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Schedule

Provisional schedule for WHOC 2026, subject to change at any time.

Wednesday





Thursday





Friday





Saturday




Sunday


Travel
COMPLETE GUIDE TO ROGLA (MOTORHOMES & CARS)
  1. USEFUL INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS
Motorway Toll Sticker (E-vinjeta) All vehicles using Slovenian motorways must purchase an electronic toll sticker (E-vinjeta) before entering the motorway network.
The vignette is linked to the vehicle registration number, and no physical sticker needs to be displayed on the windscreen.
Motorhomes with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes do not use the vignette system and must instead use the DarsGo electronic toll system.
Official website: https://evinjeta.dars.si
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Climb and Road Safety
The road from Zreče to Rogla is fully paved, well maintained, and suitable for motorhomes, but it involves an elevation gain of approximately 1,000 metres.
We recommend:
using low gears when climbing;
using engine braking when descending;
avoiding prolonged braking to prevent overheating of the braking system.
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  1. RECOMMENDED ROUTE (IMPORTANT)
Regardless of your country of departure (Italy, France, Spain, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, etc.), the recommended route to reach Rogla by motorhome is:
Slovenian motorway A1
Exit: Slovenske Konjice
Direction: Zreče
Continue to Rogla via Cesta na Roglo road
The only difference between countries is the motorway route used before entering Slovenia.
---
  1. WHY THIS ROUTE IS RECOMMENDED
Rogla is located in the Pohorje mountain range and can be reached from several directions.
Satellite navigation systems and some navigation apps may suggest shorter routes that are not suitable for motorhomes.
The northern and western approaches may include:
gradients exceeding 14–15%;
forest or unpaved roads;
very narrow carriageways;
difficult passing conditions for large vehicles.
The climb from Zreče (southern approach) is the only route specifically designed and maintained to allow safe access for tourist coaches, motorhomes, and heavy vehicles.
---
  1. MOTORWAY TOLLS (VEHICLES UP TO 3.5 TONNES)
All vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must use the E-vinjeta system.
Class 2A
Cars
SUVs
MPVs
Motorhomes up to 3.5 tonnes
Indicative prices:
7 days: approximately €16
1 month: approximately €32
Annual: approximately €117.50
  Class 2B
Vans and non-converted panel vans
Indicative prices:
7 days: approximately €32
1 month: approximately €64.10
Annual: approximately €235
Prices may be subject to change. Please always check the official DARS tariff schedule.
---
  1. HOW TO PURCHASE THE VIGNETTE
Online Purchase (Recommended)
Official website: https://evinjeta.dars.si
Procedure:
  1. Select “Buy E-vinjeta”.
  2. Enter the country of registration and licence plate number.
  3. Select the vehicle category.
  4. Choose the vignette validity period.
  5. Enter your e-mail address.
  6. Complete the payment.
The vignette is registered immediately.
Purchase During the Journey
The vignette can also be purchased:
at service stations near the border;
at authorised Slovenian fuel stations (Petrol, MOL, etc.).
  Attention: always check that the registration number has been entered correctly. Any error may result in automatic penalties.
---
  1. MOTORHOMES OVER 3.5 TONNES
Mandatory System: DarsGo
Official website: https://www.darsgo.si
Requirements:
vehicle registration;
DarsGo onboard unit;
toll payment based on kilometres travelled.
Depending on the vehicle’s authorised gross weight, a Category C or C1 driving licence may be required.

  1. ARRIVAL AT THE SUMMIT – ROGLA CAMPER STOP
The Camper Stop has been reserved exclusively for the entire event.
For this occasion, each nation will have its own designated area to ensure an organised arrival process and allow participants to stay together throughout the event.
A location map showing the allocated areas will be provided, and one or more coordinators will be available on-site to assist participants and facilitate access.
  To help ensure smooth arrival and parking operations, please do not enter the reserved areas independently, but wait for instructions from the designated staff on site.
The facility offers:
level pitches;
electrical hook-ups;
fresh water supply and waste disposal facilities;
toilets and showers.
Cost: €30 per 24 hours, including 2 people and tourist tax.
Included:
10 kWh of electricity;
barcode access to toilet facilities;
shower access;
access to fresh water and waste disposal station.
Dogs are welcome.
---
  1. VEHICLE WEIGHT CHECKS
The Slovenian Police and DARS carry out random weight inspections along major roads and near border crossings.
In the event that a vehicle exceeds its maximum authorised weight, the following measures may apply:
administrative fines;
obligation to unload excess weight;
possible vehicle immobilisation until compliance is restored.
 
  1. PROHIBITION OF MUTILATED DOGS
In Slovenia, it is strictly forbidden to participate in competitions or exhibitions with dogs that have undergone cosmetic surgical procedures such as ear cropping (conchectomy) or tail docking (caudectomy) if they were born after 1 January 2015.
The only exception allowed applies to tail docking performed for documented medical reasons, certified by a licensed veterinarian.
 
Info

The third edition of World Hoopers Open Championship will be held 3-6 September 2026 at the Unitur Footbal Stadium in Rogla, Slovenia

Each nation can enter 20 participants for the Individual Championship. and one team for each height category for the Nation Team Championship.

Like last year, there will be also an International Open Hooper Cup in 2026, Participation is open for everybody, not only for members of the WHOC National Teams.

Rules


Rules 2026

Guidelines 2026

Judges

Adrienn Juhász (HUN)

Alessandro Ferrero (SVN)


Venue
The third edition of World Hoopers Open Championship will be held at the Unitur Footbal Stadium in Rogla - Slovenia (VA), an outdoor activity resort amidst unspoilt nature in northeastern Slovenia

The venue is located 115km north-east of Ljunljana, 45km south-west of Maribor

Rogla stadium
Rogla 1
3214 Rogla
Slovenia

link to Google Maps
GPS Coordinates:
46.453729062312384, 15.33483878116546
46°27'13.425"N 15°20'5.419"E

Airview
Where to stay
1) Bungalow Rogla e Gaber
Rogla, 9, 3214 Zreče
Tel: +386 (0)3 757 71 00
Mail: rogla@unitur.eu
Distance from the venue: 4 min auto (1,3 km)
rogla.eu/en/accommodation/rogla-and-gaber-bungalows

2) Bungalow Macesen
Rogla, 105, 3214 Zreče
Tel: +386 (0)3 757 71 00
Mail: rogla@unitur.eu
Distance from the venue: 3 min auto (1,1 km)
rogla.eu/en/accommodation/macesen-bungalows

3) Hotel reAktiv
Slomškova ulica 4, 3214 Zreče
Tel: +386 (0)7 066 66 11
Mail: info@hotel-reaktiv.si
Distance from the venue: 25 min auto (17,3 km)
hotel-reaktiv.si

4) Hotel Pod Roglo Boharina 2, 3214 Zreče
Tel: +386 40 299 298
Distance from the venue: 20 min auto (14,2 km)
Mail: hir.podroglo@gmail.com
facebook.com/p/Hotel-in-restavracija-Pod-Roglo-61565593580761

5) Camping Center Kekec
Pohorska ulica 35c, 2000 Maribor
Tel: +386 (0)40 665 732, +386 (0)40 225 386
Mail: info@cck.si; bernard@cck.si
Distance from the venue: 1 ora auto (40 km)
cck.si

Organisation
WHOC2026 is organized by

IN-DOG, kinološki športni center,
2317 Oplotnica
For info and details about the event write to the address below

info@whoc.dog
Future Years

2026
Slovenia - Rogla
3-6/9/2026


2027
candidate: Great Britain


2028
candidate: The Netherlands


2029
candidate: USA


WHOC
World Hoopers Open Chanmpionship (WHOC) is born from an idea of Alfonso Sabbatini, who is the legal owner of the name, acronym, logo, concept, framework, definitions, rules & regulations and everything related to it.

The mission is to provide a framework for the ultimate in hoopers competition, showcasing the highest level human/canine partnership, sportsmanship, and athleticism; and enabling all dogs, whether pedigreed or not, to compete in an environment that is focused on the sport of hoopers.

WHOC will be an annual event with the aim to be hosted by organisers in a different country each year

Nations can send their teams to participate. Entry for teams from each country must come from only one national team leader. The national team leader wishing to seek recognition to bring its team to WHOC 2026 should contact us at info@whoc.dog

The National Manager is responsible for writing a document that explains how people in the country can become members of the WHOC national team. Each country’s team selection process must be non-discriminatory with regard to both handlers and dogs, and must be approved by the WHOC organising committee.


If your country is not represented yet, you can participate is individual too

The recognised and applicant countries are:

CountryRepresentativeinfo
BelgiumCarine Autrique
CzechiaBarbora Banýrová
EstoniaMaarja Antov
FinlandTiina Niemensivu
FranceMichelle Johnston
GermanyNicole Schmidt
HungaryAdrienn Juhász
ItalyAlfonso Sabbatini
LuxembourgChristelle Crivelotto
NetherlandsRomy van Beek
Poland
PortugalJosé Vieira
SlovakiaLucia Dobríková
SloveniaRoberta Longo
SpainFrancisco Javier Alegre Sancho
SwitzerlandAnnick Lecomte
United KingdomHayley Laches
USA

Qualifiers:
DateCy.LocationInfo
11/01/2026CZETachyon
18/01/2026NEDZeewolde
31/01/2026CZEČeladná
08/02/2026BELGeel
08/02/2026CZETachyon
14/02/2026CZEKladno
07/03/2026CZEKladno
21/03/2026NEDZeewolde
21-22/03/2026ITAAlessandria
28/03/2026HUNBudakeszi
12/04/2026NEDDelft
12/04/2026SVNOplotnica
18/04/2026GBRNorthants
19/04/2026BELZwijndrecht
25-26/04/2026ITAViadana (MN)
01/05/2026SVKLazany
02/05//2026CZERožnov pod Radhoštěm
02/05//2026HUNHalásztelek
10/05/206SVNDomzale
23-24/05/2026ITACasano Magnano (VA)
23-24/05/2026DEUSaarbrücken
31/05/2026SVNOplotnica
06-07/6/2026FINJanakkalan Koirakerho
07/06/2026BELLangdorp

Previous years:
2025 - Italy - Golasecca
2024 - Italy - Lignano Sabbiadoro
Management

WHOC Management

WHOC Management Structure
The World Hoopers Open Championship is coordinated by a management team responsible for the development, governance, organization, and long-term continuity of the championship.

WHOC Management Team

Alfonso Sabbatini
Alfonso Sabbatini

Founder & President
Alfonso Sabbatini is the Founder and President of the World Hoopers Open Championship. He created the WHOC with the vision of offering dogs and handlers from all over the world an international stage fully dedicated to Hoopers. His role is to guide the overall direction of the project, protect its values, and support the growth of the Championship as a fair, inclusive, and internationally recognised event.

Renata Maurantonio
Renata Maurantonio

Team Manager Coordinator

Renata Maurantonio serves as Team Manager Coordinator for the WHOC. She supports the relationship between the organisation and the national teams, helping to coordinate team-related information, communication, and operational needs before and during the Championship.

Michele_Mossa
Michele Mossa

Event Administration Manager

Michele Mossa is responsible for the organisation and coordination of the WHOC event administration area. His work supports the operational structure of the Championship, with particular attention to documentation, registrations, information flows, and organisational procedures related to the event.

Clara_Cavretti
Clara Cavretti

Social Media & Communications Manager

Clara Cavretti is responsible for WHOC social media and communication. She supports the public image of the Championship through online content, updates, storytelling, and community engagement, helping the WHOC reach handlers, teams, and Hoopers enthusiasts worldwide.

Walter_Cleva
Walter Cleva

Board Assistant – Event Operations

Walter Cleva assists the Board with operational tasks, documentation, and coordination related to the organisation of the Championship. His role supports the development of efficient workflows and the smooth management of event-related processes.

Ambassadors

WHOC Ambassadors

The WHOC Ambassadors are international representatives of the World Hoopers Open Championship who actively support the promotion and development of Hoopers worldwide.

They act as key points of reference for the WHOC community in their respective countries and help promote the visibility of WHOC at national and international level.

Ambassadors play an important role in helping WHOC reach new audiences, supporting the spread of the discipline across different countries, and encouraging the growth of the international Hoopers community.


Official WHOC Ambassadors

Tiinamari_Harjula
Tiinamari Harjula

FINLAND

WHOC International Ambassador

Tiinamari Harjula is a WHOC International Ambassador and an internationally active Hoopers and agility coach. Through Tiima Dog Sport, she focuses on helping handlers build stronger connections with their dogs, working on confidence, motivation, sensitivity, pressure management, and distance handling. With experience in agility since 1997 and with different breeds, she brings to the WHOC a coaching philosophy based on developing each dog’s potential, strengthening the relationship between dog and handler, and encouraging every team to go one step further than they thought possible. Through her seminars, international participation, and commitment to Hoopers, Tiinamari has played an important role in promoting the WHOC and sharing its values worldwide.

Lisa_Nijhof
Lisa Nijhof

NETHERLAND

WHOC International Ambassador

Lisa Nijhof is a WHOC International Ambassador. Recognised for her international experience and contribution to the development of Hoopers, she supports the promotion of the WHOC through seminars, participation, and professional engagement. Her work helps strengthen the international identity of the Championship and encourages the growth of Hoopers worldwide.

Romy_van_Beek
Romy van Beek

NETHERLAND

WHOC International Ambassador

Romy van Beek is a WHOC International Ambassador. As an internationally respected Hoopers professional, she contributes to the promotion and dissemination of the WHOC through seminars, participation, and active support of the project. Her commitment helps connect the Championship with the wider international Hoopers community.


Each Ambassador represents WHOC within their community and contributes to the promotion of the championship through visibility, communication, and engagement activities.

Role of WHOC Ambassadors

WHOC Ambassadors may be involved in:

Ambassadors are expected to represent WHOC positively and consistently within their networks and communities.

About the Programme

The WHOC Ambassador Programme is designed to build a strong international network of representatives who help promote WHOC globally and support the continued growth of Hoopers across different countries.

Hosts

Host Country Application Procedure

Bid Procedure for Future WHOC Hosting

WHOC is committed to a transparent and structured process for assigning future World Championship editions.

Any Team Manager may submit a bid on behalf of their country to host a future WHOC edition.

All submitted bids will be evaluated by WHOC Management, which will determine the host country and the year of assignment.

The submission of a bid does not guarantee selection.

WHOC Management reserves the right to request additional information, supporting documentation, venue inspections, or online meetings before making a final decision.

All decisions regarding host country selection are made by WHOC Management.

Once selected, the organisation of the WHOC will be entrusted to the Team Manager of the host country for the year of the event, who will act as the official Local Organising Team Manager.

If needed, the appointed Team Manager may request support or input from the Team Manager who submitted the original bid, in order to facilitate continuity and knowledge transfer. Any such support will be managed directly between the parties involved.

In case of changes in the national Team Manager over time, WHOC Management will liaise directly with the current Team Manager responsible for the event year, ensuring effective coordination and continuity.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible as a host candidate, the proposed venue must meet the following minimum requirements:

- An sports facility, equestrian centre (riding arena) or other suitable venue

- A competition field of at least 50 × 30 metres

- Adequate space for camper vans and tents

- Catering services available on site or nearby

- Accommodation options in the surrounding area


Additional Information
The WHOC is scheduled to take place during the first week of September each year.

Once a host country has been confirmed, a formal agreement will be signed between WHOC Management and the organising team, defining responsibilities, operational requirements, branding rules, financial arrangements, and event standards.

Countries interested in hosting a future WHOC edition are invited to contact WHOC Management for further information.

Judges

WHOC Judges

The World Hoopers Open Championship (WHOC) maintains an international network of qualified judges to support future Championships and official WHOC events.

Our goal is to promote high judging standards, consistency, fairness, and the continued development of Hoopers worldwide.

Alessandro_Ferrero
Alessandro Ferrero (Italy)

WHOC Judge & WHOC Judges Coordinator

Alessandro Ferrero is responsible for the management of the WHOC Judges Register, the review of new judge applications, and the coordination of judges for future WHOC events.

Official WHOC Judges Register

The Official WHOC Judges Register includes judges who have applied and have been approved for consideration at future WHOC Championships and official WHOC events.

The judges listed below may be considered for future appointments based on event requirements, availability, experience, qualifications, and the needs of the championship.

Adrienn_Juhász
Adrienn Juhász

HUNGARY

Adrienn Juhász is an International Hoopers Judge from Hungary and co-founder of Hoopers Hungary, where she has played a key role in developing one of the country's first structured Hoopers education systems and competition regulations. She is actively involved as an instructor, seminar leader and course designer, with a strong focus on clear communication and dog-centred training. As both competitor and judge, she brings a practical understanding of the sport from multiple perspectives and has judged in several Eurorn countries

Tereza_Jelínková
Tereza Jelínková

CZECH REPUBLIC

Tereza is an International Hoopers Judge from the Czech Republic, active since 2020. She has designed and judged competitions for dogs and handlers across different levels, with a strong focus on fair, fluent and dog-friendly courses. She also represented the Czech Republic at WHOC 2024, placing sixth in the first Large category round. Her experience as both judge and competitor gives her a valuable understanding of Hoopers from multiple perspectives.

Barbora_Banýrová
Barbora Banýrová

CZECH REPUBLIC

Barbara is an International Hoopers Judge from the Czech Republic and the Czech representative on the FCI Hoopers Commission. With 25 years of experience in Agility and seven years in Hoopers, she is also an active competitor with three small dogs. She dedicates much of her work to developing the sport both in the Czech Republic and internationally, contributing to Hoopers activities in countries including Germany, Slovakia and Japan.

Ari_Valkhoff
Ari Valkhoff

NETHERLAND

Ari is an experienced Hoopers Judge and Trainer, active in the sport since 2015 and judging since 2018. With more than 25 years of experience across different dog sports, she brings a broad understanding of canine learning, handling and competition. She has judged national and international events and is known for designing fluent, safe and technically balanced courses. Her work also includes coaching handlers and supporting the development of dogs from beginner to competition level.

Wilma_Nieboer
Wilma Nieboer

NETHERLAND

Wilma is an experienced Hoopers Judge, Trainer and international competitor from the Netherlands. She has been judging since 2018, has officiated the Dutch Championship several times and has contributed to the training of new judges. She has also supported WHOC qualification events in the Netherlands. As a competitor, she has represented her country at the World Hoopers Championship, achieving sixth place in the Individual Small category and third place with the national team.

Paulien_Vreede
Paulien Vreede

NETHERLAND

Paulien is a Hoopers Judge and competitor from the Netherlands, active in the sport since 2014. Her experience spans both national and international Hoopers, giving her familiarity with different rules, judging approaches and competition styles. She is strongly committed to continuous learning and to the development of the sport, combining practical experience as a competitor with a broad and open perspective on international Hoopers.

Become a WHOC Judge

WHOC is actively building an international pool of experienced Hoopers judges for future Championships and official WHOC events.

If you would like to be considered as a WHOC judge, please send us:

- Your CV, including experience and qualifications in Hoopers

- A recent photograph

- Your contact details and country of residence


Applications must be sent by email to:

whocjudges@gmail.com

Applications will be reviewed by the WHOC Judges Coordinator and the WHOC Management based on experience, qualifications, international involvement, and the needs of future events. Approved candidates may be included in the Official WHOC Judges Register and considered for future appointments at international events.

We welcome applications from experienced judges worldwide and aim to continue supporting the growth of Hoopers through the WHOC community.

WHOC Judges Through the Years

This section recognises the judges who have officiated at previous WHOC editions.

WHOC 2026

Adrienn_Juhász
Adrienn Juhász

HUNGARY

Alessandro_Ferrero
Alessandro Ferrero

SLOVENIA

WHOC 2025

Nancy_Demmers
Nancy Demmers

NETHERLAND

Nicolò_Maniscalco
Nicolò Maniscalco

ITALY


WHOC 2024

Miroslava_Jourová
Miroslava Jourová

CZECH REPUBLIC

Claudio_Frigerio
Claudio Frigerio

ITALY

info@whoc