Click on obstacle for key obstacle specifications

• Three contact obstacles, including the A-frame, see-saw,and dog walk or crossover.
   
• Set of eight to twelve weave poles.
   
• Two tunnels, one collapsible tunnel and one pipe tunnel.
   
• One Table.
   
• One Tire Jump.
   
• Three winged hurdles, one of which must be a spread hurdle.  Other additional hurdles (primarily of a winged-type) may be added to meet minimum obstacle standards for each class level as listed below:

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Contact ObstaclesGO TO OBSTACLE LIST

 NOTE: Crossover table size 32" x 32"
. *See-saw base must be visible on approach.
**Slats required on dog walk & crossover ramps with spacing 12" to 15", and on A-frame with 12" spacing; slats must be minimum 4" above and below contact point edge.  Slats on the lower two-thirds of the A-frame must be between 1/4" and 1/2" in depth and 3/4" and 1-1/2" in width and span the full width of the plank or sidewall (on the A-frame).  Slats on the upper one-third of the A-frame shall not exceed 3/4" in depth, and slats between 1/2" and 3/4" are strongly encouraged.
***In "Performance Program" classes, the A-frame height shall be set at 5'6" (66").

TableGO TO OBSTACLE LIST
 

• Table surface dimension:  36" x 36"
• Table top edge (side view): 3" minimum
• Adjustable in height to 12", 16" & 24"

Weave PolesGO TO OBSTACLE LIST
 

• Number:  minimum 5; maximum 12, with poles minimum 3' height and diameter of approximately 1"; minimum of 8 required in standard agility titling classes.
• Spacing:  18" - 21", with base not to exceed 3.5" in width and 1" in height

Tire JumpGO TO OBSTACLE LIST
 

• Aperture: 17" - 20"
• Sidewall Width:  min. 4"

TunnelsGO TO OBSTACLE LIST

Hurdles, Jumps and SpreadsGO TO OBSTACLE LIST

Note: Two poles are required on each jump in all class levels except Masters; wings must be minimum 36" and ideally 42" - 48" high, and a minimum width of 18".

Effective July 1, 1999, a majority of the hurdles utilized must be "winged" hurdles.
 

Minimum Jump Heights (effective April 1, 1999; early adoption after December 31, 1998 is optional):

   *Should have a slanted ground line pole at back, or back and front
**Front hurdle must be at least 4" lower than jump height

• For round poles, cups must have 1/8" maximum depth not to exceed pole width
• For flat rails, flat holder not to exceed 1-3/4" width
• PVC poles must be Schedule 40, 1" or 1-1/4" i.d. only
• Rails must be approximately 1-1/4" to 1-3/4" square
• Poles, planks and rails between 4' and 5' in length

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Following is a paraphrased synopsis of the basic performance rules for dog agility as set forth in USDAA official rules & regulations.  For a complete copy of the rules, visit the USDAA Marketplace to order a copy.

Contact Obstacles

• Ascend, cross and begin descent to have completed the obstacle
• Leaving the obstacle prior to beginning descent is a refusal
• Special Rules:
  1)  Crossover adds direction; that is, the correct ramps must be taken or deemed wrong course
  2)  See-saw not touching the ground before the dog leaving, but after it begins to tilt, is a fly-off penalty
  3)  Descent is deemed to be begun with one paw in the masters classes and four paws in all other classes

Table or Pause Box

• Down position for five seconds (generally interpreted to mean in a position of rest)
• Special Rules:
  1)  Masters – Cumulative count; Starters, Novice & Advanced – Consecutive count
  2)  Leaving the table before the end of the five second count is penalized only once as a standard fault
  3)  A refusal cannot be penalized once the dog has been on the table

Weave Poles

• Proper entry, entering on the right side of pole #1 and passing through to the left side of pole #2
• After proper entry, the dog must weave down the complete line alternating back and forth without missing a pole
• Special rules:
  1)  Improper entry is a refusal
  2)  Dog may be faulted for a missed pole only once in performance of the obstacle; any errors must be corrected

Tunnels

• Enter and exit in the direction defined
• Special rules:
  1)  "Exiting" the entrance is a refusal; entering the wrong end is wrong course

All Jumps and Hurdles

• Jump in the direction defined above top rail or through tire
• Special rules:
  1)  Jumping or running under the jump or any part thereof in the wrong direction is wrong course
  2)  Jumping a wing or running or jumping beneath the top rail of a jump is a refusal
  3)  Jumping between the tire and frame is a refusal

Hurdle or Obstacle Combinations

• Perform in sequence as defined by the judge
• Special rules:
  1)  Taking obstacles out of sequence is the wrong course
  2)  Refusals are considered on each element of a combination unless otherwise defined by class rules

• Sportsmanship
• Verbal or physical abuse of dog, judge or ring personnel
• Excessive handler assistance, including outside assistance
• No timing devices, training devices, food or toys in ring
• Signs of aggression that show intent to harm; action other than playfulness
• Out of control
• Time infringement and safety issues
• Excessive delay
• Leaving the ring before or after the run, out of control
• Running the wrong course, where fault limits are imposed
  (Starters/Novice/Advanced – Four paw rule; Masters – any part of dog)
• Fouling the ring before, during or after round
• Violation of the four-paw Starters/Novice Safety Rule, which provides that a dog may not reattempt a contact obstacle after a refusal where the dog had been on that obstacle with all four paws

Refusal Faults
A refusal occurs in performance upon occurence of any one of the following:

• Significant hesitation
• Turning back after beginning a focused approach of correct obstacle
• Running out past next obstacle in sequence
• Incomplete performance as defined in the rules

Time Faults
In classes where a standard course time is appropriate, time penalties shall be assessed for each portion of a second (measured to the nearest 1/100th of a second).  The judge shall set a standard course time within the parameter of the rules based upon a number of variable including but not limited to the following:

• Distance
• Course design difficulty/flow assessment
• Site conditions
• Weather, surface conditions, obstructions & hazards

DOGS JUMPING 12":

Class Level	General Range	Absolute Minimum
Starters/Novice	2.00 - 2.25 yps	2.00 yps
Advanced	2.40 - 2.55 yps	2.40 yps
Masters	2.65 - 2.85 yps	2.65 yps

DOGS JUMPING 16":

Class Level	General Range	Absolute Minimum
Starters/Novice	2.00 - 2.25 yps	2.00 yps
Advanced	2.50 - 2.70 yps	2.50 yps
Masters	2.75 - 2.95 yps	2.75 yps

DOGS JUMPING 22" OR 26":

Class Level	General Range	Absolute Minimum
Starters/Novice	2.00 - 2.25 yps	2.00 yps
Advanced	2.75 - 2.95 yps	2.65 yps
Masters	3.00 - 3.30 yps	3.00 yps

Special Rules:

• In Performance classes, three additional seconds shall be allowed.

There are three basic methods for scoring classes in dog aglity -- "Standard Scoring",  "Time-plus-Faults" scoring, and "Point-basis" scoring.

"Standard Scoring" is the preferred method for standard agility and jumping classes, though "Time-plus-Faults" scoring may alternatively be utilized.  Classes scored pursuant to "Standard Scoring" are run against a "Standard Course Time" or "SCT" that is set by the judge.  In titling classes that utilize the standard scoring method, strict time standards are prescribed for each level of competition (i.e., Starters, Advanced, Masters, etc.).  Fault penalties are assessed for each infraction as defined under the rules and for exceeding the SCT.  The dog with the fewest total penalties is the winner; in the event of a tie, the dog with the fastest time is the winner, unless some other tie-breaking method is specified.  Penalties are assessed pursuant to the following table of faults:

Comparison of Class Scoring (As of January 1, 1999)

FAULT DESCRIPTION	Starters/Novice	Advanced	Masters
CONTACT OBSTACLES
Missed contact zones Flyoff	5 faults 5 faults	5 faults 5 faults	5 faults 5 faults
WEAVE POLES
First missed pole	0 faults	5 faults	5 faults
HURDLES, JUMPS & WISHING WELL
Displace top pole or plank	5 faults	5 faults	5 faults
Touching base of wishing well	5 faults***	5 faults***	5 faults***
Failure to clear jump span	5 faults	5 faults	5 faults
TABLE
Leaving the table prior to end of count	5 faults***	5 faults***	5 faults***
Anticipation of end of count	5 faults	5 faults	5 faults
HANDLING
Handler or Outside Assistance	5 - 20 faults, or "E"
Refusals (including runouts)	0 faults	5 faults*	5 faults
Wrong course	5 faults	20 faults	"E"
Three refusals (including runouts)	0 faults	"E"**	"E"
Single omission	20 faults****	"E"	"E"

    *Contact obstacles only
  **Single contact obstacle, not cumulative on course
***Maximum penalty of 5 points for individual obstacle for this infraction
****Multiple omission is "E"

"Time-plus-Faults" scoring is utilized in classes that wish to emphasize speed, such as relay classes; however, this method may also be utilized in standard agility and jumpers classes.  The score is the dog's actual performance time on course plus any penalties assessed for improper performance as indicated above for "Standard Scoring".  The dog with the fastest time after the addition of fault penalties is the winner.  In case of a tie, a jump-off is run to determine the winner unless another method of breaking the tie is specified.

"Point Basis" scoring is utilized in nonstandard classes such as gamblers, snooker and other specialty classes, wherein the judge assigns point values to each of the obstacles and establishes a time parameter during which points may be accumulated in performance; points are awarded for successful (i.e., no faults) performance of each obstacle.  The dog with the highest number of points accumulated in the round is the winner.  In the event of a tie, the fastest dog is the winner unless another method for breaking the tie is specified.

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Dog agility classes are generally referred to in two groups - "Standard" and "Nonstandard".  "Standard Agility" or "Standard Performance" refers to the basic class, wherein all obstacles are utilized in a predefined sequence as set forth by the judge.  The class is generally scored pursuant to the "Standard Scoring Method", but may alternatively be scored on a "Time-plus-Faults" basis if a class is being held for other than titling purposes.  See Scoring Methods for definition.

Nonstandard classes are all other classes, including those classes that represent variations from the "Standard" classes.  Examples of more common nonstandard classes and that are held for USDAA title certificates are described below:

Gamblers
Gamblers is a point-basis class wherein handler develops their a strategy for defining their own course to accumulate as many points as possible during the time allotted by the judge.  Typically, any obstacle can be performed twice for points and the handler may choose what obstacles they wish to perform.  The judge may impose restrictions on the sequences permissible (e.g., two different contact obstacles may be performed in sequence without first taking a non-contact obstacle) and may specify special challenges to earn bonus points (e.g., a short obstacle sequence where the handler is limited as to their movement or distance from the dog).  A more detailed description of the class setting forth requirements for title can be found in Chapter 6 of USDAA official rules and regulations booklet.

Jumpers
Jumpers is a class that excludes all contact obstacles and occasionally weave poles.  In other words, it is comprised of hurdles and tunnels, but may also include weave poles.  It may be scored pursuant to standard scoring or on a time-plus-faults basis, depending on how much emphasis is to be placed upon speed.  For USDAA titling classes, standard scoring must be utilized.  Rates for establishing SCT for different levels of competition are set forth in the rules. A more detailed description of the class setting forth requirements for title can be found in Chapter 6 of USDAA official rules and regulations booklet.

Relay
Relay classes are those that include two or more dog/handler teams competing on a course together.  The course may be split, wherein each team member runs a segment, or each team member may run the entire course (when teams are all of the same jump height class).  A course may include all of the obstacles other than the table, which may be used as a start, finish or baton exchange point.  Since speed is an inherent element in any type of relay competition, the class is generally scored on a time-plus-faults basis, though standard scoring could be used if less emphasis on speed was intended.  For USDAA titling purposes, teams must be classified as "mini-" or "open", meaning that the dogs jumping 12" and 16" must be paired together (the mini's) and dogs jumping 22" and 26" must be paired together.  A "Qualifying Course Time" is established by the judge under which teams must score after faults are added; hence, a round with faults may qualify, provided their performance time is fast enough to allow for the addition of penalties.  A more detailed description of the class setting forth requirements for title can be found in Chapter 6 of USDAA official rules and regulations booklet.

Snooker
Named after the billiards game popular in Great Britain, snooker is a point-basis class wherein a handler develops their stategy for accumulating as many points as possible during the allotted time by performing the obstacles in "Snooker" sequence, which is defined by color.  A "Red" obstacle is almost always a displaceable hurdle (required for USDAA titling classes) and a "Color" obstacle refers to an obstacle designated as a color other than red (i.e., yellow, green, brown, blue, pink or black).  The colors are assigned to the obstacles with point values as shown in the table below:

 SNOOKER COLOR/POINT TABLE

Colors are assigned by the judge to the obstacles based upon their relative difficulty, as determined by their nature or by their placement on the course.

Color	Point Value
Red	1
Yellow	2
Green	3
Brown	4
Blue	5
Pink	6
Black	7

The snooker class consists of an opening sequence immediately followed by a closing sequence, both of which must be performed in the overall performance time allotted by the judge.
The opening sequence is "Red-Color-Red-Color-Red-Color, and so on until all "Red" obstacles (and their following "Color" obstacle) have been performed; however, if a "Red" is faulted while performing the sequence, the "Color" opportunity immediately following that "Red" is lost.  It is frequently said that you must perform a "Red" successfully to earn the right to perform a "Color" for additional points.  No points are earned for faulted obstacles.

Once all "Reds" have been performed (including the "Color" of handler's choice following each "Red", the "Closing Sequence" begins.  The closing sequence is "Yellow-Green-Brown-Blue-Pink-Black (i.e., the "Colors" in increasing point value as defined).

The round is over when the course time allotment expires, when a fault occurs in the closing sequence, an improper sequence of obstacles is performed, or the dog has completed the entire course.  A dog's score is the number of points earned during their round.

The maximum score possible in the opening sequence is determined by the number of "Reds" defined in the course plan by the judge.  If three "Reds" are defined, then the maximum number of points is 24; if four "Reds are defined, then the maximum is 32 points; and so forth.  The maximum can be achieved by performing each "Red" successfully (1 point apiece) and then following each "Red" with the "Black" obstacle, which is worth 7 points each time it is performed successfully.  So the maximum points possible in the opening sequence is 8 points times the number of "Reds".  The maximum point value of the closing sequence is always 27 points, which is the sum of the Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Pink and Black obstacles.  Therefore, the maximum possible score in snooker is defined by the sum of possible points in the opening and closing sequences.  For a course with three "Reds", the highest score possible is 51 points; with four "Reds" it is 59 points; with five "Reds" it is 67 points.  Typically, a course will only have three or four "Reds".  The number is determined by the judge's course plan.  A qualifying score for USDAA title is a minimum of 37 points.  Qualifying placements must also be earned for title certification purposes.

A more detailed description of the class setting forth requirements for title can be found in Chapter 6 of USDAA official rules and regulations booklet.

Other Classes

A variety of other classes, including variations on the above classes are occasionally offered on a competitive basis.  These might include Time Gamble, Boxed Pairs, Strategic Pairs, Choose Your Own Course, Power & Speed, and more!  Detailed descriptions of these classes when offered at an event shall be provided in the Agility Test Schedule (the official listing of classes and entry form, along with detailed provisions and conditions for entry) for the event.
 

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