FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Flyball got its start in the 1970's when Californian Herbert Wagner developed the first
tennis ball launcher. Subsequently, the new sport for dog enthusiasts was introduced in
the Toronto - Detroit area by several dog training clubs. After a few small tournaments
were held in conjunction with dog shows, the first ever Flyball tournament was held in
1983.

Flyball races match two teams of four dogs each, racing side-by-side over a 51 foot long
course. Each dog must run in relay fashion down the jumps, trigger a Flyball box,
releasing the ball, retrieve the ball, and return over the jumps. The next dog is released
to run the course but can't cross the start/finish line until the previous dog has returned
over all 4 jumps and reached the start/finish line. The first team to have all 4 dogs finish
the course without error wins the heat.

To standardize the rules, keep records of tournaments, and guide the development of
Flyball racing, the North American Flyball Association, Inc.(NAFA®) was formed in 1985
by a group representing 12 teams from Michigan and Ontario. Interest and participation
in Flyball has soared since its beginning and is now enjoyed throughout North America,
Europe, Australia, and other countries. NAFA has over 700 registered clubs with more
than 16,000 registered dogs.

Flyball races offer fast paced action with plenty of excitement for dogs, handlers, and
especially spectators. Many teams run all 4 dogs through the course in less than 20
seconds while the NAFA record now approaches 15 seconds. NAFA tournaments are
divided into divisions so that teams compete against other teams of equal abilities. All
dogs including mixed breeds are eligible to compete and earn titles in NAFA sanctioned
tournaments. Titles are earned via a point system based on the time it takes a dog’s
team to complete each heat race.