Goals of the APA
To promote the sport of canine weight pull in a positive manner and continue the growth of the sport for future generations.
It should go without saying that the American Pulling Alliance expects courtesy and co-operation to be shown towards all participants, spectators, judges, officials and organizers at any APA related event. While the pressures and tensions which arise at a competitive level are understood, any harassment, including aggression or abuse towards others simply undertaking their duties, watching the event or pulling their dog cannot be tolerated.
The American Pulling Alliance Code of Conduct & Ethics
• Sportsmanship – All participants should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner showing respect towards other participants, spectators, representatives and judges.
• All participants should help each other learn and succeed.
• Make an effort to reach out to everyone that show up to show.
• Participants should only communicate with a judge after judging has taken place and do so in a polite and professional manner. Any questions should be asked before the start of competition during the handlers meeting.
• Abusive, aggressive, or hostile behavior towards anyone at any APA related event– in particular the judge, other participants, event management or other officials - will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
• Interference with any dog is prohibited.
• Cheating or conspiring to cheat in order to improve the standing of any dog competing at an event; abusing or neglecting a dog in conjunction with an event; abuse of motel rooms by dogs and or persons attending the events.
• Participants are responsible for their own well being and for the well being of those in their care.
Harassment
A Zero Tolerance approach
No-one should be subject to intimidation or made to feel threatened, alarmed or distressed or put in fear of reprisal. Harassment is a criminal offence. No contestant, or other person, shall engage in any form of misconduct or harassment toward, judges or other exhibitors. Organizers have the right to disqualify or refuse entry to any contestant in violation of this rule. In the event a contestant, or other person, is asked to leave or withdraw from any APA sponsored show, APA shall/will be notified, and a hearing to consider disciplinary action against the person shall be scheduled by the APA Board Of Directors.