• ATA is in the process of developing Virtual Titles. Additionally, ATA is working with Cyber Rally-O and Agility VALOR to create sanctioned Virtual Versatility titles. Virtual titles are in a separate category than ATA titles in live competitions. These titles do not conflict with those won in live Trials, but will allow our members in outlying areas and overseas, with little or no access to live trials, to compete. You may have seen ATA virtual fun matches on Facebook—they continue to be spirited videos showing various stages of training!
• ATA is currently updating the Introductory and Intermediate handbooks, and has just released the Advanced handbook. All Level II and Level III renewing members will get the Advanced handbook, and the others after revision. Level I renewing members will get the revised Introductory handbook.

If you joined the ATA before September 2012, it’s time to renew your membership by January 31, 2013.  To renew via PayPal: go to http://www.americantreibballassociation.org. Click the Membership tab, then select the Renew subtab. Be sure to include your membership number; your membership level and member number are shown on your membership card.

To renew via check or money order, send to: ATA, P.O. Box 33780, Northglenn, CO 80233-0780.

We look forward to your continued participation, commitment, and ideas in 2013 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dianna L. Stearns
President, American Treibball Association

First ATA Trainers' Academy Graduates, May 2011 (photo: Fred Stearns)

Not only did we teach Level II and Level III trainers how to train the game, all the dogs were playing at an intermediate level in just four days! Amazing! We spent a number of hours brainstorming what would work for the ATA in terms of the competition rules, judging the game, the organizational structure, regional groups, and what trainers could take away during the academy to run their businesses successfully.

The ideas and insights were fantastic! We are incorporating the information into our ATA rules and curriculum, and are also forming committees to manage the numerous tasks to make our national organization the best it can be! All members are welcome to input ideas.

Congratulations New Certified American Treibball Trainers

Doree Donovan and Faith, Fiona and Zoe, from the Pet Training Center and Omegan Border Collies in Bethel Park, PA

Doree and Faith

Marion Lewis and Akira, Falkenhof Canines Dogtraining, Delta, CO

Marion and Akira (photo: Fred Stearns)

Michael McManus and Lumi, Drummond Ranch, Vincent, CA

Mike and Lumi (photo: Fred Stearns)

Paula Weir and Pup Pup, DOG CITY Training Center, Addison, TX

Paula and Pup Pup

Donna Zaj and Kharma, Dog Zone Training & Activity Center, Clinton Township, MI

Donna and Kharma (photo: Fred Stearns)

See more of our photos on our American Treibball Association Facebook page.

ATA Handbook

As you know, we have a new instructional handbook just out–available with membership, or you can purchase it through our Store tab. Additionally, member benefits enable you to attend our Spring and Fall trainer academies!

Here’s the scoop on the Academy!

Our Certified Trainer’s Academy is scheduled for May 2-6th, in Colorado. We’re limiting the Academy to the first 10 Level II or Level III trainers who reserve a spot. (Although we will have a waiting list, and call folks if anyone cancels.)

The Academy is open to positive reinforcement trainers only, who are Level II members. To join at the trainer level, you must provide your business website address (URL) your Tax ID/EIN number and two professional references; a referring Veterinarian and a training client. After we check those items, professional trainers are welcome to join and attend the academy.

During the week of the academy, we’ll sharpen our clicker technique, and discuss shaping the cues and behaviors used in the game. We’ll also be working though the Introductory and Intermediate class lesson plans, designing enhancements for the Advanced level class, and then discussing structure/scoring of the competitions and awarding of titles. It is will be a busy week. Transportation to and from the barn, (where we’ll be going through the curriculum) and lunches will be included. We’re currently in the process of firming up the accommodations and details. Both hotels we’re considering have good room rates and offer a hot or continental breakfast.

Cost of the week-long academy is $900. A deposit of $200 is due April 14th, to hold your place, with the balance due by Aril 28th, so that anyone on the waiting list still has time to make arrangements. If you reserve by April 8th, you’ll get a $50 discount.

Contact ATA for more information: info@americantreibballassociation.org