Whether you are attending our Tournament of Champions for the first time or you are a repeat competitor, we hope the following FAQs will assist in your planning!
Q: How do we know if we are eligible to participate in the championship?
A: Any club that is registered and in good standing with U-FLI is eligible. View the complete list of guidelines.
Q: How will our championship team’s seed time be determined?
A: U-FLI will designate a club’s Standard Championship seed time based on their fastest tournament time posted during the 12 months leading up to the closing date of the Tournament of Champions. If no time is available, the fastest posted time during the 18 months leading up to the closing date of the Tournament of Champions will be used. For Variety Championship seed times, with 2024 being the inaugural year of the Variety class at the Tournament of Champions, clubs will enter their own seed time. The club is not required to have entered U-FLI Variety prior to this event.
Q: How will placements be handled?
A: All teams will place within their division. Awards will be given for first, second, and third places.
Q: What is the singles and pairs racing format?
A: Both singles and pairs will race on Friday, October 25, 2024, with a different format than a regular U-FLI tournament. Both will be run as a round robin. The number of races your dog(s) will race will depend on the seeding and number of dogs in your division. Not only will dogs be racing for time, but all dogs will place within their division as well. Awards will be given for first, second, and third place.
Q: How can I find a pick-up team to run with?
A: If you are looking to find a pick-up team, we suggest going to the U-FLI pages on Facebook and posting your message with as much information as possible. There are two, U-FLI and United Flyball League International.
Q: Will my dog earn U-FLI points during the singles, pairs, and dream team challenges?
A: Your dog will earn points during the dream team challenge, the regular tournament that runs Saturday and Sunday, as well as during the Championship tournament. No points are earned for singles and pairs racing.
Q: If we are running a team in the Championship, can we also run a team in the regular tournament?
A: Yes. One Standard Championship and one Variety Championship team per club and unlimited Standard teams per club are allowed.
Q: Can a dog run on both a Championship team and a regular team?
A: Yes. A club’s dogs can be listed and run in one of the Championship classes and on one team for the Meet Me in St. Louis event for a total of two (2) class entries.
Q: How are Tournament of Champions Variety Class Teams Formed?
A: Variety Teams will be permitted to consist of registered dogs running together from the same club or a combination of different registered clubs.
Q: What is the format for the Dream Team Challenge?
A: The Dream Team challenge will be a single day tournament. A Dream Team can consist of any combination of dogs, from your team or others, that want to run together for the day. For example, there are all-Jack Russell teams, all-Dachshund teams, and Dream Teams with only black dogs or only spotted dogs . . . use your imagination.
Q: My team cannot make it. Can I come by myself and enter just Friday’s tournament?
A: Yes. If your dog has a U-FLI number, you can enter in the Singles, Pairs, Dream Team Challenge. If you can’t bring a dog with you, consider coming to watch the event, or even help line or box judge while enjoying the state-of-the-art facility.
Q: What happens if we sign up and then we cannot make the trip?
A: Unfortunately, entry fees are non-refundable.
Q: How much room is there for crating?
A: There is adequate room for dog crates, chairs, etc. in the climate-controlled crating room. Keep in mind that stacking crates might be necessary, depending on how many dogs you are bringing. Crating areas will be pre-assigned. There are roll-up doors throughout the building so that you can easily and conveniently unload and pack in and out of your crating area.
Q: Do I need to bring fans or heaters for the crating area?
A: The crating area is climate-controlled, however, depending on how many crates you plan on stacking or having in your crating area might necessitate a fan or heater.
Q: Are there any off-leash areas to work/run with my dog(s)?
A: Yes. Purina Farms is situated on acres of wooded open space far from the road traffic. You can walk your dogs on the nearby trails. There is also a fenced-in area close to the building and camping area for dogs to run and play. Dogs should be on leash at all times when walking in the event center and in any parking areas. Please don’t forget to pick up after your dog(s) to keep the area clean for other competitors.
Q: Is there food on site?
A: Yes. There is a Cafe onsite. Outside food cannot be brought into the facility. Only water is allowed in the crating and racing areas. Alcohol is prohibited anywhere on the grounds.
Q: How do we make camping reservations?
A: All camping information will be posted in a separate communication.
Q: How long will it take us to get there from the airport?
A: About an hour.
Q: Are the hotels close by and where can I find them?
A: Hotel information will be posted shortly.
Q: How far is it to restaurants in the area? Are there any open late?
A: Eureka is going to have the best selection of restaurants. It is about 15 minutes from Purina Farms. We recommend calling the restaurant prior to heading out to verify hours. Purina has a list of local restaurants on the website: https://www.purina.com/purina-farms-pf-dining.
Q: Can I sell tugs or other stuff from my crating area?
A: Only pre-paid vendors will be allowed to sell items from your crating area. To register as a vendor please visit https://rb.gy/rehjy or contact championship@u-fli.com with any questions.
Q: Do I need to clean up after my dog?
A: Yes! All participants are expected to clean up after their dogs. This is crucial to being able to return year after year. If you see someone not cleaning up, please let a U-FLI official know during the event.