KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
REGULATIONS FOR AGILITY CLASSES
SCHEDULE 5(L)
SCHEDULE 5(L)
INTRODUCTION
Agility is a dog competition open to all dogs. The idea is to have them negotiate a variety of obstacles to assess and enhance their intelligence and agility. It is an educational and sporting activity intended to improve the dog’s integration into society.
The sport requires good rapport between dog and handler which will result in perfect understanding. Competitors therefore must be familiar with elementary training and basic obedience.
Anything referring to Agility will also refer to Non-Contact Agility unless otherwise stated in the schedule.
1. REGULATIONS FOR AGILITY
1.1 Licensing and Show Rules
The Regulations relating to licensing and to all other matters to do with shows as set out in Schedule 3 (Championship Shows), Schedule 3(A) International Dog Shows (FCI) and Schedule 4 (Non-Championship Shows) of the Constitution of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa shall apply to competition for Agility Shows so far as they can be relevant to Agility Shows and so far as they do not conflict with the specific terms of this Schedule 5(L).
1.2 Scope of Licence
Any club affiliated to the Kennel Union of Southern Africa and is eligible to hold either Non-Championship or Championship shows may apply for and be issued with a Licence to hold Agility Classes with any show or separately there from, but may not hold Championship Agility Classes more than once in any one (1) calendar year.
1.3 Agility Certificates
A KUSA Agility Qualifying Certificate, in each size provided for in these Regulations will be awarded at Championship Shows in Agility 3 to dogs with clear rounds, provided that a minimum of one (1) dog has competed. The Qualifying Certificates go to the dog/dogs with the fastest clear round in accordance with the table in regulation 1.3.1
1.3.1 The number of Qualifying Certificates to be awarded as per the following table:
Number of Dogs Number of QC.s
One(1) to Fifteen (15) One (1)
Sixteen (16) to Thirty (30) Two (2)
Thirty one (31) and above Three (3)
A Winners Qualifying Certificate will be awarded to the first placed dog, a Qualifying certificate will be awarded to the second and third placed dogs, with their placing endorsed thereon, where applicable.
1.4 Qualification
1.4.1 In all Agility tests a Qualification shall only be gained if the dog completes the Agility round without accumulating any faults.
1.4.2 Total penalty. means the sum of all the faults allotted on the obstacles and the faults for exceeding the Standard Course Time (SCT) (see Regulation 6.1.1).
1.5 Champion Status
A dog awarded three (3) Agility Qualifying Certificates in Agility 3 at Championship Shows, in any one (1) size category, each by a different Judge, will qualify as an Agility Champion and a KUSA Certificate to this effect will be issued. Effective date 1st January 2000
1.5.1 Grand Champion
A dog awarded fifteen (15) Agility Qualifying Certificates in Contact or Non-contact respectively will qualify as a Grand Champion and shall be issued with a KUSA certificate to that effect.
i.e.: Grand Champion – Contact
Grand Champion – Non contact
Note: Subject to the restrictions contained in Reg.1.4.1, all qualifications gained may be counted towards Grand Championship status which is effective from 1 April 2010.
1.6 Registering and Eligibility of Dogs for Competition
1.6.1 Championship and Non-Championship Shows
1.6.1.1 All dogs must be on a Kennel Union Register or Record or be registered with an organisation in reciprocity with or which there is a written agreement with KUSA.
1.6.1.2 All dogs must be eighteen (18) months of age or over on the first day of the show.
1.6.1.3 Foreign handlers/dogs must show they are a member of and their dogs registered with a national canine organisation affiliated to the FCI or with whom the Kennel Union has a reciprocal agreement with and that they compete in their country of permanent residence and are able to produce a Record Card or Book to prove this.
All foreign dogs shall be tattooed or micro chipped. This would include any South African owned dog participating in the Agility World Championships.
1.6.1.4 All competitors must possess a Record Card in which competition results are recorded.
1.6.2 No dog or person entering Agility Shows shall be under suspension or disqualification by KUSA or any organisation with which it is in reciprocity or with whom KUSA has a written agreement.
1.6.3 Not for Competition (NFC)
1.6.3.1 Handlers may enter their dogs as “Not for Competition” (N.F.C.) at Non Championship Shows only. The dog entered as ‘NFC’ should be clearly marked on the entry and score sheet. The handler and will be allowed in the ring for the maximum course.
1.6.3.2 No dispensation in respect of Regulation 4.7 Discipline of Dogs shall be permitted. Dispensations in respect of Regulations 4.8 Practice and 4.9 Rewarding of Dogs are allowed. The dog may not be rewarded with food in the ring. The handler and dog will run last in their respective class.
1.6.3.3 Dispensations allowing a competitor to compete in a lower height than eligible may be permitted but not to compete in a higher height than eligible. Dispensations allowing a competitor to compete in a lower class than eligible may be permitted but not to compete in a higher class than eligible.
1.6.3.4 ‘NFC’ entries shall be identified by the judge/scribe to the other competitors when the handler enters the ring and shall not be marked or be eligible for prizes or qualifications.
2. TYPES OF AGILITY CATEGORIES
2.1 Three (3) categories exist:
2.1.1 The “S” (Small) category: For dogs measuring less than 35cm at the withers
2.1.2 The “M”(Medium) category: For dogs measuring 35cm or more and less than 43cm at the withers
The “L” (Large) category: For dogs measuring 43cm or more at the withers.
2.1.3 Dogs may only jump in their own category.
The obstacles must meet the specifications defined for each category
2.1.4 Dogs close in size to the limits of “S, M or L” will be required to be measured to determine the height at the withers. Dogs may be re-measured at any time and if such dog is re-classified into the next category, any Certificates won in the previous category do not count towards Championship status in the new category. The dog’s Record Card must be endorsed that it is no longer in the previous category.
2.1.5 Prior to entering an Agility Event for the first time, the handler shall produce his dog’s Registration Certificate to prove age. Any dog whose size is close to the limit “S, M or L” shall be measured by the Agility Judge of the day on a flat level surface and have the relevant Record Card signed and filled in if the Dog is 42.99cm or less at the withers.
2.2 Levels of Agility classes
2.2.1 Any dog which has been placed three (3) times in any of the first three places in Agility 1 with a clear round in either a Championship or Non-Championship show, must then advance to Agility 2.
2.2.2 A dog shall remain in Agility 2 until it has been placed three (3) times in any of the first three places, with a clear round at either Championship or Non-Championship shows. It must then advance to Agility 3
2.2.3 Qualifications gained at events held in terms of Schedule 5D Regulations for Dog Jumping do not count towards any qualification in Agility.
2.3 No dog that has qualified out of a class or category may enter that class or category again.
2.4 At the conclusion of the judging of a class, it is the responsibility of the Judge of that class to enter in each dog’s Record Card particulars of the show with details of marks scored, appropriate placing and certificates awarded when such information is relevant to the dog’s eligibility to compete in a higher class or to the dog’s achieving Champion status.
2.5 Show Entries
2.5.1 It is permissible to enter a dog for competition in an Agility Class in anticipation of the dog qualifying to compete in that class at a previous show, provided that the entry is made in accordance with these Regulations and that the dog qualifies prior to the day of the show.
2.5.2 It is permissible for a dog to partake in a higher class than the class entered in advance of a show, provided that the dog has qualified out of the lower Class prior to the show.
2.6 Training and Qualification of Judges and course designers
2.6.1 Persons wishing to become Agility Judges should make application in writing to the Agility Sub-Committee of the Provincial area in which they normally reside. In areas where there is no Provincial Council, application should be made direct to KUSA.
2.6.1.1 Such application should provide proof that the applicant has acted as an Official (Steward, Marshall, Timekeeper, Scribe, Scorer) or Competitor at Agility Shows for not less than One (1) Calendar year.
2.6.1.2 Once a person has been accepted by his Provincial Council Sub-Committee or by KUSA, before he may accept an Agility 1 Non-Championship Show appointment, he must attend a course and achieve the required pass rate in all elements of the course as stated in Regulations 2.6.1.3 to 2.6.1.7.
2.6.1.3 A Candidate Judge shall attend a course which shall cover the Rules and Regulations (Schedule 5L) judging techniques and course design. This course shall be run by three (3) Championship show Agility judges. On completion of the course, the Candidate Judge shall then take an Examination and a Practical test which shall consists of the following:
2.6.1.4 A written Examination on KUSA Rules and Regulations. (Unless previously done)
2.6.1.5 An oral or written Examination on the Agility Schedule and judging techniques.
2.6.1.6 Design an Agility 1 or 2 and an Agility 3 course (the decision whether Agility 1, 2 or 3 to be left to the discretion of the examiners.)
2.6.1.7 Practical judging of five dogs competing a full round of either Agility 1, 2 or 3 (at the discretion of the examiners) The design of the course for the practical examination will be undertaken by the examiners and not by the Candidate judges.
2.6.1.8 Once a Candidate Judge has successfully passed the examination, he/she will be required to judge three (3) Non-Championship Shows at which a minimum of six (6) dogs shall be present and exhibited. The Provincial Council Agility sub-committee will arrange for each judging appointment carried out by the Candidate judge to be observed by a qualified Agility 3 judge who will report back to the Provincial Council Agility sub-committee and endorse the Candidate judge’s Record Card if passed.
2.6.1.9 Once all the requirements set out in 2.6.1.2 to 2.6.1.8 inclusive have been met and the Candidate Judge’s Record Card has been endorsed by the Agility Test Judges, such Record Card will be sent to KUSA who in turn will issue an Agility Judges Licence to that Judge and thereafter that judge will be able to judge at Championship Show level.
2.6.1.10 In the event of a judge not judging for a period of two (2) calendar years or more such judge may not judge a Championship show but shall first judge a Non-Championship show.
2.6.1.11 All Judges shall, if permanently domiciled in the KUSA area of jurisdiction, be members of the Kennel Union in good standing, both at the time of accepting the invitation and undertaking the appointment.
2.6.1.12 Before approving a foreign Judge to officiate at any event held under this Schedule the Executive Committee shall be satisfied that such Judge is recognised and approved to judge such events in his country of permanent residence as it is proposed he should judge within the KUSA area of jurisdiction.
2.6.13 A judge shall attend a refresher course at least once every two (2) years to retain their championship judging status. Such a refresher course will be organized by the Provincial Agility Sub-Committee.
3. MANAGEMENT OF AGILITY CLASSES
3.1 Agility Show Manager
The management of Agility classes shall be entrusted to the Agility Show Manager who shall be appointed by the Committee of the Club holding the show.
3.2 Disputes
3.2.1 Any disputed matter requiring a decision on the ground shall be decided by the Agility Show Manager and the Judge(s).
3.2.2 No competitor shall impugn the decision of the Judge. The Judge’s decision is final.
3.3 Complaints
Complaints lodged by competitors will be dealt with in accordance with the KUSA Regulations.
3.4 Other Matters
Any matter not provided for in these Regulations or in the Kennel Union Constitution and Schedules shall be decided upon by a simple majority of all the Judges and the Agility Show Manager. In the case of an equality of votes, the Agility 3 Judge, or if there is no Agility 3 Judge, the Agility Show Manager shall have a casting as well as a deliberative vote and the decision made shall be final. In such instances, the Agility Show Manager shall submit a written report to KUSA setting out all the details within fourteen (14) days of the close of the Show.
3.5 Officials
The appointment of all Officials may be approved/confirmed by the Agility Sub-Committee of the local Provincial Council in conjunction with the Show Holding Club. Minimum Officials required as follows: Judge, Scribe, two (2) Timekeepers and one (1) Steward.
3.6 Misconduct at Shows
3.6.1 Physical disciplining of a dog or serious uncontrollable behaviour of a dog at an Agility Show may be penalised at the discretion of the Agility Show Manager by excluding the dog and/or handler from further competition at the Show and/or by ordering the exhibitor of the dog to forfeit any Agility Awards, positions or qualifications gained at the Show.
3.6.2 Harsh handling or unseemly behaviour will be severely condemned and will result in immediate elimination, independently of any complaint that could be lodged against the handler.
3.7 Number of Dogs to be Judged
No Judge shall be required to judge more than a total of Three Hundred (300) dogs in one day. If the number of entries in Classes to be judged by one (1) person exceeds these limits, the Committee of the Club holding the Show shall appoint an extra Judge(s) and shall allocate competitors as equally as possible among the Judges by draw. If a dog which has already been awarded an Agility Qualifying Certificate, is competing in a Championship Agility 3 Show, the handler shall have the right to claim exemption from the draw if one of the additional appointed Judges is the Judge under whom the dog qualified for the award of the said certificate.
3.8 Handler of Dog
Either the owner or deputy may handle the dog but it must be one or the other. Once the dog has commenced with the exercises, an owner must not interfere with his dog if he has deputized another person to handle it. The dog may be handled by another handler in either the contact or the non-contact round of the competition held under one licence.
3.9 Competing Dogs
3.9.1 All dogs are eligible to enter an Agility competition unless they are:
3.9.1.1 Pregnant bitches
3.9.1.2 VOID
3.9.1.3 Apparently ill or hurt.
3.9.1.4 Doped dogs
3.9.2 Dogs coming from or going to a region infected with rabies must have a valid inoculation certificate against rabies which shall be produced to the Judge or Agility Show Manager. Any dog not possessing such a certificate shall be ineligible to compete.
3.9.3 Bitches in season may compete at the discretion of show holding club, and such permission must be published in the Show Schedule and the Catalogue:
3.9.3.1 Their condition must be declared to the Judge at the commencement of the show
3.9.3.2 The handler must provide a mat for the bitch at the start line
3.3.9.3 The bitch must run last in its entered class
3.10 Conditions
It is the responsibility of the Agility Show Manager and of the Judge(s) to ensure that all dogs competing in a class compete under the same conditions as far as this is practical.
3.11 Weather
When any Agility event is held at any open air venue, it shall be at the sole discretion of the Judge whether or not competition in any Agility Class should be interrupted on account of inclement weather. Cancellation of an Agility Show shall be at the discretion of the Agility Show Manager in consultation with the Judge(s).
3.12 Starting Times
All competitors shall be informed of the starting time for their class. Competitors and dogs in each grade shall be present at the site of the show at least thirty (30) minutes before that time. The Judge shall have discretion to postpone the starting time of a class and the draw for order of competition for a reasonable period if competitors in the class are delayed through competition elsewhere in the show falling behind schedule. Such postponement shall be made known to all competitors in the class who are present. Any competitor who is not present at the end of such postponement shall be regarded as having withdrawn from the Show and shall not be allowed to compete. The Judge has the discretion to commence a test without all competitors being present.
3.13 Order of Competition
3.13.1 The order of competition shall be determined by a draw among competitors entered, where applicable, for that Class, supervised by the Judge or any person to whom he delegates this authority, immediately before the first exercise of the Class is due to begin.
OR
3.13.2 The order of competition shall be determined by a random computer draw of exhibitor numbers, where applicable, for that Class, on the day before the Show, supervised by the Judge or any person to whom he delegates his authority. In the case of Non-Championship Shows, if there are late entries (i.e.: on the day of the show), these shall run first.
3.14 Briefing of Handlers
Before commencing the competition the Judge will brief the handlers. He may draw their attention to some of the regulations, explaining the nature of the competition, Standard Course Time, Maximum Course Time. and the manner which the competition will be graded.
3.15 Provision of Obstacles
The show holding club in conjunction with the Agility Sub-Committee of the local Provincial Council is responsible for the provision of obstacles, markers and similar objects which may be required in any Class for which entries are accepted. As indicated in the Schedules and Description of Exercises, the Show Holding club is responsible for ensuring that all obstacles, markers, objects and other articles to be used comply with these Regulations.
3.16 Competition by Officials at Shows
3.16.1 A Judge at a show may not enter a dog in the same discipline (Breed, Obedience, Working Trials, IPO, Dog Jumping, Carting, Agility etc.) as that in which he is officiating. A Judge at a show may not handle a dog in any discipline on the day/s that he is officiating.
This restriction does not apply in respect of another show held on the same day under a different licence.
3.16.2 VOID
3.16.3 A KUSA representative may not enter, exhibit or handle a dog registered in his name at any KUSA licensed event held at the same venue on the day that he is officiating, nor in the same Discipline held under the same licence on any day.
3.17 Catalogue Number
A handler must display his catalogue number prominently when in the ring.
3.18 Agility Show Arenas
3.18.1 Whether the competition is held inside or outside, the Agility Arena shall be a minimum of 24m x 40m. Within this area the ring that the course will be built in must measure at least 20 m. x 40 m. The Agility Show Manager is responsible for the demarcation of the areas to be used for Agility Classes and is responsible for ensuring that the surface of the arenas are level and clean. (e.g.: no broken glass, nails, etc.).
3.18.2 When two rings are used it is advisable to have a closed partition between them or a distance of approximately 10m.
3.18.3 The perimeter of the arena must be clearly demarcated.
4. JUDGING OF AGILITY CLASS
4.1 Knowledge of the Regulations
All handlers and Judges must have a thorough knowledge of the Regulations covering the class entered or to be judged.
4.2 Dogs Tested Separately
The Judge must test each competing dog separately.
4.3 For safety reasons a dog is not permitted to wear a collar or lead whilst under test.
4.4 Features of Judging
4.4.1 The purpose of Agility exercises is to demonstrate the usefulness and agility of the dog as a companion of man. Agility is meant to test the agility, obedience and fitness of the dog as well as the handler’s skill to train and direct his dog faultlessly and quickly through an obstacle course.
4.4.2 It is the responsibility of the Judge to ensure that the exercises being performed are both interesting for spectators and worthwhile for the handler and the dog.
4.4.3 Dogs must be judged on their ability to negotiate the course as laid out and not upon their breed qualities.
4.4.4 Standardised judging is of paramount importance. Judges must not introduce their own variations into the competition and must ensure that each handler and dog executes the various obstacles exactly as described. Judges must adhere strictly to the Regulations. Where Federal Council has approved the appointment of a Judge whose normal permanent residence is outside the KUSA area of jurisdiction, it shall be the responsibility of the Agility Show Manager to ensure that such Judge is made familiar with and applies the Regulations and terms of this Schedule 5(L).
4.5 Interference with Competitors
The Judge of an Agility Class shall expel from competition any dog entered contrary to Regulation 3.10 and may remove any dog which behaves in an uncontrollable manner, any handler who interferes willfully with another competitor or his dog, and may expel from competition any dog which he considers unfit to compete, or any bitch which appears so attractive to males as to be a disturbing element. In the case of doubt an official veterinarian shall be called to give his opinion but the Judge’s decision is final.
4.6 Withdrawal from Competition
Any owner, his deputy or any handler entering or competing in an Agility Class does so at his own and the dog’s risk and the dog must compete in the Class in which it is entered, unless expelled by the Judge or excused by the Judge and Agility Show Manager.
4.7 Discipline of Dogs
From the time the Judge takes control of assembled competitors to begin judging a class until the Judge dismisses the competitors after the results of a class have been announced, no handler in that class shall physically discipline a dog either inside or outside the arena. In the event of such physical disciplining
occurring, or in the event of serious uncontrollable behaviour of a dog in the arena, the Judge will severely penalise the dog concerned by adding faults to the total score of the dog. In addition the Judge may, at his discretion, exclude the dog from further competition in the class.
4.8 Practice
4.8.1 Handlers will be allowed to practice with their dogs at a show subject to the provision of paragraph 4.7 but no practice or training may take place in the ring either before the competition commences or while any class is in progress or remains uncompleted, or in such a way as to interfere with or distract competing dogs or handlers.
4.8.2 Competitors will be allowed to walk the course but without their dogs, before the test begins and will have a minimum of five (5) minutes and a maximum of ten (10) minutes to do such, at the Judge’s discretion.
4.9 Rewarding Dogs
Baiting, the offering of any goods, food substance or other inducement whilst in the arena attracts immediate disqualification. However, words of praise and encouragement are permitted during the competition.
4.10 Handler’s Commands
In all classes the handler may use the dog’s “call name” and may signal without penalty. The use of any kind of manufactured whistle is prohibited.
4.11 Competitor’s Score
As each dog completes an exercise his score for the exercise must be entered by the scorer on a score sheet and that score must be made known to the handler and to spectators before the next competitor commences.
Scores may not be changed subsequently except to correct arithmetical errors or add faults for contravention of paragraph 3.6 or 4.7
4.12 Equal Scores
In case of 2 (two) or more dogs having equal scores, the dog with the least amount of course faults on the course should be favoured. The time will be taken into consideration only when the total faults are the same. If by chance the total faults (course + time faults) are exactly the same after the results have been calculated according to paragraph 8.12.4 then the Judge shall have run-offs to determine the placing
4.13 Announcement of Results
After the scores are totalled and winners decided, before announcing the placing, the Judge will inform the public as to the Standard Course Time (SCT) and the Maximum Course Time (MCT). He shall then announce the winner, any awards of Agility Qualifying Certificates, and the scores of other competitors placed.
4.14 Abnormal Circumstances
If, in the Judge’s opinion, the dog’s performance in any exercise was prejudiced by peculiar and/or unusual circumstances, the Judge may re-judge the dog on the entire exercise.
4.15 Additional Commands
The Judge shall position himself in the arena so as to be aware at all times of physical handling/guiding of the dog.
4.16 Adhering to Regulations
No Judge shall require any dog or handler to do anything nor penalise a dog or handler for failing to do anything which is not required by these Regulations and the Schedule of Description of Exercises.
4.17 Judge’s Orders
Judge’s/Steward.s orders are required to be clearly spoken to be heard by everyone following the judging.
4.18 Dogs’ Qualifying Record Cards
No Judge shall permit a dog to compete in any class which he is judging unless the handler produces, before the start of such class, his Record Card showing that the dog is eligible to compete in that class. Judge’s endorsement on the Record Card for each qualification to be sufficient proof of eligibility for that class.
4.19 Entrants from Foreign Countries
4.19.1 When an Agility event is a National event held in terms of Kennel Union Regulations, all entrants from outside the Kennel Union area of jurisdiction are required to obtain a Kennel Union Record Card prior to competing. The Record Card issued by KUSA shall be endorsed at the level of qualification gained outside the area of KUSA jurisdiction. In such instances, awards obtained outside the Kennel Union area of jurisdiction are invalid for the purposes of obtaining a Kennel Union Agility Championship Certificate. Record Cards shall be issued by the KUSA office in Cape Town.
4.19.2 When an Agility event is held under FCI Regulations all exhibitors from outside the KUSA area of jurisdiction shall, prior to the start of the competition, hand to the judge, their Record Card/Results Book from their country of residence in order to verify their dog’s Agility qualifications.
4.20 Commencement of Exercise
The handler enters the ring placing the dog in either the “Sit”, “Down” or “Stand” position behind the start line. If the dog is still on the lead then the dog’s lead and collar are removed and handed to the steward at hand. The handler is not permitted to have any object in his hands. The handler will be penalised with a fault if he crosses through the “start” line. The handler may position himself anywhere on the course and may start his dog on the Judge’s or steward’s signal. The time will commence running as soon as the dog or handler crosses through the “start” line. A variety of commands and signals are permitted during the test. The handler must ensure that the dog traverses the obstacles in the correct order, without him making any physical contact with the dog or any obstacle. The handler may not negotiate any obstacle. The test is completed and the time stopped when the dog crosses the finish line. The steward hands the lead back to the handler. The handler puts the dog back on the lead and leaves the ring.
5. SCHEDULE OF EXERCISE FOR AGILITY CLASS
5.1 General
5.1.1 The aim is to let the dog negotiate the course correctly and within the Standard Course Time. The SCT, however, is only a reference and speed should not be the main criterion. An Agility course is about skill, not about speed.
5.1.2 An Agility 1 course will have a maximum of three (3) contact obstacles. A maximum of four (4) contact obstacles will be used in Agility 2 and 3 courses on the Judge’s initiative.
5.1.2.1 No Contact obstacles nor the table will be used in Non-Contact Agility
Weaving poles are to be negotiated only once during a test.
5.1.4 Contact obstacles should not be the first or the last obstacle of the course.
5.1.4.1 Not applicable for Non-Contact Agility.
5.1.5 A course is built using as many types of obstacles as possible; the manner in which the obstacles are placed determines the degree of difficulty and speed. The dog must complete the course within a predetermined time and the obstacles must be negotiated in the correct order. The spread jump, tyre and long jump must always be set up for a straight approach from the previous obstacle. The tyre can only be used once.
5.1.6 The difference between Agility 1, Agility 2 and Agility 3 are:
1. the length of the course and its degree of difficulty
2. the speed chosen to determine the SCT.
5.2 Course Design
5.2.1 The design of the course is left entirely to the Judge’s imagination, but the natural handling side must change at least twice.
5.2.2 Before the start of a competition, the Judge will inspect the obstacles put at his disposal and when they meet the necessary standard, he will hand over his course design to the organising committee who will then set up the course.
5.2.3 The Judge will check the course and have the length measured precisely.
5.2.4 A well designed course will allow a dog to go round easily and smoothly.
5.2.5 The aim is to obtain the correct balance between the control over the dog, avoiding faults on the obstacles and the speed with which the course is negotiated.
5.2.6 It is advisable to change the design of the course and the position of the obstacles frequently in order to avoid any automation in the dogs.
5.2.7 The actual length of the course for “S,M and L” will be between 100m and 200m and, will require a dog to traverse from fifteen (15) but no more than twenty two (22) obstacles including at least seven (7) jumps. (Hurdles, Wall, Tyre) A standard competition set must contain at least 14 (fourteen) hurdles
5.2.7.1 In Non-Contact Agility a dog will be required to traverse from a minimum of twelve (12) but no more than twenty two (22) obstacles including a minimum of nine (9) jumps.
5.2.8 Spread jumps will have a maximum width of: S-30cm, M-40cm and L 55cm. Spread jumps should not be used in Agility/Non-Contact-1.
5.2.9 VOID
5.2.10 The distance between two consecutive obstacle ranges:
• Small: from 4 meters to 7 meters
• Medium: from 5 meters to 7 meters
• Large: from 5 meters to 7meters
The handler should be able to pass each obstacle on both sides.
5.2.11 The first and the last obstacle must be a hurdle, the first should be a single hurdle not a spread jump.
6. TIMING
6.1 A course is built with obstacles, the set up of which determines the degree of difficulty and speed. The course must be completed by the dog within a predetermined time and the obstacles must be negotiated in the correct order.
6.1.1 Determining the Standard Course Time (SCT)
The speed in metres/seconds chosen on the course will determine the SCT. The speed chosen will depend on the standard of the competition, the degree of difficulty of the course and the surface that the dog has to run on. Small, Medium and Large dogs in each grade will run the same speed and SCT providing all height categories in each grade are running the same course with the same course length and the obstacles set at the correct heights for each height class.”
Course time in metres per second only as a guide to Judges except for Agility 3, where the minimum course time is set as stipulated below.
Agility 1 Between 1,75 to 2,25 metres per second
Agility 2 Between 2,25 to 2,75 metres per second
Agility 3 Minimum of 3.5 metres per second
Non Contact Agility 1 between 2.35 to 2.75 meters per second
Non-Contact Agility 2 between 2.75 to 3.25 meters per second
Non-Contact Agility 3 minimum of 4 metres per second
The SCT (in seconds) will be determined by dividing the length of the course by the chosen speed (in m/s):
Example: A course is 160m long and the chosen speed is 4.0 m/s. The SCT will be 40 seconds (160 ÷ 4.00)
6.1.2 Determining the Maximum Course Time (MCT)
The MCT should not be less than 1.5 times the SCT or more than 2 times the SCT.
6.1.3 Inclement Weather or Uneven Surfaces:
Weather or surface may create unique circumstances that warrant the judge to vary the present SCT times above. These circumstances may include thick sand, intense heat, excessive rain, slippery conditions and muddy conditions. The judge may add up to 2.5 seconds to the course time. This regulation must be applied separately with respect to Contact and Non-contact Agility. i.e. the inclement weather may clear.
7. OBSTACLES
7.1 The obstacles approved are :
Jumps Contacts Others
- Hurdles - See-Saw - Flat Tunnel
- Viaduct or Wall - A Frame - Tube Tunnel
- Tyre (collapsible/solid) - Dog Walk - Weaving Poles
- Long Jump - Table
7.1.1 In Non-Contact Agility the following equipment must not be used – “A” Frame, Dog Walk, See Saw, Table.
7.2 Obstacles may, under no circumstances, be unsafe for the dogs and must comply with the following measurements and be in accordance with the enclosed drawings of Appendix “A”
7.2.1 The Hurdles
Single
Height:
S: S: 25 to 35cm
M: 35 to 45cm
L: 55 to 65cm
Width: 1,20m to 1.50m
Pole size: Diameter of cross bars for all the hurdles shall be between three (3) to five (5) cm. The cross bars should have contrasting colours in at least 3 segments.
Hurdles can be set with round cross bars made of wood or safe synthetic material (metal is not allowed), panels, gates, brushes, etc. The top cross bars must be easily displaced.
No part [cross bar holder or cups) removable or permanent, should be protruding from the upright or the wing. The dog should not be able to go through any part of the wing.
The upright of the wing should be at least 1 m high. The start of the taper towards the outer edge of the wing should be at least 75cm high. The width of the wing is 40 to 60cm.
The hurdle wings must not be connected or fixed to each other.
7.2.1.2 Spread Jumps
Two single hurdles placed together to form a double spread jump (hurdles with cross bars only). The cross bars are placed in ascending order with a difference in height of 15cm to 25cm. The highest bar is placed at the back at:
Height:
S: 25 to 35cm
M: 35 to 45cm
L: 55 to 65cm
The total width shall not exceed:
S: 30cm
M: 40cm
L: 55cm
No part (pole holder or cups) removable or permanent, should be protruding from the upright or wing
7.2.2 The Wall
Height:
S: 25cm to 35cm
M: 35 cm to 45cm
L: 55cm to 65cm
Width: Min 1.20m – Max 1.50m, and approximately 20cm thick at the bottom, and must be at least 10cm thick at the top.
The towers are part of the obstacle, should be at least 1m high, towers are not allowed to be connected or fixed to the middle panel.
The panel can have one (1) or two (2) tunnel-shaped openings. The wall should have displaceable units on the top. The shape of the units are:
7.2.3 The Table
The Table Area: 90cm x 90cm min. - 1,20m x 1.20m max.
Height:
S and M: 35cm
L: 60cm
The table must be stable with a non-slip surface, and the corners of the table must not be dangerous to the dog.
An electronic timing device (audible signal after 5 seconds) must be built into or placed on the table surface except for an area 10cm wide around the top edges of the table.
The supporting structure of the table must not prevent the dog to go under the table. The side of the table must be of a contrasting colour than the surface of the table.
7.2.4 The Dog Walk
Height: 1.2m – 1.3m maximum
The planks should be a minimum of 3.6m and a maximum of 3.8m in length and 30cm in width.
The surface of the obstacle must be non slippery (Electronic contacts may be used at the contact areas). Each ramp should have anti-slip slats at regular intervals (about every 25cm) to avoid slipping, and making the climb easier, but not within 10cm of the start of a contact area. These slates must be 20mm wide and 5 -10mm thick and must not have sharp edges.
The last 90cm from the bottom of each ramp should have a different colour (on the sides as well) to indicate the contact area.
The legs of the dog walk should guarantee that the structure is stable enough and they must not exceed the top level of the obstacle. The legs and other supporting structures of the dog walk should not prevent placing the tunnel under the dog walk safely.
The contact area is not allowed to be white, brown or black.
7.2.5 The See-Saw
The length of the plank should be a minimum of 3.60m and a maximum of 3.80m and 30cm in width.
The height of the central bracket should be 60cm, measured from the ground to the top of the plank.
The obstacle must be stable and the surface must be non-slippery (Electronic contacts may be used at the contact areas.) However, anti-slip slats are not allowed. The see-saw must be properly balanced (must not tip to fast or too slow) and allow the small dogs to tip it without problems.
Check: The see-saw must tip between 2 and 3 seconds when a weight of 1 kilo is placed at the center of the down contact area. If this is not the case then adjustments must be made.
The axel of the see-saw should not be more than 10cm from the top level of the obstacle. The contact area is not allowed to be white, brown or black.
7.2.6 The A-Frame Two (2) ramps A-shaped.
Width: 90cm minimum which may be increased at the bottom to 1,15m.
The apex should be:
The frame should be opened and 1,70m high from the ground for all dogs. The length of the ramps should be between 2,65 and 2,75 m.
The surface of the obstacle must be non slippery (Electronic contacts may be used at the contact areas.)
Each ramp should have anti-slip slats at regular intervals about every 25cm to avoid slipping and making the climb easier but not within 10cm from the beginning of the contact area. These slats should be 20mm wide and 5 to 10mm thick and must not have sharp edges.
The last 1,06m from the bottom of each ramp should have a different colour (on the sides as well) to indicate the contact area. The top of the A-frame may not present any danger to the dogs and must be covered, if necessary. The contact area is not allowed to be white, brown or black.
7.2.7 The Weaving Poles:
Number of poles: 12
The poles are rigid and have a diameter of 3cm – 5cm. The poles are made of wood or safe synthetic material (metal is not allowed). The height of the poles is 1m – 1.20m and they are placed 60cm apart (measure between the poles)
The legs of the weaving poles should not be in the dog’s way. The frame should be no thicker than 8mm and no wider than 8cm.
7.2.8 The Tube tunnel:
Diameter: 60cm. Length: from 3m to 6m. Flexible so that one or more bends can be shaped.
7.2.9 The Flat Tunnel
It must have an entrance of rigid construction with a depth of 90cm.
The entrance has a height of 60cm and a width of 60cm to 65cm. The surface of the entrance floor must be non slippery. The exit is made out of supple material and is from 2,5m to 3.0m long. The diameter is from 60cm to 65cm. The entrance must be secured to prevent movement. The leading edge must be covered with protective material. If possible the exit should be pegged down – the pegs should be no more than 50 cm apart, allowing for all sizes of dogs an easy exit.
7.2.10 The Tyre
Aperture diameter: 45cm – 60cm
Aperture centre from the ground: L – 80cm M and S: 55cm
The width of the ture is minimum 8cm, and maximum 18cm.
The tyre must be adjustable in height (chains or rope), fixed or rigid attachments are not allowed. The distance between the frame and the tyre must be at lest 15cm. The bottom half of the tyre must be closed or filled for safety reasons.
The base of the obstacle shuld be approximately 1.5 x the height measured from the floor to the top edge of the tyre, in category Large. The maximum width is 150cm.
Light material is not allowed, the obstacle must be sturdy and stable.
The tyre can be used only once in a course.
7.2.11 The Long jump:
Two (2) to five (5) separate units comprise the long jump. The overall length is:
S: 40 to 50 cm, two (2) units
M: 70 to 90 cm, three (3) to four (4) units
L: 1,20 to 150m, four (4) to five (5) units
Width of the jump: 1,20m minimum
Height of the highest unit: 28cm
Height of the lowest unit: 15cm
Depth of each unit: 15cm slightly slanting.
Units are placed in ascending order. Corner poles with a minimum height of approx. 1,20m should be placed at all four corners. The top of these poles should be covered for protection. The corner poles must not be fixed to the units. These corner/marker poles are not considered part of the obstacle, they are just a judging guide.
7.2.12 Start & Finish:
The “Start” and “Finish” systems should be placed within 1m of the first and last hurdle. The distance between the poles of each device should be the same as that of the bar of the hurdles plus 50cm left and right. If a dog runs by the first obstacle then it will be faulted with a refusal and the manual time will start as the dog passes the start line. There should be enough room (at least 6 meters) for the dog at the start and at the finish.
8 FAULTS
8.1 Penalties apply in case of:
8.1.1 Faults for failure to negotiate the course correctly.
8.1.2 Faults for failure to complete the course within the SCT.
8.2 Faults
Exceeding the SCT: a single fault per second.
8.3 General
8.3.1 The handler must not pass between the poles that mark the start and/or finish otherwise he will be penalised five (5) faults. Furthermore, the time will start running as soon as the handler or dog crosses the start.
8.3.2 A handler who gains an advantage by touching his dog or an obstacle, will be faulted - 5 faults each time it occurs.
8.4 Faults on the Course
All course faults are penalised five (5) faults.
8.5 Knock Downs
It is a fault each time any part of any obstacle is knocked down.
8.6 Refusals:
8.6.1 Any of the following will be considered as a refusal.
8.6.1.1 A dog that stops in front of an obstacle or a dog that stops on the course.
8.6.1.2. A dog that runs past an obstacle.
8.6.1.3 Jumps between the tyre and the frame.
8.6.1.4 Walks through the long jump.
8.6.1.5 A dog that puts its head or one paw in the tunnel and comes back out again.
8.6.1.6 A dog that runs past the beginning of the first contact area of a contact obstacle and has to be brought back to negotiate the obstacle.
8.7 Compulsory Contact Area:
On the A-frame, Dog Walk and See-Saw the dog must touch the up as well as the down contact with at least one paw or part of its paw.
Failure to do so: Five (5) faults on each occasion.
8.8 Refusals must be corrected. Failure to do so will result in elimination. The same applies to the weaving poles, where mistakes must be corrected immediately.
Other faults: knock-downs or missing a contact area, the dog will be penalised but it continues its run.
8.9 Faults on specific Obstacles
8.9.1 The Table:
There will be a five (5) second wait on the table with the dog in any position, which may be changed during the wait. The count will start as soon as the dog is on the table.
8.9.1.1 If the dog leaves the table before the table count is completed and the signal from the judge, it will be penalised with a fault five (5) faults and will be required to get back on the table where the count is restarted. Failure to do so will result in elimination on the next obstacle.
8.9.1.2 A stopwatch may be used at the Judge’s discretion.
8.9.1.3 The dog can get on to the table from three sides - A, B and C. If the dog passes the table and jumps on from side D, it will be faulted with a refusal five (5) faults, but will not be eliminated for taking an obstacle from the wrong side.
____B____
Direction of the dog ----- A D
_________
C
8.9.1.4 If the dog slips from the table, it will be penalised five (5) faults. The dog then can get back on the table from any side and the count is restarted.
8.9.1.5 A handler who starts the electronic countdown will be eliminated.
8.9.2 The Dog Walk
The dog that jumps off the obstacle before touching the descending ramp with four (4) paws will be penalised with a refusal five (5) faults.
8.9.3 The See-Saw
The dog that jumps off the obstacle before passing the pivot point, will be penalised with a refusal five (5) faults. The See-Saw must touch the ground before the dog alights off the obstacle otherwise it will incur five (5) faults.
8.9.4 The A-Frame
The dog that jumps off the obstacle before touching the descending ramp with four (4) paws will be penalised with a refusal five (5) faults.
8.9.5 The Weaving Poles
8.9.5.1 The first pole must be on the left of the dog, the second on the right and so on. Each incorrect entry will be penalised with a refusal five (5) faults. For further errors a dog should only be penalised once, with a fault (5 faults). Back weaving (more than two (2) gates) will result in elimination. The obstacle must be completed correctly before negotiating the next obstacle, failure to do so will result in elimination on the next obstacle.
8.9.6 The Long Jump
The units of the obstacle are evenly spaced and in ascending order to make a jump that is 0,40 to 1,50meters long
S: 40cm to 50 cm two (2) units
M: 70cm to 90cm three (3) to four (4) units
L: 120cm to 150cm four (4) to five (5) units
8.9.6.1 Walking through, running past, jumping in from or out to the side and not traversing the complete obstacle will be penalised with a refusal five (5) faults.
8.9.6.2 Banking or knocking down one of the units as well as putting a paw or paws between the units will be penalised with a fault five (5) faults. Casual contact will not be faulted.
8.9.6.3 The dog or handler will not be faulted when they touch or knock down one of the marker poles of the long jump, even when this causes one of the units to fall down.
8.9.7 Breakaway tyre
If the tyre breaks down into two parts when the dog refuses = elimination.
If the tyre breaks down into two parts when the dog jumps through it = a fault (5 faults).
8.10 Elimination’s
8.10.1 Reasons for elimination’s
8.10.1.1 Unseemly behaviour towards the Judge
8.10.1.2 Harsh behaviour with the dog
8.10.1.3 Exceeding the Maximum Course Time (MCT)
8.10.1.4 Three (3) refusals on the whole course
8.10.1.5 Taking obstacles out of sequence
8.10.1.6 Forgetting to take an obstacle
8.10.1.7 Taking an obstacle in the wrong direction
8.10.1.8 Dog or handler disturbs an obstacle in such a way that it can no longer be negotiated correctly
8.10.1.8.1 Handler negotiates an obstacle himself
8.10.1.8.2 Handler starts the electronic countdown on the table if a table with electronic timing is used.
8.10.1.9 Handler holding something in his hand
8.10.1.10 Replacing the dog at the start after it has crossed the start line (unless instructed by the Judge)
8.10.1.11 Dog wearing a collar
8.10.1.12 Handler stopping Dog from completing the course (unless instructed by the Judge) i.e. the Handler retires the dog.
8.10.1.13 Dog fouls the ring or leaves the ring unless still under control
8.10.1.14 Dog no longer under control
8.10.1.15 Negotiating the next obstacle before correctly completing the weaving poles.
8.10.1.16 Dog snapping constantly at the handler
8.10.1.17 Starting the run before the judges start signal
8.10.2 Elimination means that the dog is disqualified and handler and dog must leave the ring as quickly as possible, unless the judge decides otherwise. Elimination must be indicated clearly (whistle, etc.) by the judge. The judge will deal with all unexpected circumstances and must be consistent at all times.
8.11 Force Majeure
Under circumstances beyond the handler’s control, such as dropped obstacles, twisted cloth of the collapsible tunnel, etc, the Judge can stop the handler and when the obstacle has been rebuilt, the judge will restart the dog from the beginning. All faults incurred before the dog was stopped will still apply. Up to that point no other faults will be given, however, the handler still has to negotiate the course to the best of his ability; i.e. must make a good attempt. Additional faults will be incurred only after the point at which the dog was originally stopped.
8.12 Results
8.12.1 When working out the placing the following is taken into account:
8.12.2. Total penalty (course penalty + time penalty)
8.12.3 In cases where the total penalty is the same, the dog with the least course penalty will be placed first
8.12.4 In cases where the total penalty and the course penalty are the same, the fastest dog will be placed first
Example: SCT - 60 seconds
|
Number
|
Course Penalty
|
Time
|
Time Penalty
|
Total Penalty
|
Placing
|
|
7
|
5
|
58.71
|
0.00
|
5.00
|
3
|
|
12
|
0
|
65.00
|
5.00
|
5.00
|
1
|
|
18
|
5
|
57.25
|
0.00
|
5.00
|
2
|
|
4
|
0
|
68.32
|
8.32
|
8.32
|
4
|
|
15
|
10
|
59.17
|
0.00
|
10.00
|
6
|
|
2
|
5
|
65.00
|
5.00
|
10.00
|
5
|
© The Kennel Union of Southern Africa.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.
5/98 ISBN 0-9584208-1-5
Amended/MB/Fedco 04/05 Dec 2009
Tuesday 05.01.2010
Fedco 12-2012/NP/ Updated 07.02.2013
Fedco 12-2013/NP/ Updated 21.10.2014
Most recent changes to this Schedule has an effective date of 01.01.2015
