Fun Match Program

THE LATEST NEWS ON FUN MATCHES

UPDATED 12/7 at 9:37 am-  The  OPEN class has already filled for the FEB 7th Fun Match.  All other classes still have availability at the moment.

Our next Fun Match will be held on February 7th which opened for entries on December 6th at 10:00 pm following the conclusion of the December Fun Match. There is no fun match in January.

• • Entry Limit: 80 runs OVERALL limit
    • 20 runs – UTILITY-class limit
    • 22 runs – OPEN-class limit
    • 30 runs – NOVICE-class limit
    • 30 runs – BN-class limit

• • ALL Fun Matches start at 7:00 pm.
    • Doors Open at 6:00 pm.
      • Worker runs start at 6:15 pm.

FUN MATCH ENTRY FORM & PAYMENT LINK

• • Volunteer Worker Signup Info – for NOCI MEMBERS

 

• • The Running Order will be posted here the day before the fun match.

 

• • CANCELLATIONS:
    • • There is NO waiting list.  We discovered early on that we cannot get timely replies from people when we alerted them that we had a cancellation.  Therefore, we came up with the only plan that is feasible for us to offer and fair to everyone:
        • • There are no refunds for cancellations.  Instead, we can offer this: 
            • • IF you can’t make it and want to give (or sell) your runs to another handler (whereby you work out the details between yourselves), these “switches” are handled via email-only sent directly to the Fun Match Secretary.  ()  Switch-Notification must be received BEFORE NOON on the WEDNESDAY prior to the match which is the final closing date.  Notification MUST include (1) original handler’s name and (2) new handler’s info: new handler’s first and last name, handler’s email address, dog’s call name, breed, classes wanted, and jump heights.
          • The new handler can choose different classes to suit their own dog(s), UNLESS a class is already filled to capacity.
      • After the final closing no further changes will be accepted.

FUN MATCH DATES

• • 2025 Dates — all dates start at 7:00 pm
    • • Feb 7, Mar 7, May 2, Jun 6, Aug 1, Sep 5, Nov 7, Dec 5
      • NO MATCHES JAN, APR, JUL & OCT
  • 2026: expect a similar line-up on the 1st Friday of the month

ENTRY FORM

• • Online Entry Form 
    • Enter early — our matches have been filling very quickly.
    • Entry limit: 80 runs
      • including a Utility-class limit of 20 runs
      • including an Open-class limit of 22 runs
      • Including a Novice-class limit of 30 runs
      • Including a BN-class limit of 30 runs
      • Entry Form is turned off when total-entry-limit is reached.
      • Online entries only — NO walk-ins.
    • CLOSING DATE is NOON on WEDNESDAY prior to the Friday match.
      • • OR when entry limit is reached.

ENTRY FEES

• • Entry fees:
    • • Members: $6 – 1^st first run, $4 – 2^nd run, same dog
      • NON-members: $8 – 1^st first run, $6 – 2^nd run, same dog

• • The payment-process is now included in the Entry Form.

RUNNING ORDER

• • Running Order
    • • Posted by NOON the day before the match.
        • IMPORTANT NOTICE:
          • BN Class — AND — NOVICE class:
            • ALL AKC entries will run FIRST.
            • ALL UKC entries will run LAST.
      • Check the Running Order if you want to see where you are in the line-up.
      • No matter where you are on the Running Order, we advise you to arrive earlier than you think you may actually run — there is no way to anticipate how many no-shows will occur.
      • For the NOVICE class — ALL sits and downs will be conducted mid-way through the class.  The 1st GROUP of Sits-&-Downs will start as close to 7:45 as possible, depending on conditions on site that night.  The 2nd Group of Sits-&-Downs will follow immediately after the 1st Group.  Then the remaining Novice runs will continue.
      • As classes finish up, our normal practice is to try to shift some runs from classes with big entries to the rings that have finished early so that no class continues too late into the night.  Therefore, you MIGHT be shifted to a different ring for your run depending on which classes finish early.
        • Talk to your ring steward if you think you might have a conflict.  We will accommodate you.  Everyone will have time to do their runs — no one will be hurried.  

HOURS FOR ALL FUN MATCHES

• • Doors open at 6:00 pm
  • Worker runs begin at 6:15 pm
  • Match starts at 7:00 pm
  • If worker runs finish before 7:00 pm we will begin rings early with handlers who are present and ready.

4 RINGS RUN SIMULTANEOUSLY

• • 1 – Beginner Novice (BN)
    • • AKC entries run first, followed by UKC entries for BN
  • 2 – Novice
    • • AKC entries run first, followed by UKC entries for Novice
  • 3 – Open
  • 4 – Utility

• • Both AKC & UKC runs are available for all classes.
    • • Indicate your preference on your entry form.

QUESTIONS

• • Email Fun Match Secretary Ginny Venning at:  
    • • All things pertaining to entries, payments and running order
  • Email Fun Match Chairman Shawn Hacker at:
    • • All things pertaining to volunteers and match-night at building

GENERAL FUN MATCH PROGRAM INFO

• • ALL breeds and mixes are welcome!
  • Your dog does NOT need to be registered with any organization to participate in our fun matches.
  • All experience levels of handlers are welcome — if this is your first fun match ever, you will find knowledgeable, friendly and encouraging people here to help you get started!!
  • We are willing to help veteran handlers who want to proof their dogs.
  • Note: Bitches in heat are not allowed on the premises and cannot participate.

ARE YOU NEW TO NOCI FUN MATCHES?

• • The building has a long row of blue awnings in the front.  Parking and the main entrance are in back of the building.
    • • The potty area is at the BACK of the parking lot in the large grassy field. At the lighted pole there are poop bags and a garbage can. You are required to pick up after your dog.  Please!
  • Upon entering the NOCI grounds and building:
    • • No extended Flexi-type leashes are allowed outside or indoors.
        • The single exception for Flexi-type leashes is reserved for training in the ring during your fun-match-run when your dog is the ONLY dog in the ring and you’re working on a specific issue. 
      • Keep your dog within 2 feet of you and under control at all times.  Pay attention to what your dog is looking at.  Do not let your dog lock eyes with or stare at another dog. Instead, interrupt your dog and redirect him to focus his attention on you.
      • Excessive barking or excessive disruptive behavior are grounds for you being asked to leave. 
        • • Your dog is your “date” tonight — he deserves your complete attention so he can have a really fun night!
  • At the Check-In Table, volunteers will:
    • • Give you your stick-on label(s) with your running-order number(s).
      • Show you where you can set up your portable crate if you bring one.
      • Direct you to the correct ring for your class.
      • Show you where the bathrooms and snacks are.
      • And offer you a heartfelt welcome to NOCI!
  • The Table Steward at your class ring will check you in again.
    • • Tell you where you are on the Running Order.
        • • Tell you about how long it will be until your run.
      • Answer any questions you have about… well, anything.   🙂

ARE YOU NEW TO FUN MATCHES and OBEDIENCE TRIALS?

• • This article will help you understand the incredible value of Fun Matches and how they will prepare you and your dog for the real thing at an Obedience Trial.

The most important thing on Match night is to have fun with your dog and make sure he’s having a safe and fun night, too.

Welcome to NOCI Fun Matches!