OPEN FREESTYLE RULES & GUIDELINES (Un-Official Class)

 General Rules

 1.  You may use up to a maximum of 10 discs in the routine.

 2.  Any of the following brands of discs may be used:  Whamo-fastback, Hyperflite, Hero, regular or mini size.

 3.  Maximum 2-minute routine time.  Elements performed after the 2-minute time limit will not be scored.

 4.  A “pre-routine” is optional (30 seconds maximum).  This is where freestyle moves may be performed, but no discs are thrown or used.  The official 2-minute routine time will start once the first disc is released.

 5.  Choice of music must not be offensive to any of the participants or audience.

 6.  Costume is optional.  Although not scored, costume may have an impact on the overall “wow” mark.  Costume must not negatively impact the safety of the dog.

 7.  Judges are all volunteers, so please be patient and understanding with them.  J

 8.  Placings will be determined by highest overall score.  Ties will be broken with the handler who has the highest “WOW” score.

 9.  All summary score sheets will be returned to the competitor and they may view their individual judges sheets.  Although the judges decisions are final, please feel free to approach the trial host at the end of the class of you have any questions/concerns.  This is a learning experience for all those involved.

 10.  This un-official class is open to ANYONE (dog must be at least 1 year of age).  You DO NOT have to have a CDDA # to compete in this class.  No titling prerequisites are needed, although the scoring system is geared towards a “slightly” more advanced routine.

   

A.  Required Elements (10 marks total)

Must complete 5 out of the 7 listed elements (2 marks each), scored only when each element is COMPLETED (disc is successfully caught when applicable).

 1.  OVER THE BODY-  1 required, ie. over leg, arm, back, chest, but dog does not touch handler (compared to a vault)

 2.  UNDER THE BODY-  1 required, dog passes under your body, followed by a catch (not a take)

 3.  VAULT-  1 required, dog uses handler’s body to complete a catch (*note: unsafe vaults will be faulted)

 4.  MULTIPLES-  rapid, consecutive catches (minimum 3) without an obvious delay between catches

 5.  LONG THROW-  2 required, 1 mark each, 15 yards minimum

 6.  CROSSOVER-  2 successful catches where the dog passes close to the handler at least twice in a straight line

 7.  DISC TRICKS-  4 required, ie. Flips, spins, weave walking etc., 1/2 mark each

   

B.  Catch/Throw Ratio (10 marks total)

 # catches / # throws x 10

   

C. (part 1)  Field Coverage (5 marks total)

Approximately 20x30 yard field size.

Field is divided into 4 quadrants.

1.25 marks are given when the handler enters that area of the field (visual estimate is made, field is not actually marked).

 

C. (part 2)  Throw Diversity (10 marks total)

1/2 mark allotted for each type of throw ATTEMPTED, and another 1/2 mark allotted if it results in a successful catch for a maximum of 10 points.

 

D.  Canine & Handler Elements (10 marks total, 2.5 marks per section)

1.  Drive and athleticism of the dog-  Is the dog having fun and eager to play and is it in shape?

2.  Disc management-  Do we notice the handler gathering discs with an obvious break in the routine?

3.  Choreography-  Does the music match the dog and/or handler?  Does the routine/sequences flow nicely?

4.  Team Dynamics-  Measure the bond between the handler and dog (speed, timing, communication teamwork)Do they match well as a pair?

BONUS: 10 minus #discs used               X 0.25  =   score       

 

E.  “WOW” Score (5 marks total)

Measures the creativity, difficulty and overall impression of the routine.

Audience reaction is taken into account.

All 4 judges will score this element, and the average of the 4 scores will be used.

 

4 JUDGES ARE REQUIRED TO SCORE THIS CLASS.  1 judge is assigned to either section A, B, C, or D.  All judges mark section E, and the average of the 4 scores will be used for the “WOW” score.  One of the judges will also be the time-keeper unless someone else is available.  If possible, the same 4 people will judge the entire class, however an exception may be made if there is a lack of people to act as judges (competitors may end up acting as judges as well).  The trial host will decide who is going to judge. 

The class is scored out of a possible 50 marks total.

***MOST IMPORTANT RULE***  Have fun & be creative!!!