ARE YOU SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A CRUFTS INTER-REGIONAL TEAM MANAGER FOR THE NORTHERN IRELAND OBEDIENCE TEAM?
The Kennel Club is calling for anyone interested in becoming an Inter-Regional Obedience Team Manager for Northern Ireland to get in touch. The current Team Managers were appointed for a three-year term which comes to an end after Crufts 2026.
We are now inviting applications from interested parties who would like to be considered for the position of Crufts Inter-Regional Obedience Team Manager for Northern Ireland. The vacancy is for Crufts 2026 only, it is intended to hold the interviews before the end of July to enable the incoming manager to get involved immediately.
Any candidates interested in applying must meet the following criteria:
This interim team manager appointment is for the period up to and including Crufts 2026 and must fulfil the following criteria.
1. Reside in the area they manage
2. Demonstrate a real interest in the competition
3. Actively promote the competition
4. Appoint 2 assistant managers for the appointment period (who will be entitled to free entry and car parking for the day of the event). The choice of assistant managers should be used to ensure that all areas of the region are covered by the team selection process.
5. Ensure any equipment required for team selection and training is available to team members.
6. Liaise with the event coordinator as required.
7. Carry out fundraising to help with the team’s expenses.
Skills / attributes
1. Good communication and organisational skills.
2. Ability to work with team members and assistants to build team spirit and ensure everyone understands their role and responsibilities for the day.
3. Access to and an ability to use a computer, in particular completing Microsoft Word documents received by email and then returned to the coordinator by email.
Team selection process
Team managers will host at least one team selection event to which dogs and handlers are invited to attend through an application process that is clearly advertised throughout their area.
The application form will contain the following information;
1. Dog and handler details
2. List of awards achieved during the year
3. The class level applied for.
Once a team is selected the manager shall host at least one team training session to build team spirit, to ensure all members are suitably acquainted with the tests and requirements for the day.
Expectations for competition day
1. Arrive at the Inter Regional competition area early enough to meet all team members as they arrive and to ensure they are briefed in preparation for the day.
2. Lead the team in the parade at the start and finish of the day.
3. Ensure each team member is in the collecting ring ready to compete as required.
4. Offer the reserve handler and dog the opportunity to work in the ring during the allocated break.
Kate McCartney (Crufts Chief Obedience & Rally Steward, Michael McCartney (Assistant Chief Obedience Steward) and Bev Smith (Event Coordinator) are happy to speak to potential applicants. Initial contact can be made via email to K8-glencraigdogs@hotmail.com , glencraigdogs@hotmail.com and/or bevsmith0019@btinternet.com .
Those interested should send their applications to Kate McCartney via email:
Kate McCartney
by 25th July 2025