OPEN FREESTYLE RULES & GUIDELINES (Un-Official Class)
General Rules
1. You may use up to a maximum of 10 discs in the routine. However, you get 0.25 bonus point for each disc less you use under 10. For example, if you use 6 discs, you get 1 bonus point (1.25 points max).
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.
8. Placings will be determined by highest overall score. Ties will be broken with the handler who has the highest “WOW” score.
9. All score sheets will be returned to the competitor. 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 points total)
Must complete 5 out of the 7 listed elements. Scored as 2 points for each element.
Full score for completion (2), part marks for attempt (1), however 2 attempts would still only give you 1 point.
1. OVER THE BODY- ie. over leg, arm, back, chest, but dog does not touch handler (compared to a vault)
2. UNDER THE BODY- dog passes under your body, followed by a catch (not a take)
3. VAULT- 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- 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 TRICK- ie. Flips, spin, back-up, weave walking, etc…
B. Catch/Throw Ratio (10 points total)
# catches / # throws x 10
C. (part 1) Field Coverage (5 points total)
Approximately 20x30 yard field size.
Field is divided into 4 quadrants.
1.25 points 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 points total)
1 point allotted for each type of throw COMPLETED (½ point for an attempt, ½ point for completion) for a maximum of 10 points. If the same throw is completed more than once, credit is only given for the 1st completion.
D. Canine & Handler Elements (10 points total, 2.5 points 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. Do they match well as a pair?
E. “WOW” Score (5 points total)
Measures the creativity and difficulty 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 points total.
