UDP Inc Course Design Guidelines
1. There shall be a balance between course segments requiring control and segments that encourage speed.
2. The distance between obstacles must be 16’-21’ unless otherwise specified (18’-21’ between obstacles is preferred), 18’-24’ for spread jumps – at least 20’ is preferred.
- No distance may be less than 16', including landings/exits after obstacles.
- Except for spread jumps, No distance may be more than 21’ without an explanation, it may or may not be approved. If approved, no more than once on a course is allowed.
3. A closed tunnel (chute) to a tire, broad, double or triple jump must have 22’-24’ distance. There should be a minimum of 18’ after the chute tunnel to any other obstacle (20’ preferred).
4. All courses shall encourage the handler to work the dog on both sides of the handler, with very basic side changes for the Introductory Level..
5. The finish should be set so as not to interfere with the next dog to run. There should be at least 20’ between the start and finish areas whenever possible. Avoid possible off courses to the first obstacle when the next dog would be setting up.
6. Courses should be designed that are easily judged without excessive movement from the judge and without interfering with the dog or handler’s logical path.
7. Course designs should be such that they are easily adjusted to the next course in the ring with a minimum of obstacle movement.
8. When the course direction is open tunnel to an a-frame and the tunnel is under the a-frame, where the sequence creates a dog’s path with a 180-degree turn is allowed. Requirement: Judge’s briefing MUST include cautionary statement of safety to the effect that the team will be faulted if an unsafe execution on the upside of the a-frame is performed.
9. If an open tunnel is under the a-frame or dog walk, at least one open end must extend no farther than 2 feet perpendicular to the contact side. If both ends of the tunnel are perpendicular to the contact, the other end must not extend so far as to present an unsafe handler path.
10. There must be a safe handler path on both sides of each obstacle.
11. The closed tunnel (chute) shall not be placed under any contact. Placement of the chute must be safe in relation to other obstacles such that a dog’s normal exit will not result in the dog running into another obstacle, wall, ring barrier, handler or judge. When set, the judge should be aware of how far the chute fabric can extend if a dog exits off to one side instead of straight out. The chute may still be replaced by weather or other unsafe conditions. It is recommended not to use a chute for a small indoor site, or a small trial where there are limited workers. The chute should be placed within a reasonable distance from a worker for fluffing after each dog. It may not be placed in the middle of a course.
12. No course can begin on the weaves, contact or a spread jump. No course scored with faults can end on the weaves or a contact, and preferably not ending on a spread jump.
13. Turns following a closed tunnel (chute) shall not exceed 60-75 degrees.
14. Novice and Open, Advanced and Championship can run the same course for Slots.
15. In Standard and Jumpers: for each course change by level(s), the course pattern must change. This should be accomplished by changing only a few obstacles, renumbering part of the course or renumbering the entire course. Ideally, a course change between levels should be accomplished in 5-10 minutes.
16. No back jumping is allowed in a numbered sequence.
NOTE: Any deviations from course design guidelines for any class MUST be approved prior to submitting the course(s). The deviation may or may not be approved.
Contact Liz McGuire info@ultimatedogperformance.com for design exceptions prior to designing your courses.
Standard
Obstacle Requirements
Note: see design option for contacts exception
|
Obstacles on Course |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
Introductory |
10 |
14 |
|
Novice |
12 |
16 |
|
Open |
14 |
18 |
|
Advanced |
16 |
20 |
|
Championship |
18 |
22 |
|
Obstacle requirements |
Introductory |
Novice |
Open |
Advanced |
Championship |
|
Dog Walk |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
A-Frame |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
See-Saw |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Tunnel |
1-3 |
1-3 |
1-3 |
1-3 |
1-3 |
|
Chute |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Weave Poles
6 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
2-3 |
1-2 |
0 |
|
Weave Poles
12 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
|
Bar Jumps
(Winged
Wingless) |
3-12 |
3-12 |
3-12 |
3-12 |
3-12 |
|
Broad Jump |
0 |
0-1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Panel Jump |
0 |
0-1 |
0-2 |
0-2 |
0-2 |
|
Double Jump |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
|
Triple Jump |
0 |
0 |
0-1 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
|
Tire Jump |
1 |
1 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
The course yardage is determined by measuring for 20” dogs.
Modifications: Course yardage less than 150 yards 5 seconds will be added to the time for 4”. 8” and 12” dog.
Course yardage 150 yards and more 10 seconds will be added to the time for 4”. 8” and 12” dogs.
COURSE TIME
|
Standard Course Time |
Yards per Second |
|
Introductory |
1.75 – 2.25 |
|
Novice |
2.00– 2.50 |
|
Open |
2.25 – 2.75 |
|
Advanced |
2.50 – 3.00 |
|
Championship |
2.50 – 3.00 |
If all three contact obstacles are available, the Standard Class Design Option may only be utilized for one day’s Standard classes for consecutive day trials.
Small/obstructed ring sites may be granted an exemption, but that exemption must be requested for each trial.
Standard Design Options:
· Introductory: The course may be designed with only one (1) contact (A-frame or Dog Walk). In lieu of the absent contact, for Novice there MUST be a second performance of the present contact.
· Novice/Open/Advanced/Championship: The course may be designed with only two (2) contact obstacles. In lieu of the absent contact, there MUST be a second performance of one of the other two contacts.
Standard Class Checklist:
· Introductory: The purpose of the class is to test the dog’s ability to safely perform obstacles, at a moderate rate of speed.
The course includes 10-14 numbered obstacles
(Not allowed: triple jump, weave poles, see-saw, panel jump, double jump, broad jump)
The course includes 1-2 challenges
Change of handling sides flow smoothly and logically for this level. At least one change is required.
There are no more than 45 degree approaches for the following obstacles:
A-Frame, Dog Walk, Tire Jump
Obstacle discriminations are no less than 8’ apart; except for a tunnel next to or under a contact is 3’, however – this sequence is not recommended for this level.
· Novice; The purpose of the class is to test the dog’s ability to safely perform obstacles, at a moderate rate of speed with some directional control and obstacle discrimination.
The course includes 12-16 numbered obstacles
(Not allowed: triple jump, double jump)
The course includes 1-2 challenges
Change of handling sides flow smoothly and logically for this level. At least two changes are required.
There are no more than 45 degree approaches for the following obstacles:
A-Frame, Dog Walk, Tire Jump, Broad Jump, and Weave Poles.
Obstacle discriminations are no less than 8’ apart; except for a tunnel next to or under a contact is 3’ this sequence is not recommended for this level.
· Open
The purpose of the class is to test the dog’s ability to safely perform obstacles, at a moderately fast rate of speed with some directional and distance control, also showing obstacle discrimination.
The course includes 14-18 numbered obstacles
The course includes 2-3 challenges
Change of handling sides flow smoothly and logically for this level; and at least two changes are required.
There is no more than 60 degree approaches for the A-Frame
There are no more than 90 degree approaches for the Dog Walk, See-saw, Tire Jump, Broad Jump, Triple Jump and Double Jump.
Obstacle discriminations are no less than 8’ apart; except for a tunnel next to or under a contact is 3’.
· Advanced
The purpose of the class is to test the dog’s ability to safely perform obstacles, at a faster rate of speed than the lower levels, with more directional and distance control and obstacle discrimination.
The course includes 16-20 numbered obstacles
The course includes 3-4 challenges
Change of handling sides flow smoothly and logically for this level. At least 2-4 handling side changes are required. At least one change should be when the dog is visible to the handler.
There is no more than a 90 degree approach for the A-Frame.
There are no more than 135 degree approaches for the following obstacles:
Dog Walk, See-saw, Tire Jump, Broad Jump, Double Jump and Triple Jump
Obstacle discriminations are no less than 5’ apart; except for a tunnel next to or under a contact is 3’.
Segments should be included that encourage distance handling.
· Championship
The purpose of the class is to test the dog’s ability to safely perform obstacles at a faster rate of speed than Advanced, with more directional and distance control, and obstacle discrimination required.
The course includes 18-22 numbered obstacles
The course includes 4-5 challenges
Change of handling sides flow smoothly and logically for this level. At least 2-4 handling side changes are required. At least two changes should be when the dog is visible to the handler.
There is no more than a 135 degree approach for the A-Frame. If 135 degrees, a minimum approach of 18’ is required.
There are no more than 180 degree approaches for the following obstacles: Dog Walk, See-saw, Tire Jump, Broad Jump, Double Jump and Triple Jump.
Obstacle discriminations are no less than 3’ apart; except for a tunnel next to or under a contact.
Segments are included that encourage distance handling
SLOTS
The judge will determine the obstacles in each Slot.
The following must be on each mini-course: 1 -3 Point Obstacle,
6 Weave Poles and a Tunnel to enter the next Slot>
Obstacle Requirements
|
Obstacles on Course |
Introductory |
Novice |
Open |
Advanced |
Championship |
|
Tire Jump |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Bar Jumps |
2-4 |
2-4 |
4-6 |
4-6 |
6-8 |
|
Tunnel
And
6 Weaves |
Just between slots |
Just between slots |
Just between slots |
Just between slots |
Just between slots |
|
Chute |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
A-Frame |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
See-Saw |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Dog Walk |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Double Jump |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Triple Jump |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Broad Jump |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Bar Jumps, Tire Jump: 1 POINT
Chute: 2 POINTS
Double Jump: 2 POINTS
Broad Jump: 2 POINTS
A-Frame: 3 POINTS
Dog Walk: 3 POINTS
See-Saw: 3 POINTS
Triple Jump: 3 POINTS
ONLY ONE 3 POINT OBSTACLE CAN BE USED IN EACH SLOT
Introductory will not use the 6 Weave Poles Turbo Charge.
1. Slots will start with a jump to enter the First Slot. No points are earned with this jump.
2. The team must earn exactly 7 Points in the First Slot to continue.
3. The team will then enter a Tunnel or 6 Weaves to enter the Second Slot. The tunnel guarantees a continuation of the game. Completing the 6 Weaves give the team a Turbo Charge worth DOUBLE Points on the completed SLOT.
4. The team must earn exactly 7 Points in the Second Slot to continue.
5. The team will then enter a Tunnel or 6 Weaves to enter the Third Slot. The tunnel guarantees a continuation of the game. Completing the 6 Weaves give the team a Turbo Charge worth DOUBLE Points on the completed SLOT.
6. The team must earn exactly 7 Points in the Third Slot to continue.
7. A jump is used to complete the course.
8. Class placings will be based on total points, and then time to the 1/10000 of a second. The course must be completed to place.
|
Total Game Time |
|
Introductory |
Novice & Open |
Advanced & Championship |
|
4”, 8" & 12" |
55 seconds |
50 seconds |
45 seconds |
|
16",20&24" |
50 seconds |
45 seconds |
40 seconds |
See sample course.
Jumpers
Course design guidelines for distance apply.
All Levels - No more than 8-10 jumps may be in a sequence before an open tunnel is placed to break the jump sequence (no more than 8 is preferred). Jumps include the tire jump, panel jump and spreads.
|
Obstacles on Course |
Minimum |
Maximum |
|
Introductory |
10 |
14 |
|
Novice |
12 |
16 |
|
Open |
14 |
18 |
|
Advanced |
16 |
20 |
|
Championship |
18 |
22 |
|
Obstacle Requirements |
Introductory |
Novice |
Open |
Advanced |
Championship |
|
Tunnel |
1-2 |
1-3 |
1-3 |
1-4 |
1-4 |
|
Chute |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
|
Bar Jumps
(Winged or
Wingless) |
4-6 |
4-8 |
4-10 |
4-12 |
4-12 |
|
Double Jump |
0 |
1 |
1 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
|
Triple Jump |
0 |
0 |
0-1 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
|
Tire Jump |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
|
Panel Jump |
0 |
0-1 |
0-2 |
0-2 |
0-2 |
|
Broad Jump |
0 |
0 |
0-1 |
1 |
1 |
Introductory
10 to 14 total obstacles on course
no more than 45 degree angle approach to the Tire Jump.
obstacle discrimination – must be at least 8’ feet apart
Novice
12 to 16 total obstacles on course
no more than 45 degree angle approach to the Tire Jump, ,Panel Jump or Double Jump
obstacle discrimination – must be at least 8’ feet apart
Open
14 to 18 total obstacles on course
no more than 135 degree angle approach to the Tire Jump, ,Panel Jump, Double Jump, Broad Jump, or Triple Jump
obstacle discrimination – must be at least 5’ feet apart
Advanced
16 to 20 total obstacles on course
no more than 180 degree angle approach to the Tire Jump, ,Panel Jump, Double Jump, Broad Jump, or Triple Jump
obstacle discrimination – must be at least 3’ feet apart
Championship
18 to 22 total obstacles on course
no more than 180 degree angle approach to the Tire Jump, ,Panel Jump, Double Jump, Broad Jump, or Triple Jump
obstacle discrimination – must be at least 3’ feet apart
Timing - Yards per second. The course shall be measured for 20" dogs, adding 5 seconds for 8" & 12" jump heights if less than 150 yards, adding 10 seconds if over 150 yards.
|
Introductory Novice & Open Advanced & Championship |
|
2.5 – 3.0 3.0 – 3.5 3.5 – 4.0 |
The Judge will set a maximum course time.
CAN YOU HANDLE IT-PRECISION
This course will always be on an ADVANCED LEVEL.
All obstacles can be used in the course design. The Weaves and Tunnels can only be used in the center configuration.
1. The course always starts with three (3 jumps)
2. The center of the course will consist of three (3) tunnels (size and configuration determined by the judge)
3. There will be 3 sets of 6 weave poles going from the center tunnel configuration to 3 separate challenge sequences. The weaves will be used to go into and out of each challenge sequence.
4. There must be two (2) contact obstacles.
5. The course is designed with the easiest challenge first and the most difficult last.
6. Points are accumulated as marked. (Example: If a team goes off course after obstacle 7, the team’s score would be 7 points plus time to exit which must include a “natural” course back – weaves tunnel and the three (3) jumps.
7. All course points are needed to place and earn points and monies.
|
Total Game Time |
|
4”, 8" & 12" |
55 seconds |
|
16", 20" & 24" |
50 seconds |
See sample course.
STADIUM JUMPING-SPEED
This course will always be on an ADVANCED LEVEL.
1. The course will consist of jumps only.
2. There must be: 1 broad jump and 2 double or triple jumps on the course.
3. There will be 18-22 obstacles.
4. No Faults are allowed for a run to place and earn points or monies.
Timing – 3.5-4.0 Yards per second. The course shall be measured for 20" dogs, adding 5 seconds for 8" & 12" jump heights if less than 150 yards, adding 10 seconds if over 150 yards.
The Judge will set a maximum course time and has the responsible of instructing the timer about the course time. The timer will sound a whistle at maximum course time, and the dog will receive an NT (no time) on their scribe sheet.
CROSS COUNTRY-ENDURANCE
This course will always be on an ADVANCED LEVEL.
1. The course design may use all obstacles used on a Standard Course.
2. The course design should be in an N, M or H shape to provide maximum movement over the field.
3. No Faults are allowed for a run to place and earn points or monies.
COURSE TIME
|
Standard Course Time |
Yards per Second |
|
Advanced |
2.50 – 3.00 |
The Judge will set the maximum course time and is responsible for instructing the timer accordingly. The course yardage is determined by measuring for 20” dogs.
Modifications: Course yardage less than 150 yards 5 seconds will be added to the time for 4”. 8” and 12” dogs.
Course yardage 150 yards and more 10 seconds will be added to the time for 4”. 8” and 12” dogs.
