Official Rules & Regulations

Transcription

1 Official Rules & Regulations As of January 1, 2013 SPONSORED BY

2 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 2 of 79 Table of Contents Ch. 1. GENERAL INFORMATION... 6 What is Rally Obedience?... 6 Goal of APDT Rally For All Dogs... 6 Eligibility... 6 Exercise Modification Request... 7 Entering a Trial... 7 Ring Procedure... 7 Trial Site Defined... 8 Collars and Leashes... 8 Injuries and Lameness... 8 Elimination... 8 Aggressive Dog Behavior... 8 Exhibitor Conduct... 9 APDT Rally Web Site For Exhibitors For Trial Hosts For Dog Trainers Exhibitor Inquiries Exhibitor Grievances Hosting a Rally Trial Ch. 2. PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES Performing Exercises Heel Position Rewards Luring Commands / Cues Retries Sign Placement Multiple Sign Stations Walk-Throughs Course Time Start Finish Bonus Exercise Scoring Guidelines Point Deduction Points Deduction Depending on the Severity of the Error Points Deduction Points Deduction Non-Qualifying (NQ) Ch. 3. LEVEL Level 1 Exercises... 17

3 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 3 of 79 Table of Contents Level 1 Bonus Exercises Ch. 4. LEVEL Level 2 Exercises Level 2 Bonus Exercises Jump Heights Jump Construction Ch. 5. LEVEL Level 3 Exercises Level 3 Bonus Exercises Ch. 6. LEVEL PUPPY Eligibility Puppy Level Class Puppy Course Ch. 7. LEVEL VETERAN Eligibility Veteran Level Class Veteran Course Level 1 Exercises Not Allowed in a Veteran Course Level 2 Exercises Not Allowed in a Veteran Course Level 3 Exercises Not Allowed in a Veteran Course Ch. 8. LEVEL JUNIOR Goal of Junior Level Eligibility Juniors Pre-Juniors Junior Level Class Courses Junior Courses Pre-Junior Courses Chart of Level Junior Rally Exercises Ch. 9. TITLES Summary of Individual Level Titles and Championship Titles Summary of Combined Level Championship Titles Level Titles APDT Rally Level 1 (RL1) Title APDT Rally Level 2 (RL2) Title APDT Rally Level 3 (RL3) Title APDT Rally Level Veteran (RLV) Title APDT Rally Level Puppy (RLP) Title APDT Rally Junior 1 (RJR1) Title APDT Rally Junior 2 (RJR2) Title (Teams must earn the RJR1 title before entering Junior 2) APDT Rally Junior 3 (RJR3) Title (Teams must earn the RJR2 title before entering Junior 3)... 47

4 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 4 of 79 Table of Contents Award of Excellence Championship Titles Individual Level Championship Titles Combined Level Championship Titles Title Certificates Ch. 10. HOSTING A TRIAL Eligibility / Who May Host a Rally Trial Equipment Required Ring Size Trial Officials / Staff Forms and Procedures Trial Sanction Application Judge Compensation Guidelines Judge s Contract Trial Premium Dog Registration Numbers Trial Paperwork Responsibilities to the APDT Responsibilities to the Judges Judge s Class Apprentice Judges Responsibilities to the Exhibitors Entries During the Trial Staffing the Trial Desk Steward Timing Steward Scoring Steward Gate/Ring Steward Trial Monitor Optional: Chief Course Builder Trial Committee Trial Chairperson Trial Secretary Awards Chairperson Hospitality Chairperson Advertising Ribbons and Rosettes Special Awards for Junior Level Classes Ch. 11. JUDGES Responsibilities Ethics Philosophy of Scoring... 63

5 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 5 of 79 Table of Contents Assignments Pre-Trial Day of Trial Attire Ring Condition Nesting Courses Judging the Performance Excusals Official s Conduct Committee Continuing Education Requirements for Judges Qualifications Level 1 Judge Qualifications Level 2 Judge Qualifications Level 3 Judge Qualifications Apprentice Judge Procedures Ch. 12. COURSE DESIGN GUIDELINES General Guidelines Start and Finish Signs Layout Stationary and Moving Exercises Layout Bonus Exercise Layout Ring Size Exercise Sign Placement Exercise Sign Usage Sample Course Designs Level 1 Course Design Guidelines Level 2 Course Design Guidelines Level 2 Course Requirements Level 3 Course Design Guidelines Level 3 Course Requirements Puppy Level Course Design Guidelines Veteran Level Course Design Guidelines Ch. 13. NATIONAL RANKINGS Calculation of National Rankings National Rankings Reports and Certificates Top 20 Overall National Rankings by Title Category Canadian National Rankings Veteran Level Appendix Chart of Rally Exercises Appendix Summary of Rally Levels Appendix Summary of Rally Junior Levels... 79

6 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 6 of 79 Chapter 1. General Information Ch. 1. GENERAL INFORMATION What is Rally Obedience? Rally Obedience is a fun and exciting team sport for pet dogs and their handlers in which teams navigate a course with numbered signs indicating different behaviors to perform, such as sit-down-sit, come, weave through cones, and send over a jump. You and your dog can participate from Puppy to Veteran level, whether disabled or well-bodied. Different from traditional obedience, in APDT Rally you can talk to your dog and use food rewards. Plus, there are 63 possible exercises and 9 bonus exercises arranged in a new order for every course, so there is variety and challenge in each experience, whether in class or at an APDT Rally trial! Goal of APDT Rally For All Dogs APDT Rally is intended to promote positive relationships between dogs and owners that are based on trust and mutual respect. To this end, APDT Rally Rules and Judging Guidelines encourage positive reinforcement and rewards during APDT Rally competitions and prohibit the use of physical or harsh verbal corrections. The goal is for APDT Rally to be accessible and enjoyable for all dogs and their owners. APDT Rally is truly APDT Rally For All Dogs! Eligibility Dogs must be registered with APDT Rally in order to be eligible to compete. There is a one-time registration fee per dog-owner team. Discounts are given for proof of spay/neuter of dog and for APDT members. Registration and current fee information is available on the APDT Rally site. Registration may be obtained online or by mailing a registration form to the APDT Rally Office. Upon completion of online registration, a temporary registration number is issued, which may be used until the permanent number is issued. All breeds of dogs and mixed-breed dogs that are at least six months of age are eligible to compete in APDT Rally for All Dogs. Female dogs in estrus may not compete. Dogs may be exhibited at all levels of APDT Rally by the owner or by a member of the owner s immediate family, which is defined as a mother, father, spouse, life partner, brother, sister, child, grandparent, or grandchild. Dogs with varying physical challenges that do not cause pain are allowed and encouraged to compete in APDT Rally. Exhibitors with disabilities are allowed and encouraged to compete in APDT Rally. Motorized scooters and wheel chairs are allowed.

7 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 7 of 79 Chapter 1. General Information Exercise Modification Request In the event a dog's or exhibitor s disabilities prevent the team from performing an exercise as described, the handler shall provide the Judge with an Exercise Modification Form (forms are provided by the Trial Host) which shall include a written description of how the exhibitor intends to perform any of the course exercises that must be modified to accommodate the dog's or exhibitor s particular disability. The form must be submitted prior to the start of the class and approximate, as closely as possible, the original course exercise. Approval of the Exercise Modification is at the discretion of the Judge. If the Judge approves the modification(s), the Judge will initial and attach the Exercise Modification Form to the team's score sheet. Exhibitors may speak with the specific Judge under whom they will trial for any judging-related questions. All exercises on the course must be completed, and no exercises may be omitted. All APDT Rally teams, including teams requesting exercise modifications, will be judged in accordance with the current rules and guidelines. Judging guidelines may not be modified, and a modification must not be a request for leniency in the judging. An example of an appropriate Exercise Modification request is to lower the jump for a dog that has previously had torn cruciate ligament surgery. In the interest of safety, this is a proactive request. An example of an inappropriate Exercise Modification request is to request additional time to complete the course if a dog has arthritis and moves slowly. The latter is a blanket request for leniency in judging, and not a request to modify an exercise. Exhibitors are welcome to the Officiating Judge in advance of a trial for any specific questions regarding modification requests. Entering a Trial The Trial Host will make available a premium with pertinent information and an entry form. Entries and fees are submitted directly to the Trial Secretary designated in the premium. Any questions regarding the trial should be submitted to the person(s) designated in the premium. Confirmation of entries shall be sent to each participant. Trial Hosts may not accept entries that do not include a valid APDT Rally registration number. Ring Procedure Exhibitors must wait for the Judge to indicate they are to enter the ring and must then go directly to the Start sign. The Judge will ask if the team is ready and if so, will indicate the team is to begin. All dogs must enter and leave the ring on-leash. In off-leash classes the Judge will either take the leash from the exhibitor and keep the leash until the team is done, or the leash may be handed to the Ring Steward. The Judge will advise the exhibitors of the procedure during the walk-through and Judge s briefing. The entrance and/or entrance and exit to the ring must be kept open. Openings may not be closed or blocked by stewards, spectators, etc. in order to keep a dog from leaving the ring.

8 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 8 of 79 Chapter 1. General Information Trial Site Defined Trial site includes the crating area, warm up area, outside exercise area, parking lot, and any place occupied by the dogs and handlers entered in the day s trials. Collars and Leashes Dogs must be shown in a flat buckle or snap collar, a properly fitted limited-slip collar (Martingale), or standard harness. Dogs should wear not more than one collar in the ring. Collars may have tags on them provided they do not interfere with the dog s motion. APDT does not allow the use of choke chains, slip collars, prong collars, head halters, "no-pull" harnesses, and one piece collar/leashes or slip leashes. Decorations and/or costumes are not allowed. Leashes must be made of materials such as leather, nylon, or cotton. Retractable and metal chain leashes are not allowed. While not in the ring, dogs are required to be on leash at all times unless they are confined to a fenced-in exercise area, crate, or designated off-leash area. Choke chains and prong collars are not permitted on trial site grounds. Injuries and Lameness Any dog that is brought into the ring with bandages, stitches, or tape must be excused by the Judge and may not be brought back into the ring later, even if the bandages or tape have been removed. Any dog that appears in pain, discomfort, or lame must be excused by the Judge. The Judge s decision is final and will be based on his/her observation of the dog on the day of the event. Elimination Any dog that eliminates in the ring or demonstrates illness, such as vomiting, must be excused by the Judge and give a non-qualifying score for that run. Aggressive Dog Behavior Effective 6/15/2016, this section has been replaced with "WCRL Rules of Conduct" and "Disciplinary Action Complaint Hearing Form" at Any dog that in the officiating Judge s or Trial Host s opinion exhibits threatening behavior inappropriately or threatens the safety of any persons or dogs while in the ring will receive a non-qualifying score and be excused from the ring and the trial site. Refusal of the handler to comply shall result in permanent removal of that dog and that handler s APDT Rally eligibility. Any dog that in the officiating Judge s or Trial Host s opinion exhibits threatening behavior inappropriately or threatens the safety of any persons or dogs while on the trial site will be excused from the competition. In order to ensure the safety of others, the officials shall request that the dog be removed from the trial site or confined in such a manner as to remove the threat to others. Refusal by the handler to comply shall result in permanent removal of that dog and that handler's APDT Rally eligibility.

9 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 9 of 79 Chapter 1. General Information Threatening or aggressive behavior includes, but is not limited to, snarling, baring teeth, growling, and/or air-snapping. Any dog that without provocation attempts to bite/attack or bites/attacks another dog or person inside and/or outside the ring will be removed from the trial site immediately and will be permanently banned from all sanctioned APDT events. Effective 6/15/2016, this section has been replaced with "WCRL Rules of Conduct" and "Disciplinary Action Complaint Hearing Form" at Any officiating Judge and/or Trial Host witnessing threatening or aggressive behavior must file a report on any incidents of aggression with the APDT Rally Office within one week of the trial date. The owner of any dog that exhibits threatening behavior anywhere on the trial site will be issued a written warning from the APDT Rally Office. A second warning will result in permanent suspension of the dog s APDT Rally eligibility. A written warning will be sent to the owner by the APDT Rally Office by certified mail and the warning will go in the dog s records. Two complaints for threatening or aggressive behavior filed against an individual will result in that individual being unable to participate in or attend APDT Rally events for a period of two years. A list of banned dogs is maintained by the APDT Rally Office and will be routinely published in the monthly Rally Officials Newsletter. Any dog with a warning from the APDT Office will NOT be allowed to enter in a Junior's class, nor any off-lead exercise or class, i.e. Level 2, Level 3, and Veteran. Safety for all, and setting the dog up for success, is of utmost importance. Exhibitor Conduct Any exhibitor or person on the trial site that in the officiating Judge s or Trial Host s opinion exhibits threatening or inappropriate behavior may be excused from the ring and the trial site grounds. Effective 6/15/2016, this section has been replaced with "WCRL Rules of Conduct" and "Disciplinary Action Complaint Hearing Form" at Threatening or inappropriate behavior may include but is not limited to shouting, foul language, argumentative or unsportsmanlike behavior. Upon entering a trial exhibitors agree to abide by the Trial Host s rules. Failure to do so will result in being excused from the trial site. Any Trial Host excusing an exhibitor from the trial site must file a report to the APDT Rally Office within one week of the trial date. Two complaints filed against an exhibitor and confirmed by APDT will result in that exhibitor being unable to participate in or attend APDT Rally events for a period of two years. Any officiating Judge or Trial Host witnessing threatening or inappropriate behavior by an exhibitor must file a report with the APDT Rally Office within one week of the trial date.

10 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 10 of 79 Chapter 1. General Information Effective 6/15/2016, this section has been replaced with "WCRL Rules of Conduct" and "Disciplinary Action Complaint Hearing Form" at Officiating Judges may excuse any exhibitor who delivers harsh corrections toward their dog while in the ring. Harsh corrections are not allowed and will be scored as non-qualifying. Harsh corrections include harsh tones (yelling at or intimidating dog with tone of voice), physical corrections (rolling a dog on his back, grabbing, hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, pinching, muzzle popping, or finger jabs), and leash corrections (also known as leash pops, leash jerks, or leash checks). Officiating Judges or the Trial Host may excuse an exhibitor or any person from the event who delivers harsh corrections (which include harsh tones [yelling at or intimidating dog with tone of voice,] physical corrections [rolling a dog on his back, grabbing, hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, pinching, muzzle popping, or finger jabs,] and/or leash corrections [also known as leash pops, leash jerks, or leash checks]) while on the trial site. APDT Rally Web Site Find the following information and more on the APDT Rally web site: For Exhibitors Class Information: Search for an APDT Rally class. Forms and Applications: Download the Dog Registration form, Junior Registration form, Administrative Research Request Form, Incident Reports, and Score and Title Tracking forms. National Rankings: View current and previous years National Rankings for the USA and Canada. Newsletter: View the latest Rally Newsletter and sign up to receive the newsletter. Register for Rally: Register your dog online to receive a temporary registration number immediately, which is valid for entering APDT Rally trials. Rules and Guidelines: View and download APDT Rally Rules and Guidelines. Trial Calendar: See the calendar for upcoming Sanctioned Trials, Pending Trials, and Rally Run- Throughs. Trial Record Lookup: Enter your dog s Rally Registration number and breed to view and download all scores and titles for your dog. Store: Purchase T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other merchandise with the APDT Rally logo. For Trial Hosts Forms and Applications: Download the Trial Sanction Application, Revised Trial Sanction Application, Trial Score Reporting Sheet, Post-Trial Reporting Summary, Judge Evaluation Form, Exercise Modification Form, and Rally Exercise Signs (free to download and print). Register for Rally: Refer dog owners to the web site to register their dog, and they immediately receive a temporary registration number with which to enter your trial! Rules and Guidelines: View and download APDT Rally Rules and Guidelines, and Rally Exercise Signs (free to download and print).

11 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 11 of 79 Chapter 1. General Information Trial Calendar: Review the calendar for upcoming Sanctioned Trials, Pending Trials, and Rally Run-Throughs. Contact the Rally Office for updates to listings. Submit an Event listing for Rally Matches, Run-Throughs, and Practice Groups. Officials: Search for all approved APDT Rally Judges by state. Store: Purchase laminated APDT Rally exercise signs. Purchase T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other merchandise with the APDT Rally logo. For Dog Trainers Class Information: Download Rally lesson plans (for APDT Members). Submit your Rally class for listing on the APDT online class listing. Read an article on How to Start a Rally Class. Rules and Guidelines: View and download APDT Rally Rules and Guidelines, as well as Rally Exercise Signs (free to download and print). Exhibitor Inquiries Exhibitors may download an Administrative Request Form from the APDT Rally web site or contact the APDT Rally Office via or phone for the following inquiries and requests: examine discrepancies in their online records lookup a dog registration number or change registration information update owner name, co-owner name, address, phone, and/or reprint a title certificate; the fee for reprinted or duplicate certificates is $5.00 Exhibitor Grievances Effective 6/15/2016, this section has been replaced with "WCRL Rules of Conduct" and "Disciplinary Action Complaint Hearing Form" at Exhibitors with grievances regarding events, Trial Hosts, Trial Officials, other exhibitors, dogs, or courses may submit a written complaint to the Trial Host the day of the trial. The Trial Host shall submit this complaint to the APDT Rally Office with the trial paperwork. An Incident Report form may be downloaded from the APDT Rally web site. Exhibitors may also submit individual complaints after the trial directly to the APDT Rally Office via or US Mail. Hosting a Rally Trial Sanctioned Rally trials can be hosted by any organization or individual. Trial events are listed on the APDT Rally web site. Trials may be held either indoors or outdoors. Trials may include Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Puppy, Veteran, and Junior classes but need not include all levels. Up to three trials may be held in the same day. Please refer to Hosting a Rally Trial in the Rules and Guidelines for full details. The recommended Rally ring size is approximately 50 x 80 feet for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses. Minimum ring size is 40 x 50 feet. Please refer to Hosting a Rally Trial in the Rules and Guidelines for full details.

12 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 12 of 79 Chapter 2. Performance Guidelines Ch. 2. PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES Performing Exercises The handler should perform all exercises within approximately 2 to 4 feet of the exercise sign. Heel Position The dog is considered in heel position when the dog is on the handler s left side, both dog and handler are facing the same direction, and the handler can reach out and touch the dog s head. Rewards Food and touch rewards are allowed when the team has completed a Stationary exercise (exercise descriptions note if an exercise is considered Stationary) and before the team has begun to heel forward towards the next exercise. An exercise is considered complete when the last element of an exercise has been performed and the team has not yet begun to move forward. In instances where Stationary exercises are married or share a common sit, rewards may be given at the completion of any of the included Stationary exercises. Exhibitors are also allowed to give a treat at the Start Line. All food must be concealed in the handler s pocket. It may not be carried in hand or in the handler s mouth. Bait pouches and fanny packs are not allowed in the ring. Dogs must maintain their stationary position while being given the reward. Delivery of rewards should not significantly interrupt the flow of the performance. Luring Luring is the appearance of having a reward in hand and/or leading the dog with an extended hand or finger for an extended period of time. An example of this is holding the thumb and first two fingers together as if holding a treat. No treat need be present. Handlers who appear to be luring and/or lure their dogs will receive a non-qualifying score. Commands / Cues Commands/cues may be spoken or signaled. If both are used and given simultaneously they are considered a single cue. Additional cues are defined as any cue that prompts the dog to perform when the dog is not complying. Handlers are encouraged to communicate with their dogs throughout the course. Praise and encouragement are not considered cues. Retries Retries are allowed if the team has not started performing the next exercise on the course. When an exercise is retried, all previous point deductions for that exercise are erased; however, the team will be

13 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 13 of 79 Chapter 2. Performance Guidelines issued a 3 point deduction per each retry. An exercise may be retried a maximum of 3 times. Some exercises may not be retried. (See Non-Qualifying in the Scoring Guidelines below.) Sign Placement Signs must be placed so that they are on the handler s right with the following exceptions: Turns and pivots may be placed directly in the handler s path. Exercises # 26 Spiral Left, # 29 Straight Figure 8, # 30 Serpentine, # 31 Off-Set Figure 8, and # 43 Send Over Jumps Handler Runs By signs are placed so that they are on the handler s left. When halts and pivots are combined, it may be necessary to place a sign so that it is on the handler s left. Judges shall make handlers aware of this during the Judge s briefing. In some circumstances due to space constraints or safety issues, a sign may be placed in a position other than the handler s right. Judges shall make handlers aware of this during the Judge s briefing. Multiple Sign Stations Multiple sign stations are designed to share a stationary element (e.g. # 1 HALT Sit and # 3 HALT Sit Down). The team may choose to perform the shared element (Sit) once or may move forward after completing the first sign to perform the second sign separately. Walk-Throughs Exhibitors are provided with a 10-minute period at the beginning of each class during which to walk the course (without dogs) and ask the Judge questions. If there are more than 20 competitors, an additional 10 minutes will be provided after every 20 competitors have walked the course. All walkthroughs will be held before judging of the entire class begins. Walk-throughs are for entered exhibitors only. Junior handlers may have a parent accompany them. Disabled handlers may have a helper assist them at the discretion of the Judge. Course Time APDT Rally Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Puppy Level courses have a maximum course time of 4 minutes. Junior Level courses have a maximum course time of 5 minutes. There is no maximum course time for a Veteran Level course. Start Judging begins when the team enters the ring, and the Judge will indicate to the team that it may begin. Timing will begin when the team crosses the start line. The dog does not have to be sitting in heel position to begin the course. Teams should cross the start line at their normal heeling pace. Finish Timing concludes as the team crosses the finish line. Judging ends when the team leaves the ring.

14 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 14 of 79 Chapter 2. Performance Guidelines Bonus Exercise The Bonus exercise is optional and is performed after the team crosses the finish line and timing stops. Teams may earn up to ten additional points for the Bonus performance. There is one Bonus exercise on each course. The Bonus is scored the same as other exercises; while repeat cues are permitted, there are no retries of the Bonus exercise. Scoring Guidelines Each team enters the ring with a perfect score of 200 points. Deductions are taken based on the exercise requirements and the scoring guidelines. Deductions are taken in 1 point increments from a minimum of a 1 point up to a 10 point deduction. The Judge indicates point deductions on the score sheet as faults occur on the course. 1 Point Deduction Tight leash (1 point per occurrence) Jumping on handler (1 point per occurrence) Ticking a jump Performing an exercise with the sign on the wrong side Out of position sits, downs, fronts, stands (handler must be able to touch dog) Heeling faults lagging, forging, bumping, wide Overly large circles in 270 s and 360 s exercises Dog changing stationary position during food or touch rewards 1+ Points Deduction Depending on the Severity of the Error Slight movement during Stand exercises (1 point per paw) Barking Failure to perform all elements of an exercise as described in the exercise description 3 Points Deduction Each retry is scored as a 3 point deduction; any deductions previously taken for that exercise will be erased with the retry Additional commands/cues or prompts when dog is failing to perform (3 points per occurrence) Dropping the leash (Level 1 and Puppy) Handler dropping food Failure of the dog to move with handler as specified in exercise description Handler stepping inside 6 foot line when sending dog over jump in # 43 Send Over Jumps Handler Runs By Sniffing a food bowl (3 points per occurrence)

15 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 15 of 79 Knocking over a cone or exercise sign Chapter 2. Performance Guidelines Splitting a cone, i.e. dog and handler pass on opposite sides of a cone 5 Points Deduction Failure to sit, down, or stand, with the following exceptions (Also see Non-Qualifying): o o o o o # 1 HALT Sit # 45 Moving Down Forward # 59 Right Turn, 1-2 Steps Down Dog Forward # 60 Left Turn, 1-2 Steps Down Dog Forward # 61 HALT Leave Dog Down on Recall / # 62 Turn, Recall, Down, Recall, Finish or Forward Extra sit, down, or stand when not specified in exercise description Failure to perform a finish as indicated in exercise description Failure of handler to pivot Handler is in front of jump/uprights when sending dog over in # 43 Send Over Jumps Handler Runs By Performing an obstacle exercise backwards or in the wrong direction Performing a turn in the wrong direction Failure to change pace Dog leaves the ring but returns to handler immediately upon being recalled. In other words, if the dog briefly breaks the plane of ring entrance or exit with one or more paws, but it is apparent that the dog is still actively working with the handler and immediately returns to handler upon recall, a 5 point deduction is taken. (Also see Non-Qualifying.) Non-Qualifying (NQ) The following exercises may be retried as per the Retries guidelines, but if after retrying, the dog still has not successfully completed the exercise, it will result in an NQ: Failure of dog to Sit in # 1 HALT Sit (Also see 5 Point Deduction.) Failure of dog to maintain Stay in the following exercises: o # 5 HALT Sit Walk Around o #6 HALT Sit Down Walk Around o # 49 Moving Stand Walk Around

16 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 16 of 79 Chapter 2. Performance Guidelines Failure of dog to Down in the following exercises (Also see 5 Point Deduction): o o o o # 45 Moving Down Forward # 59 Right Turn, 1-2 Steps Down Dog Forward # 60 Left Turn, 1-2 Steps Down Dog Forward # 61 HALT Leave Dog Down on Recall / # 62 Turn, Recall, Down, Recall, Finish or Forward The following exercises may NOT be retried: Dog refuses any jump and passes jump uprights, uses jump as aid in going over, knocks bar off, or knocks jump over This is scored as an immediate NQ Dog advances forward on Level 2 and Level 3 recall exercises before being called This is scored as an immediate NQ The following situations will result in an NQ: Deductions of ten or more points at the completion of any individual exercise Dog fully exits the ring and is no longer actively working with handler, and/or dog does not return immediately upon recall if dog steps out of ring (Also see 5 Point Deduction.) Dog eliminates in the ring, or becomes ill in the ring Consistently tight leash Unmanageable behavior Exceeding course time Appearance of luring Handler misses an exercise or performs an exercise out of sequence (off course) Handler touches dog to prompt an exercise (unless specifically allowed in exercise description) Food reward given before exercise is completed (except Puppy and Veteran Levels) Food reward is given while moving towards an exercise sign (except Puppy and Veteran Levels)

17 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 17 of 79 Chapter 3. Level 1 Ch. 3. LEVEL 1 A Level 1 course consists of exercise signs (not counting the Start, Finish, and Bonus exercise signs.) Level 1 is divided into two classes: A and B. The A class is for teams who are working towards earning their Level 1 title. Once a team has earned their Level 1 title, the team may continue to compete in Level 1, but move into the B class. A and B classes are run on the same course. The classes may be run together; however, teams only compete with other teams in their class division. Level 1 is performed on leash. The leash should be held so that there is no tension on the dog s collar when in heel position. It may be held in one or both hands. Hand position may change during the course. The handler should perform all exercises within approximately 2 to 4 feet of the exercise sign. Refer to General Information and Performance Guidelines in the Rules and Guidelines for general rules and scoring. Refer to Rally Course Design Guidelines in the Rules and Guidelines for details on Level 1 course design requirements. Level 1 Exercises 1. HALT Sit The handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting the team may proceed. STATIONARY EXERCISE 2. HALT Sit Stand The handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting the handler cues the dog to stand. The handler may leave heel position to stack or pose the dog as in conformation competition. The handler may touch the dog to help position the stand. The handler may not physically force the dog to stand. Once the dog is standing and the handler has returned to heel position the team may proceed. STATIONARY EXERCISE

18 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 18 of 79 Chapter 3. Level 1 3. HALT Sit Down The handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting the handler cues the dog to lie down. Once the dog is down the team may proceed. STATIONARY EXERCISE 4. HALT Sit Down Sit The handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting the handler cues the dog to lie down. Once the dog is down the handler cues the dog sit. Once the dog is sitting the team may proceed. STATIONARY EXERCISE 5. HALT Sit Walk Around The handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting the handler cues the dog to stay and walks counterclockwise around the dog returning to heel position. The handler may pause or immediately heel forward from the sit. The dog must remain in the sitting position once the stay cue has been given until the handler proceeds at heel. STATIONARY EXERCISE 6. HALT Sit Down Walk Around The handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting the handler cues the dog to lie down. Once the dog is down the handler cues the dog to stay and walks counterclockwise around the dog returning to heel position. The handler may pause or immediately heel forward from the down. The dog must remain in the down position once the stay cue has been given until the handler proceeds at heel. STATIONARY EXERCISE

19 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 19 of 79 Chapter 3. Level 1 7. Right Turn The team performs a 90 turn to the right. MOVING EXERCISE 8. Left Turn The team performs a 90 turn to the left. MOVING EXERCISE 9. About Turn Right The team performs a 180 turn to the right. MOVING EXERCISE 10. About U Turn The team performs a 180 turn to the left. MOVING EXERCISE

20 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 20 of 79 Chapter 3. Level Right (Turn) The team performs a 270 turn that begins to the handler s right. MOVING EXERCISE Left (Turn) The team performs a 270 turn that begins to the handler s left. MOVING EXERCISE Right (Turn) The team performs a 360 turn to the right. The circle should be roughly the size of a hula hoop. MOVING EXERCISE Left (Turn) The team performs a 360 turn to the left. The circle should be roughly the size of a hula hoop. MOVING EXERCISE

21 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 21 of 79 Chapter 3. Level Call (Dog) Front Forward Right The handler stops his/her forward motion and calls the dog to sit at front. The handler may take three to four steps backward while calling the dog to front. Once the dog is sitting the handler will cue the dog to perform the Forward Right. The handler will cue the dog to circle the handler clockwise, going behind the handler s back and proceeding to the handler s left side. The team will proceed forward as the dog comes into position at the handler s left. The dog does not sit in heel position. The handler s feet should remain still while the dog is circling. MOVING EXERCISE 16. Call (Dog) Front Forward Left The handler stops his/her forward motion and calls the dog to sit at front. The handler may take three to four steps backward while calling the dog front. Once the dog is sitting the handler will cue the dog to perform the Forward Left. The handler will cue the dog to move to handler s left side, turn and face forward. The team will proceed forward as the dog comes into position at the handler s left. The dog does not sit in heel position. The handler s feet should remain still while the dog is moving. MOVING EXERCISE 17. Call (Dog) Front Finish Right The handler stops his/her forward motion and calls the dog to sit at front. The handler may take three to four steps backward while calling the dog front. Once the dog is sitting the dog will perform the Finish Right. The handler will cue the dog to circle the handler clockwise proceeding to the handler s left side. The dog will then sit in heel position. Once the dog is sitting the team may proceed. The sits may be automatic or cued. The handler s feet should remain still while the dog is performing the Finish. STATIONARY EXERCISE 18. Call (Dog) Front Finish Left The handler stops his/her forward motion and calls the dog to sit at front. The handler may take three to four steps backward while calling the dog front. Once the dog is sitting the dog will perform the Finish Left. The handler will cue the dog to move to handler s left side, turn, face forward and sit in heel position. Once the dog is sitting the team may proceed. The sits may be automatic or cued. The handler s feet should remain still while the dog is performing the finish. STATIONARY EXERCISE

22 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 22 of 79 Chapter 3. Level Slow Pace The team decreases its speed so that there is a noticeable difference from the team s normal pace. The slow pace should begin at the Slow Pace sign and be maintained until the team reaches the Normal sign. MOVING EXERCISE 20. Fast Pace The team increases its speed so that there is a noticeable difference from the team s normal pace. The pace should be fast enough that the dog at least breaks into a trot. The fast pace should begin at the Fast Pace sign and be maintained until the team reaches the Normal sign. MOVING EXERCISE 21. Normal Pace The team resumes its normal pace. MOVING EXERCISE 22. Moving Side Step Right The handler takes one diagonal step with the right foot, forward and to the right. The handler then steps with the left foot, also forward and to the right, along the newly established line. The dog must move with the handler. The dog is not required to actually side step. MOVING EXERCISE

23 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 23 of 79 Chapter 3. Level HALT 90 Pivot Right HALT The handler halts and the dog will sit in heel position. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will pivot 90 to the right cuing the dog to move simultaneously and sit in heel position at the completion of the handler s pivot. The sits may be automatic or cued. The handler should perform the pivot in a space roughly the size of a paper plate. Once the dog is sitting, the team may proceed. STATIONARY EXERCISE 24. HALT 90 Pivot Left HALT The handler halts and the dog will sit in heel position. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will pivot 90 to the left cuing the dog to move simultaneously and sit in heel position at the completion of the handler s pivot. The sits may be automatic or cued. The handler should perform the pivot in a space roughly the size of a paper plate. Once the dog is sitting the team may proceed. STATIONARY EXERCISE 25. Spiral Right Dog Outside This exercise is performed around a set of three cones set in a straight line 5 feet apart. The team completely loops the all three cones in a clockwise direction. Then the team completely loops the first two cones clockwise. Lastly the team circles the first cone clockwise. The exit direction is determined by the location of the next exercise station. The team s movement is similar to the shape of a paperclip. MOVING EXERCISE 26. Spiral Left Dog Inside This exercise is performed around a set of three cones set in a straight line 5 feet apart. The team will begin the exercise with the first cone on the team s left. The team completely loops all three cones in a counterclockwise direction. Then the team completely loops the first two cones counterclockwise. Lastly he team circles the first cone counterclockwise. The exit direction is determined by the location of the next exercise station. The team s movement is similar to the shape of a paperclip. MOVING EXERCISE

24 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 24 of 79 Chapter 3. Level HALT 1, 2, 3 Steps Forward The handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. Once the dog is sitting the handler will take one step forward, with either foot and halt with both feet together. The dog will move with the handler and sit in heel position as the handler halts. Once the dog is sitting the handler will take two steps forward and halt with both feet together. The dog will move with the handler and sit in heel position as the handler halts. Once the dog is sitting the handler will take three steps forward and halt with both feet together. The dog will sit in heel position as the handler halts. Once the dog is sitting the team may proceed. The sits may be automatic or cued. STATIONARY EXERCISE 28. HALT Turn Right 1 Step HALT The handler halts and the dog will sit in heel position. The handler cues the dog to heel, takes one full step 90 to their right and halts. As the handler halts the dog will sit. The sits may be an automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting, the handler may proceed. STATIONARY EXERCISE 29. Straight Figure 8 This exercise is performed around a set of four cones set in a straight line 5 feet apart. The team will begin the exercise with the first cone on the team s left. The team will weave through the cones, wrap around the last cone and weave back through the cones. The exit direction will be determined by the location of the next exercise station. MOVING EXERCISE 30. Serpentine This exercise is performed around a set of four cones set in a straight line 5 feet apart. The team will begin the exercise with the first cone on the team s left. The team will weave through the cones once. The exit direction will be determined by the location of the next exercise station. MOVING EXERCISE Level 1 Bonus Exercises Bonus exercises are available to earn extra points. Performance variations that would be scored as an NQ in the main portion of the course will cause the Bonus to be scored as a 0; however, behaviors that would result in an excusal will apply in the Bonus exercise. There are no retries of a Bonus exercise.

25 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 25 of 79 Chapter 3. Level 1 Bonus Exercise 1. Halt, Leave Dog, Call To Heel This exercise incorporates two signs. At the first sign the handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting, the handler may drop the leash or take it off and carry it. The handler will cue the dog to stay and proceed to sign 2. The handler will halt and, without turning, call the dog to sit in heel position. The handler may turn his/her head slightly, but the handler s shoulders must remain in line with the body, facing straight ahead. The handler s feet should remain still while calling the dog. The dog must remain sitting until called, and come promptly. Once sitting, the handler will pick up/put on the leash, and the exercise is complete. STATIONARY EXERCISE Bonus Exercise 2. Call Dog Front, Side Step R/L The handler stops his/her forward motion and calls the dog to sit at front. The handler may take three to four steps backward while calling the dog to front. Once the dog is sitting at front the handler will take one full step to either the right or left. The handler may not step backwards while performing the side step. The dog is not required to actually side step but must move when the handler moves and sit straight in front of the handler when the handler stops. Once the dog is sitting, the exercise is complete. STATIONARY EXERCISE Bonus Exercise 3. Halt Leave Dog Recall Turn and Call Finish Right or Left This Bonus exercise incorporates two signs. At the first sign the handler halts, and the dog will sit in heel position. The sit may be automatic or cued. Once the dog is sitting, the handler may drop the leash or take it off and carry it. The handler will cue the dog to stay, proceed to sign 2 and turn to face the dog. The handler will pause momentarily, and then call the dog to sit at front. Once the dog is sitting, the handler will cue the dog to perform either a Finish Right or Finish Left, at the handler s discretion. The handler s feet should remain still during the recall and finish portion of the exercise. Once sitting, the handler will pick up/put on the leash, and the exercise is complete. STATIONARY EXERCISE

26 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 26 of 79 Chapter 4. Level 2 Ch. 4. LEVEL 2 Level 2 courses have between exercise signs (not counting the Start, Finish, and Bonus exercise signs.) All courses are performed with the dog off leash. Level 2 is divided into two classes: A and B. The A class is for all dog/handler teams working towards an APDT Rally level 2 title and the B class is for teams that have earned a Rally Level 2 title. Once a team has earned their Level 2 title, the team may continue to compete in Level 2, but move into the B class. Level 2 Exercises Exercises that require more than one sign are not considered complete until all signs have been performed. 31. Off-Set Figure 8 Four dog food bowls are arranged in a flattened diamond pattern two end bowls are 10 feet apart; two side bowls are five feet apart. Bits of food are placed inside each bowl. Bowls must be covered by a mesh screen (wire or material) that prevents dogs from accessing food. The team enters the Figure 8 with the exercise sign to their left. The team must heel in a figure 8 pattern around the two bowls placed 10 feet apart. It may be vertical or horizontal, depending on the location of the end bowls and the entry, as shown in the diagram. There are no halts in this exercise. The handler may cue the dog to leave the bowls alone. MOVING EXERCISE 32. HALT Leave Dog Two signs are needed for this exercise (32 & 33). The first sign directs the handler to halt and have the dog sit stay at heel. Without instruction from the judge, the handler leaves from heel position, and walks to the next sign (Turn Call to Front (angled) Finish R/L). MOVING EXERCISE 33. Turn, Call To Front (angled), Finish R/L This exercise sign is placed ten feet away and four to six feet to the right or left of the Halt Leave Dog sign, so that the dog approaches the handler at an angle. The handler walks to this sign and turns, facing parallel to the dog, but NOT facing the dog. Without further instruction from the judge, the handler calls the dog to front. The dog must come in at an angle and sit in front position close enough to the handler to be touched on the head or collar. The handler then cues the dog to Finish either Right or Left. STATIONARY EXERCISE

27 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 27 of 79 Chapter 4. Level HALT Leave Dog Recall Three exercise signs are needed for this exercise (34 and 35, plus 36 or 37). The first sign directs the handler to halt and have the dog sit stay at heel. Without instruction from the judge, the handler leaves from heel position, and walks to the next sign (Turn & Call Front). MOVING EXERCISE 35. Turn & Call (Dog) Front The handler approaches the sign, turns, and without further instruction from the judge, calls the dog to front position. The dog must sit close enough to the handler to be touched on the head or the collar. This exercise is completed with the dog sitting in the front position, thus must be followed by Exercise 36 (Finish Right) or Exercise 37 (Finish Left). MOVING EXERCISE 36. Finish Right With the dog sitting in front position, handler cues the dog to finish to the right. The dog moves to the handler s right, continues around behind the handler and sits in the heel position. STATIONARY EXERCISE 37. Finish Left With the dog sitting in front position, handler cues the dog to finish to the left. The dog moves to the handler s left, turns toward the handler and moves into a sit in heel position. The flip finish, in which the dog leaps up and to the left of the handler, turns in the air and lands in a sit in heel position, is also acceptable. STATIONARY EXERCISE

28 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 28 of 79 Chapter 4. Level HALT 180 Pivot Right HALT The team comes to a halt and the dog sits in heel position. The handler cues the dog to heel and pivots in place 180 to his/her right. The dog moves with the handler and resumes a sit in heel position at the second halt. The handler should perform the pivot in a space roughly the size of a paper plate. STATIONARY EXERCISE 39. HALT 180 Pivot Left HALT The team comes to a halt and the dog sits in heel position. The handler cues the dog to heel and pivots in place 180 to his/her left. The dog moves with the handler and resumes a sit position at the second halt. The handler should perform the pivot in a space roughly the size of a paper plate. STATIONARY EXERCISE 40. HALT From Sit About Turn Right & Forward This exercise is performed as in Exercise 38, except that there is no halt following the turn. The handler cues the dog to heel and turns in place 180 to his/her right, and immediately moves forward with the dog in heel position. MOVING EXERCISE 41. HALT From Sit About U Turn & Forward This exercise is performed as in Exercise 39 except that there is no halt following the turn. The handler cues the dog to move, turns in place 180 to his/her left, and immediately moves forward with the dog in heel position. MOVING EXERCISE

29 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 29 of 79 Chapter 4. Level Call (Dog) Front 1, 2, 3 Steps Backward After calling the dog to front as described in Exercise 15, the handler takes one step backward and halts. This is followed by two steps and a halt, then three steps and a halt. The dog should move toward the handler with each step and sit in front position each time the handler halts. Because this exercise concludes with the dog sitting in front of the handler, it must be followed by Exercise 36 (Finish Right [STATIONARY EXERCISE]) or 37 (Finish Left [STATIONARY EXERCISE]). MOVING EXERCISE 43. Send Over Jumps Handler Runs By The jump may be either a solid or bar jump the broad jump shall not be used. This exercise begins 15 to 20 feet in front of, and six feet to the right of, the jump. The handler cues the dog to jump, then runs along a line 6 feet to the right of the jump. When the dog has completed the jump, the handler calls the dog to heel position and the team continues to the next exercise station. If the dog is faster than the handler, the dog may be called back to the handler without penalty. A line may be drawn on the ground to indicate the six foot mark. MOVING EXERCISE 44. HALT Leave Call (Dog) Front While Running The team comes to a halt and the dog sits in heel position. The handler gives the dog a stay or wait cue and starts running forward. After 2 or 3 running steps, handler calls the dog to front. The dog must immediately start running to overtake the handler. As the dog approaches heel position, handler slows down, and stops to allow the dog to come to the front position. The handler may take 3-4 steps backwards to accomplish the front. The speed that the handler runs is determined by the dog s ability to overtake the handler. Because this exercise concludes with the dog sitting in front of the handler, this exercise must be followed by Exercise 36 (Finish Right [STATIONARY EXERCISE]) or 37 (Finish Left [STATIONARY EXERCISE]). MOVING EXERCISE 45. Moving Down Forward While moving forward the team comes to a halt and the handler cues the dog to drop directly into a down position (without pausing in the sit first.) Once the dog is in the down, the team heels forward with the dog moving directly from the down to heeling. Alternately, the handler has the option of breaking from heel position to turn in front of the dog to cue the down. When the dog is down, the handler returns to heel position and the team heels forward with the dog moving directly from the down position. MOVING EXERCISE

30 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 30 of 79 Chapter 4. Level HALT Fast Forward From Sit The team comes to a halt and the dog sits in heel position. The handler cues the dog to heel and immediately starts into a fast pace from the halt. This exercise must be followed by Exercise 21 (Normal Pace). MOVING EXERCISE 47. HALT Side Step Right HALT The team comes to a halt and the dog sits in heel position. The handler takes one step directly to his/her right and halts. The dog moves with the handler to the right and sits in heel position. Handler then cues the dog to heel and moves forward toward the next exercise station. STATIONARY EXERCISE 48. Left About Turn While moving forward with the dog in heel position, the handler does an about U turn (180 ) to his/her left, while the dog turns to the right, moving around behind the handler and back to heel position to continue moving with the handler in the new (opposite) direction. MOVING EXERCISE Level 2 Bonus Exercises Bonus exercises are available to earn extra points. Performance variations that would be scored as an NQ in the main portion of the course will cause the Bonus to be scored as a 0; however, behaviors that would result in an excusal will apply during the Bonus exercise. There are no retries of a Bonus exercise.

31 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 31 of 79 Chapter 4. Level 2 Bonus Exercise 1. Moving Down, Leave Dog / (Turn) Call Front, Finish R/L This exercise requires two signs. At the first sign, Moving Down Leave Dog, the handler will cue the dog to down and without pause, leave the dog and walk to the second sign. Alternately, the handler may turn and face the dog while cueing the down and without hesitating, leave the dog. The handler may continue to face the dog while walking backwards to the next sign. The handler must show smooth continuous movements both when cueing the dog to down and while walking away. At the second sign, (Turn) Call Front, Finish R/L, the handler will (turn and) face the dog and call the dog to front. The dog must come promptly to front position and sit close enough to the handler to be touched on the head or the collar. The handler will then cue the dog to finish either Right or Left. STATIONARY EXERCISE Bonus Exercise 2. Halt Leave Dog / (Turn) Call Front (distraction recall) This exercise requires two signs. At the first sign, Halt Leave Dog, the team halts and the handler cues the dog to sit stay. Without further instruction from the judge, the handler leaves the dog and walks to the second sign 6 to 10 feet away. At the second sign, the handler turns, faces the dog and calls the dog to come to front. The judge will be in a position approximately 6 feet to the side of the handler, facing the dog. As the dog comes to the handler, the judge walks forward, passing the dog approximately 6 feet to the side of the dog. The dog must sit close enough to the handler to be touched on the head or the collar. The dog must ignore the judge and come directly to the handler and sit in front position. There is no finish. STATIONARY EXERCISE

32 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 32 of 79 Chapter 4. Level 2 Bonus Exercise 3. Halt Leave Dog Turn and Down This exercise requires two signs. At the first sign, Halt Leave Dog, the team halts and the handler cues the dog to sit stay. The handler leaves the dog and walks to the second sign 8 to 10 feet away. At the second sign, Turn and Down, the handler turns, faces the dog, and cues the dog to down. The dog must go directly into a down position without traveling forward or backward. Once the dog is down, the handler returns to the dog and stands at heel position. The handler must return by passing the dog on the handler s right (the dog s left), turning behind the dog and moving up into heel position. STATIONARY EXERCISE Jump Heights Dogs are not required to be measured prior to judging. However, Judges have the option of measuring any dog prior to his/her performance if the dog appears to be entered in a group lower than might be indicated by his/her registered shoulder height. Jump heights may also be modified for the jump exercise based on physical challenges (e.g. age, disability such as blindness, or use of a mobility device) that a particular dog may face. A handler must fill out an exercise modification form in order to request a jump height change for a physical challenge. Under 12 inches Shoulder Height Jump Height 4 inches 12 inches to under 16 inches 8 inches 16 inches to under 20 inches 12 inches 20 inches and over 16 inches Jump Construction All jumps must be constructed in a manner that provides stability and safety for all dogs. Jump width is to be between 4 feet and 5 feet. Single bar jumps are preferable but not required.

33 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 33 of 79 Chapter 5. Level 3 Ch. 5. LEVEL 3 A Level 3 course consists of exercise signs (not counting the Start, Finish, and Bonus exercise signs). All Level 3 courses are performed with the dog off leash. Level 3 is divided into two classes: A and B. The A class is for teams who are working towards earning their Rally Level 3 title. The B class is for teams that have earned their Level 3 title. Once a team has earned their Level 3 title, they may continue to compete in Level 3, but move into the B class. Please refer to Course Design Guidelines in the Rules and Guidelines for specific information on designing a Level 3 course. Level 3 Exercises 49. Moving Stand Walk Around While moving, the handler cues the dog to stand stay. Without hesitation the handler walks around the dog and returns to heel position. Upon returning to heel position the handler may hesitate or may immediately cue the dog to heel forward. The handler may not touch the dog to prompt the stand. STATIONARY EXERCISE 50. Moving Stand Leave Dog Two signs are required for this exercise. At the first sign the handler cues the dog to stand stay. Without hesitation the handler leaves the dog and walks to the second exercise sign 6-10 feet away. 51. Turn and Call to Heel At this sign, the handler turns and faces the dog, then calls the dog to come directly to heel position, without sitting at front first. Once at heel, the dog may either sit or the team may heel forward to the next exercise. The handler may not touch the dog to prompt the stand. MOVING EXERCISE if the dog does not sit at heel STATIONARY EXERCISE if the dog sits at heel

34 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 34 of 79 Chapter 5. Level Moving Stand Leave Dog This exercise requires two signs. At the first sign the handler cues the dog to stand stay. The handler may hesitate when cueing the dog to stand stay. The handler then leaves the dog and walks to the second exercise sign 6-10 feet away. 53. Turn and Down, Sit, Call, Front and Finish At this sign, the handler turns and faces the dog. The handler cues the dog to Down, then Sit, then calls the dog to Front. Once the dog is sitting in front, the handler may either cue the dog to Finish Left or Right. Points are deducted if the dog moves forward while performing the changes of position. STATIONARY EXERCISE 54. Moving Backup While heeling, the handler cues the dog to backup from a standing position. The handler takes three steps back while the dog heels backward with the handler. Points are deducted if the dog sits at any point in the exercise. MOVING EXERCISE 55. HALT Leave Dog Recall Over Jump This exercise uses two signs. The team halts at a spot feet away from one side of the jump and centered to the jump. Handler cues dog to sit stay. The handler then leaves the dog and walks around the jump to the second exercise sign, feet away from that side of the jump and centered. 56. Turn, Call Over Jump, Finish or Forward The handler turns, faces dog, and calls the dog to come/front. The dog must come over the jump and sit in front of the handler. The handler then cues the dog to Finish or Forward either Right or Left. MOVING EXERCISE if the handler chooses Forward STATIONARY EXERCISE if the handler chooses Finish

35 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 35 of 79 Chapter 5. Level HALT Leave Dog Send Over Jump This exercise requires two signs. The team halts at the first exercise sign, at a spot feet away from the jump and 4-6 feet offset to either side of the jump upright. The handler leaves the dog in a Sit and walks to the second exercise sign, at a spot feet to the other side of the jump upright and directly facing the dog. 58. Turn and Send Over Jump, Finish or Forward At this sign, the handler cues the dog to jump. Points will be deducted if the handler steps towards the jump while cuing the dog. The dog must come over the jump. As the dog is jumping, the handler may turn slightly so that the dog can come to front position but does not move forward towards the dog. The handler then cues the dog to Finish or Forward either Right or Left. MOVING EXERCISE if the handler chooses Forward STATIONARY EXERCISE if the handler chooses Finish 59. Right Turn, 1-2 Steps, Down, Forward The team turns to the right, takes 1-2 steps, then the handler halts and cues the dog to down. The turn portion of this exercise is performed as in Exercise 7; the down is performed as in Exercise 45. MOVING EXERCISE 60. Left Turn, 1-2 Steps, Down, Forward The team turns to the left, takes 1-2 steps, then the handler halts and cues the dog to down. The turn portion of this exercise is performed as in Exercise 8; the down is performed as in Exercise 45. MOVING EXERCISE

36 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 36 of 79 Chapter 5. Level HALT Leave Dog Down on Recall This exercise uses two signs. At the first sign the handler cues the dog to sit stay and walks a minimum of 15 feet to the second exercise sign. 62. Turn, Recall, Down, Recall, Finish or Forward At this sign, the handler turns, faces dog, and calls the dog to come. At any time while the dog is coming, the handler cues the dog to down. Points will be deducted if handler steps forward when cueing the dog to down. Once the dog is in the down, the handler calls the dog to come the remaining distance and sit in front position. The handler then cues the dog to either Finish or Forward either Right or Left. MOVING EXERCISE if the handler chooses Forward STATIONARY EXERCISE if the handler chooses Finish 63. Call Front About Turn Forward The Call Front portion of this exercise is performed as in Exercise 15. For the second part of the exercise, the handler will turn 180 to his right or left. As the handler turns, the dog moves into heel position. MOVING EXERCISE

37 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 37 of 79 Chapter 5. Level 3 Level 3 Bonus Exercises Bonus exercises are available to earn extra points. Performance variations that would be scored as an NQ in the main portion of the course will cause the Bonus to be scored as a 0; however, behaviors that would result in an excusal will apply during the Bonus exercise. There are no retries of a Bonus exercise. Bonus Exercise 1. Turn, Halt, Retrieve, Finish Before beginning the course, the handler will give the ring steward or judge their retrieve object. As the team is heeling to this exercise sign, the ring steward or judge will unobtrusively place the retrieve object on the floor approximately 15 feet from the exercise sign. This will be done while the team s back is to the steward or judge so the dog cannot see the object being placed. At the exercise sign, the team shall turn and halt. The handler will direct the dog to look at the retrieve object, then send the dog to pick up the object and return to front position. The handler takes the object from the dog and finishes the dog either Left or Right. Retrieve items may be a toy, ball, dumbbell, glove, bumper, etc. Retrieve items may not make noise (unless the dog is blind), be a food item or contain food. Note: The retrieve is the principle part of this exercise. In order to receive any bonus points, the dog must go to the item, pick it up, and start back towards the handler (5 points). The remainder of the bonus points will be awarded for the dog completing remaining elements. STATIONARY EXERCISE Bonus Exercise 2. Call Front Backup 3 Steps While moving, the handler calls the dog to front as in Exercise 15. Once the dog is sitting, the handler cues the dog to backup and moves forward three steps. The handler may not cue the dog to move by stepping into them. The dog may be cued to stand first before backing up. Points are deducted if the dog sits while backing up. The dog should move backwards in a straight line in front of the handler. There is no finish. MOVING EXERCISE

38 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 38 of 79 Chapter 5. Level 3 Bonus Exercise 3. Halt Stand with Distraction Return & Forward from Stand Two exercise signs are needed for this exercise. At the first sign, Halt Stand with Distraction, the handler halts and the dog sits at heel. Handler may leave the heel position and stack (or pose) the dog as done in conformation, or may simply cue the dog to stand. Handler may touch the dog with their hands to help position the stand, but may not physically force/lift the dog to stand. Handler then returns to heel position, cues the dog to wait or stay, leaves the dog, walks six feet away, and turns to face the dog. The judge will walk around the dog returning to the handler s position. The second sign is placed so that it can be observed by the handler after he has moved away and turned to face the dog. After the judge has returned to the handler s side, the handler returns to heel position by passing the dog on the handler s right (the dog s left), turning behind the dog and moving up into heel position. The handler then cues the dog to heel and moves forward without instruction from the judge. MOVING EXERCISE

39 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 39 of 79 Chapter 6. Level Puppy Ch. 6. LEVEL PUPPY Eligibility Puppy Level is open to all dogs between the age of 6 and 12 months. The intent of Puppy Level is to provide a positive introduction to the sport of APDT Rally specifically for young dogs. Puppy Level Class Puppy Level is divided into two classes: A and B. The A class is for teams who are working towards earning their Puppy Level title. Once a team has earned their Puppy Level title, and the puppy is under 12 months of age, the team may continue to compete in Puppy Level in the B class. A and B classes are run on the same course. The Puppy Level title designation is RLP. Puppies that have earned at least one qualifying score toward the RLP title may continue to be shown in the Puppy Level class for a maximum of six months after reaching their first birthday in order to complete the RLP. Once a team earns the RLP title and the puppy is at least one year old, the team must move to Level 1. The Puppy Level Championship title designation is RLPX and must be earned before the puppy is 12 months of age. All Level 1 guidelines apply in Puppy Level with the following exception: Food may be given at any time during an exercise or between exercises. This class is performed on-leash. The leash should be held so that there is no tension on the dog s collar when in heel position. It may be held in one or both hands. Hand position may change during the course. The Bonus Exercise may be performed with the leash dragging or off-leash. The handler should perform all exercises within approximately 2 to 4 feet of the exercise sign. Puppy Course A Puppy Level course will consist of 10 exercises and a Bonus exercise from the Level 1 class.

40 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 40 of 79 Chapter 7. Level Veteran Ch. 7. LEVEL VETERAN Eligibility Veteran Level is open to all dogs 8 years and older. Veteran Level Class Veteran Level is divided into two classes: A and B. The A class is for teams who are working towards earning their Veteran Level title. Once a team has earned their Veteran Level title, the team may continue to compete in Veteran Level in the B class. A and B classes are run on the same course. All applicable Levels 1, 2, and 3 guidelines apply with the following exceptions: Food may be given at any time during an exercise or between exercises. Minimum course time does not apply. One additional cue per exercise may be given without penalty. Veteran class is performed off-leash. Veteran Course A Veteran Level course will consist of 12 exercises from any Level and a Bonus exercise from any Level. The total number of Stationary exercises should not exceed 1/3 of the total exercises on a course. The following exercises are prohibited on a Veteran Level course: Level 1 Exercises Not Allowed in a Veteran Course # 4 Sit Down Sit Level 2 Exercises Not Allowed in a Veteran Course # 43 Send Over Jumps Handler Runs By # 45 Moving Down Bonus # 2 Moving Down Turn Call Front Level 3 Exercises Not Allowed in a Veteran Course # 53 Down Sit Recall Finish # 54 Moving Backup # 55 Recall Over Jump # 57 HALT Leave Dog Send Over Jump # 59 Right Turn, 1-2 Steps, Down # 60 Left Turn, 1-2 Steps, Down # 61 HALT Leave Dog Down on Recall Bonus # 2 Call Front Back Up 3 Steps

41 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 41 of 79 Chapter 8. Level Junior Ch. 8. LEVEL JUNIOR Goal of Junior Level Increasingly, all family members, including the young ones, are becoming involved in training the family dog. Children are participating successfully in dog and puppy training classes and at more and more competitive events. APDT Rally Junior Level is a program to encourage these budding young trainers and competitors. This class allows juniors and younger children to have fun with their family dog, start to learn what is required to train a dog, and become familiar with the ring environment. Also, even the best performance dog needs to learn that training with a child, while it may be different than working for an adult, can be enjoyable and rewarding. Our goal is to include children in the positive Rally training experience and encourage them to develop a bond with their own animal companions as well as respect for all life. Children will learn responsibility and discipline, and experience the joy of learning to communicate and work cooperatively with their canine friends. The skills learned will serve them as they grow into responsible, caring adults. Eligibility The same rules regarding course modifications for the physically challenged will apply to Junior Level as apply to other APDT Rally events. Any dog with a warning from the APDT Office will NOT be allowed to enter in any Junior class. Safety for all is of utmost importance. Furthermore, we do not want to set the dog up for possible failure. Juniors All youngsters age 8 18 may participate in Rally Junior Level competition. The junior must be registered as a Junior handler; Junior registration allows entry into Junior Level class only. Pre-Juniors Youngsters under age 8 (hereafter called Pre-JRs) may participate in Rally Pre-Junior class, a non-titling class. A participant must be registered as a Pre-Junior handler; a Pre-JR registration allows entry into Pre-Junior class only. Pre-JRs shall be accompanied in the ring by an adult mentor. The mentor must be over the age of 18 but is not limited to a parent. Safety for the child, his/her dog, and all spectators is the highest priority. The Judge may excuse a participant or request that an adult supervise more closely if he/she feels that safety is threatened.

42 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 42 of 79 Chapter 8. Level Junior Junior Level Class All Level 1 guidelines apply in Junior Level. All runs will be scored and timed as in regular Rally classes. The maximum score is 200. Maximum course time is 5 minutes. Junior classes will be judged by any approved Rally Judge. This class is performed on-leash. The leash should be held so that there is no tension on the dog s collar when in heel position. It may be held in one or both hands. Hand position may change during the course. The Junior and Pre-JR should perform all exercises within approximately 2 to 4 feet of the exercise sign. There are 3 titling Junior Level classes: Junior 1, Junior 2, and Junior 3. The titles must be earned in sequence, starting with Junior 1. There are no titles for Pre-JRs, though Pre-JR teams that receive 3 qualifying legs under at least 2 different Judges will receive a Certificate of Achievement. Courses Junior courses do NOT include a Bonus exercise. Junior Courses A Rally Junior 1 course will consist of exercises selected from the Level 1 Exercise signs A Rally Junior 2 course will consist of exercises selected from the Level 1 Exercise signs 1 29 and from the Level 2 Exercise signs 31 32, 37 41, and 45. A Rally Junior 3 course will consist of exercises selected from the Level 1 Exercise signs 1 29 and from the Level 2 Exercise signs 31 32, 37 41, and 45. Junior 3 courses must include at least 3 but not more than 5 of the Level 2 exercises. Pre-Junior Courses A Rally Pre-Junior course will consist of a circular course of no more than 8 exercises selected from the Level 1 Exercise signs 1 8, and The parent/mentor of the Pre-Junior team shall walk the course and explain all the exercises with the Pre-JR prior to the run. The parent/mentor shall accompany the team during the run to encourage or assist the child, but may not actually handle the dog. As in all Rally competition, attitude counts. This includes the attitude of the parent/mentor, the attitude of the Pre-JR handler, and the attitude of the canine partner. Communications between parent/mentor and child in Pre-JR as well as between handlers and canines shall be positive. Corrections of any kind are not allowed in a Rally ring.

43 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 43 of 79 Chapter 8. Level Junior Chart of Level Junior Rally Exercises Duplicate Signs Exercise # Exercise Name 1 HALT Sit 2 HALT Sit Stand 3 HALT Sit Down 4 HALT Sit Down Sit 5 HALT Sit Walk Around 6 HALT Sit Down Walk Around 3 7 Right Turn 3 8 Left Turn 2 9 About Turn Right 3 10 About U Turn Right (Turn) Left (Turn) Right (Turn) Left (Turn) 15 Call (Dog) Front Forward Right 16 Call (Dog) Front Forward Left 17 Call (Dog) Front Finish Right 18 Call (Dog) Front Finish Left 19 Slow Pace 20 Fast Pace 2 21 Normal Pace 22 Moving Side Step Right 23 HALT 90 Pivot Right HALT 24 HALT 90 Pivot Left HALT 25 Spiral Right Dog Outside 26 Spiral Left Dog Inside 27 HALT 1, 2, 3 Steps Forward 28 HALT Turn Right 1 Step HALT 29 Straight Figure 8 30 Serpentine Weave Once Bonus 1 (L1) Halt, Leave Dog / Call To Heel Bonus 2 (L1) Call Dog Front Side Step R/L Bonus 3 (L1) Halt Leave Dog Recall / Turn and Call Finish R/L 31 Off-Set Figure 8 32 HALT Leave Dog 33 Turn Call to Front (angled) Finish R/L 34 HALT Leave Dog Recall Junior Level 1 Junior Level 2 Junior Level 3 Pre- Junior

44 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 44 of 79 Chapter 8. Level Junior Duplicate signs Exercise # Exercise Name 35 Turn & Call Front 36 Finish Right 37 Finish Left 38 HALT 180 Pivot Right HALT 39 HALT 180 Pivot Left HALT 40 HALT From Sit About Turn Right & Forward 41 HALT From Sit About "U" Turn & Forward 42 Call (Dog) Front 1, 2, 3 Steps Backward 43 Send Over Jumps Handler Runs By 44 HALT Leave Call Front While Running 45 Moving Down & Forward 46 HALT Fast Forward From Sit 47 HALT Side Step Right HALT 48 Left About Turn Bonus 1 (L2) Moving Down, Leave Dog / (Turn) Call To Front, Finish R/L Bonus 2 (L2) Halt Leave Dog / Turn Call Front (distraction recall) Bonus 3 (L2) Halt Leave Dog / Turn and Down Junior Level 1 Junior Level 2 Junior Level 3 Pre- Junior

45 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 45 of 79 Chapter 9. Titles Ch. 9. TITLES Summary of Individual Level Titles and Championship Titles LEVEL Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Veteran Puppy Junior TITLE (A CLASS) RL1: Requires 3 Q s of 170 or higher from 1A class RL2: Requires 3 Q s of 170 or higher from 2A class RL3: Requires 3 Q s of 170 or higher from 3A class RLV: Requires 3 Q s of 170 or higher from Veteran A class RLP: Requires 3 Q s of 170 or higher from Puppy A class RJR1: RJR2: RJR3: Requires 3 Q s of 170 or higher from same Junior class; titles must be earned in sequence, starting with RJR1 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (A CLASS) Level 1 AOE: Requires 1 st 3 Q s of 190 or higher from 1A class Level 2 AOE: Requires 1 st 3 Q s of 190 or higher from 2A class Level 3 AOE: Requires 1 st 3 Q s of 190 or higher from 3A class Veteran AOE: Requires 1 st 3 Q s of 190 or higher from Veteran A class Puppy AOE: Requires 1 st 3 Q s of 190 or higher from Puppy A class Junior Level AOE: Requires 1 st 3 Q s of 190 or higher from same Junior class INDIVIDUAL LEVEL CHAMPIONSHIP (B CLASS) RL1X: Requires RL1 Title, plus 10 Q s of 170 or higher from the 1B class RL2X: Requires RL2 Title, plus 10 Q s of 170 or higher from the 2B class RL3X: Requires RL3 Title, plus 10 Q s of 170 or higher from the 3B class RLVX: Requires RLV Title, plus 5 Q s of 170 or higher from Veteran B class RLPX: Requires RLP Title, plus 4 Q s of 170 or higher from Puppy B class N/A Summary of Combined Level Championship Titles ARCH: Requires RL1 and RL2 titles; plus 100 points (at least 30 from 1B class [which may accumulate prior to completing RL2] and at least 30 from 2B class); plus 5 QQ s of 190 or higher from 1B and 2B classes COMBINED LEVEL CHAMPIONSHIP (B CLASS) ARCHX: Requires ARCH, plus 5 QQ s of 195 or higher in 1B and 2B classes ARCHEX: Requires ARCHX, plus 10 QQ s of 195 or higher in 2B and 3B classes ARCHMX: Requires ARCHEX, plus 10 QQQ s of 195 or higher in 1B, 2B, and 3B classes Q = Qualifying Score QQ = Qualifying score in two classes at the same trial QQQ = Qualifying score in all three classes at the same trial A Class = Titling Class B Class = Championship Class

46 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 46 of 79 Chapter 9. Titles All dog/handler teams entered in APDT Sanctioned Rally trials are eligible to be awarded qualifying legs and titles. APDT Rally awards Individual Level titles, Individual Level Championship titles, and Combined Level Championship titles. Level Titles APDT Rally titles are available at each Rally level. TITLE DESCRIPTION RL1 APDT Rally Level 1 RL2 APDT Rally Level 2 RL3 APDT Rally Level 3 RLV APDT Rally Level Veteran RLP APDT Rally Level Puppy RJR1 APDT Rally Junior 1 RJR2 APDT Rally Junior 2 RJR3 APDT Rally Junior 3 APDT Rally Level 1 (RL1) Title Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Level 1 A class, are required. The Level 1 title is designated as RL1 and appears after the dog s name. APDT Rally Level 2 (RL2) Title (Teams must earn the RL1 title before entering Level 2) Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Level 2 A class, are required. The Level 2 title is designated as RL2 and appears after the dog s name. APDT Rally Level 3 (RL3) Title (Teams must earn the RL2 title before entering Level 3) Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Level 3 A class, are required. The Level 3 title is designated as RL3 and appears after the dog s name. APDT Rally Level Veteran (RLV) Title Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Veteran A class, are required. The Veteran Level title is designated as RLV and appears after the dog s name. Dogs entered in the Veteran s class may also be entered in any other level/class except Puppy.

47 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 47 of 79 Chapter 9. Titles APDT Rally Level Puppy (RLP) Title Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Puppy A class, are required. The Puppy Level title is designated as RLP and appears after the dog s name. Puppies may not be entered in any other class while being shown in the Puppy Level. A puppy who has earned their RLP and is at least 12 months of age must move to Level 1 and may no longer be shown in Puppy Level. APDT Rally Junior 1 (RJR1) Title Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Junior 1 class, are required. The Junior 1 title is designated as RJR1 and appears after the dog s name. Dogs entered in the Junior 1 class may also be entered in Levels 1, 2, 3, and Veteran; however, the dog must have a separate registration number from the Junior registration number. APDT Rally Junior 2 (RJR2) Title (Teams must earn the RJR1 title before entering Junior 2) Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Junior 2 class, are required. The Junior 2 title is designated as RJR2 and appears after the dog s name. Dogs entered in the Junior 2 class may also be entered in Levels 1, 2, 3, and Veteran; however, the dog must have a separate registration number from the Junior registration number. APDT Rally Junior 3 (RJR3) Title (Teams must earn the RJR2 title before entering Junior 3) Three Q s (qualifying scores) of 170 or better, earned under two different Judges in the Junior 3 class, are required. The Junior 3 title is designated as RJR3 and appears after the dog s name. Dogs entered in the Junior 3 class may also be entered in Levels 1, 2, 3, and Veteran; however, the dog must have a separate registration number from the Junior registration number. Award of Excellence To recognize those teams who have excelled with their dogs in the Rally ring while earning their title, the APDT Award of Excellence (AOE) shall be given to all teams whose first three Q s (qualifying scores) in each level, including Veteran, Puppy, and Junior classes, are 190 or higher. The qualifying legs do NOT need to be earned in the same calendar year. Awards will be issued when they are earned.

48 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 48 of 79 Chapter 9. Titles Championship Titles Once a team has earned a Level title, they may continue to compete at that level in the B class for Championship titles. The accumulation of points accumulating toward Championship titles begins at the trial AFTER earning a Level title. Individual Level Championship titles are earned simultaneously with Combined Level Championship titles. Individual Level Championship Titles There are five Individual Level Championship titles: RL1X RL2X RL3X RLVX RLPX TITLE DESCRIPTION APDT Rally Level 1 Championship APDT Rally Level 2 Championship APDT Rally Level 3 Championship APDT Rally Level Veteran Championship APDT Rally Level Puppy Championship For Levels 1, 2, and 3, ten Q s of 170 or higher in the B classes are required to earn an Individual Level Championship title. For Veteran Level, five Q s of 170 or higher in the B classes are required to earn an Individual Level Championship title. For Puppy Level, four Q s of 170 or higher in the B classes are required to earn an Individual Level Championship title. There is no B class for Junior Level; therefore, there is no Junior Level Championship title. Individual Level Championship titles are designated as RL1X for Level 1, RL2X for Level 2, RL3X for Level 3, RLVX for Veteran Level, and RLPX for Puppy Level. Teams in Levels 1, 2, 3, and Veteran may continue to compete after earning an Individual Level Championship title. For each set of ten Q s earned after the initial Individual Level Championship title has been earned, the designation will be changed to RL1X2, RL1X3, RL1X4, etc. for Level 1; RL2X2, RL2X3, RL2X4 for Level 2; RL3X2, RL3X3, RL3X4, etc. for Level 3; and RLVX2, RLVX3, RLVX4, etc. for Veteran Level. (There is no title designation higher than RLPX for Puppy Level.) Scores that also qualify for Combined Level Championship titles will be credited towards those titles at the same time.

49 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 49 of 79 Chapter 9. Titles Combined Level Championship Titles All Combined Level Championship titles must be earned sequentially, starting with the ARCH. The Combined Level Championship title designations appear before the dog s name. There are four Combined Level Championship titles: TITLE ARCH ARCHX ARCHEX ARCHMX DESCRIPTION APDT Rally Champion APDT Rally Champion Excellent APDT Rally Champion Extraordinaire APDT Rally Master Champion APDT Rally Champion (ARCH) Title After earning the RL1 title, any dog/handler team becomes eligible to begin qualifying for the ARCH. To earn the ARCH title, the team must: 1. Earn the Rally Level 1 (RL1) and Rally Level 2 (RL2) titles. 2. Accumulate 100 Championship title points. At least 30 Championship title points must be earned in Level 1B class (points which may accumulate prior to completing the RL2 title), and at least 30 points must be earned in Level 2B class. The remaining 40 points may be earned in either level. Accumulation of the Level 1 Championship title points begins at the next trial after the Level 1 title (RL1) is earned. Accumulation of the Level 2 Championship title points begins at the next trial after the Rally Level 2 title (RL2) is earned. Championship title points are earned per the following table: QUALIFYING SCORE POINTS EARNED QUALIFYING SCORE POINTS EARNED Earn five QQ s, with scores of 190 or higher, at Levels 1B and 2B. Each set of QQ s must be earned in the same trial. Accumulation of the required five QQ s begins at the next trial after the Rally Level 2 title (RL2) is earned.

50 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 50 of 79 Chapter 9. Titles APDT Rally Champion Excellent (ARCHX) Title To earn the ARCHX title, a team must: 1. Earn the ARCH title. 2. Earn an additional five QQ s, with scores of 195 or higher, at Levels 1B and 2B. Each set of QQ s must be earned in the same trial. APDT Rally Champion Extraordinaire (ARCHEX) Title To earn the ARCHEX title, a team must: 1. Earn the ARCHX title. 2. Earn the APDT Rally Level 3 (RL3) title. 3. Earn an additional ten QQ s, with scores of 195 or higher, at Levels 2B and 3B. Each set of QQ s must be earned in the same trial. Accumulation of the required ten QQ s begins at the next trial after both (a) the ARCHX title has been earned, and (b) the Rally Level 3 title (RL3) is earned. APDT Rally Master Champion (ARCHMX) Title To earn the ARCHMX title, a team must: 1. Earn the ARCHEX title. 2. Earn an additional ten QQQ s, with scores of 195 or higher, at Levels 1B, 2B, and 3B. Each set of QQQ s must be earned at the same trial. Teams may continue to compete after earning the ARCHMX. For each set of ten QQQ s earned after the ARCHMX has been earned, the designation will be changed to ARCHMX2, ARCHMX3, ARCHMX4, etc. Title Certificates Award certificates for each title earned will be issued from the APDT Rally Office. Certificates are mailed within 6 8 weeks of the trial in which a title was earned.

51 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 51 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial Ch. 10. HOSTING A TRIAL Eligibility / Who May Host a Rally Trial Any club, organization, or individual may apply to host a Rally trial. Trial Hosts do not have to be members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. APDT Rally trials may be run in conjunction with other dog sports events but may not be run in conjunction with other organizations Rally events. APDT Rally reserves the right to deny trial applications that do not meet eligibility criteria. Equipment Required It is the Trial Host s responsibility to provide the following: Rally Obedience Exercise signs, station numbers, and appropriate holders A ring space that is equal to or exceeds the minimum size requirement Ring gating Tables and chairs for trial officials A large flip chart and easel or blackboard for posting order and score information Ribbons and Awards Armbands or adhesive labels for team identification Stop watches, clipboards, jumps for Levels 2 and 3, cones for obstacle exercises, food bowls for Exercise # 31 Off-Set Figure 8 Ring Size The recommended Rally ring size is 50 x 80 feet for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses. Minimum ring size is 40 x 50 feet. Trial Officials / Staff Approved APDT Rally Judge Trial Secretary Trial Monitor Desk Steward Timing Steward Scorekeeper/Scoring Steward Ring Steward (2 stewards may be necessary) Floating Volunteers

52 Forms and Procedures APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 52 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial Trial Sanction Application Trials must be approved and sanctioned by the APDT Rally Office so that teams entered will be eligible to be awarded qualifying legs and titles. To apply for sanctioned trial, the Trial Host must submit a Trial Sanction Application to the Rally Office at least four months prior to the proposed trial date. Trial Sanction Applications are available for download at Completed forms should be mailed, faxed, or ed with the appropriate application fee as per the instructions on the form. Upon processing the application, the Rally Office will the trial contact with the status of the application, either Sanctioned, Pending, or Not Approved. If Trial Hosts have not arranged for Judges but wish to reserve a trial date, they may submit a Trial Sanction Application with payment and check To Be Determined in the Judges Panel. Once the Judges Panel is finalized, or if any other trial information needs updating, Trial Hosts should submit a Revised Trial Sanction Application, also available for download at No additional payment is required for Revised Trial Sanction Applications. Once a trial application has been approved, any subsequent trial applications submitted for the approved trial date(s) by a host organization within a 90-mile driving distance of the approved trial site shall be denied for that date(s). This is to ensure equal opportunities for host organizations, exhibitors, and trial officials. The Trial Calendar, which lists Sanctioned and Pending Trials, may be viewed at Judge Compensation Guidelines These guidelines are provided to assist Trial Hosts in budgeting for their event. Trial Host Responsibilities The Trial Host must arrange for approved Judges. A written Judge s Contract must be provided to the Judge within two weeks of verbal acceptance of the assignment. Verbal agreements are not considered valid and are not binding. All travel expenses (airfare, mileage, tolls, parking, meals, hotel) shall be covered or reimbursed according to current Federal Guidelines. Compensation and expenses shall be made to a Judge in the form of a check, cash, or money order at the conclusion of the Judge s last assignment; a Judge may receive complimentary entries in the Judge's class as a portion of their compensation. Judge Responsibilities An original copy of all course designs and score sheets shall be provided to the Trial Host one week prior to the trial. A written receipt of all fees and expenses shall be provided to the Trial Host at time of payment. (A sample Judge s Expense Report is available at

53 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 53 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial Judge s Contract The terms of the Judge s Contract are negotiated between the host organization and Judge; the APDT will not enter into Judge negotiations. (A sample Judge s Contract is available at After the Trial Host and Judge have negotiated a contract, the Trial Host shall sign and date two hard copies of the contract, and send both copies to the Judge, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The Judge shall sign and date the contracts, and return one completed copy to the Trial Host for their records. The Judge s Contract should include the following information: Date(s) of the trial Level(s) to judge Location and directions to the trial site Ring size and surface To-scale map of the ring, including potential problems, such as support columns The maximum number of teams, if any, the Judge is willing or able to judge in a class Judge s compensation o amount may be a flat fee per course or a fee per run judged o entries in the Judge s class may be given as a portion of the Judge s compensation Expenses covered Date that the Judge shall send course(s) and score sheet(s) to the Trial Host Statement that the Trial Host will provide copies of the course(s) and score sheet(s) Statement that the host organization will provide all necessary equipment: signs, sign holders and station numbers, ring barriers, jumps Statement, if preferred, that the Judge shall nest courses (nesting courses minimizes the time required to change courses between levels) Provision for Judge s fees in case of cancellation or rescheduling of the trial Trial Premium Trial Hosts must prepare a Trial Premium to distribute to any exhibitor who requests one, either electronically or via US mail. A sample premium that can be customized is available for download from Premiums should contain: Name and address of the host organization Dates of the trial(s) Opening and closing dates for accepting entries Contact information for the Trial Chairperson and/or Trial Secretary Clear directions to the trial site Judges officiating and which Levels they are judging

54 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 54 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial Level entry limits (if any) Level start times Information on A classes and B classes, including requisites for entering those classes Local hotels (phone number and address) that accept dogs and how far they are from the trial site A list of trial specific instructions (for example, whether or not the host organization is going to allow, after the closing date, move ups from Level 1 to Level 2 or Level 2 to Level 3) Official entry forms and General Agreement An APDT Rally registration form to be sent to the Rally Coordinator at following address: Association of Pet Dog Trainers, 101 North Main Street, Suite 610, Greenville, SC 29601, and information relating to registering dogs online at Refund policy Dog Registration Numbers All teams entered in a trial must have an APDT Rally dog registration number. Exhibitors do not have to be members of the APDT to obtain an APDT Rally dog registration number. There are two ways to register a dog for APDT Rally: Online Dog Registration. A temporary registration number will be ed immediately. A temporary registration number (e.g. T-##-######) is valid for entry into trials. Download a Dog Registration Application Form found on the Rally web site and mail it to the APDT Rally Office. When the application is processed, a permanent registration number (e.g. R- ##-####) will be ed. If the exhibitor does not have , it will be sent via US mail. Trial Hosts may not accept entries from exhibitors that do not have either a temporary or permanent dog registration number. If a Trial Host is using software that does not accept the 6-digit Temporary registration number, the last 4 digits of the Temporary number may be entered. The Rally Office can verify the number if the Trial Score Reporting Sheets also includes the correct dog name and owner name. Trial Paperwork Trial Score Reporting Sheets, Judge Evaluation forms, Post-Trial Reporting Summary forms, and Incident Reports are available from the APDT Rally web site. At the conclusion of the trial(s), the Trial Host must send the following post-trial paperwork the APDT Rally Office: 1. Trial Score Reporting Forms for each trial held sort all forms by date, then by trial, then by class (1, 2, 3, Puppy, Veteran, Junior) 2. Judge Evaluations send at least one evaluation per Officiating Judge

55 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 55 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial 3. Post-Trial Reporting Summary only one summary is needed for trials held by a Trial Host on consecutive days 4. Administrative Fee this fee is $1.50 per team per course (i.e. $1.50 per entry) Post-trial paperwork must be sent to the Rally Office within 2 weeks of the trial. The trial paperwork may be sent by one of these methods: 1. to groupservices@rallydogs.com (scanned as PDF in black and white) 2. Fax to the APDT Rally Office at US Mail to APDT Rally, 101 North Main Street, Suite 610, Greenville, SC The Administrative Fee may be paid via check or by phoning or faxing credit card information to the APDT Rally Office. All trial Score Sheets must be kept by the Trial Host for a minimum of one year following the trial. Responsibilities to the APDT The Trial Host shall conduct a professional, efficient trial. Post-trial paperwork must be submitted on APDT official forms. Trial Hosts are required to maintain liability insurance for the trial site. Responsibilities to the Judges The Trial Host shall provide a ring(s) free of debris and feces. If outdoors, the grass must be mowed short and the ring surface free of holes. If indoors, the ring must be matted with rubber matting material. The ring must be gated with a barrier from the ground to at least 2 tall; dog show gating and temporary fencing are acceptable; roping is not acceptable. The Trial Host shall provide an adequate number of stewards, preferably giving the stewards a briefing or mini-class of their duties before the trial. Judges are in charge of their ring and all their decisions are final. The Trial Host does not have the authority to overrule any decision made by a Judge. Judge s Class In order to accommodate Judges who may wish to show their own dogs at trials at which they are officiating, Trial Hosts may offer a special Judge s Class as follows. Judge s Class entries are limited to the Judges who are officiating at the trial. Scores earned in the Judge s Class are for titling purposes only and are not eligible for placements and/or special awards.

56 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 56 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial The Judge s Class(es) may only be judged by another Judge approved to judge that level. o Example 1: Judge A (for Level 1) and Judge B (for Level 2) are both approved for Levels 1 and 2, and wish to enter the Judge s Class. Both are officiating at the trial. They may judge each other in the Judge s Class for the Level that they are judging: Judge A will be judged by Judge B for Level 1; Judge B will be judged by Judge A in Level 2. o If there is not an Officiating Judge approved to judge a particular Judge s class that an Officiating Judge would like to enter, any judge present who is approved to judge that level may judge the Judge s class. Trial Hosts are not required to compensate any Judge for judging the Judge s Class. Trial Score Reporting Sheets must be submitted for Judge s Classes as for regular classes. Judge s Classes may be held prior to judging the regular class or at the conclusion of the regular class, after the ribbons and other awards for that class have been presented. This should be noted in the Premium. The course used for the Judge s Class may be the same course that is used for the regular class. Trial Hosts are not required to charge an entry fee for the Judge s Class. Apprentice Judges may not enter the Judge s Class. Apprentice Judges may judge the Judge s Class. Apprentice Judges On occasion, an Apprentice Judge may be assigned to an officiating Judge. The host organization is not responsible for any fees incurred by the Apprentice Judge nor are they required to pay Apprentice Judges or provide a contract to them. The host organization must provide a set of score sheets for the Apprentice Judge for each course they apprentice. The Rally Office will contact the Trial Host if an Apprentice Judge will be apprenticing at their trial. Responsibilities to the Exhibitors First and foremost, the Trial Host shall provide a safe environment, courteous volunteers, and act in a manner to ensure that the exhibitor s impression of the trial is professional and fair. Entries The Trial Host must send out confirmations for all accepted entries. The Trial Host may do so immediately following processing or after the closing date. Confirmations should include running order/team number(s), walk-through times, and all other pertinent information. The Trial Host should promptly notify senders of entries with missing or incomplete information. Entries with missing or incomplete information do not constitute valid entries. Trial Hosts may limit the number of entries they accept, though APDT does not regulate entry limit. When determining how many dogs can be efficiently judged (and how many entries to accept for each level course), Trial Hosts should allow 4 minutes per dog plus an allowance for walk-throughs, any runoffs, class awards, and any courses changes if the ring is being used for another course.

57 Once entry limits are reached: APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 57 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial The Trial Host must promptly notify the sender that the host organization is no longer accepting entries and return or shred entries and checks. It is also recommended that the Trial Host notify the Rally Office that the trial is full; the Rally Office will make a notation on the trial listing on the APDT Rally web site. Trial Hosts are not required to maintain waiting lists, but may choose to do so. If a Trial Host chooses to maintain a waiting list, all entries placed on the waiting list should receive prompt notification of such. The Trial Host has the discretion to refuse moves from one level to another after entries close. However, moves from the A class to B class must be allowed, even on the day of the trial. Trial Hosts are not required to refund entry fees if the trial cannot open or be completed by reasons of riots, civil disturbances, fire, Acts of God (including but not limited to weather conditions such as thunderstorms, snowstorms, heavy rain, severe cold, severe heat) public emergency, act of a public enemy, strike, or any other cause beyond the control of the organizers. During the Trial Trial Hosts shall not delay judging to accommodate late-arriving exhibitors. Judges are allowed to enter a course they are not judging, provided it does not conflict with their judging assignment. However, host organizations will not interrupt or delay any course to accommodate Judges. Trial Hosts are not required to refund any entry fees for exhibitors or Judges unable to show their dogs under these situations. The Trial Host is responsible for providing Exercise Modification forms. The Trial Host shall provide exhibitors with a space to exercise (potty) their dogs complete with clean up materials and garbage can. The Trial Host shall provide adequate crating space for the entry they accept. The host organization is not responsible for providing shaded crate space. The Trial Host is not responsible for providing food or water. Staffing the Trial The following is the list of trial steward duties required at each ring. The Trial Host may have a separate person(s) perform each of these responsibilities, or some of the duties may be combined to be performed by a single person. Desk Steward Checks exhibitors in and gives them their armband number (or sticker). Checks that the host organization has the correct information for the team on the score sheet (for example, A or B class). If the Trial Host is allowing move ups from one level to another on the day of trial, the Desk Steward will update the score sheets. While the Trial Host has the discretion to disallow moves

58 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 58 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial from one level to another after the closing date, moves from the A class to B class must be allowed and the Desk Steward will update those score sheets as well. Gives the score sheets to the Scoring Steward after check in and before the start of the class. Ensures that all paperwork is complete, legible, and accurate at the end of the trial. Timing Steward Times each run with a stopwatch. This person should be placed in a position where they can clearly see the team cross both the start and finish line. Timing begins when the both parties of the team cross the start sign. Timing ends when both parties of the team cross the finish sign. Ideally times will be to the hundredth of a second (i.e. 3:26.12). Scoring Steward Before the class begins, the Desk Steward will give all score sheets, in numbered order, to the Scoring Steward. The Scoring Steward coordinates with the Gate Steward to review the score sheets and update the gate sheet (i.e. moves due to conflicts, teams that are absent, etc.) Takes the score sheet from the Judge at the completion of each team s run. The Scoring Steward confirms the Judge s totals on the score sheet. When a team has completed its run and the Judge has given the score sheet to the Scoring Steward, the Scoring Steward must have the next team s score sheet ready to give to the Judge, unless the Judge has all of the score sheets in his/her possession. Gate/Ring Steward Before the class begins, the Gate Steward coordinates with the Scoring Steward to review the score sheets and update the gate sheet (i.e. teams that are absent, etc.) Confirms that the correct exhibitor is ready to go in the ring and calls the number of the next team to ensure they are near the gate when it is the team s turn. Ensures that the working team can exit the ring at the completion of its run by keeping observers, etc. away from the ring entrance. Works with the Scoring Steward to post unofficial scores following each run. Sets the jump to the appropriate height per exhibitor. If the Judge has all of the score sheets in his/her possession and a running order change occurs, it is the responsibility of the Gate Steward to relay this information to the Judge. Trial Monitor The Trial Monitor shall assist the Officiating Judge with monitoring the trial grounds. Before the Walk-Throughs, the Trial Monitor shall meet with the Judge to discuss logistics of handling any incidents or situations that may arise outside of the ring during judging. If situations arise while the Judge is judging a team, the Trial Monitor should take action to make sure everyone is safe, make note of the team number(s) of those involved, and as soon as possible speak to the Judge, preferably before the next team goes into the ring. For any incidents, the Judge or Trial Monitor shall send an Incident Report to the Rally Office.

59 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 59 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial Optional: Chief Course Builder The Chief Course Builder is responsible for coordinating with several volunteers to layout the trial courses before each level and to change each course if the ring is used for more than one course. Trial Committee While a trial can be successfully put together by one or two hard working individuals, a group of volunteers known as a Trial Committee can distribute the work load. The following is an example of a Trial Committee and duties of each member: Trial Chairperson Obtains the trial location to host the trial Files the Trial Sanction application with the APDT at least 4 months before the desired trial date Arranges for Judges Orders ribbons for placements/qualifiers (or may be handled by the Awards Chairperson) Ensures all necessary equipment and ring gates/barriers are at the trial site Prints course maps and score sheets (Tip: It is very helpful to print score sheets for the A and B classes on different colored paper as they can easily get mixed up) Puts together the Premium and Catalog Collecting Judge receipts and paying them at the conclusion of their last assignment Organizes the Trial Committee as outlined below The Trial Chairperson must provide his/her contact information, address (PO box is acceptable), address, and phone number The Trial Chairperson together with the Trial Secretary is responsible for turning in post-trial paperwork Trial Secretary Handles trial paperwork Accepts entries and fees, and assigns armband numbers Acts as general contact for exhibitors; as such, Trial Secretary must provide his/her contact information, including address (P.O. box is fine), address, and phone number Keeps track of the waitlist and shreds or mails back applications and checks once the trial and waitlist fills. The Trial Secretary also handles exhibitors changes to their entries before the closing date, and prepares the Gate sheets/scoreboards Verifies that post-trial paperwork is correct, complete, legible, and signed by all Judges

60 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 60 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial When preparing score sheets, exhibitors should be ordered as follows: The A class does not need to run separately from the B class. When preparing the Level 2 and 3 gate sheets exhibitors in each class may be grouped by jump height, either ascending or descending order. Awards Chairperson Solicits awards and cash prizes from the organization members, obtains those awards, and brings them to the trial Ensures the ribbons are brought to the ring when a level has finished Orders ribbons for the trial Hospitality Chairperson In the event the Trial Host is offering Hospitality, the Hospitality Chairperson would be responsible for coordination. The Trial Host is responsible for providing Judges meals during the trial. Advertising Once the trial application has been approved as sanctioned or pending by the APDT Rally Office, it will be listed on the APDT Rally web site Calendar. Other ideas for advertising the trials include: Post trials at Promote trials on local dog event lists Forward flyers and/or premiums to local dog-training clubs and schools Keep a database of everyone who inquired about the trial, regardless of whether they attended, and send them information on your next trial Ribbons and Rosettes The host organization is responsible for providing qualifying ribbons to exhibitors who receive a qualifying score in the A classes. The color of the qualifying ribbon is determined by the Trial Host. It is recommended that qualifying ribbons also be awarded to all teams in the B classes with scores of 170 or higher. The host organization is also responsible for providing placement rosettes to the top five high scoring teams in the A classes. In the event of a tie score for a placement, those teams will run a shortened course of the first six exercises. In the event of a tie during the run-off, time will determine the placement. Placements are recommended, but not required, for the B classes. If placements are awarded to the top five high scoring teams in the B classes, time is used to determine placement, rather than a run-off course.

61 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 61 of 79 Chapter 10. Hosting a Trial Recommended placement rosette/ribbon colors are: 1 st place Blue 2 nd place Red 3 rd place Yellow 4 th place White 5 th place Pink The Trial Host is responsible for providing Championship title rosettes to all exhibitors who may complete the requirements for them at a trial. These include the ARCH, ARCHX, ARCHEX, ARCHMX, and Individual Level Championship titles: RLPX, RL1X, RL2X, RL3X, and RLVX. The Trial Host determines colors and designs. In choosing Championship title rosettes, the Trial Host should recognize that not all dogs will earn the upper levels of titles and that an ARCH may be the only Combined Level Championship title that some dogs may earn and be the culmination of a career. Therefore, all Combined Level Championship rosettes (even the lower levels) should be special. Ribbons and rosettes for additional Level Championships are not required and are up to the discretion of the Trial Host. Options for additional Level Championships ribbons are to customize Level Championship ribbons by attaching tags to the ribbon. For example, an RL3 tag and X4 tag could be added to a ribbon for an RL3X4 Championship title ribbon. It is recommended that the APDT logo be on the ribbons and rosettes. The host organization may offer other ribbons or special awards for any distinction they see fit. Special ribbons and/or awards should be mentioned in the premium if possible, and/or advertised at check-in so all teams are aware of them. Special Awards for Junior Level Classes Qualifying runs for Junior 1, Junior 2, and/or Junior 3 shall be awarded a gold medal (neck medallion style). All other Junior participants, including Pre-JRs, shall receive bronze medals. All medals shall be identical in size.

62 APDT Rally Obedience Rules and Guidelines p. 62 of 79 Chapter 11. Judges Ch. 11. JUDGES Effective 7/1/2014, Chapter 11 Judges has been replaced by the Requirements for Judges, Code of Conduct and Remuneration of Judges at Responsibilities Judges must demonstrate solid knowledge of APDT Rally Rules and Guidelines. If a questionable situation arises during the judging of a performance, Judges should make note of this and check the Rules and Guidelines before turning in the score sheet. When doubt remains, the Judge should always err on the side of the exhibitor. It is critical that exhibitors have complete faith in the impartiality and competence of Judges. Judges have full discretion within the framework of APDT Rally Rules and Guidelines, and must exercise this authority impartially. Judges may not discard, modify, or require anything not specified in the Rules and Guidelines. The Judge s primary concerns should be that all exhibitors understand the course and can perform all of the exercises safely. Judges are expected to act in a courteous and professional manner that reflects positively upon both APDT and the trial host. They should listen carefully to exhibitor suggestions and comments as well as graciously mediate any disputes. Judges must refrain from making personal comments and be constructive and positive. Judges must possess and demonstrate sound judging procedure and ring control. Judges shall review with their stewards their respective duties and the manner in which they are to be performed. Any request from an exhibitor for special consideration must be directed to the Judge. Following judging, Judges are encouraged to answer exhibitor questions regarding their performance. As an APDT Official, Judges shall monitor that all trials are run according to APDT Rules and Guidelines, and resolve disputes and conflicts. Judges shall be given the assistance of a Trial Monitor at a trial to assist the Officiating Judge with monitoring situations on the trial grounds. Ethics Judges must be unfailingly ethical and strive to avoid situations that might raise ethical questions. Judges may not solicit or promote judging assignments. Judges may not sell equipment or merchandise at trials at which they are officiating. Judges in attendance but not officiating must not discuss the officiating Judges actions, scoring, or decisions. Any expressed concerns and inquiries should be referred to the appropriate officiating Judge. Judges attending as exhibitors are not permitted to adjust the trial course during the walkthrough, unless requested to do so by the officiating Judge.