North American Flyball Association (NAFA)

The North American Flyball Association (NAFA) is the premier governing body for the sport of flyball in North America. With over three decades of history, the organization is dedicated to promoting, regulating, and advancing the high-energy canine relay sport of flyball. NAFA serves as a central hub for competitors, clubs, and enthusiasts, providing the structure necessary to host sanctioned tournaments, maintain official records, and foster a community of canine athletes.

Core Mission and Activities

NAFA’s primary mission is to provide a fair, safe, and consistent environment for flyball competition. The organization manages a vast network of regional directors and judges to ensure that tournaments across North America adhere to standardized rules. Key activities include:

• Tournament Sanctioning: NAFA oversees a comprehensive calendar of regional events, culminating in major competitions like the CanAm Classic.
• Record Keeping: The association maintains an extensive database of world records, regional championships, and individual dog titles, including the prestigious Iron Dog award.
• Education and Outreach: Through the NAFAblog and various training resources, NAFA provides guidance on canine fitness, injury prevention, and how to get started in the sport.
• Governance: The organization operates through a Board of Directors, with democratic processes that allow affiliate clubs and service members to vote on leadership and policy changes.

Rules and Standards

NAFA maintains a rigorous Rulebook that is updated periodically to reflect the evolving needs of the sport. Recent updates have focused on refining the measuring system for dogs to ensure fairness and consistency, as well as updating tournament entry and reporting procedures. The organization emphasizes safety and ethical conduct, utilizing a formal Code of Ethics and a structured process for handling excusals and disciplinary matters.

Breeds and Participation

Flyball is an inclusive sport, and NAFA welcomes dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. The association tracks performance across various categories, including Regular and Multibreed classes. Participation is open to all, with specific programs for junior competitors (ages 5-17) to encourage the next generation of handlers. To participate, dogs must be registered with a Canine Registration Number (CRN), and clubs must be officially registered with the association to compete in sanctioned events.

By providing a structured framework for competition, from local regional meets to international championships, the North American Flyball Association continues to be the definitive authority for flyball, ensuring the sport remains a fun, competitive, and safe activity for dogs and their owners.