Ultimate Dog Performance

UDP Inc Disc Dog Program

Mission Statement:

The UDP Inc Disc Dog Program will allow dogs and handlers to demonstrate their skills at graduated levels of training and ability in distance, precision and freestyle routine events using a canine disc.

Sanctioning of Events:

1. Events are open to all dogs 12 months and older for Distance and Precision events; and 18 months of age and older for Air-obics or Disc Air Dancing. Events can be hosted by a club or member in good standing with UDP Inc.

2. UDP’s sanctioning form must be completed 60 days in advance and sent to the Corresponding Secretary.

3. Copies of UDP’s program, score sheets and trial result forms will be provided on a CD at a nominal fee.

4. A copy of the Premium list will be provided to the Corresponding Secretary at least three weeks prior to the event. It will include: start time for classes, awards to be given, classes offered, facility renting fees, trial secretary’s name, and run fee.

5. Premium should state:

Entry fee= $1.00 UDP Inc Recording Fee + Administration Costs + Jackpot Monies Back to Class

Example: $10.00 = $1.00 + $5.00 + $4.00

Organization and Recording:

TRIAL COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS

The following officials shall preside at each UDP Agility Trial:

Judges: A minimum of two Judges per day is required unless otherwise approved. The Judges shall be chosen from the approved UDP Judges list. Judges that are judges in other Disc Dog Venues ( USDDN, Skyhoundz, UFO, Flying Disc Dog Open, Ashley Whippet Invitational) may automatically qualify to judge for UDP by contacting UDP at info@ultimatedogperformance.com

ALL DECISIONS OF THE JUDGES ARE FINAL

Judges cannot judge a person residing in their household or immediate family members (child, spouse, sibling, and parent).

Family members who are judged by a step-in judge do receive earned placements.

Judges cannot judge their own dog run by someone else.

Judges cannot judge a dog that is co-owned with another owner that resides outside of their residence.

If a judge’s dog is run and judged by other persons, the dog is not eligible for placements if earned.

Trial Chairperson & Trial Secretary: The Chairperson is the official contact person for complaints or infractions. The Chairperson is also the back up for the Show Secretary in an emergency situation. Both are required to be current year members.

The Trial Secretary is responsible for answering prospective entrants’ questions, email/mailing premium lists to prospective entrants, email/mailing confirmation notices, preparation of the show catalog, ensuring the table help understands the scoring and computer procedures, preparation of the results catalogs for UDP and the host club.

Scribe: A scribe is required for each class. The scribe’s responsibility is to observe the Judge while each handler and dog team is running, marking any points the Judge signals during the performance. Under no circumstances will the scribe interpret the dog’s performance.

Timer: A timer is required for each class. The same timer shall time the entire class,

Eligibility:

1. The program will be open to all dogs 12 months of age and older, depending on each individual level and event. Eligibility for Air-obics and Disc Air Dancing is 18 months.

2. Bitches in heat may not participate.

3. Dogs must be sound and in good health. The course director will determine if the dog is unfit to participate. Examples – lameness, injury, illness, advanced pregnancy.

4. Owners of participating dogs must be members of UDP Inc. A UDP Inc tracking number can be obtained from the Corresponding Secretary, so the Titles and Life Time Earnings can be earned and recorded.

Run Order:

1. Run order will be determined by random drawing.

2. Drawn positions will not be altered after the draw with the following exception: Back to back runs will be avoided, by providing at least one handler between the drawn back to back runs.

Categories for Disc Dog:

1. UDP Long Distance and Accuracy

2. UDP Air-obics - Routine to Music

3. UDP You Be the Star Bonanza – Precision distance and Accuracy

3. Ultimate Top Dog: UDP Blast Off: Precision Distance and Accuracy

UDP Disc Air Dancing: Freestyle Routine to Music

UDP Long Distance/Accuracy

Long Distance/Accuracy is a fast-paced event in which teams attempt to score points by completing as many catches as possible within various scoring zones in the time allotted.

Long Distance/Accuracy competitors are allowed 60 seconds and one disc to score as many points as possible. If, during the round a competitor believes the disc has become unsafe (e.g.: broken rim, or a large tear in the disc), it may be handed to the line judge for replacement (if the competitor has provided such a replacement). Time will not be suspended during a disc change. Notification of time remaining will be uniform for all competitors: 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and a countdown of the final five seconds before time is called.

The Long Distance/Accuracy field set-up provides the ability for individual competitors to throw in either direction, however, competitors cannot change throwing direction once time has begun. Field dimensions and the ability to throw from either end are subject to change, at the discretion of contest officials, due to overall field limitations or for safety considerations.

The thrower and dog are required to stand behind the throwing line before time starts. When the competitor is ready, the line judge will signal the announcer by raising an arm. Soon after, a start cue will be given by the announcer indicating that time has begun. If, in the opinion of the line judge, the dog leaves before time begins, time will be reset to zero and a restart will be initiated. Competitors may send their dogs downfield, or throw, anytime after the start signal is sounded.

The thrower must always throw from behind the throwing line and between the throwing line cones, but may move freely around the field at other times. A throw will not be scored if the thrower steps on or over the throwing line prior to or during the release of the disc (foot fault). If the disc leaves the thrower’s hand before time is called, the throw will be scored if caught by the canine inbounds.

To receive points, catches must be completed by a canine with all paws landing inbounds. If a canine catches a disc with paws in more than one scoring zone, the catch will be scored as if it were made in the higher scoring zone. If a canine tips the disc and subsequently catches the disc inbounds, the catch will be scored where the catch was completed.

Scoring is based on the following point scale. No points are awarded for catches made that are less than 10 yards.

Zone 1 (10-19 yards) 1 Point
Zone 2 (20-29 yards) 2 Points
Zone 3 (30-39 yards) 3 Points
End Zone (40-49 yards) 5 Points

Bonus Zone: (over 50 yards) 10 Points

(See Field Diagram at the end of the program)

Levels: Open, Advanced and Championship

An additional 1 point bonus will be awarded for each successful catch in which the dog makes a catch with all paws clearly off the ground in an obvious jumping effort and subsequently lands with all paws in a scoring zone.

Long Distance/Accuracy Tie-Breaker

If there is a tie for any placings, the tie will be broken by the following criteria, as necessary: 1) The competitor with the fewest throws in both rounds, 2) A Face-off round with each team receiving one Distance/Accuracy throw.

The dog making the higher scoring catch will be declared the victor. If the teams are still tied after each has made one throw, Face-off continues until one dog makes a higher scoring catch than the other. Officials will permit the competitors to rest their dogs as necessary.

UDP You Be the Star Bonus Bonanza

You Be the Star Bonus Bonanza is a fast-paced event in which teams attempt to score points by completing as many catches as possible within various scoring zones in the time allotted.

You Be the Star Bonus Bonanza competitors are allowed 60 seconds and one disc to score as many points as possible. If, during the round a competitor believes the disc has become unsafe (e.g.: broken rim, or a large tear in the disc), it may be handed to the line judge for replacement (if the competitor has provided such a replacement). Time will not be suspended during a disc change. Notification of time remaining will be uniform for all competitors: 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and a countdown of the final five seconds before time is called.

The You Be the Star Bonus Bonanza field set-up provides the ability for individual competitors to throw in one direction. Field dimensions are subject to change, at the discretion of contest officials, due to overall field limitations or for safety considerations. The thrower and canine are required to stand behind the throwing line before time starts. When the competitor is ready, the line judge will signal the announcer by raising an arm. Soon after, a start cue will be given by the announcer indicating that time has begun. If, in the opinion of the line judge, the dog leaves before time begins, time will be reset to zero and a restart will be initiated. Competitors may send their canines downfield, or throw, anytime after the start signal is sounded.

Scoring is based on the following point scale. No points are awarded for catches made that are less than 10 yards.

Zone 1 (10-19 yards) 1 Point + 1 Point in the air
Zone 2 (20-29yards) 2 Points + 1 Point in the air
Zone 3 (30-39 yards) 3 Points + 1 Point in the air
Zone 4 (40-49 yards) 5 Points + 1 Point in the air

End Zone (over 50 yards) 7 Points + 1 Point in the air

(See Field Diagram at the end of the program)

Points in the air will count for Open, Advanced and Championship Levels.

Additional bonus points will be awarded for each successful catch in which the dog makes a catch within each Zone of the Star

You Be the Star Bonus Bonanza Tie-Breaker

Titles that can be earned in Disc Dog:

The Long Distance/Accuracy and You Be the Star Bonus Bonanza are used for the Ultimate Disc Dog Titles. Three placings at UDP Inc events, in both categories, trialing under 2 different judges are required to earn a title. One of the placings must be in the Top 20% of the class.

Ultimate Disc Dog Introductory UDD-I: This level is for the dog just starting out or has performed in a couple of events without high placements in the class.

Ultimate Disc Dog Novice UDD-N: This level is for the dog that is becoming competent in catching. The dog is able to catch longer throws over 30 yards.

Ultimate Disc Dog Open UDD-O: This level is for the dog that is consistently catching throws at varying distances and placements on the field.

Ultimate Disc Dog Advanced UDD-A: This level is for the dog that consistently places in Disc Dog competitions.

Ultimate Disc Dog Championship UDD-CH: This level is for all dogs that have successfully titled on the Advanced Level with UDP Inc.

UDP Disc Air-obics

Disc Air-obics is a free-form, choreographed, routine scored by judges with an emphasis on catch success rate, variety of catches, innovation, and the athletic skills of the canine and thrower. Dogs must be a minimum of 18 months of age.

Teams competing in Disc Air-obics will receive a maximum of 90 seconds per round. Routines must last at least 60 seconds to be scored. Competitors in Disc Air-obics are permitted to use up to five discs. Timing begins when the disc is placed in flight, or the canine attempts to catch or pick-up a disc placed on the ground, or takes the disc from any part of a thrower’s or canine’s body. Countdown of time remaining will be uniform for all competitors: 60 seconds, 30 seconds, 10 seconds and time.

Contestants who bring their own music should present it to contest officials when called to the on-deck area. Music should be on a CD (compact disc) that is marked with the competitor’s name and desired track number. This information should also be noted on the outside of the CD case. Contestants must choose music that is appropriate for a family event.

Judges will score tricks that do not begin or conclude with a disc in flight except roller throws, relative to tricks that do. Takes (moves in which a disc is handed off to the dog) will not be scored.

UDP Inc Disc Air-obics Scoring System

Competing teams will receive scores ranging from 1-10, in point increments, for each of the following four categories:

1. Disc Air-obics Choreography: The team’s presentation of a crowd-pleasing routine with exciting choreography, continuous flow, good disc management and smooth transitions.
2. Athletic Ability: The dog’s ability to complete catches, perform tricks or maneuvers. This should showcase a dog’s speed, flexibility, and leaping ability relative to its size always maintaining control over its body during the routine.
3. Ingenuity: Ability to successfully complete challenging tricks or moves, including successful catches of throws while demonstrating a variety of spins and/or releases. Performing completely new moves, or a novel or unique presentation of a previously performed move, will result in higher scores in this category.
4. Catch Success Rate: The team’s ability to successfully execute a routine with specific consideration given for the difficulty of the throws, catches and tricks.

Under the UDP Inc scoring system, judges will evaluate each team’s ability to cleanly execute a challenging, varied and exciting routine within the time allotted. The judges must account for differences between the routines of the competitors that are competing on a given day.

For example, even if two competitors have perfect rounds they will not necessarily each receive a score of 10 in the Catch Success Rate category. Instead, the more difficult routine will typically receive a higher score in the Catch Success Rate than the simpler routine. Similarly, if two competitors have equally difficult rounds, it is likely that the competitor with fewer misses will receive the higher score in the Ingenuity category.

Vaults, utilizing the trainer’s body as a launch pad, should be minimized or excluded from routines altogether. They can be included in a routine only in the Open, Advanced and Championship levels. If attempted, vaults should be performed in a controlled and safe manner. Excessive height, or frequent repetition of vaults, will not increase the likelihood of a higher score. Vaults are not required for success in UDP Inc competitions. A vault is to be valued no differently than any other trick of similar difficulty.

Disc Air-obics Tie-Breaker

If there is a tie for placings, the tie will be broken by the using the following criteria:

1) The team with the highest combined scores in the Athletic Ability and Ingenuity categories

2) A Face- off round will take place with each team alternating turns and receiving ten seconds in which to demonstrate their strongest trick or cluster of tricks.

Order of competition will be determined by a coin toss. The timekeeper will announce the start of the Face-off when each competitor signals his or her readiness to begin. The judges will then declare a winner based on their impressions of the overall quality of the Face-off performances.

Titles can be earned in Disc Air-obics:

Ultimate Disc Air-obics Dog Introductory UDAD-I: This is for the beginning dog that is able to perform a very simple routine. The dog is not to perform any vaults, flips or extreme twisting moves. Most throws should be caught on the ground or with two feet on the ground.

Ultimate Disc Air-obics Dog Novice UDAD-N: This for the dog who has mastered a simple routine. Multiple discs can be thrown in succession. The dog is not to perform any vaults, flips or extreme twisting moves. Most throws should be caught on the ground or with two feet on the ground.

Ultimate Disc Air-obics Dog Open UDAD-O: This for the dog who has mastered a more complicated routine. Multiple discs can be thrown in succession. The dog is not to perform any vaults, flips or extreme twisting moves. Throws can be caught on the ground or in the air.

Ultimate Disc Air-obics Dog Advanced UDAD-A: This for the dog who has mastered a more complicated routine. Multiple discs can be thrown in succession. The dog is able to perform any vaults, flips or extreme twisting moves. Throws can be caught on the ground or in the air.

Ultimate Disc Air-obics Dog Championship UDAD-CH: Same as UDAD-A.

Three placings at UDP Inc Disc Air-obics events under 2 different judges are required to earn a title. One of the placings must be in the Top 20% of the class.

Ultimate Top Dog – Top 15 Classes

These classes are on the Advanced Level. They are open to all competitors. Handlers need to be cognizant of their dog’s age, physical ability, and training level.

These classes are for points and monies. A title is not earned with these classes.

Blast Off: Precision Distance and Accuracy

1. This is a distance and accuracy event with a 60 second time limit.

2. Field markings are in yards.

2. The dog needs to catch a disc in sequence in the Countdown Zones. A zone cannot be missed in the sequence. The countdown is 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 with corresponding points. A minimum of 2 paws must be in that Zone

3. The final disc has to be caught in the Blast Off Zone for 10 points.

4. Dogs have to complete the pattern with all points earned for placements and monies.

5. Ties are broken by time (43.23 sec. over 43.25 sec.)

(See Field Diagram at the end of the program.)

Disc Air Dancing-Freestyle Routine:

Disc Air Dancing is a free-form, choreographed, routine scored by judges with an emphasis on catch success rate, variety of catches, innovation, and the athletic skills of the canine and thrower. The dog must be a minimum of 18 months of age.

Teams competing in Freestyle will receive a maximum of 120 seconds per round. Routines must last at least 90 seconds to be scored. Competitors in Air-obics are permitted to use up to five discs. Timing begins when the disc is placed in flight, or the canine attempts to catch or pick-up a disc placed on the ground, or takes the disc from any part of a thrower’s or canine’s body. Countdown of time remaining will be uniform for all competitors: 60 seconds, 30 seconds, 10 seconds and time.

UDP Inc Disc Air Dancing Scoring System

Competing teams will receive scores ranging from 1-10, in point increments, for each of the following four categories:

1. Disc Air Dancing Choreography: The team’s presentation of a crowd-pleasing routine with exciting choreography, continuous flow, good disc management and smooth transitions.
2. Athletic Ability: The dog’s ability to complete catches, perform tricks or maneuvers. This should showcase a dog’s speed, flexibility, and leaping ability relative to its size always maintaining control over its body during the routine.
3. Ingenuity: Ability to successfully complete challenging tricks or moves, including successful catches of throws while demonstrating a variety of spins and/or releases. Performing completely new moves, or a novel or unique presentation of a previously performed move, will result in higher scores in this category.

4. Costumes: Costumes for the dog and handler that correlate to the music chosen. Costumes MUST NOT INTERFER with the freedom of movement and safety of the dog or handler.

5. Catch Success Rate: The team’s ability to successfully execute a routine with specific consideration given for the difficulty of the throws, catches and tricks.

Vaults, utilizing the trainer’s body as a launch pad, should be minimized or excluded from routines altogether. If attempted, vaults should be performed in a controlled and safe manner. Excessive height, or frequent repetition of vaults, will not increase the likelihood of a higher score. Vaults are not required for success in UDP Inc competitions. A vault is to be valued no differently than any other trick of similar difficulty.

Disc Air Dancing Tie-Breaker

If there is a tie for placings the tie will be broken by the using the following criteria:

1) The team with the highest combined scores in the Athletic Ability and Ingenuity categories

2) A Face- off round will take place with each team alternating turns and receiving ten seconds in which to demonstrate their strongest trick or cluster of tricks.

Canine Welfare

Competitors are responsible for the safety and welfare of their dogs. Competing canines must be supervised and under the care and control of their throwers/owners at all times. Only the competing dog, thrower and contest officials are allowed on the field during competition. Dogs must be leashed at all times, except when competing.

A same thrower/dog combination may only compete once per division/class. It is the owner/trainer’s responsibility to ensure that competing canines do not compete in more events than would be advisable given the prevailing weather conditions, with specific consideration given to the fitness and general health of the competing canine. At all UDP Inc events the Judge will have final authority on the issue of whether a dog is fit to compete.

Abusive treatment of a canine, or any conduct of a competitor which might be perceived by spectators as such, will not be tolerated. Contest officials may disqualify any competitor who engages in this type of behavior. The wearing of electronic or chemical training aids, of any sort (active or inactive), will not be permitted during competition.

Competitors with overly aggressive dogs may not be permitted to compete if such canines are believed to pose a danger to people or other canines.

Freestyle vaults, utilizing the trainer’s body as a launch pad, should be minimized or excluded from routines altogether. If attempted, vaults should be performed in a controlled and safe manner. Excessive height, or frequent repetitions of vaults, will not increase the likelihood of a higher score.

General Competition Rules

Each contestant must read and sign, without modification, the UDP Inc Entry Form, which contains a liability waiver and publicity release. Competitors are responsible for reading and understanding the competition rules before they compete.

Because of time constraints, no practice throws will be permitted at any UDP Inc events.

Costumes are only permitted in Disc Air Dancing competition.

Female dogs in any stage of heat will not be permitted to compete and must not be brought to the competition site.

Dog owners/trainers are required to clean up after their dog. If a nature break takes place during any event, time will be suspended until the break has concluded. During a nature break, a thrower should maintain his or her position on the field and should not attempt to gather discs or move closer to the competing canine while time is suspended. Time will resume at the conclusion of the nature break. Any clean-up necessary must be done by the thrower upon completion of the round.

Where required by local ordinance, all participating dogs must have proof of Rabies inoculation and license. Parvo Virus and Kennel Cough vaccinations are strongly recommended.

If a spectator’s dog runs onto the field during a competitor’s round, time will be suspended. Once the spectator’s dog is leashed and has been removed from the field, time will resume from the point of interruption. Officials will use every effort to allow the interrupted team to be returned to their status on the field, including physical field location and time remaining, at the point of the interruption.

Competitors should avoid confrontations with other competitors or challenges of contest officials. Abusive language or other inappropriate or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a contestant’s disqualification from competition.

The UDP Inc website www.ultimatedogperformance.com is the best source for the most current version of the UDP Inc Disc Dog rules. Rules and formats may change from time-to-time. Competitors and Organizers are encouraged to review the UDP Inc rules and regulations prior to any competition.

PRIZE MONIES

Prize monies will be paid at all UDP Inc Disc Dog events.

All entries should be pre-entry so the secretary can have

Monies paid will be determined by the number on entries at that level.

High In Level and High In Trial awards can be given (in addition to payouts) at the choice of the member or club hosting the trial.

Payout Schedule

ENTRIES	PAYOUT PLACES	PERCENT OF PAYOUT
1-4	1	100%
5 -8	2	60%	40%
9-12	3	50%	30%	20%
13-16	4	40%	30%	20%	10%
17-20	5	30%	25%	20%	15%	10%
21-24	6	30%	24%	18%	12%	9%	7%
25-28	7	28%	23%	16%	12%	9%	7%	5%
29-32	8	25%	20%	15%	12%	10%	8%	6%	4%
33-36	9	23%	18%	15%	11%	9%	8%	7%	5%	4%
37-40	10	20%	16%	14%	11%	9%	8%	7%	6%	5%	4%
41-45	11	20%	16%	12%	10%	9%	8%	7%	6%	5%	4%	3%
45 & over	12	20%	15%	11%	10%	9%	8%	7%	6%	5%	4%	3%	2%