PAAPP Agility Regulations This document is prepared using the guidelines from AGILITY REGULATIONS, 9th edition, January 2010 of the Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd. 1. General Provisions 1.1. All the regulations are stipulated in the AGILITY REGULATIONS 9th edition, January 2010 of ADAA shall prevail if not already stated in the sections 2-11. 1.2. In line with improving the standard of dog agility sport in Malaysia, this document shall be revised at least every year by the PAAPP Committee of office-bearers. 2. Titles 2.1 Malaysian Agility Champion ( M.A.CH.) PAAPP shall issue the M.A.CH certificate to dogs which attain minimum 20 points. In addition the below requirements must be meta) minimum 1 Clean Run certificate ( 5 points) from Elementary class b) minimum 3 Clean Run certificate (15 points) from Novice class c) OR 4 Novice Clean Run certificates (20 points) (The Basic Jumpers Clean Run certificate will count towards the M.A.CH title provided the runs are done before 1 st Jan 2010. As such, the requirement for the M.A.CH title shall be 1 Basic Jumpers plus 1 Elementary plus 2 Novice Clean Run Certificates. Application of the M.A.CH title using this scheme is acceptable until 1 June 2010). 2.2 Malaysian Agility Grand Champion (M.A.GR CH.) PAAPP shall issue the M.A.GR CH. Certificate to a dog which meets the following criteriaa) Minimum 4 Clean Run certificates ( 5 points per certificate) from the Open Class 2.3 Clean Run Certificates A Clean Run certificate is issued to the dog which has achieved the Clean Round. A dog may attempt any number of trials to achieve the Clean Run Certificate. A Clean Run means that the dog completes the course with Zero Course Faults and within the SCT. 2.4 Gamblers Dog (GD) PAAPP shall issue the GD certificate to dogs which attain minimum 15 points in Gamblers Test 1. A qualifying certificate called Gamblers Test 1 Certificate (5 points per certificate) will be issued to dog achieving the requirements as stated Document # AR004. 2.5 Gamblers Dog Excellent (GDX) PAAPP shall issue the GDX certificate to dogs which attain minimum 15 points in Gamblers Test 2. A qualifying certificate called Gamblers Test 2 Certificate ( 5 points per certificate) will be issued to dog achieving the requirements as stated Document # AR004. Page 1 of 12
2.6 Veteran Agility Dog (VAD) PAAPP shall issue the V.A.D certificate to a dog which meets the following criteriaa) Minimum 4 Clean Run certificates ( 5 points per certificate) from the Veteran Class. 2.7 Jumping Dog Excellent (JDEx) PAAPP shall issue the J.D.EX certificate to a dog which meets the following criteriaa) Minimum 4 Clean Run certificates ( 5 points per certificate, total 20 points) from the Jumps with Weaves (JWW) course at Novice level standard. b) A Jumps With Weaves (JWW) course consist of 15-20 jumps, tunnels and weave poles. No other contact equipment and no table. Jumps include single bar hurdles, double or triple bar jumps, long jump and tyre jumps. The scoring and placing is per section 7. The marking/faults/refusals/elimination follows section 8. 2.8 Masters Jumping Dog (MJD) PAAPP shall issue the M.J.D certificate to a dog which meets the following criteriaa) Minimum 4 Clean Run certificates ( 5 points per certificate, total 20 points) from the Jumps with Weaves (JWW) course at Open level standard. b) A Jumps With Weaves (JWW) course consist of 15-20 jumps, tunnels and weave poles. No other contact equipment and no table. Jumps include single bar jumps, double or triple bar jumps, long jump and tyre jumps. The scoring and placing is per section 7. The marking/faults/refusals/elimination follows section 8. 2.9 Masters Gamblers Dog (MGD) PAAPP shall issue the MGD certificate to a dog which meets the following criteriac) Minimum 3 Qualifying Round certificates (5 points per certificate, total 15 points) from the Masters Gamblers Course level. d) Rules shall follow the Gamblers Rules Document AR004- Gamblers Rules e) This class is open to all dogs with or without titles. 3. Agility Trials Each Agility Trial may consist of any or all of 9 categories. They are a) Elementary b) Novice c) Open d) Gamblers Test 1 e) Gamblers Test 2 f) Master Gamblers g) Veteran Class h) Jumps With Weaves Novice level (JWW-Novice) i) Jumps With Weaves Open level (JWW-Open) Note- The Basic Jumpers class will be added into the requirement to obtain the A.G.SP title. See Document Number- AR002. Page 2 of 12
4. Height classes 3 classes, the Maxi, Mini and Toy are provided- Maxi- for dogs measuring above 450 mm at the withers (Jump height is 550mm) Mini- for dogs measuring 300 mm up to 450 mm at the withers (Jump height is 400mm) Toy- for dogs measuring below 300mm at the withers (jump height is 250mm) 5. Eligibility a) Elementary- open to all dogs above 18 months old and who have not attained the Champion title. b) Novice- open to all dogs above 18 months old who have not attained the Champion title. c) Open- open to all dogs who have attained the M.A.CH title or similar titles from other agility clubs. d) Veteran- open to all dogs above 7 years of age, with or without titles. e) Jumps With Weaves- open to all dogs above 18 months, with or without titles. f) A dog may be entered in each standard (Elementary, Novice, Open) in as many trials as wished. However if the dog qualifies for 4 Clean Run Certificate of that standard, the dog may not enter that same standard. The exception to the Rule is the Open Standard Agility and JWW-Open. Dogs may compete in the Open Agility and JWW- Open even after attaining 4 Clean Runs in these standards. 6. Courses The test area should measure 20X40 metres minimum, have suitable surface and be clearly marked. Hard surfaces with no absorbent materials should be discouraged. A well-designed course layout will allow the dog to complete the course in a free flowing smooth manner. Table A Item Standard Notes Length of course Minimum 100m and maximum 200m. Adjacent obstacles Minimum of 4.5m between them For mini and toy this may be reduced to 3.0-3.5m. 2 obstacles and right angles Minimum spacing is 3.5m. For toy class, this can be reduced to 3.0m. Spread obstacles Maintain 6m on either side Tyre jump Set in a straight approach For safety reasons Contact equipment and weaving poles Must not be placed at the start or end of the course. 7. Scoring/placing 7.1. Course faults- all course faults are in units of 5. 7.2. Time faults- 1 time fault shall be accumulated for each second that the dog exceeds the SCT. 7.3. Total faults=course faults +Time faults Page 3 of 12
7.4. Clean Run- is gained by having zero Total faults. 7.5. Placing for Trials ( Elementary, Novice and Open) The dog with the least total faults will be placed first. This means dogs with zero total faults will be placed first, followed by dogs with second lowest total faults and so on. Example is as appended next page. When 2 or more dogs have equal total faults, the fastest dog is placed first. A dog that is eliminated or withdrawn will not receive a placing. When 2 or more dogs have equal time and equal total faults, they will both be awarded the same placing. Example 2 first placing and a third placing, no 2 nd placing. For Gamblers Test, refer to Document AR004- Gamblers Rules. 7.6 Standard Course Time (SCT) is the length of the course divided by the rate of travel for that class. The SCT may be changed by the committee from time to time. Elementary Novice class Open class Veteran class Jumps With Weaves -Novice Jumps with Weaves -Open 2.00 metres per second 2.50 metres per second 3.00 metres per second 2.00 metres per second 2.50-3.00 metres per second 3.00-3.50 metres per second Table B. Dog Run time Time faults (A) Course Faults (B) Total Faults (A+B) SCT/MCT 1 37 secs 0 2=10 10 60secs/90secs 5th 2 39 secs 0 1=5 5 60sec/90secs 4th Placing Notes 3 40 secs 0 0 0 60secs/90secs 1 st Clean Run 4 38 secs 0 1=5 5 60secs/90secs 3rd 5 30 secs 0 2=10 10 60secs/90secs 5th 6 64 secs 4 0 4 60secs/90secs 2nd Over SCT, no clean run certificate. 7 44 secs E E E No placing 8 92 secs E E E No placing See section 8.10 Eliminated, above MCT Page 4 of 12
7.8 Maximum Course Time (MCT) is 1.5X the SCT. Example is shown below. 5 seconds is added to the SCT when the Pause Table is used. Length of course Class SCT Possible MCT 112.5 metres elementary 57 + 5 = 62 secs 120 to 95 seconds 122.7 metres novice 50 + 5= 55 secs 110 to 85 seconds 130 metres open 45 + 5 = 50 secs 100 to 80 seconds 8. Marking/Faults/Refusals One course fault for each Refusal. In addition to specific Refusals for each obstacle, a Refusal occurs when the dog s nose, while following the course set by the Judge, comes to a standstill directly in front of an obstacle (within 1 metre) or has to retrace it s path in order to correctly take an obstacle. The dog passing the plane of an obstacle (defined by an imaginary line across the front of the obstacle) is also faulted as a Refusal. A dog that passes the plane of a contact obstacle and is still able to ascend the obstacle without turning back shall NOT be faulted a refusal. The only time a dog that circles it s handler would be given a Refusal is when the dog is directly in front (within 1 metre) of an obstacle and then turns away from that obstacle. If the dog is NOT directly in front (within 1 metre) of an obstacle and turns away during a circle, no Refusal is given. All refusals have to be corrected, unless otherwise specified, example section 8.6e) A Course Fault cannot be incurred for any attempt of an obstacle that has been deemed a Refusal. Example section 8.7b) 8.1 Hurdle/Spread Hurdle a) A dog will be faulted for displacing a bar. A dog will NOT be faulted if any part of an obstacle is touched and does not replace. b) A dog jumping over the upright or the wing of a Hurdle constitutes a Refusal. c) A dog going under a bar of a Hurdle is a Refusal. d) A dog that does not negotiate the Spread Hurdle by jumping all of the bars in a single stride will receive a Refusal. e) If for any reason the hurdle pole (bar) falls down through no fault of the owner or dog and the dog has to attempt that jump, the dog will not be penalized provided that the dog passes through the Hurdle uprights. f) A dog knocking down the hurdle pole (bar) will receive 1 fault. If the hurdle is a repeated hurdle (subsequent obstacle to be attempted on the course) and the dog has knocked down the hurdle pole (bar) during the first time jump, the dog must pass Page 5 of 12
through the Hurdle Uprights on the subsequent jump. If dog does not go through the uprights, it will receive a Refusal. g) If handler or dog knocks down the uprights of the hurdle, it will be penalised one fault. 8.2 Tyre a) A dog that puts his head or paw on the tyre and withdraws will be penalized a Refusal. b) A dog that jumps through the aperture of the tyre and knocks down the tyre will be given 1 course fault. If the tyre is a subsequent obstacle to be attempted on the course, the dog will be eliminated, as the dog will not be able to pass through the tyre again. 8.3 Long jump a) While attempting to jump the spread, if a dog knocks down or steps on and/or between any part of the obstacle with one or more paws, 1 course fault. b) A dog that makes an attempt to jump the spread of the Long Jump and lands on the last board (even if it does not topple) will receive 1 course fault. c) Clipping the last board, if it does not topple is no fault. Clipping any of the Long jump planks is NOT considered a Fault as long as the plank does not topple. d) A dog that walks through the obstacle with no attempt to jump will receive a Refusal. Jumping sideways or running past the front poles will be considered a Refusal. e) If a judge faults a dog at the Long Jump, the Judge is required to extend the time his/her hand is in the air and be mindful of the fact that the Handler may not know if the fault is a course fault and they can continue the course, or if it is a refusal fault, they must return to reattempt the Long Jump under the penalty of Elimination. 8.4 Table a) Judge will say 5-4-3-2-1 GO. b) The dog must pause at the pause table at the DOWN position for 5 seconds count. (Note: For Elementary Class, the dog s position on the Table is the handler s choice: Stand, Sit or Down) c) Counting starts when the dog is on the table at the DOWN position. If dog breaks from the DOWN position and still on the table, counting resumes only after the dog resumes the DOWN position. No fault is recorded. d) If the dog jumps down from the table, counting resumes only after the dog jumps back onto the table and resumes the DOWN position. 1 fault is recorded for dog jumping off the table. The dog must go back to the table if the judge has not completed the GO. e) If the dog leaves the table prior to the starting of the count, 1 course fault is recorded. The dog must return to the table and be in the down position so that the Judge may begin the count. f) The dog can be allowed to jump down from the table upon the judge saying GO. g) Access to the Table is allowed from 3 sides A, B and C (Refer to diagram). If the dog goes further and passes the imaginary line D will receive a Refusal, irrespective of which sides the dog jumps. In this case when the dog has passed the imaginary line and received a Refusal fault, the dog may access the Table via any side. Page 6 of 12
Direction of course B D C A 8.5 Weave poles a) The dog is to enter the Weave Poles with the first pole adjacent to it s left side. Each incorrect entry is to be classified as a Refusal until correct entry is achieved. b) A maximum of 1 course fault will be incurred for any other errors. That is if dog misses any other poles, it is time wasted. No faults will be recorded after the 1 st fault is recorded. c) Once an error is made after correct entry and the dog returns to the start to attempt all the poles again, then a Refusal CANNOT be given for incorrect entry and will be time wasted only (to correct the wrong entry). d) Failure to complete the Weave Poles correctly before negotiating any further obstacle, or back-weaving will result in Elimination. 8.6 Collapsible and Open tunnel a) A dog that places it s paw or head in the tunnel and withdraws will be penalized a Refusal when the tunnel is the next obstacle to be attempted. If it is the NOT the next obstacle, elimination rule applies for wrong course. b) A dog jumping over or on the tunnel will receive a Refusal when it the next obstacle to be attempted. If it is NOT the next obstacle, elimination rule applies for wrong course. c) A dog will not be penalized for running across the cloth of the collapsible tunnel. If handler runs on the cloth, elimination applies. d) A dog that leaves the tunnel exit with just one, two, three paws then withdraws inside the tunnel will not be penalized, only time wasted. The dog will be penalized for wrong course (elimination) if all 4 paws have left the tunnel and touching the ground and then re-enters the tunnel. e) A dog that enters the tunnel, turns inside and sticks it s head and/or paw out of the entrance and turns back and continues the normal flow of the course will be a given a Refusal. In this case, the handler is not required to bring the dog back and may continue on the course. f) In the same situation as e) but dog DOES NOT stick its head or paw out of the entrance, no refusal fault applies, only time-wasted. Page 7 of 12
8.7 A-frame a) A dog that fails to touch the contact area prior to alighting/descending will be penalized 1 Fault. b) A dog that misses the UP contact area of the A-Frame and then alights before touching the Down Ramp will only receive a Refusal. The Fault incurred for the missed contact will be overridden by the Refusal, and action should be taken by the judge to amend the results after the run. c) A dog that leaves the A-frame before having passed the apex and touched the Down Ramp is penalized for Refusal. d) A dog that places it s paw on the A-frame and withdraws will be penalized a Refusal. e) A dog will NOT be penalized for walking under the A-frame if it is not the next obstacle to be attempted obstacle. (Note- Handlers will be eliminated if crossing under the A-frame at anytime during the run.) f) A dog will be penalized with Elimination (for wrong course) if the dog attempts the A-Frame if it is NOT the obstacle to be attempted. g) A dog that leaves the A-frame without touching the Contact area and lands on the ground with 1, 2, or 3 paws and then places one or more paws on the obstacle will be given 1 fault for missed contact. The dog will be penalized for Wrong course (Elimination) if the dog has left the obstacle with all 4 paws on the ground and then subsequently retouched the obstacle. 8.8 Dog walk a) A dog that fails to touch the contact area prior to alighting/descending the dog walk will be penalized 1 Fault. b) A dog that misses the up contact area of the Ascending Ramp and then alights before touching the Descending Ramp will only receive a Refusal. The Fault incurred for the missed contact will be overridden by the Refusal, and action should be taken by the judge to amend the results after the run. c) A dog that leaves the Dog Walk before having attempted the Descending Ramp will be penalized a Refusal. d) A dog that places it s paw on the dog walk ramp and withdraws will be penalized a Refusal. e) A dog will NOT be penalized for walking under the Dog Walk if it is not the next obstacle to be attempted obstacle. (Note- Handlers will be eliminated for running under the Dog Walk at anytime during the run.) f) A dog will be penalized with Elimination (for wrong course) if the dog attempts the Dog Walk if it is not the obstacle to be attempted. g) A dog that leaves the Dog Walk without touching the Contact area and lands on the ground with 1, 2, or 3 paws and then places one or more paws on the obstacle will be given 1 fault for missed contact. The dog will be penalized for Wrong course (Elimination) if the dog has left the obstacle with all 4 paws on the ground and then subsequently retouched the obstacle. Page 8 of 12
8.9 See-saw a) A dog that leaves the see-saw before the see-saw tilts is a refusal. b) A dog that leaves the see-saw after the see-saw tilts but prior to the plank touching the ground will be penalized 1 course fault.. c) A dog that places its paw on the contact area of the see-saw and withdraws will be penalized 1 refusal. d) A dog that fails to touch the contact area prior to alighting from the see-saw will be penalized 1 course fault. e) A dog that leaves the see-saw without touching the contact area and lands on the ground with 1, 2, or 3 paws and then places one or more paws on the obstacle will be given 1 fault for missed contact. The dog may be penalized for Wrong course (Elimination) if the dog has left the obstacle with all 4 paws on the ground and then subsequently retouched the obstacle f) If the dog touches the see-saw when it is NOT the next obstacle it is wrong course and will be eliminated. g) A dog that misses the up contact area of the See-saw and then alights before the seesaw tilts will only receive a Refusal. The Fault incurred for the missed contact will be overridden by the Refusal, and action should be taken by the judge to amend the results after the run. 8.10 The Dog shall be Eliminated for any of the following. a) 3 refusals or Faults as stated in any of the above obstacles b) Dog Running out of the boundary of the course c) Dog Fouling within the perimeters of the ring, including before start and after finishing the run. d) All refusals to be corrected. If dog cannot correct the refusal, it will be eliminated. e) Dog fails to complete the weave poles f) Dog taking the wrong course, including incorrect obstacle, back jumping, back weaving, jumping over obstacle when it is NOT the obstacle to be attempted. g) Dog that is un-manageable and is no longer under the control of the handler for more than 10 secs. h) Handler having any reward or food in his/her hand and is visible to the Judge. There is no penalty if item is not visible to the Judge. i) Handler holding anything in his hand (other than the lead and collar while in the perimeters of the ring. j) Handler dropping food (including accidentally from their pockets) while on course and/or within the START/FINISH Area and is visible to the Judge. k) Handler jumping over jumps, knocked down uprights of the jump, running under the A-Frame, dog walk, walk over the tunnel cloth. l) Exceeding the MCT. m) Handler deliberate touching the dog (with any part of his/her body) which offers significant physical assistance to negotiate an obstacle will be eliminated. Any other deliberate touching shall be penalised one fault. n) Handler putting hands in the pocket after he/she has passed the plane of the 1 st obstacle. o) Handler wearing a bum-bag or similar externally worn item. Page 9 of 12
p) Handler with dog practising on the equipment in the ring, prior to judging, without the Judge s permission. q) Elimination at the Start line- No feeding or playing tug with the dog within the perimeters of the ring. Once the steward says Go when you are ready handler to take note a few situations: i) Handler leaves the dog and walks away from the dog past the 1 st obstacle. Dog moves and takes the obstacle. Time will start as soon as dog has taken the 1 st obstacle. In this instance, even if handler says he is not ready and goes to reposition his dog and touches his dog, it is elimination. ii) Handler leaves the dog and walks away from the dog. Handler did not pass the 1 st obstacle and he moves back to reposition his dog and touched his dog. Time will not start as dog has not passed the 1 st obstacle and no penalty for touching the dog. 8.11 Additional regulations a) Dogs under 18 months are strongly advised not to enter the trials. If the handler insist, the handler/owner is responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may befall the dog. b) Bitches in oestrum are not permitted to compete or remain the in trials arena. c) Prior to the trials, the judge must give a Judge s brief to the competitors concerning the course, including faults, SCT, MCT and remind them of the markings. d) Change of handler for the trials is NOT ALLOWED once the dog-handler team has registered before the start of the trial. The run will be disqualified and no placing will be awarded. e) No smoking is allowed at the collecting ring or during the runs. f) All handlers are required to assist in setting up the obstacles with the Judge s direction. g) All handlers are required to take responsibility to get their dogs ready at least 2 dogs ahead. This is to assist in the smooth running of the event, as there may be NO announcement for the numbers. h) Only 1 Run for each course. Page 10 of 12
9. Obstacles and Classes Class ( or category) #of obstacles Types of obstacles Elementary 15-20 Single hurdles, tyre jumps, open tunnel, long jump, collapsible tunnel. Pause table is optional. No spread hurdles. No weave poles. Minimum 1 of 3 contact obstacles- see-saw, dog walk and A-frame. Novice 15-20 Single hurdles, tyre jumps, open tunnel, long jump, collapsible tunnel. Pause table and spread hurdles are optional. Minimum 2 of 3 contact obstacles- see-saw, dog walk and A-frame. Weave poles are compulsory and used one-time only. Number of poles- 10 or 12. Open 15-20 Single hurdles, tyre jumps, open tunnel, long jump, collapsible tunnel. Pause table and spread hurdles are optional. Minimum 2 of 3 contact obstacles- see-saw, dog walk and A-frame. Weave poles are compulsory and used one-time only. Number of poles- 10 or 12. Veteran 15-20 Equipment and difficulty level is same as Novice. For dogs above 7 years of age. Jumps With Weaves -Novice and Open standard. 15-20 Single hurdles, tyre jumps, open tunnel, long jump, collapsible tunnel, spread hurdles. No contact equipment. Weave poles are compulsory and used onetime only. Number of poles- 10 or 12. Page 11 of 12
10. Obstacles Specification No. Obstacle Toy (below 300mm) Mini (300mm- 450mm) Maxi (above 450mm) 1 Single hurdle Height 250 mm Height 400mm Height 550mm 2 Spread hurdle ( 2 single hurdles put together) Height 250mm.Top of front hurdle to be minimum 100mm below the top hurdle Height 400mm.Top of front hurdle to be minimum 100mm below the top hurdle Height 550mm. Top of front hurdle to be minimum 100mm below the top hurdle 3 Wing hurdle Height 250mm Height 400mm Height 550mm 4 Tyre jump Height to lowest aperture- 250-280mmmm Height to lowest aperture- 350-380mmmm Height to lowest aperture-480-500mm 5 Long jump Spread 500mm Spread 800mm Spread 1100mm 6 Table Height 200- Height 250-300mm Height- 550-600mm 250mm 7 Weave poles (minimum 5, maximum 12) Poles are placed 550-600mm apart. Minimum pole Poles are placed 550-600mm apart. Minimum pole height Poles are placed 550-600mm apart. Minimum pole height 950mm height 950mm 8 Pipe tunnel Length 4000-6000mm, diameter 600-800mm 9 A-frame Height about 1524mm (5 ft.). Contact area 1067mm (42 inches) from the ground. 10 Dog walk Height- 1100-1250mm (43 inches 49 inches). Contact area 914mm ( 36 inches) from the ground 11 See-saw Height- 610mm- 760mm ( 24-29 inches). Contact area 914 (36 inches) from the ground. 950mm Length 4000-6000mm, diameter 600-800mm Height about 1675mm (5 ft.6in). Contact area 1067mm ( 42 inches) from the ground. Height- 1250-1400 mm (49 inches 55 inches). Contact area 914mm ( 36 inches) from the ground Height- 610mm- 760mm ( 24-29 inches). Contact area 914 (36 inches) from the ground. Length 4000-6000mm, diameter 600-800mm Height about 1800mm (5 ft.6in to 5 feet 11in). Contact area 1067mm (42 inches) from the ground Height- 1250-1400 mm (49 inches 55 inches). Contact area 914mm ( 36 inches) from the ground Height- 610mm-760mm ( 24-29 inches). Contact area 914 (36 inches) from the ground. 11. Gamblers Test- Refer to Document AR004-Gamblers Rules. Page 12 of 12