Rules and Information
Arkansas State Disc Dog Championship
3rd Annual, November 3rd and 4th of 2012
Entry Fees, Awards and Prizes
If sponsorship can not cover the minimum cost of awards and expendables for the competition the Event Coordinator will charge competitors a minimal fee for entry into the competition to cover costs. It is intended that this be an inexpensive but fun filled disc dog weekend for competitors.
To be sure, bring cash or check to the competition. Feel free to check in with the Event Coordinator as the competition date gets close to see what the status of Entry Fees is. Please contact Matt Srum, Event Coordinator programmermattsrum@yahoo.com .
An award will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in all events and for both divisions, and also for the Over-all Champion and Runner-up in the Novice and Pro Divisions. Prizes may accompany the awards and it is the hosts of the event or sponsor that will decide what prize will go with what award.
Rules
General rules:
1. Any actions deemed by the event staff, to be unsafe, destructive, and/or unsportsmanlike can result in disciplinary actions up to and including the immediate expulsion of the individuals involved from the event, competition, and/or the premises and may be subject to legal prosecution if warranted by the offence.
2. All judges’ calls are final, if you care to dispute a score or unsportsmanlike action bring it to the attention of an event official that is not actively involved in judging the current round and your issue will be addressed.
3. Any contingencies not covered in this list of rules will be decided by a conference between the Head Judge and the Event Organizer, and only if needed, the involved individuals.
4. Dogs will be kept on leash if they are not competing or practicing in the designated practice areas. Safety should be the first concern when letting your dog off leash for either reason. NWARK9s and the other host organizations are not responsible for your dogs’ safety past the safeguards that will be in place for the disc dog event.
5. Clean up after your dog. Poop bags will be available near the competition field if you do not have your own. Mind your dog at all times for its and others safety so everyone can enjoy the competition without issue or harm.
6. Using food or treats as a training aid on the competition field is FORBIDDEN. You may have food and drinks around the outside of the competition field, but NO food or dog treats on the field, not even in a pocket. Due to the possibility of distracting other dogs on the competition field this is considered Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
7. Competitors only have to compete in the events they wish to enter.
8. Competitors under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign their Liability Waiver.
9. Handlers may choose to either compete in the Novice Division or the Pro Division with their dog or dogs. Special consideration of a multi-dog handler may be given upon competitor’s request and the head judge’s discretion to move a Pro handler’s less competitive dog into the Novice Division as an audit that will be scored but not counted in the placements of that event or affect the division’s Over-all scoring
10. Discs allowed for the Novice Divisions are any disc that is deemed dog-safe by the judging staff by direction of the Head Judge. Pro competitors are required to use dog specific plastic discs; Hero, Hyperflite, and Fastback varieties, or others by the Head Judge and Event Coordinator’s approval before the competition/event. There will be specific disc rules for the Long Distance Throw and Catch that will be spelled out in the Long Distance Throw and Catch rules.
11. If a competitors round is interrupted by a loose dog, act of nature, or anything else particular to the competitor’s round that is noticeably distracting. A judge will call time and the competitor will have, upon the judges discretion, the opportunity to start the round over from the beginning or be set in a fair situation and have time restarted.
12. All competitors should get to compete in all of their rounds but if sunlight or time restraints prohibit a timely finish: It is the Event Coordinator’s option in any division or event after the first round to cut the second round to only the top 10 teams after the first round is complete to keep the competition running on time. Due to delays, weather, or other issues any event can be finalized after the completion of the first round upon the discretion of the Event Coordinator. Saturday events may be moved or finished on Sunday by the Event Coordinator's discretion.
13. First round run orders will be randomly selected and then modified to not run a dog back to back. Second round run orders will be modified to run from the worst placement of the first round to the best and then modified to not run a dog back to back.
14. During any round, time will not stop for nature breaks. It is suggested you walk your dog before your round so this isn’t an issue. If a nature break occurs during your round you may continue your round, but you must clean the area immediately after your round is complete.
15. Have fun, be safe and ask the competition officials if you ever have a question or concern.
Team Event Rules: (Team Time Trial Ohio Rules)
1. Only one division in this event. No points from this event will count towards the Novice and Pro Over-all Championship.
2. Teams of three handler/dog teams each with their own disc will throw in a predetermined sequential order to achieve three completed catches past the twenty yard line.
3. All throws must originate with the handler standing behind the start line and all other dogs, discs, and handlers also behind the start line. If this rule is broken or the sequential order is not followed the throw made will be scored as a miss and the sequence will continue onto the next handler. All throws must come from behind the start line or a foot fault will be called and that throw will not be counted.
4. The round will start when the teams and judges are in place then the Line Judge/Timer will say “Ready when you are”. Time will start when the first dog or disc crosses the start line. Time will end after the third completed 20 yard catch is made and all discs, dogs, and handlers are back behind the start line.
5. Each team will receive 2 rounds in this event, the times scored in both events will be added together for a Final Time. Starting with the shortest Final Time up will determine the placement in this event.
6. If a team does not complete three twenty yard catches in the maximum time of two minutes they will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) which will have the DNF team placed behind any team with two qualifying times.
7. In the event of a tie for available awards the teams involved will choose one handler and dog from their team and compete in a timed one throw twenty yard catch and retrieve sudden death round. The times of this round are only for deciding placements after a tie in the first two rounds.
8. Only one entry per handler. A dog can run multiple times as long as it is not on the same three handler team.
Funstyle Rules:
1. Competitors in the Novice will have 90 second rounds. Pro competitors will have 120 second rounds. You are allowed 7 discs.
2. The object of Funstyle is to fill your round’s time with multiple disc throws and catches of any sort you find that showcases your dog’s ability and make an entertaining “routine” out of it. You will be allowed the use of the whole field, you and/or your dog may wear a safe costume, perform tricks, stunts, gaffes, etc. to make the entertainment value higher, but the majority of the scoring is dependant on the skilled execution, and success of the disc dog play.
3. Loose items (besides the 7 discs) or an adorned/pocketed device brought on to the field, are know as "Props". Props are allowed in Funstyle; however: A prop can not be used to aid in the throw, flight, or catch of any disc, and if performed will be scored as a miss or score deduction. The use of Props should not slow down the timely running of the competition, props can not damage the field, can not leave debris, fluid, or fumes on the field, no flames or sparks, any of these infractions will be deemed as Unsportsmanlike Conduct. The use of props in Funstyle is to allow the competitor freedom to be unique on the field. But again, the majority of the scoring is dependant on the skilled execution, and success of the disc dog play.
4. Competitors if they would like to run their round to music of their choice should have their music prepared on a CD and have the name of the Handler, Dog, and what Track they would like played on the CD and the CD Case. Music can be provided by the host but it will be limited in variety. The music you choose should be clean or edited of any profanity or perverse language. Bring your CD or request your music to the MC when you are "In the Hole".
5. Your round will start when you and your one dog are called to the field. The judges will give the Timer/Announcer the OK to begin. The Timer/Announcer will let you know that the judges are ready. You will signal the Timer/Announcer when you would like your music to start. Competitors should keep "pre-routines" to under 20 seconds, pre-routines are not considered in the score. Time and judging will start upon the release of your first disc. Once time has started in your round you can not be physically assisted by anyone in any way, until "time" is called. The Timer/Announcer will say, “Time Begins.” The Timer/Announcer will give you verbal prompts about your time remaining at intervals throughout your round. Your time and judging will end when your time expires and the Timer/Announcer calls’ “Time.”
6. You will be scored by three judges that will be looking at aspects of your round and giving you a score from 0.0 to 10.0 maximum score being a 30.0 for one round of Funstyle. Your two rounds of Funstyle will be added together from the highest score down for placement in your division.
7. The Head Funstyle Judge will observe all aspects of the round as a whole. Considering the entertainment value, disc skill, training, difficulty, athleticism, success, and uniqueness. (Also making sure the competitor and dog are having fun at all times during their round.)
8. The Handler Judge will have their focus on the skill and competency of the handler to execute an entertaining and innovative round with their dog that highlights their dog’s training and athletic ability to come up with their score.
9. The Execution Judge will observe the catch ratio of throws made during the round and figure into it the drive of the dog for the disc, difficulty, timing, and distance of maneuvers performed into their score.
10. Ties will be broken for placements that receive awards by a three disc 10 second “Sudden Death Jam Out” that will be scored by all three judges only for the purpose of determining placement for awards and not overall scores.
Timed Course Rules:
1. Competitors will have up to four discs and one dog to complete one ten-plus yard toss and catch, one twenty-plus yard catch, and one twenty-plus yard catch inside the 7yard wide bonus zone.
2. The round will begin when judges are ready and give the OK to the competitor. The handler and dog must be set behind the line. Time begins when the dog or disc cross the start line. All throws must come from behind the start line or a foot fault will be called and that throw will not be counted.
3. Time is stopped after the completion of the three throw and catches and the last disc caught, the dog, and the handler are all completely back behind the start line.
4. Upon the catch of the disc the dog must have all body parts beyond the marked yard line during the catch or landing after the catch. For a bonus zone catch to count at least one body part of the dog must be touching inside the marked zone lines during the catch or landing after a mid-air catch to count.
5. Competitors will get two rounds, the times will be added together for a Final Total and the shortest time and up will determine the placement of the competitors in their divisions.
6. If a competitor takes more that 60 seconds to complete a round they will receive a DNF. Competitors with a DNF will be placed behind any competitors with two qualifying times.
7. In the event of a tie for available awards the competitors involved will compete in a timed one throw twenty yard catch and retrieve sudden death round. The times of this round are only for deciding placements after a tie in the first two rounds.
Long Distance Throw and Catch Rules:
1. Both Novice and Pro divisions will be further divided into Men and Women’s divisions. Throw direction for each division and round will be determined by the Head Judge, but will never change mid-round.
2. Discs allowed for all Long Distance T+C divisions will be the specific disc dog discs of similar weights (108-110 grams). The Wham-O Fastback, Hyperflite Competition Standard K-10, Hero Air 235, or Hero X-tra 235. Discs will be checked by the line judge before the round, and if needed you may be held at the line after your round for the Head Judge to inspect your discs. If you have a question about what discs are allowed, ask at the players' meeting. You may take as many a 6 discs to the start line.
3. Your round will start when judges are ready, your dog is behind the start line, the line judge will wait for your signal that you are ready. The Timer/Announcer will then give you a countdown, “3,2,1, Start.” Your dog may then cross the Start line. You will have 90 seconds to make long distance throws to your dog. You must release each throw from behind the line or a Foot Fault will be called and the throw won‘t count, your dog must come behind the start line between each throw or that throw will not be scored.
4. Distance will be measured to the disc’s position upon the catch and the first contact the dog has with the ground. Your longest throw from each of your two rounds will be added as a total score and the longest total then down will determine placements in the divisions.
5. If you do not have a catch at any distance you will receive a DNF. Any DNF will finish behind any competitor with two qualifying distances.
6. In the event of a tie for an award placement a one throw long distance sudden death throw off will be held to determine the placement only.
Throw and Catch Rules:
1. A field is lined with ten yard increments out to 50 yards. It is 30 yards wide and has two lines 7 yards apart spaced equally in the middle going down the length of the 50 yards.
2. Competitors will have one disc and 90 seconds to score there best 6 throws of however many throw and catch attempts they can get with their dog. All throws must come from behind the Start line or a foot fault will be called and that throw will not be scored. You may give the start line judge a spare disc and can swap discs during your round by handing the disc in play to that judge and receive the spare disc.
3. Your round will start when judges are ready, your dog is behind the start line, the line judge will wait for your signal that you are ready. The Timer/Announcer will then give you a countdown, “3,2,1, Start.” You may throw and your dog may cross the line at “Start”. Time will start and you will make throw and catch attempts into the scoring zones on the field.
4. You will get updates from the Timer/Announcer about your time remaining.
5. Scoring for throw and catches is as follows for the Novice and Really Good Divisions:
6. All of the dog past the ten yard line during the catch is one point. If one Paw is, during the catch or lands, in the 7 yard wide “Accuracy Zone” an extra half point is added.
7. All of the dog past the twenty yard line during the catch is 2 points. If one Paw is, during the catch or lands, in the 7 yard wide “Accuracy Zone” an extra half point is added.
8. All of the dog past the thirty yard line during the catch is 3 points. If one Paw is, during the catch or lands, in the 7 yard wide “Accuracy Zone” an extra half point is added.
9. All of the dog past the Forty yard line during the catch is 4 points. If one Paw is, during the catch or lands, in the 7 yard wide “Accuracy Zone” an extra half point is added.
10. Any catch made during a fully airborne jumping effort by the dog will score an extra .5 per jumping catch. Making a maximum single throw and catch score 5 points.
11. Any catches landing the entire dog outside of the sidelines or past the 50 yard line are out of bounds and are not scored.
12. Any throw made before time is called is scored, but only the best six scored throws are added for your round totals.
13. Your two rounds of Throw and Catch are added for your Throw and Catch total. The highest score then down determine placement in your division.
14. If there is a tie in this event in the award winning placements competitors will have a Sudden Death One Throw and Catch Tie Breaker where the highest one throw and catch wins. These tie breaker points are only for placement in the event’s Divisions.
Over-all Championship Rules
Over-all Championship points will be counted for every handler/dog entry that competes in at least two events in the Novice or Pro Divisions.
Events that score Over-all points are Funstyle, Timed Course, Long Distance Throw and Catch, and Throw and Catch. Points scored in these events will be added together for each handler/dog entry to make an Over-all Championship Point Total.
Placement in the Over-all will be the highest total score then down. If there is a tie for an award winning placement in the Over-all it will be decided by the Throw and Catch Sudden Death Tie Breaker Rules.
Funstyle Over-all Point Scoring: Your two round point total divided by 2. Maximum Score is 30 points.
Timed Course Over-all Point Scoring: Two round total time in seconds subtracted by 120 then divided by -3. This makes two 15 second rounds score 30 Over-all points. If any team scores more then 30 Over-all points the denominator will be changed for all teams in that division so that the shortest time will equal 30 points. Maximum score is 30 points.
Long Distance Throw and Catch Over-all Point Scoring: Men’s Division: two round distance total measured in feet then divided by 16. This makes a 240 foot throw in both rounds score 30 points. Women’s Division: two round distance total measured in feet then divided by 13.33. This makes a 200 foot throw in both rounds score 30 points. If any team in a division scores more then 30 Over-all points the denominator in that division will be changed for all the teams in that division so that the longest total equals 30 points. Maximum Score is 30 points.
Throw and Catch Over-all Point Scoring: Your two round total divided by 2. Maximum score is 30 points.
Good Luck, and Have Fun!
