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2007 RULES - Revised
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SWEEPSTAKES AGILITY, LLC 2007 RULEBOOK Revised Nov. 2006 ©2006 Sweepstakes Agilty, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without express written consent of Sweepstakes Agilty, LLC. Mission Sweepstakes Agility is committed to keeping the sport of agility FUN, FAST, FAIR, SIMPLE, COMPETITIVE and REWARDING for the dog & handler. FUN The handler & dog should always finish a course with big grins on their faces. FAST Course design will integrate challenges for the dog & hander team, but yet be designed to encourage good speed and flow throughout the course. FAIR Nine jump height divisions help equalize differences in dog’s speed & structure. A Mulligan option provides the handler a choice of taking the first score, or laying it on the line in the second run. SIMPLE Straightforward rules and titling system. COMPETITIVE Championship points are awarded for 1st and 2nd place finishers, which go towards end of the year Sweepstakes Champion awards. REWARDING CASH rewards are given to the 1st thru 3rd place finishers in each jump height division. |
| GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Classes There will be 2 Standard runs and 2 Jumpers runs in a trial. Dog & handler pay 1 entry fee for all 4 runs. Entry Eligibility Dogs must be 18 months or older to compete. Open to all purebred and mixed breed dogs. Bitches in season are not allowed to compete; clubs are encouraged to return entry fees with verification. Dogs that are blind in both eyes, lame or aggressive towards people or dogs are not eligible to compete. Club Eligibility Any club/group of individuals that are already sanctioned from AKC, NADAC, USDAA, ASCA, CPE, or UKC and have put on at least 2 agility trials can host a Sweepstakes Agility Trial. Must have current liability insurance. Clubs are encouraged to run Sweepstakes Agility trials in conjunction with other dog-related events. Friday and holiday trials are allowed. Clubs are encouraged to seek out sponsorship to boost award money awarded to exhibitors. Judge Eligibility Any agility judge already approved by AKC, NADAC, USDAA, ASCA, CPE, TDAA or UKC and has been judging for a minimum of two years is eligible to judge a Sweepstakes Agility Trial. A person who has been competing for a minimum of 5 years and has achieved titles in more than one agility organization can also apply to judge a Sweepstakes Agility Trial. Approval of the judge must happen prior to the club submitting their premium for approval. Sportsmanship Any handler observed acting in an unsportsmanlike manner inside or outside of the ring will be excused from the show site without return of any entry fees. The judge will identify this person and describe the incident on the Judge’s Report Sheet. No choke chains, pinch collars, electronic collars will be allowed on the show grounds. Citronella anti-bark collars are allowed on dogs when they are crated or confined to an area. Any handler observed not cleaning up after his/her dog will be excused from the show site without any return of entry fees. Competition Ring Requirements A minimum of 6,000 square feet is allowed, with 8-10,000 square feet is preferred. Indoor trials must provide adequate matting (ribbed obedience matting on concrete not allowed). Outdoor trials – grass or groomed dirt is allowed, with the ring marked by fencing. Fencing should not flap in windy conditions. Ring size exemptions may be allowed under certain conditions, contact the Sweepstakes office for more information and approval. There should be enough room for spectator seating, dog crating, and parking. Warm-Up Area A warm up area must be provided. Minimum equipment required: 1 jump. Optional equipment allowed: 1-3 jumps, set of 6 weave poles, contact trainer. Equipment should be placed randomly so that sequencing obstacles together is discouraged. Only entered dogs will be allowed in warm-up area. Force or harsh training methods or excessive use of warm-up equipment (over 15 times) can result in immediate excusal from the show grounds for the day by the judge or club. Training on the Show Grounds Training is not allowed in the show ring. The warm-up equipment is strictly that, to warm up your dog, not to train repeatedly. Course Walkthrough After the judge brief’s the exhibitors, he/she will allow the exhibitors to walk the course a maximum of 10 minutes. If there is a large entry, the judge may split the walkthrough. Handlers are not allowed to move the equipment during the walkthrough. A handler who is observed moving equipment during the walkthrough will forfeit his/her run on that course. Only exhibitors entered are allowed to walk the course, with the exception of a parent with a child. The child may accompany the parent, as long as the child does not disrupt other exhibitors. Collars & Leashes The dog must run without a collar. The handler may enter the ring with the collar and leash on the dog to the starting position area before removal. A 20 point fault is assessed if dog runs with collar and/or leash on the course. When the dog finishes the collar and/or leash must be placed on the dog before leaving the ring. Leash tugging is NOT allowed in the ring. Handling Aids No food or toys are allowed in the ring. No clickers, whistles, fanny packs, leashes, stopwatches or other handling aids are allowed in the ring. Clickers cannot be used within 30 feet of the show ring. JUMP HEIGHTS & MEASUREMENT Veteran Dogs: Dogs over 7 years of age may drop down 1 jump height class, with the exception of dogs already in the 8” class, since there is no 4” class offered. Veteran dogs will run equally with dogs measured in a specific jump height class, there will be no separate awards for Veteran dogs. BREED EXEMPTIONS Dogs that have a Weight to Height ratio 3.0 or higher have the option of jumping 1 to 2 jump height classes below their measured height class. Example: Your Kuvasz measures 24” at the shoulder, his regular class would be 24”. You could choose to enter him in 20”, 22” or 24”. Breed exempt dogs are excluded from the 26” jump height class. Breed exempt dogs will compete equally with dogs measured in a specific jump height class, there will be no separate awards for exempt dogs. Dogs that are entered under Breed exemption cannot also take a Veteran’s exemption. Breeds listed have the OPTION of taking a 1-2 jump height exemption. Under the premise of good sportsmanship, a handler should enter their dog in the jump height class that best fits their dogs body structure and weight, not to gain a competitive edge over other dogs in a jump height class. Mixed breed dogs: Handlers should use the Weight divided by Height=W/H Ratio to determine if their dog qualifies for a breed exemption. A W/H Ratio over 3.0 qualifies a mixed breed dog for the Breed exemption. Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chinese Shar-Pei, Clumber Spaniel, Dachshund, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, French Bulldog, Giant Schnauzer, Glen of Imaal Terrier, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Havenese, Komondor, Kuvasz, Leonberger, Mastiff,Miniature Bull Terrier, Neapoliton Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pekingese, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Petite Basset Griffon Vendeen,Pug, Saint Bernard, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Sussex Spaniel, Swedish Vallhund Dog Measurements All dogs must be measured unless they have a Sweepstakes Agility Permanent Height Card. The dog must be measured by a measuring device that measure’s within one-quarter inch or by wickets. The dog must be standing on a flat surface, with head in a natural position. The measurement is a perpendicular line from the top of the dog’s withers to the ground. If the dog is entered in the incorrect jump height class after being measured by the judge, the dog must be moved to the correct height class, whether that is lower or higher from what originally entered. It is important that each dog run in his/her correct height division. A judge’s assistant may be appointed to measure dogs to expedite measurements at the beginning of the trial, however if the measurement will change the height class the dog is entered in, the Judge must re-measure the dog. The assistant should have previous experience measuring dogs. After 3 recorded measurements have been completed by 3 separate judges, the dog will receive a Permanent Jump Height Card from the Sweepstakes Agility Office. The only exception to this is if the dog is measured by a Sweepstakes Agility official, in that case the dog only needs 1 measurement. If a handler wants to dispute the measurement on the Permanent Jump Height Card at any time, they may contact the Sweepstakes Agility office. TITLES Sweepstakes Agility Titles Titles are awarded for qualifying runs in Standard and Jumpers. Dogs must run clean with no course faults or time faults to earn a qualifying run. 10 points is awarded for each qualifying run, points from Standard and Jumpers are combined together for titles. Title abbreviations are placed at the end of a dog’s name with the exception of SASS, which is placed in front a dog’s name. A certificate is awarded for SSw, NSw, OSw and ASw. A plaque is awarded for MSw, MESw and SASS. Championship Points Championship points are accumulated throughout a designated calendar year. 1st place – 10 points 2nd place – 5 points 3rd place – 3 points Points are combined from the Standard and Jumpers runs. At the end of the designated year the (Year) Sweepstakes Champion for each jump height division will be announced for the dog achieving the highest number of points. A plaque and cash award will be given to each Champion. If there is a tie in points for the Sweepstakes Champion an average of yards per second (YPS) from Standard and Jumpers from the last two trials entered will be calculated, the fastest YPS will determine the Champion. SHOW INFORMATION Ribbons Flat, red ribbons will be awarded for qualifying scores in Standard and Jumpers. No placement ribbons will be awarded. Clubs may give out “special” awards at their discretion, such as Fastest Dog, Slowest Dog, Most Faults, Titles earned, etc. Required printing on the ribbon: Sweepstakes Agility Logo Club Name “Qualifying Score” Cash Awards Clubs must give back a MINIMUM of 30% (15% for Standard, 15% for Jumpers) of the total entry fees back in placement awards. Checks should be made out beforehand to expedite awards at the trial. The remaining 1% will go to the jump height division with the largest entry, that award will go to 4th place. Handlers or a representative for the dog MUST be present to receive cash reward. No cash rewards will be mailed. If there are no dogs entered in a jump height division, the club must move that amount into the other height divisions. Dogs MUST have a FINAL SCORE to win cash reward and earn championship points for placements. Elimination, Excusal, and No Time runs will not be eligible for cash rewards. Any checks not awarded are returned back to the hosting club. Qualifying Run A clean, faultless run under course time will be awarded a Qualifying (Q) score and 10 points. Q runs can be earned from Round 1 & Round 2 of Standard and Jumpers runs, so a dog could earn up to 4 Q’s (40 points) a trial. The Agility Trial – Standard & Jumpers The club will determine the running order of classes and jump heights. If Jumpers is first and Standard second, the next day Standard will be first and Jumpers second. If the trial is a two-ring trial with 2 judges, Standard will run in one ring and Jumpers in the second ring. Jump Heights should be mixed in both rings to help alleviate ring conflicts. Round 2 will immediately follow Round 1 in both Standard and Jumpers. Running Order: For handlers running multiple dogs, every effort should be made to spread the dogs apart in the running order. The only time changes are allowed in the running order is ring conflicts and handlers with multiple dogs. FINAL SCORE Round 1: All dogs in all jump heights run and scores will be posted. Once the scores are posted, the handler MUST mark on the posted score sheet if that is their FINAL SCORE by circling/checking off their score. If the score is not marked, that dog is granted a MULLIGAN, which negates his/her score from Round 1. It is entirely up to the handler to decide if he/she wants to accept the Round 1 score as his/her FINAL SCORE. Round 2: There are no walkthrough’s allowed for Round 2. Score sheets will be removed from posting prior to judging beginning Round 2, handlers MUST decide on their FINAL SCORE or taking the MULLIGAN prior to Round 2 beginning. The exact same course will be run – no changes allowed to equipment placement, with the exception of severe weather or faulty equipment. All dogs run Round 2 in the identical running order as Round 1. Dogs that took a FINAL SCORE in Round 1 can still earn a Qualifying run in Round 2. Dogs that took a MULLIGAN in Round 1 – their Round 2 score will be their FINAL SCORE. FINAL SCORES are for placements and cash prizes. Placements and cash prizes are awarded for Standard and Jumpers in each jump height class. Qualifying ribbons are given out for all qualifying runs in Standard & Jumpers. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Obstacles must be placed a minimum 16 feet apart and a maximum of 21 feet apart (18 feet recommended). Contact obstacles should have fairly straight approaches, unless doing a u-turn from a tunnel placed under the contact. Standard Course The standard course will consist of 16-24 obstacles. The course should be designed to offer challenges to the handler/dog team, but yet maintain speed and flow through the course. Safety is always paramount, especially in inclement weather. # of times used Equipment 1-2 Aframe 1-2 Dog Walk 1-2 SeeSaw 1-2 12 Weave Poles – can be used as set of 12 or split into 2 sets of 6 Unlimited Single Bar Winged & Wingless jumps 1 Closed Chute 3 Open Tunnel 2 Tire Jump Optional: UKC Sway Bridge UKC Swing Plank UKC Hoop Tunnel NOTE: All jumps will be single bar. No table or spread jumps allowed. Course Challenges Minimum 2 side changes Minimum 2 obstacle discriminations 3-4 jumps in straight or curved line Standard Course Time Rates Jump Height Range Allowed 8-12” 2.50-2.85 14”-18” 2.85-3.05 20”-26” 3.05-3.30 The course will be wheel-measured one time, taking the path of a 20” dog. Jumpers Course The jumpers course should consist of 16-24 obstacles and should be designed to provide the handler/dog team with challenges, but encourage top speed throughout the course. # of times used Equipment Unlimited Single Bar Winged & Wingless jumps 3 Open Tunnel 2 Tire Jump Course Challenges: Minimum 2 side changes Minimum 2 obstacle discriminations 3-4 jumps in a straight or curved line If an open tunnel is on the course, it must be part of the numbered course. No wraps or 270 degree turns allowed. Jumpers Course Time Rates Jump Height Range Allowed 8-12” 3.25-3.75 14”-18” 3.75-4.00 20”-26” 4.00-4.25 The course will be wheel-measured one time, taking the path of a 20” dog. Non-Regular Classes The club is allowed to put on as many non-regular classes as they want after the 4th run is completed. Entry fees for non-regular classes go directly to the club, there is no cash back placements for these classes. It is up to the club what the class(es) are offered, how they are scored (if scored), and if placements are given. This information should be listed on the premium, however the club can add non-regular classes after the closing date, as long as the information is placed in the final confirmation. JUDGING REQUIREMENTS FAULTS for Standard and Jumpers 1 point For every second over course time rounding down to whole numbers 5 points Knocked Bar 5 points Intentionally blocking an obstacle 5 points Handler touching dog or obstacle 5 points Dog makes contact with handler 5 points Excessive delay at start/finish line (over 7 seconds) 5 points Dog pushes off tire with rear feet 10 points Wrong Course 10 points Missed Contact 10 points Seesaw Fly Off 20 points Failure to perform an obstacle 20 points Unsafe performance 20 points Collar or leash on dog when running Elimination Dog fouling in the ring Elimination Any display of poor sportsmanship (profanity, screaming, being rude to workers or judge) Elimination Dog out of control Elimination Dog leaves the ring for more than 10 seconds Elimination Outside ring assistance Elimination Exceeding maximum course time. Elimination Not completing 50% of the obstacles on the course Hand Signals to scribe 5 points – raised open hand 10 points – 2 raised open hands 20 points – crossing arms in slicing manner Elimination – hand slice across neck area The handler / owner are fully responsible for the control of their dog while attending an agility trial. Any Judge or Host Club has the authority to dismiss a dog / handler from the ring area or show grounds. Any dog that the Judge deems to be aggressive or out of control will be excused from the agility trial. Any dog / handler that is excused from a trial, ring area or show grounds, must be reported by the Host Club to Sweepstakes Agility. A review will determine if the dog may show again at a future trial. Handlers may inquire to the judge about a judge’s call in a timely polite, good sportsmanlike manner. The judge will respond in a courteous manner, however all decisions made by the Judge are FINAL for that trial. A Judge CANNOT change a call by viewing a videotape or time a run by a videotape. If a handler is observed displaying poor sportsmanship regarding a judge’s call inside or outside of the agility ring, the host club and/or the judge have the right to excuse that handler for the day from the trial with no return on entry fees. This should be reported on the Club Show Report or Judge’s Show Report (whoever dismisses the handler). OBSTACLE PERFORMANCE Contact Obstacles If a dog commits one to four paws to a contact obstacle and leaves the obstacle, a 20 point fault is assessed for Failure to Complete the Obstacle. The dog can have one more attempt at the obstacle, then must go on, but is still assessed the 20 faults. The second attempt is not judged, unless something extremely unsafe or poor sportsmanship was displayed, the judge would then excuse the handler. A-frame Only the downside contact zone is judged. If the down contact zone is missed, a 10 point fault is called. If the dog jumps from the apex and lands of the ground, a 20 point Unsafe Performance is assessed. If the dog jumps the apex and lands in the contact zone in control, no faults are assessed. Dog Walk Only the downside contact zone is called. If the dog does not have all four paws on the upside ramp by the time the dog reaches the midpoint of the up ramp, 20 Point Unsafe Performance is called. If the dog jumps onto the up ramp from the side at the midpoint, 20 Point Unsafe Performance is called. Seesaw The dog must hit both contact zones, upside and downside with at least one paw. The plank must touch the ground with at least one paw in the contact zone, otherwise a 10 point Seesaw Fly off is assessed. If the dog leaves the plank before the tip point, or immediately after the tip point, a 20 point Failure to Perform will be assessed. Open Tunnel The dog must perform the obstacle as marked by the course. Closed Tunnel The dog must pass through the rigid opening and push himself through the fabric portion until completely out. If the dog becomes tangled in the fabric portion due to wind conditions, fabric not straightened correctly, rainy conditions or fabric coming off the barrel, the handler is allowed to handle the fabric to help free the dog without a penalty assessed. However if the dog becomes tangled due to his own performance, the handler should be encouraged to help free the dog and a 5 point fault is assessed for handler touching the obstacle. If the handler touches the dog to free the dog, also a 5 point fault is assessed. The judge can substitute an Open Tunnel for the Closed Tunnel in bad weather conditions. Tire Jump The dog must jump through the opening. A dog pushing off the tire with his rear feet, a 5 point penalty is assessed. Jumps The dog must pass between the uprights and clear the jump bar. If the dog displaces the bar, a 5 point penalty is assessed. If the dog hits the top bar enough to displace it, but it does not fall, the judge may assess a 5 point fault after inspecting the bar. If the judge does not see the dog knock the bar on the ground, he cannot call a fault on it. Multi-used jumps: if a jump is used more than once during the course, if the bar is knocked down by the dog, every effort should be made to place the bar back in position before the dog attempts it again. If this is not possible, the dog will not receive additional faults when completing that jump. If a dog jumps a wing, a 20 point Failure to Perform is assessed. Weave Poles The dog must enter with his left shoulder towards the first pole, then proceed onward bending through each pole. Weave poles must be completed from START to FINISH in a continuous fashion. If the dog stops, does not move a paw, then continues onward, no fault is assessed and that is considered a completed performance. If the dog skips a pole or pulls out of the poles, the dog must be restarted at the beginning. No fixing is allowed in-between poles. The only fault that is assessed on the weave poles is 20 point Failure to Perform if the dog does not finish the full set of weave poles. If the dog back-weaves 3 continuous bends, that is considered an off-course, which is a 10 point fault. If the course contains 2 sets of weave poles, each set is judged individually. CLUB INFORMATION Application to Host a Trial A club must fill out an application and send it in minimum 12 weeks prior to the requested event date. The application must include an event fee of $25 per trial. A map of the show site and copy of insurance must be included with application form. A judge does not have to be designated at the time of the show application; however the judge must be approved prior to the show premium being submitted for approval. Trials must be at least 100 miles from each other if requesting the same date. Premium List The following information should be listed in the premium and/or listed on a website. Location of trial with directions to show site. Description of the trial ring (indoor, outdoor, dirt, grass, etc) List and description of obstacles to be used at the trial. Hotel/camping information Contact person – address, phone number and email address. Contact person must have an active email address and return messages promptly. Listing of entry fees, opening & closing date. Emergency Vet Clinic or attending Veterinarian Entry Form A generic entry form is available on the website under Club Information. The Official Entry Form must include the following information. Sweepstakes Registration # (pending if entering 1st trial) Call Name Breed Sex Height at Withers Birthdate Owner Name/Handler Name Address, City, State, Zip Phone Number Email Address Jump Height Day(s) entering Entry Acceptance Statement that he/she has read the rules and agrees with them. Disclaimer Accepting Entries The club must designate a closing date for entries, no entries after that date can be accepted. No day-of-show entries will be accepted. If a show limits the number of entries it will accept per trial, First Received or Random Draw is allowed in accepting entries. Declining Entries The Trial Secretary may decline an entry that is not completed correctly (every effort should be made to resolve the entry prior to the closing date), or the entry fee check does not clear from the bank. Entry Fees The club decides the amount of the entry fee, however a minimum of $50 per entry is recommended ($12.50 per run). One $50 entry breaks down like this for a club: $15 towards cash rewards $4.00 to Sweepstakes Agility ($1.00 per run) $4.00 Judges Fee (judge is paid $1.00 for each run judged) $27.00 to cover club & judge travel expenses. No For Exhibition Only (FEO) entries permitted. Show Committee and Officials Trial Chairperson & Trial Secretary The Trial Chairperson must provide a valid address, phone number and email address (optional) and respond to any inquiries in a prompt fashion. The Trial Chairperson must be present during the agility trial, unless there is an emergency, in which the Trial Secretary will assume the role of the Trial Chairperson. The Trial Chairperson is the official contact person for any complaints or infractions that happened during the trial. The Trial Secretary must provide a valid address, phone number and email address (required), and respond to any inquiries in a prompt fashion. The Trial Secretary is responsible for distributing a premium list, taking entries in, mailing/emailing confirmation notices, prepare the show catalog & scribe sheets, prepare and send in a fully marked catalog to Sweepstakes Agility office and email results within 10 days of the trial ending. The Trial Chairperson and Trial Secretary are allowed to compete at the trial. Judge The Judge’s duties are as follows: Design courses and have them submitted to the office 4 weeks prior to the trial. Finalize course building prior to the class beginning. Measure the course for establishing Standard Course Time. Inspect equipment for safety and compliance to the rules. Instruct the course workers on their assignments. Measure dogs and/or oversee steward that is measuring. Post courses for exhibitors or provide course copies. Brief exhibitors prior to the class for pertinent information i.e. entry/exit, when to approach start line, answer any questions. Course times should be posted prior to the class beginning, these do not have to verbalized during the briefing. Complete a Judge’s Report after the trial and submit to the Sweepstakes office within 7 days of the trial ending. A judge is limited to judging for the same club 3 times in row. A judge may not judge their own dog or a dog they co-own. A judge may not judge an immediate family member or person(s) in their household. Judges may show their own dog at a trial if another judge is available to judge them. A judge can only run for qualifying scores, not for placement or championship points. The judge must run at the beginning of each class, prior to any competitors running their dogs. - ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGE ARE FINAL DURING THE TRIAL The Judge will always present a professional demeanor and will not be biased in any decisions that need to be made at the trial. The judge will base his/her decision on the discussed facts and what the judge deems is best for the sport of agility. Chief Course Builder One person should be designated to set the course and guide other course builders. The course builders should be available to assist the Judge in finalizing the course. After the course has been finalized by the judge, no changes can be made with equipment placement UNLESS the judge instructs the change. Timer Electronic timers are highly recommended for trials. The person designated as the timer will oversee the timer, and cue the “Go or Ready” on the timer if available to the handler. If manual timing is used, the same person should time an entire jump height class. If there is a timer malfunction and the dog has started to run within the first 3-4 obstacles, the run should be stopped. If the dog is already past the 3-4th obstacle, the judge should be notified immediately after the run, and the dog will need to run again for an official time. Scorekeeper One or two people should be designated to keeping official scores during the trial. Information recorded: Standard Course Time, Course Yardage, Dog’s Course Time, Dog’s Course Faults, Final Score, Placement. Scoring can be done by hand or by computer. At the end of the trial the judge must sign off on the Official Catalog that is submitted to Sweepstakes Agility. Scribe A scribe is responsible for recording the Judge’s call onto each dog’s individual scribe sheet, which is then submitted to the scorekeeper. The scribe may also write down the dog’s time on the scribe sheet. A scribe is NEVER allowed to mark down a fault that is NOT called by the judge. The scribe should be capable of receiving instructions and signals from the judge at all times. Gate Steward There should be one gate steward per ring. The gate steward is responsible for keeping the ring running efficiently. He/she announces jump heights, verify dog’s are checked in and present, queue up 3-5 dogs at a time and takes care of ring conflicts. Changes in running order can only be made in the case of one handler with multiple dogs or ring conflicts. The gate steward should always be friendly and courteous to the exhibitors. Course Workers 2-4 people should be designated to assist with ring work while dogs are running i.e. setting jump bars, adjusting chute fabric, adjusting tunnels, running leashes, running scribe sheets, assisting judge. Hospitality At least one person should be designated to ensure that the judge and ring crew always have water available and provide food as needed. SCORING Dogs must have a FINAL SCORE to be eligible for placements and cash awards. Placement is made by: a)the top three lowest FINAL SCORES with 0 Faults, dogs that have qualified, (4th place for class with largest entry) b) if there are less than 3 scores with 0 Faults, then the lowest SCORE with course faults is next in line for placement and cash awards. EXAMPLE: Course Time: 67:00 In case of a tie for placement a run-off will be held on the course of record. The judge may designate the number of obstacles to run. The winner of the run-off is based on Time Plus Faults and the lowest score wins. Cash Awards If a dog has been entered, runs in the trial and afterward it is determined that the dog was ineligible due to: a) Dog runs in incorrect jump height division b) Dog is handled by judge’s family member or someone from the judge’s household c) Dog or handler is excused from trial due to poor sportsmanship, aggression, etc. d) Judge co-owns the dog, the dog is ineligible to receive a cash prize. Closing out Trial The club has 10 days after the trial to submit the following: a) Email results from Excel spreadsheet to office. b) Mail in printed, fully completed Show Catalog with judge’s signature. c) Complete Club Show Report form and send to office. d) Enclose recording fee - $1.00 for each run listed in the show catalog. e) List of all exhibitors with address, phone number, email and dogs entered. Trial Secretary must keep scribe sheets/entry forms for 1 year from the show date in case there are any disputes. OBSTACLE SPECS Obstacle Specifications All obstacles must be constructed to handle all size dogs, including giant breeds. PVC should be schedule 20 or 40. All obstacles should be properly secured for safety, including tunnels, tire and weave poles. Consideration should be made that dogs will be performing obstacles at a high rate of speed, therefore safety is paramount! A variance of 1 inch is acceptable on specifications, with the exception of PVC width for jump bars and weave poles. Open Tunnel Industrial tunnels 24” in diameter that are commercially available in length’s from 10-20’ are allowed. Care should be taken so no wire or strings are hanging off tunnels which could impede dog’s performance. Tunnels should be fully stretched out when placed, not bunched up to make the length shorter. V shaped tunnels are not allowed. Securing Tunnels – metal bases are not allowed. Sand or water bags preferred. The sand/water bags not stick out so far from tunnel as to impede handler path. Bungee cords are not allowed. Closed Tunnel The barrel should have a diameter of 24” and be padded completely around the edge where dog’s enter. The bottom of the barrel should have a non-skid surface. The barrel should be secured so a dog cannot displace it. The fabric portion can be 8-12ft. in length. The exit opening should flare from the rigid tunnel to an opening of 96 inches. In inclement weather, the judge can substitute an open tunnel for a closed tunnel. Weave Poles The weaves should have a fixed base with rigid upright. No spring-based poles allowed. Base cannot be no higher than 1/2” and no wider than 2”. It is highly recommended to have anti-slip material on the base. Black painted bases are not allowed for outdoor trials. Pole height – 36” to 48” Pole width – 1” PVC (schedule 40 recommended) Space between poles – 20-22” from center to center Tire The tire should be placed on a frame with safety of dogs in mind. The tire inside diameter can measure from 20-24”. The tire must be a minimum 4” thick, black drainage tubing highly recommended. Bar Jumps Jump uprights should be 32-36” high, with cups attached to accommodate the jump heights. The jump bars should be 1” diameter PVC, 4- 5” in length and striped with contrasting colors for visibility. All jumps use only one bar in competition. The jump cups should be approximately 1/8” in depth. No bolts allowed for pole holders, jump cup strips are encouraged. All bars should be displaceable. Winged jumps should be no more than 30” in width and preferably allow visibility through the wing. The judge has complete authorization to deny the use of any jump. Contact Equipment Contact equipment should be built durable, with dogs safety the main concern. Texturing on the equipment should be uniform, not so rough as to injure dog’s pads. Contact equipment MUST be painted only using flat paint. Rubber surfaced contacts are permitted. Construction measurements are as follows, with an allowance of 1-1.5”. Smaller contact equipment is allowed for trials in 6-8,000 sq. ft. facility. Plank Length 8’ 8’ Apex 4’8” 36” UKC Equipment If a club wants to host a Sweepstakes Agility trial using equipment specifically used in UKC, the only pieces allowed are: Sway Bridge, Swing Plank, Hoop Tunnel. |
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