Ultimate Dog Performance

Ultimate Dog Performance Inc

Disc Dog Judge’s Handbook

Ultimate Dog Performance Code of Conduct

Ultimate Dog Performance Disc Dog is a venue designed so that handlers and their dogs can participate in the sport of Disc Dog from the very basic introductory level to the most advanced championship level. The goal for all UDP competitions is to provide an environment that shall be safe, fair, and fun for all involved. Participants and competitors at events held under UDP rules are required to demonstrate behavior that is in the best interests of our dogs and our sport. In an effort to ensure a positive, family-friendly environment, this Code of Conduct applies to all participants (both Human & Canine) at UDP events:

Do Engage in the Positive Choices

Enjoy and Encourage the performances of other competitors
Be considerate of the Safety and Enjoyment of others throughout the event
Observe and Control the actions of your dog(s) at all times
Participate Soberly by avoiding the abuses of Alcohol or Drugs
Recognize and play within your own physical limitations & those of your dog(s) Choose the level of participation that you and your dog can comfortably compete in
Recognize and play within limitations imposed by weather and field conditions during an event
Comply with the rules of the event venue, host club or member, & competition officials
Be respectful of the efforts of the event judges & officials
Cooperate honestly with officials during incident investigations
Practice good sportsmanship at all times

Do Not Engage in the Negative Choices

Engage in fighting or verbal altercations
Use vulgar or inappropriate language or gestures
Publicly criticize the efforts of judges, officials, or other competitors
Purposefully, recklessly, or carelessly cause harm to any dog or person
Intentionally try to distract other competitors during their competition round
Knowingly make a false complaint with the intention of causing event disruptions
Attempt to intimidate or offer bribes to judges for the purpose of influencing their decisions
Participate in a mind altered state (be it the result of Alcohol, Drugs, or Emotional Fatigue)

Participants and competitors who commit violations of this Code of Conduct during competitions held under UDP rules & guidelines may be subject to disciplinary responses pursuant to the UDP Inc board of directors.

General rules for all divisions of competition

Participants may be any age or of either gender. Note: Any Reference to a Junior Handler in competition is open to handlers 18 years of age or younger on January 1 of that competition year. Handlers may also choose to participate in the Challenger Program.
Prior to competition, handlers must read and sign, without altering, the competition Registration Form, which contains a liability waiver and publicity release.
Teams shall consist of one dog and one handler.
Only one team, the dog and handler, is allowed to compete, be involved in the routine, at a time during the performance.
Only the competing dog, handler, and contest officials are allowed on the field during competition.
Handlers may enter more than one dog in this competition.
UDP has approved four disc manufacturers’ discs for the competition series which are:

UDP Approved Discs
Manufacturer	Wham-O Inc	Discovering the World	Innova Hero	Hyperflite Inc
Standard Large Disc Diameter 9-9.5 in Weight less than 115 grams for Dog over 15” at withers	Fastback Standard Flex Super Flex	Chomper Standard Flex SuperFlex	235’s: AIR Xtra
Standard Medium Disc Diameter 8.5-8.75 in Weight less than 115 grams for Dog over 15” at withers			215’s Sonic Super Sonic Sonic Xtra	K-10 Competition Standard Frostbite UV Midnight Sun
Heavy Large Disc Diameter 9-9.5 in Weight between 130-145 grams for Dog over 15” at withers	Eurablend		235’s: Super Hero/K9 Candy SuperStar SuperSwirls
Heavy Medium Disc Diameter 8.5-8.75 in Weight between 130-145 grams for Dog over 15” at withers				Jawz Hyperflex Jawz XComp Jawz Standard

If the dog measures 15.00 inches or less at the withers, you may choose to compete with any of the discs defined above or those specified below. The same rules and penalties for mixing disc size/weights defined above apply.

UDP Approved Discs

Manufacturer

Innova Hero

Hyperflite

Small Dog Disc

Diameter 6.25-7 inches

Weight between 40-90 grams

for Dog 15” and under at withers

Pup 160's

Pup Jawz

Pup Frostbite

Pup Competition Standard

Teams can use up to a maximum of ten (10) discs during an Air-obics and Disc Air Dancing and one (1) disc with an official holding an alternate disc for Long Distance and Precision, You Be The Star Bonus Bonanza and Blast Off rounds and a handler can not mix discs of different weight classes or different diameter discs within the same round. However, dogs with a shoulder height of 15 inches or less are allowed to use must use a any disc from the smaller diameter discs or any larger disc from the approved list. If a Handler takes more than 10 discs out onto the field then and it is not noticed before the Handler begins then the Team will be penalized 1 point per extra disc, before any multiplier or total.

If a competitor is found to have mixed the sizes or weight class of discs in a single round, a five (5) point penalty will be applied in Freestyle before the multiplier and in Toss & Fetch formats there will be a one (1) point penalty applied per throw made. However, the application of this rule cannot result in a score lower than zero. Important note: a penalty assessed for mixing discs is separate from any Canine Endangerment penalties.

For example, competitors cannot compete with a EuraBlend & standard Fastback in the same Round; competitors cannot use standard fastbacks and Jawz in the same round; and, competitors cannot combine Pup size discs with any larger discs.

Handlers must not use props of any kind during any UDP Inc Disc Dog rounds (e.g. hoops, sticks, ribbons, etc.)
Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, except when competing or practicing.
Handlers must walk dogs on leash to the on-deck area of field, when called. Dogs must be put back on leash immediately after competing.
Practicing teams must be out of range of the competition area and spectators so that current competing teams are not distracted.
Where required by local ordinance, all competing canines must have proof of rabies inoculation and a valid license. Parvo and Canine Cough (Bordetella) immunizations are strongly recommended for all competing dogs.
During competition, two or more Scoring Judges will assess the points scored by each team and the total points scored by each team. The "calls" and decisions of the Judges are final and will not be subject to review or appeal.
Boisterous challenges, abusive language, or other inappropriate or unsportsmanlike behavior, whether directed at contest officials or not, may result in the contestant being disqualified from that competition or further competitions.
Handlers are responsible for the safety and welfare of their dogs at UDP competitions. Handlers and/or owners or their agents are expected to properly supervise and maintain control over their canines at all times.
UDP contest officials reserve the right to change format, competition rules, time allotments, etc., at their discretion.
Mandatory Disqualification will occur for the following cases, but are not limited to these instances: abuse by the handler of an animal; female dogs in any stage of heat; canine endangerment, and/or aggressive canine behavior.

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.

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 placements 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. Dogs competing in Disc Air Dancing must be 18 months of age.

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

Disc Air Dancing - routine to music

Blast Off - Long Distance and Accuracy

Air-obics Rules

Air-obics has a maximum of 90 seconds and a minimum of 60 seconds for the time limitations.
Timing begins when the handler either throws or places a disc in flight and the canine makes any movement that can be considered an attempt to retrieve the disc and the scoring will begin when the music starts. No practice throws will be allowed.
Contestants are encouraged to bring their own music on CDs (marked with selection number) to perform to. CDs must be properly marked with the handler’s name and presented in unbroken jewel cases.
Each team may use up to 10 discs in their routines, and if a team competes with more than 10 discs that team will be penalized 1 point per extra disc they have used.
Dogs must be at least 18 months of age to compete in Air-obics.
Only tricks or moves that begin or end with the disc in sustained flight are judged in execution; the disc must be in flight at some point during the move in order for a move to be scored in execution. The discs only thrown to the dog are scored in execution.
Tricks where the disc is handed off from the handler's hand to the dog will not be counted in execution.
Innovation will be scored in any of the respective judging elements, such as, an innovated release or individual trick will be scored within its respective elements.

· 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.

Note: Dogs of different breed, size, and temperament execute vaults with varying degrees of finesse during the push off, airtime, and landing and must have complete control during all three stages of the leap; therefore, excessive heights, and/or frequent repetition of vaults especially where the dog "crashes" should be avoided, as they can be scored down and penalized.

The following Point System shows the maximum scores a team can achieve using the UDP Air-obics Rules:

Dog’s Athletic Ability

1. Prey Drive: During the entire routine consistent focus and concentration on the discs must be sustained. 2 Points

2. Retrieval: The dog's ability to track, chase and catch discs, while demonstrating a variety of retrieval options (dropping discs away from the handler, at the handler's feet, and handing them to the handler). 2 Points

3. Control over body: The dog must execute control and consistency while leaping for the disc and landing with the caught disc. 2 Points

4. Control during tricks: The dog must execute control and consistency during standing, running, flipping and/or vaulting maneuvers. 2 Points

5. Grip: Before, during and after the moment of catching a disc, the canine must exhibit consistent commitment to holding on to the disc with adequate focus. 2 Points

Total Athletic Ability Score= 10 Points

Choreography

6. Field Presentation: The routine must demonstrate planned movement around the playing field, incorporating a variety of throws of different lengths thrown in different directions. 2 Points

7. Multiple Release Styles and Types: A variety of throws must be demonstrated by the handler with different styles in the grip and release of the disc, (minimum of 3 different releases) 2 Points

8. Disc Management: Releasing and replacing of all discs must be performed in a seamless and consistent manner with no breaks. 2 Points

9. Rhythmic Movement by the Team: Transitional movement must be designed to show smooth transitions between maneuvers and segments of the routine. 2 Points

10. Cohesiveness of Routine: Music chosen matches the style of the maneuvers and movements by the dog and handler. 2 Points

Total Choreography Score = 10.00

Ingenuity (Only the best 5 of the following 7 elements score)

11. Two Different Over the Body Tricks: The team performs 2 different over-the-body tricks: canine travels over the body, clearing the body of the handler to catch a disc placed in flight.

2 Points

12. Two Different Vaults (only in Advanced and Championship Levels):

The team performs 2 different vaults: canine leaps off handler's body, touching the body, to catch a disc placed in flight. Handler utilizes 2 different stances. 2 Points

13. Multiple Throws: 1 multiple throw with a minimum of three consecutive throws in rapid secession. 2 Points

14. Dog Catch 1 handler catches dog with the disc in flight. 2 Points

15. Team Movement: Coordinated team movement i.e. spins together, weave under legs, dog stall, etc. 2 Points

16. Passing Throws: Consecutive throws where the dog passes close to the handler at least twice in a straight line. 2 Points

17. Directional Changes with Distance Movement: The team performs tricks consisting of at least 4 consecutive throws where by the dog catches discs in a plane of space at a distance from the handler, including such movements as zig-zags, circling outruns, and the like.

Circle Outrun segments 1)____ 2)____ 3)____ 4)____

Zig-Zag segments 1)____ 2)____ 3)____ 4)____

Square segments 1)____ 2)____ 3)____ 4)____

2 points

Total Ingenuity Score = 10.00

Catch Success Rate Score = ____ Catches / ____ Throws x 10 = 10.00

(16 Minimum Throws)

TOTAL SCORE = 40.00

Disc Air Dancing Rules

Disc Air Dancing has a maximum of 120 minutes and a minimum of 90 seconds for the time limitations.
Timing begins when the handler either throws or places a disc in flight and the canine makes any movement that can be considered an attempt to retrieve the disc and the scoring will begin when the music starts. No practice throws will be allowed.
Contestants are encouraged to bring their own music on CDs (marked with selection number) to perform to. CDs must be properly marked with the handler’s name and presented in unbroken jewel cases.
Each team may use up to 10 discs in their routines, and if a team competes with more than 10 discs that team will be penalized 1 point per extra disc they have used.
Dogs must be at least 18 months of age to compete in the Disc Air Dancing Division
Only tricks or moves that begin or end with the disc in sustained flight are judged in execution; the disc must be in flight at some point during the move in order for a move to be scored in execution. The discs only thrown to the dog are scored in execution.
Tricks where the disc is handed off from the handler's hand to the dog will not be counted in execution.
Innovation will be scored in any of the respective judging elements, such as, an innovated release or individual trick will be scored within its respective elements.

Note: Dogs of different breed, size, and temperament execute vaults with varying degrees of finesse during the push off, airtime, and landing and must have complete control during all three stages of the leap; therefore, excessive heights, and/or frequent repetition of vaults especially where the dog "crashes" should be avoided, as they can be scored down and penalized.

The following Point System shows the maximum scores a team can achieve using the UDP Disc Air Dancing Rules:

Dog’s Athletic Ability

1. Prey Drive: During the entire routine consistent focus and concentration on the discs must be sustained. 2 Points

3. Control over body: The dog must execute control and consistency while leaping for the disc and landing with the caught disc. 2 Points

4. Control during tricks: The dog must execute control and consistency during standing, running, flipping and/or vaulting maneuvers. 2 Points

5. Grip: Before, during and after the moment of catching a disc, the canine must exhibit consistent commitment to holding on to the disc with adequate focus. 2 Points

Total Athletic Ability Score= 10 Points

Choreography

6. Field Presentation: The routine must demonstrate planned movement around the playing field, incorporating a variety of throws of different lengths thrown in different directions. 2 Points

7. Multiple Release Styles and Types: A variety of throws must be demonstrated by the handler with different styles in the grip and release of the disc, (minimum of 3 different releases) 2 Points

8. Disc Management: Releasing and replacing of all discs must be performed in a seamless and consistent manner with no breaks. 2 Points

9. Rhythmic Movement by the Team: Transitional movement must be designed to show smooth transitions between maneuvers and segments of the routine. 2 Points

10. Cohesiveness of Routine: Music chosen matches the style of the maneuvers and movements by the dog and handler. 2 Points

Total Choreography Score = 10 points

Ingenuity (Only the best 5 of the following 7 elements score)

11. Two Different Over the Body Tricks: The team performs 2 different over-the-body tricks: canine travels over the body, clearing the body of the handler to catch a disc placed in flight.

2 Points

12. Two Different Vaults (only in Advanced and Championship Levels):

The team performs 2 different vaults: canine leaps off handler's body, touching the body, to catch a disc placed in flight. Handler utilizes 2 different stances. 2 Points

13. Multiple Throws: 1 multiple throw with a minimum of three consecutive throws in rapid secession. 2 Points

14. Dog Catch 1 handler catches dog with the disc in flight. 2 Points

15. Team Movement: Coordinated team movement i.e. spins together, weave under legs, dog stall, etc. 2 Points

16. Passing Throws: Consecutive throws where the dog passes close to the handler at least twice in a straight line. 2 Points

17. Directional at a Distance Movement: The team performs tricks consisting of at least 4 consecutive throws where by the dog catches discs in a plane of space at a distance from the handler, including such movements as zig-zags, circling outruns, and the like.

Circle Outrun segments 1)____ 2)____ 3)____ 4)____

Zig-Zag segments 1)____ 2)____ 3)____ 4)____

Square segments 1)____ 2)____ 3)____ 4)____

2 points

Total Ingenuity Score = 10 Points

Costume:

18. Costumes for handler and dog are unique and innovative. 2 points

19. Costumes chosen enhance the music chosen for the routine. 2 points

20. Costumes for handler and dog are appropriate for freedom of movement. 1 point

Total Costume Points = 5 Points

Catch Success Rate Score = ____ Catches / ____ Throws x 10 = 10.00

(16 Minimum Throws)

TOTAL SCORE = 45 Points

Competition Rules

1. Any throws that leave the handler’s hand before time expires may count towards the team’s total score although the actual catch may not be executed until after time has expired.

2. If, during the allotted time, a dog takes a nature break on or off the field, time will be immediately stopped and will not resume. Handler will be immediately required to thoroughly clean any affected area of the field.

Teams will not be disqualified for such an infraction, but in addition to forfeiting the remainder of their time, a 5 point penalty will be deducted from their total score out of forty points. However, the application of this rule cannot result in a score lower than zero.

3. If an interruption occurs during competition that is beyond the control of the competitor (i.e., not a nature break), time will be suspended as quickly as possible by an indication from any of the field judges. The interruption will be dealt with (field cleared, offending interruption severely chastised) and the competitor will be allowed to continue with the rest of the round. Time will start immediately where it was suspended, and the dog may start anywhere on the field. Additionally, the competitor can be given the option to start the round over, but only with the support of the majority of the Judges in order to avoid interruptions that in the Judges’ opinions were intentionally caused by someone wanting to provide the competitor with a restart opportunity. As the interruption may have occurred early in the round, the competitor may choose to take their new round immediately. If the interruption occurred in the second half of the round, the competitor may elect to move to the end of the order and start the round over after their dog has rested.

4. Time will be suspended for all unforeseen distractions or interruptions that occur on the field and that may directly or indirectly put the canine competitor at risk of injury or that hamper a team’s ability to compete fairly. The decision to halt a team’s round will be made at the discretion of contest officials.

5. The Judging Crew for any division of competition shall consist of two or four people with one person assigned to judge each of the four scoring categories if 4 judges: Athletic Ability, Catch Rate Success, Choreography, and Ingenuity. If there are two judges: One judge will score Athletic Ability and Catch Rate Success. The other judge will score Choreography and Ingenuity. Each Judge will identify a score out of 10 using tenths of a point variation, so that the maximum possible score for a competing team will be 40 points. The Scoring Judges have total discretion for determining scores, and their decisions will not be subject to review or appeal.

6. The Athletic Ability Judge will assign scores up to 2 points for each of the five Athletic Ability Elements. The Total Athletic Ability Score will be the total of the five elements.

7. The Choreography Judge will allocate scores up to 2 points for each of the five Choreograph Elements. The Total Choreograph Score will be the total of the five elements.

8. The Ingenuity Judge will allocate scores up to 2 points for each of the seven (7) Team Elements. The Total Ingenuity Score will be the total of the best five (5) elements only.

9. The Catch Rate Success Judge will calculate the Catch-Throw ratio for the team and multiply it by 10.00 to derive the Total Execution Score. There must be a minimum of 16 throws during a routine or the number 16 will be used as the total number of throws to calculate the execution score. To be counted as a throw or intended roller (and a possible catch) the disc must be released from the handler's hand before the dog attempts the catch. Consequently, takes shall not be counted as either a throw or a possible catch in calculating the execution score, but all other releases shall be counted as a throw and possible catch. Only discs intended for the dog to catch are counted in the Execution calculation.

10. Dog Practical Safety Rule - In an effort to promote the safe training and handling of disc dogs, UDP has in place a Dog Practical Safety Rule that levies the following point deductions when incidents that increase the risk of injury occur. Deductions will be made to a team’s Air-obics or Disc Air Dancing scores before the multiplier for the following incidents:

Contortion: Dog squirms awkwardly enough to risk injury while jumping, catching, or landing. Half (1/2) point to up to One (1) point deduction per occurrence.
Buckle: Dog’s legs collapse on landing to the point that another part of the dog’s body (such as torso or head) also strikes the ground. Two (2) points to up to Three (3) point deduction per occurrence.
Slam: Some part of dog’s body (back, chest, head, etc.) strikes the ground before the legs during a landing from a jump, vault, catch, or stall. (Excludes face first skids while pursuing low throws from a running stride.) Three (3) points to up to Four (4) point deduction per occurrence.

Both Air-obics and Disc Air Dancing Judges or Two (2) of the four (4) Air-obics and Disc air Dancing Judges must agree to invoke a penalty deduction to ensure that one of the following penalty events has occurred in order for the deduction to be applied. During or after each freestyle round, the contest director will inform all contestants that received deductions for the above incidents so that they may have a chance to correct their Air-obics or Disc Air Dancing performance. They can personally tell the competitor or place a sheet with the team(s) names that have incurred penalties at the registration desk.

Teams that incur six or more deduction points during one day will be disqualified.

Long Distance/ Precision, You Be The Star Bonus Bonanza, and Blast Off Rules for all Divisions of Competition

· Teams competing in Long Distance and Precision formats will receive 60-seconds to compete.

· During a team’s allotted time, the team is allowed an unlimited number of attempted throws with a single disc, but only the BEST FIVE throws will count towards the teams’ score.

· Due to time constraints at some competitions practice throws may not be permitted prior to each competitor’s turn.

· The team must be behind the throwing line for time to begin. Time will begin the instant the dog or the disc cross the throwing line. The thrower must always release the disc from behind the throwing line.

· A throw will not count (and be called as a foot fault) if the thrower steps on or over the throwing Foul Line during release of the disc.

· If the disc has left the thrower's hand before time is called, the throw will be scored if caught.

· A handler can move about the field freely after the disc is thrown, but must return behind the throwing (Foul Line) before every throw.

· The dog only has to behind the throwing line on the first throw.

· When a dog makes a catch it is scored where the dog lands with their trailing paw, (the paw closest to the Foul Line).

· If there is any question of on the ground or in the air it is ON THE GROUND.

· A Foot Fault is when a competitor Steps ON or OVER the FOUL LINE at anytime during a Throw. If a Foot Fault occurs that catch will NOT count towards the total score.

· Competitors are allowed to change discs, as long as they have planned ahead and provided an exact same model disc to the Line Judge before they started. The competitor MUST walk over to the Line Judge and hand him/her the IN PLAY disc before receiving the new disc to use IN PLAY.

· Each scoring zone starts ON the LINE and ends just before the next line. The dog‘s score is based on the field position of the dog’s legs closest to the Foul Line.

· ONE PAW has to land ON or INSIDE the Left and Right sidelines to be scored in bounds as a catch.

· OUT OF BOUNDS is defined as a dog catching a disc with all four paws OUTSIDE of the Left or Right sidelines

· Fouling/Soiling the field is a penalty of 5 points subtracted from the total score

Long Distance/Precision Scoring

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

Zone 1 (10-20 yards) 1 Point
Zone 2 (20-30 yards) 2 Points
Zone 3 (30-40 yards) 3 Points
End Zone (40-50 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.

You Be The Star Bonus Bonanza Scoring

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

Zone 1 (10-20 yards) 1 Point
Zone 2 (20-30 yards) 2 Points
Zone 3 (30-40 yards) 3 Points
Zone 4 (40-50 yards) 5 Points

End Zone (over 50 yards) 7 Points

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

Levels: Open, Advanced and Championship

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

You Be the Star Bonus Bonanza Tie-Breaker

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 to earn points and placing monies.

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

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

· There is an out of bounds side lines and a catch must be made within those left and right sidelines.

· A dog only needs to make a catch with at least one paw landing ON or INSIDE the side lines for the catch to be good.

· If a dog lands on any of the 10-40 yards lines with their last trailing paw then ON the LINE is the NEXT ZONE.

· At any time during their 60 seconds a thrower may inform the Line Judge that they will be exchanging discs in order to ensure that the handler does not use a disc that has a broken rim, tear, or other type of damage that may substantially impair the flight of the disc or potentially injure the dog. To exercise this option a handler must walk over and hand the disc that they have been using to the Line Judge before taking hold of their replacement disc. Time does not stop during this exchange. The handler has total discretion for deciding if and when such disc exchanges will take place.

· If, during a team's allotted time, the dog takes a nature break on or off the field, time will be immediately stopped and will not resume. Handler will be required to immediately and thoroughly clean up after their dog. Teams will not be disqualified for such an infraction, but in addition to forfeiting the remainder of their time, points will be deducted from the team's score equal to the number of throws/catches that had been made by the handler before the nature break took place. However, the application of this rule cannot result in a score lower than a score of zero.

Judging Tips

When judging by the UDP Air-obics and Disc Air Dancing criteria it is important for a judge to remember that he/she will be judging one or two elements, and to concentrate on that/those elements 100 % of the time.

All of the four elements are scored independently from each other and the scores can and will vary.

1. Grip: A dog that accelerates into a disc bite, taps a disc on the run three or four times and then catches it; taps a disc back to their owner, or catches a butterfly would be showing innovation and may increase the score for this element.

2. Field Presentation: This is where a handler has the freedom to create field movements around the entire field to play to the crowd or the judges with a variety of different length of throws and also a how the competitor presents themselves on the field. A handler must have a planned field movement around the entire field with short, medium, and long throws, whether it is moving from down the field to up the field, in a geometric shape (circle, diamond, square, etc.); all movements should flow smoothly. Other innovative movement directions on the field are encouraged. However, look for handlers that just continually make straight throws from one end to the other or throw in one circular pattern. This is not considered good field movement because the dog is displaying field movement but the handler is not. A handler that throws only medium and/or long throws in a circle, putting the disc directly in front of the dog, is not displaying difficult or innovated field movement, and release diversity. The more 90 degree or 180 degree turns the dog performs will increase all three elements: Athletic Ability, Choreography, and Ingenuity. The routine is more innovative and difficult with the addition of blind releases to the routine,

3. Release Diversity: This is the most innovated element in our judging criteria. This is where competitors have the freedom to be creative on their throws, releases, and other tricks not covered in our other categories are covered here, as long as they have a variety of different releases and grips. An innovated team would score well in this category. A handler must at a minimum demonstrate 3 different releases with different grips in order to receive a good score. How well the handler demonstrates these throws, and if they attempt and demonstrate more, depends on how well the handler scores in this sub-element. A handler’s innovation can be scored in any of the four elements depending on if the innovation was a trick, transitional movement, field movement, or disc management. Any trick, throw or release that is repeated more than twice, unless repeated in a multiple segment, may lower their release diversity score. So, the third time a trick is repeated with out variation the trick is scored down. A handler that has a higher degree of difficulty and innovation (even if they have a lower hit/miss percentage) will usually score higher than a person with lower difficulty and a better hit miss percentage in the handler elements.

4. Rhythmic Team: This is a great element to add innovated transitional movements with smooth transitions between maneuvers and segments to increase your chances of a better score. This is one category that can add professionalism to your routine by concentrating on and added great spins or squats after a dog flip, or spin before a segment leading into the next segment. An example of a great transitional move is where the handler rolls and the dog leaps over the person in mid roll. This is also where some showmanship can be scored if added in a transitional move. A handler that does not move from trick to trick, segment to segment, or transition well between then will lower their rhythmic team score. Watch for an inexperienced team to be too worried about transitional moves when they have not mastered the throws or releases yet.

5. Disc Management: A great innovated move here is when a competitor has a disc in his shirt or shorts ready for the next trick. A handler that does not seamlessly release and replace all discs with out breaks will lower their disc management score. If a handler only does tricks in groups of four then throws a fifth one all of the time (or one that does not vary their groups of throws) will receive a lower score, A handler that stands around and waits for their dog to return and does not move as well may lower three different scores, their disc management, field presentation, and rhythmic team. An inexperienced handler may be still picking up discs while the dog is standing around or following them. They may only have a limited disc routine. This is where a team only ends up with throwing segments with two or three discs because the rest of the discs are all scattered all around the field. Good Disc Management is where you rarely ever watch a handler picking up the disc, because your focus is on the dog.

6. Ingenuity Elements: If a Team does an innovated skill in - Two Different Overs, Two Different Vaults, Multiple Segment, Dog Catch, Team Movement, Passing Segments, Directional Distance Movements Segments (Circling, Zig-Zag or other unique movements) then they would get scored for their innovation in that respective category. Remember, that a team only has to perform 4 out of the 7 recommended, so that gives them plenty of freedom to be innovative. Especially, since some of these categories can be accomplished at the same time; it is not difficult to meet these element requirements. If a team did a different trick that would not be scored in any of the seven elements then they would be scored in the Release Diversity category. In team elements a team must accomplish 4 out of the 7 sub-elements. If a handler only attempts 3 out of the 7 them they get scored in only the 3 sub-elements. If a handler attempts 4, 5, 6, or all 7 then the four highest are calculated. It is always better for a competitor to attempt as many of the 7 elements because they will get scored on all attempts. The score is dependant on how well they have displayed the element. The Ingenuity elements are a guideline from other disc dog programs devised by the handlers making their routines, unique and different.

7. Multiple: A multiple segment are any three discs thrown in rapid secession, this can also be a variety of multiples, like shuffling, or even flips, as long as they are rapid.

8. Execution: Execution Score is just that. The exact ratio of the teams catch miss ratio. There is a minimum number of throws that need to be executed in an Air-obics or Disc Air Dancing routine. That minimum number is 16 throws. If there are not 16 throws than the execution judge will place a 16 in the throw column and use that number to get the exact execution score. Only the throws that are thrown to the dog (intended for the dog) will be scored in execution. The teams are scored here only on the catch and misses and this score is independent of the other categories.

Scoring Examples:

If a team attempts any sub-element they will usually receive at least a 0.1 – 0.5 score out of 2.0.
If the handler attempts and misses with some fair effort they will usually receive a 0.6 – 1.0 out of 2.0.
If a handler attempts, makes or misses any sub-element with be good effort they will usually receive 1.1 – 1.4 out of 2.0.
If the handler attempts and makes any sub-element with good success and difficulty they will usually receive 1.5 - 1.9 out of 2.0.
If a handler attempts and make a sub-element with great success and difficulty and could not have done better then they should receive 2.0.

Air-obics & Disc Air Dancing Judging Duties

Primary Judge - Handlers’ and Staff Meeting

The Primary Judge is the Athletic Ability and Catch Success Ratio Judge with two judges. The Secondary Judge will judge Choreography and Ingenuity. With Disc Air Dancing this judge will also judge the Costume element. When there are 4 judges the Primary Judge will judge Athletic Ability. The Primary Judge has the ability to override calls and decisions on his/her respective field.

Long Distance/Precision, You Be The Star Bonus Bonanza & Blast Off Judging Duties

The Primary Judge is the Scoring Judge with two judges. The Primary Judge has the ability to override calls and decisions on his/her respective field.

The Line Judge or any other volunteer, staff, or competitor will NOT make any calls. The Line Judge will only make visible hand signal calls when solicited by the Scoring Judge.