TDAA Rules

February 09, 2008

Rules and Regulations

V 3.1 March 1, 2007

1 General Provisions
2 Titles
3 Conduct of Agility Test
4 Equipment Specifications
5 Superior Agility Classes
6 Intermediate Agility Classes
7 Beginner Agility Classes
8 Games Classes
9 Judge's Aids

1  General Provisions

1.1 Mission

The purpose of the Teacup Dogs Agility Association is to provide a competitive venue for dogs of small stature without regard to breed or pedigree, and to encourage course challenges that are comparable to the course challenges which face large dog handlers in other popular venues.

1.2 Qualification of Judges

A sanctioned test shall be conducted by a judge and stewards appointed for specific tasks in conduct of the sanctioned test. Only people listed on the Certified Judges List are permitted to judge at a sanctioned test or event pursuant to the guidelines established in these Rules and Regulations.  All TDAA judges must be members of TDAA in good standing.

A Club Affiliate judge shall be allowed to be the judge of record for a trial when the host club has conducted a second trial in the same year employing a judge from outside of the club’s geographic area.  A Club Affiliate judge may be a member of the group hosting the sanctioned test.  The Club Affiliate judge may not show his own dog in a class for which he is the judge of record. 

The judge shall be solely responsible for designing and setting standard courses, including measuring course distance and standard course time.  The judge shall also be solely responsible for setting courses for games and designing or specifying any additional requirements of the games according to the game rules.  The judge alone shall observe and signal course or game faults or points. 

 1.3 Dogs Eligible to Compete

The Teacup Dogs Agility Association is open to all dogs, without regard to breed or pedigree, measuring 17" or less who are at least 12 months of age. 

No dog may participate with apparent injuries, lameness or bandages.  Dogs who are blind may not participate.

1.4 Membership Dues

TDAA membership dues are $25.00 per 3-Year Membership Period, payable on or before the first day of February every 3 years.  No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current membership period.  By December 31 of the third year of the current membership period, the Treasurer shall send to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing 3-Year Membership Period.
 

2 Titles

Titles may be grandfathered from other organizations on a “Fast Track” basis. A dog with a higher title from another organization may move up on the same day to the next level of TDAA competition with a qualifying score. It is possible to move up from Beginners to Superior on the same day, if the dog qualifies first in Beginners, and then on their next run in Intermediate. 

A dog moving up on the Fast Track will not be eligible for placement within the class that he received the qualifying score. 

A separate entry fee may be required for dogs moving up on the Fast Track.   A fee is to be collected only once per dog, for fast tracking in either the games class, the standard class, or both.

2.1 Teacup Beginner Agile Dog (TBAD)

To earn the TBAD title the dog must earn three qualifying scores in standard courses under two different judges. 

2.2 Teacup Intermediate Agile Dog (TIAD)

To earn the TIAD title the dog must earn three qualifying scores in standard courses under two different judges. 

2.3 Teacup Superior Agile Dog (TSAD)

To earn the TSAD title the dog must earn five qualifying scores in standard courses under three different judges. 

2.4 Teacup Games I (TG1)

To earn the TG1 title the dog must earn three qualifying scores in at least two different games under two different judges. 

2.5 Teacup Games II (TG2)

To earn the TG2 title the dog must earn three qualifying scores in at least three different games under two different judges. 

2.6 Teacup Games III (TG3)

To earn the TG3 title the dog must earn five qualifying scores in at least five different games under three different judges. 

2.7 Teacup Agile Dog Champion (TACh)

To earn the TACh title the dog must earn ten qualifying Teacup Superior scores subsequent to the TSAD title with three wins in the dog’s jump height.  The dog must also earn ten qualifying Teacup Games III scores in at least five different games subsequent to the TG3 title with three wins. 

2.8 Teacup Agile Dog Champion 2 (TACh2) and higher

To earn the TACh2 title the dog must earn 15 Q’s and 5 wins in the Superior Standard Class, and 15 Q’s and 5 wins in the Games III class, subsequent to earning the TACh title.  To earn the TACh3 the dog must earn 20 total Q’s and 7 total wins in both Superior Standard and Games III, subsequent to earning the TACh2 title.  This can continue on for as many TACh titles as desired; adding 5 more Q’s and 2 more wins in both Standard and Games classes to that required for the previous title awards the team the next higher TACh level title.  These are Qs and wins beyond the TSAD and TG3 titles.

2.9 Teacup Master Agility (TAM)

To earn a TAM title the dog must earn ten (10) qualifying scores in the Superior class subsequent to the TSAD title.  The dog can earn multiple TAM awards, titled TAM2, TAM3, and so on.  This award will be given to teams as they work towards their TACh title..

 2.10 Teacup Master Agility Games (TMAG)

To earn a TMAG title the dog must earn ten (10) qualifying scores in the Games III class subsequent to the TG3 title.  The dog can earn multiple TMAG awards, titled TMAG2, TMAG3, and so on.  This award will be given to teams as they work towards their TACh title.

 Titles Summary

3 Conduct of Agility Test

3.1 Application for Group Membership

Participation in TDAA is limited to membership groups.  The fee for a group membership is $20 annually.  This fee should be mailed to the TDAA with a completed application.  The renewal fee is waived for any club conducting at least two TDAA trials in the previous year. 

A TDAA member group must hold at least two sanctioned events per calendar year in fulfillment of their group membership responsibility.  Failure to satisfy this stipulation shall result in a loss of membership.  Copies of application forms may be obtained upon request from TDAA.  The application along with the appropriate filing fee shall be submitted to TDAA.  The TDAA reserves the right to refuse any application for sanction for any reason without recourse from the requesting organization. 

3.2 Application for Sanctioned Tests

A Teacup Dogs Agility Association member group wishing to hold a sanctioned test must make written application to TDAA for a sanction.  Such sanction shall permit the group to designate a test as “sanctioned” by TDAA, indicating that the host organization or group shall comply with all the requirements set forth in these rules and regulations and such guidelines as may be established or amended by the TDAA Board of Directors. 

The application fee for a sanctioned test is $50.  This fee should be mailed to the TDAA at least 60 days in advance of the trial date with a completed application.  A complete catalog must be mailed to the TDAA on completion of the sanctioned test, with a fee of $2.00 for each standard class and game, for every catalog entry. 

3.3 Ring Dimensions and Conduct around the Ring

The area allocated to a Test should measure 4,000 square feet minimum with a maximum of 6,000 square feet.  The area should have a suitable surface and be clearly defined. 

Judges may not reveal the design of the course prior to the day of a Test to prevent practice.  No practice is allowed on the course except completion of an obstacle familiarization period when provided by the host club and in an order as directed by the judge of record for the trial.  Familiarization should include those obstacles that are notably different from obstacles in other agility organizations (such as the contact obstacles, tire, 16” tunnels, table and so forth).  Dogs may complete each obstacle off leash if the handler has reasonable control of the dog.  Competitors must be allowed to walk the course without their dogs before the competition begins.

The judge shall hold an exhibitors’ briefing prior to the commencement of competition.  Such briefing shall include a review of scoring and performance requirements for the class, and a review of ring procedure.  When applicable, the judge shall include a description of the table count.  The judge shall not advise exhibitors on handling position and strategy but may respond to questions to allow clarification of the rules.

A warm-up area may be made available for all dogs using any regulation equipment.  The equipment in the warm-up area may not be arranged in any way to imitate part of a standard course or game under-way 

A minimum of one jump must be provided as a warm-up for dogs prior to entering the ring. 

FEO (For Exhibition Only) runs will be allowed at the discretion of the host club, and must be stated in the premium.  Teams may switch their runs to FEO the morning of the trial, at the discretion of the club and trial secretary.  Teams running FEO will have a maximum of 1.5 times the standard course time in the ring.  The dog may be on a leash as long as the handler is careful not to get it caught on any obstacles while in the ring.  Teams may not repeat any contact obstacles (no training allowed) while running FEO.

3.4 Jump Heights

Jump heights are determined based on the height of the dog at the withers.  

Any dog not having a permanent height card must be measured by the judge of record.  In addition, any dog seeking a jump height exemption as per section 3.4.5 that does not have a height card stating this exemption must also be measured by a judge of record. 

3.4.1    4" jump height – Restricted to dogs measuring 8" or less at the withers; or dogs with a jump height exemption measuring 12” or less. 
3.4.2    8" jump height – Restricted to dogs measuring 12" or less at the withers; or dogs with a jump height exemption measuring 15” or less.
3.4.3    12" jump height – Restricted to dogs measuring 15" or less at the withers; or dogs with a jump height exemption measuring 17" or less. 
3.4.4    16" jump height – Restricted to dogs measuring 17" or less at the withers.

 3.4.5 Guidelines for Jump Height Exemptions

Special provisions are made for dogs that are long-backed, or dogs whose depth of chest is greater than his leg length. 

Long Back Dogs – The exemption for a long-backed dog would be based on the measurement of the dog from the front of the chest to the back of the rear compared to the measurement of the dog's height at the withers.  As a rule of thumb, if the dog's length is 150% or greater than the height measurement, the dog would qualify for this exemption.

Weight to height provision (by structure, not obesity) – This exemption should be limited to certain breeds that have a propensity for weight that is greater than their height if you compare pounds to inches. 

Dogs with dwarfish legs/deep chest dogs – This exemption is granted to dogs whose leg to shoulder height ratio is 1/3 or less of the dog’s overall height.  The exemption for dog's with dwarfish legs is based on the measurement of the dog’s wither height, when that height is 150% or greater than the measurement of the space from floor to chest. 

Veterans Dogs - A jump height exemption (next lower height) will be granted to veteran dogs.  A veteran dog is a dog of at least 7 years of age.  There will be no special system of titling for veteran dogs. In addition to the jump height exemption, Veteran dogs receive an extension in standard course time.  4” veterans receive an additional 4 seconds while 8”, 12”, and 16” veterans receive an additional 2 seconds 

A dog also may be given an exemption to jump at a lower height even though he does not meet any of the criteria for a jump height exemption.  An exemption will be given to a dog for extraordinary circumstances, as determined by TDAA.  The judge of record may grant such exemption for the day of the trial. 

Dogs given an exemption to a lower jump height will be able to earn qualifying legs and all TDAA titles.  Any dog jumping with a jump height exemption listed above, including veteran exemption, competes against the field of dogs in the height class that he measures into based on his height at the withers. Only one jump height exemption for body type will be allowed; dogs may be given a second exemption only for Veteran status.

 3.4.6 Jump Height Table

 3.4.7  Measuring of dogs and jump height cards

All dogs not having a permanent jump height card will be required to be measured by the judge of record at a trial.  The judge will record the dog’s measured height and record any jump height exemptions for which the dog qualifies.(see section 3.4.5 for description of jump height exemptions).  After receiving 2 measurements (either at one trial or at multiple trials), the dog will receive an official jump height card that must be presented at each trial check-in..  If two measurements cause the dog to be measured into different jump heights, then a third judge is required to make a final measurement.

If a permanent jump height card is not presented at check-in, the dog must be measured for that trial by the judge of record prior to competing.

The measuring device shall be wickets.  If wickets are not available then a measuring device that is provided by either the club or the judge of record may be used.

 3.5 Guidelines for The Trial Premium

Unless given permission from TDAA for a later date, clubs must have a premium list available to prospective entrants at least 6 weeks prior to the event date.

The trial premium must include at least the following information:

• Show dates and show location
• Course surface (i.e., grass, rubber mats, dirt)
• Judge(s) for the trial
• Description of games that will be offered
  • If performance of the weave poles is required to qualify in Games I, this must be stated here
  • A game which requires Games I participants to perform the weave poles to qualify may be offered only once per trial day.
• Trial chairperson and trial secretary’s phone numbers and email addresses.
• Listing of awards
  • Clubs must offer ribbons or rosettes for qualifying and non-qualifying first through third placements
  • Clubs may offer, at their discretion, 4^th place placement ribbons
• Whether FEO (For Exhibition Only) is to be offered at the trial.  If allowed, entrants are required to pre-pay.
• List of agility obstacles to be used.  If the club will be using teacup-sized equipment, the dimensions of such equipment must be specified.  In addition, the club must list whether each contact obstacle has slats or not.

 3.6 Course Design Criteria

The course design philosophy of the Teacup Dogs Agility Association is to provide agility challenges for small dogs that are comparable to the challenges presented to larger dogs in other agility organizations.  Preferred challenges are those that provide subtle handling discriminations and allow the dog to work at full speed.  The average distance between obstacles shall be 8 feet.  In some cases, intervals as short as 6 feet are allowed (jump to tunnel, for example).  On the approach to a technical challenge, the dog shall be allowed 10 to 12 feet.  The minimum distance for discrimination sequences is up to the judge’s discretion.

Agility tests must require a dog to traverse at least 12 and not more than 20 obstacles in a prescribed order of passage.  The Judge is responsible for the design of the course and must at all times give total consideration to the safety of the dog and handler.  A well-designed sequence allows the dog to complete the course in a free flowing and smooth manner. 

In general, the course design should encourage flow and feature sweeping sequences that allow the dog to run throughout.  At all levels the handler should be required to change sides to the dog from time to time and be faced with subtle discrimination and options in the direction of the course.  Occasional sharp turns at higher level classes may be appropriate but should in general be avoided.  Approaches to contact obstacles, the table, and the tire should always be square, especially at the Beginners level.  Whenever possible, jumps should be predominantly winged. 

Courses shall be designed so that placement of the obstacles does not create safety issues for either the dog or the handler.  Sufficient distances at the start/finish lines and from the sides of the ring shall be maintained.

3.6.1 Sample Courses

Standard Course 1

Standard Course 2

Games Course 1 (Jumpers)

4.1 Size of Equipment

It is understood that not all clubs can afford to purchase or build a full ring of smaller, scaled down equipment.  However, it is within the mission of TDAA to provide more appropriately sized, scaled down equipment tailored to the smaller dogs.  With this in mind, although it is not required, all current TDAA member groups are strongly encouraged to use teacup-sized equipment, as referenced below as the preferential size for each obstacle.

4.2 Hurdles

All hurdles must have displaceable bars. Bars will be set at the various jump heights: 4", 8", 12" or 16".  The length of all bars between the standards shall be in a range from 30" to 48", with a preference to 30”. 

4.2.1 Bar Jump

• On non-winged jumps the uprights shall be 1” to 4" wide.
• Each bar jump shall have two bars, the top bar set at the appropriate jump and the lower bar set approximately halfway to the ground, except for the 4" height which may have one bar.
• A ground bar is permitted. The bar must be 1" tall or less.
• The thickness of the bar shall be between 3/4" and 1". When using PVC the preferred size shall be 3/4" (ID) schedule 40. 

4.2.2 Winged Jumps

• Wings may be constructed in a range from 12" to 24" wide and 30” to 40" tall. 
• Wings may be free standing or attached to the hurdle uprights but may not exceed the above dimensions when including the width of the hurdle upright.

4.2.3 Tire

• The inner diameter of the tire may be no less than 15" wide, and may be no greater than 24" wide, with a preference to the smaller size of 15”. 
• The width of the aperture rim may be in a range between 2" and 4" with a preference to the smaller size of 2”.
• The tire may be presented as a lollypop or in a frame. The height of the tire must be adjustable to each jump height. 

4.3 Table

• The table shall be adjustable to only two heights: 6" and 12". 
• The top surface of the table must be approximately square, and shall measure between 30" and 36". 

4.4 Weave Poles

• The height of weave poles will be uniform and set in a range from 24" to 42", with a preference to 24”.
• The interval distance between weave poles shall be in the range from 18” to 22".

4.5 Tunnels

4.5.1 Collapsed Tunnel

• The diameter of the rigid aperture of the collapsed tunnel must measure in a range from 16" to 24". The length of the rigid aperture must be in a range between 24" and 36", with a preference to the smaller diameter of 16” and shorter length of 24”. 
• The fabric chute must be made of a lightweight material, recommended between 125 and 350 denier fabric (examples: flag fabric or lightweight nylon packcloth). The length of the chute shall be 8-10 feet. The exit end of the chute must flair, being at least 18" wider than the entry to the rigid aperture.
• The collapsed tunnel is a required obstacle for the standard class at all levels, but in adverse weather conditions it may be replaced with a tunnel.

4.5.2 Pipe Tunnel

• The diameter of the pipe tunnel must measure in a range from 16" to 24" with a preference to the smaller size of 16”. 
• When using 24” tunnels the length of the tunnel should be a minimum of 8 feet and maximum of 15 feet, with a preference to the shorter length of 8 feet. 
• When using 16” tunnels the length of the tunnel should be a minimum of 8 feet and maximum of 12 feet, with a preference to the shorter length of 8 feet.

4.6 A-frame

• Ramps must measure one of: 6'8", 7', 8' or 9'. For a 9' board the apex will be set at 5' (60"); for an 8' board the apex will be set at 4'5" (53”); for a 7' board the apex will be set at 3'11" (47”); for a 6'8" board the apex will be set at 3'8" (44”); with a preference to the smaller dimension of 6’8” long.
• 2' – 3' board width; with a preference to the smaller dimension of 2’ wide. 
• Contact zones must be 36" long .If the A-frame contacts are painted with longer contact zones, then a 2" to 3" wide tape of a high contrast color to the contact color may be used to mark the 36" contact zone.  The tape shall be placed so that the bottom edge of the tape is at the 36" mark..
• Slats are optional. When used, slat spacing must be in the range 9" to 1' slat to slat, slat size must be 1" to 1-1/2" wide by 1/4" to 3/8" thick.   When slats are not used, the surface must have sufficient traction so dogs can ascend and descend safely.

 4.7 Dogwalk

• Ramps must measure one of 12', 10', or 8'. For a 12' board the apex will be set in a range from 4' to 4'6" (48” to 54”); for a 10' board the apex will be set in a range from 3'4" to 3'9" (40" to 45"); for an 8' board the apex will be set in a range from 2'6" to 3' (30" to 36"); with a preference to the smaller dimension of 8’ ramps.
• 9"-12" board width; with a preference to the smaller dimension.
• Contacts shall be 36" long.  If the dogwalk contacts are painted with longer contact zones, then a 2" to 3" wide tape of a high contrast color to the contact color may be used to mark the 36" contact zone.  The tape shall be placed so that the bottom edge of the tape is at the 36" mark..
• Slats are optional.  When used, slat spacing must be in the range 9" to 1' slat to slat, slat size 1" to 1-1/2" wide by 1/4" to 3/8" thick.  When slats are not used, the surface must have sufficient traction so dogs can ascend and descend safely.

 4.8 Teeter

• Ramps must measure one of 12', 10', or 8'. For a 12' board the apex will be set at 20"; for a 10' board the apex will be set at 16.5"; for an 8' board the apex will be set at 13"; with a preference to the smaller dimension of 8’. 
• 9"-12" board width; with a preference to the smaller dimension. 
• 36" long contact zones.  If the teeter contacts are painted with longer contact zones, then a 2" to 3" wide tape of a high contrast color to the contact color may be used to mark the 36" contact zone.  The tape shall be placed so that the bottom edge of the tape is at the 36" mark.
• A three-pound weight placed at the upper edge of the contact zone must drop the teeter in less than three seconds but not so quickly as to create a safety issue for dogs.
• Slats are optional.  When used, slat spacing must be in the range 9" to 1' slat to slat, slat size 1" to 1-1/2" wide by 1/4" to 3/8" thick.  When slats are not used, the surface must have sufficient traction so dogs can ascend and descend safely.

5 Superior Agility Classes

Only dogs in sound physical condition who have earned the Teacup Intermediate Agile Dog (TIAD) shall be eligible for participation in this class. 

5.1 Minimum Obstacle Requirements

A course shall include a minimum of 17 and a maximum of 20 obstacles in the Superior class.  Obstacles may be used more than once in a course.  Each of the three contact obstacles must be taken at least once but no more than four contact obstacles will be taken in total for each course.  The minimum requirements are:

• Three contact obstacles: A-frame, Dogwalk, Teeter
• Weave poles – a minimum of 6 are required, while 6 to 12 weave poles are allowed; if 12 poles are used they may be 1 continuous set of 12 or 2 independent sets of 6 poles
• Collapsed Tunnel
• Pipe Tunnel
• Table
• Jumps and hurdles; Tire, Winged and non-winged jumps.   

 5.2 Performance Standards

5.2.1 Obstacle Performance

5.2.1.1 Weave Poles

The dog is required to enter the weave poles from right to left between the first two poles, and weave alternately down the line of poles until the performance is complete.  All poles must be taken for a complete performance. 

Missing the correct entry or missing a pole during the performance shall be deemed a missed pole and faulted only once.  The exhibitor, at his or her discretion, may correct for the missed pole by restarting the line of weaves or by redirecting the dog back to the missed pole.  Three occurrences of missed poles shall be deemed a failure to perform, and the judge will instruct the exhibitor to go on to the next obstacle. 

Crossing the line of weave poles when the weave poles are not the next correct obstacle shall be deemed a wrong course only if the dog attempts a weaving motion upon entering.

5.2.1.2 Table

The dog is required to perform one of three obedience exercises on the table for a count of five seconds: sit, down, or stand.  If the dog breaks the position during the count, the count shall resume from the point of interruption (cumulative) when the dog returns to the required position. 

In a “stand” the dog is permitted to shift his feet.  However, if the dog raises two feet into the air, turns around or walks around on the table, sits, or lies down, the stand is broken, and the count must be resumed once the dog is returned to a standing position. 

Leaving the table before the end of the count shall be faulted for the first occurrence only.  When the dog has dismounted the table prior to the completion of the count the performance count shall be restarted once the dog is back on the table and in the required position.  Leaving the table three times shall be deemed a failure to perform, and the judge will instruct the exhibitor to go on to the next obstacle.  Leaving the table prior to completion of the count and not returning to complete the count shall be deemed a failure to perform.

5.2.1.3 Teeter

The dog must mount the ramp in the direction designated by the judge, tip the board, and dismount, touching the contact zone before leaving the plank. 

Leaving the teeter before beginning the tip (plank doesn’t move) shall be deemed a refusal.  Not re-attempting the teeter after a refusal shall be deemed a failure to perform.  Leaving the plank after the plank has begun to move shall be deemed a fly-off only if the downside ramp does not touch the ground. In other word, even if the dog pushes off before the plank settles the performance will not be faulted if the plank touches. 

The up "safety" contacts are judged only when the dog side mounts the board.  If the approach to the board is straight and square, the judge shall not consider the contact zone for the purpose of performance.  One a side mount, the dog must touch the yellow contact zone or will be faulted with a missed contact.

5.2.1.4 Dogwalk

The dog must mount the ramp in the direction designated by the judge, and dismount touching the contact zone. 

Leaving the dogwalk on the up-ramp shall be deemed a refusal.  Leaving the dogwalk on the center plank shall be deemed a failure to perform, and the judge will instruct the exhibitor to go on to the next obstacle.  Leaving the dogwalk on the descent plank before the yellow contact zone shall be deemed a missed contact only. 

The up “safety” contacts are judged only when the dog side mounts the ramp.  If the approach to the ramp is straight and square, the judge shall not consider the contact zone for the purpose of performance.  On a side mount, the dog must touch the yellow contact zone or will be faulted with a missed contact. 

5.2.1.5 A-frame

The dog must mount the ramp in the direction designated by the judge, and dismount touching the contact zone. 

Leaving the A-frame on the ascent shall be deemed a refusal.  Leaving the A-frame on the descent plank before the yellow contact zone shall be deemed a missed contact only.  Not attempting the A-frame after a refusal shall be deemed a failure to perform.

The up “safety” contacts are judged only when the dog side mounts the ramp.  If the approach to the ramp is straight and square, the judge shall not consider the contact zone for the purpose of performance.  On a side mount, the dog must touch the yellow contact zone or will be faulted with a missed contact. 

5.2.1.6 Single Hurdles

The dog must jump the hurdle in the direction designated by the judge, crossing between the standards and over the bar without dropping the top bar.  If the dog “banks” the top bar the dog will be faulted whether or not the bar drops.  Banking is defined as stepping on the bar to get additional lift; this definition does not include incidental “ticking” of the bar. 

5.2.1.7 Tire

The dog must jump the tire aperture in the direction designated by the judge.  Jumping through the tire or between the tire and frame in the wrong direction shall be deemed a wrong-course. 

If the dog “banks” the tire the dog will be faulted.  Banking is defined as stepping on the tire aperture to get additional lift; this definition does not include incidental “ticking” of the tire aperture.

5.2.1.8 Tunnels

The dog must enter the tunnel in the direction designated by the judge, and exit on the opposite end.  Entering the wrong end (all four paws) shall be deemed a wrong-course. 

5.2.2 Performance Faults

5.2.2.1 Missed Contacts

A dog is required to touch the yellow contact safety zones (Contacts) on the dismount side of the contact obstacles.  Up contacts shall not be judged when the dog makes a straight approach.  If the dog mounts from the side, however, missing the up contact zone shall be faulted. 

5.2.2.2 Teeter Fly-Off

Determination of a teeter fly-off is judge’s discretion.  Leaving the plank after the plank has begun to move shall be deemed a fly-off only if the downside ramp does not touch the ground.  In other words, even if the dog pushes off before the plank settles the performance will not be faulted if the plank touches. 

Considering that this is a venue for small dogs, if the dog clearly is ready to dismount before the teeter has settled, the dog will not be faulted for popping off the end if he is clearly under control, and so long as the downside ramp is thrust down enough to touch the ground. 

A fly-off shall *not* be called if the dog actually rides the board down, no matter how spectacularly the board crashes, and even if the dog tumbles and rolls. 

No faults shall be called if the board “bounces” after the dog dismounts.  This is irrelevant. 

5.2.2.3 Refusals

A refusal occurs when a dog stops or turns away from a contact obstacle after having clearly begun the approach, or by running past the run-out plane of the obstacle.  Committing to a contact obstacle (touching any part of the ascent) and coming back off the obstacle shall also be deemed a refusal. 

A run-out plane is the point at which the dog cannot make an approach to the contact obstacle without turning back to begin the approach again.  This line shall be drawn through the back edge of the contact zones. 

In Standard courses, refusals shall not be faulted for any obstacles except the contact obstacles.  Note that certain games may allow for refusals to be called for obstacles other than the contact obstacles. 

5.2.2.4 Wrong-course

A wrong course shall be defined as a dog performing or committing all four paws to an obstacle out of sequence, or in the wrong direction.  Jumping over any obstacle that is not the next correct obstacle shall be deemed a wrong-course. 

Running through any portion of the weave poles when it is not the next designated obstacle shall be deemed a wrong course only if the dog attempts a weaving motion after entering. 

During the dog’s performance of the weave poles, if the dog sets up a weaving motion moving in the opposite direction of the course flow it shall be deemed a wrong-course.  That means the dog may pass through the line of weave poles once only when being turned back to retry the performance.  But twice through the poles will be deemed a wrong course. 

A dog running under a contact obstacle or across the fabric of the collapsed tunnel shall *not* be deemed a wrong-course.  However, if the dog jumps the fabric or the rigid portion of the collapsed tunnel, or the ramp of a contact obstacle, the performance shall be deemed a wrong-course.

5.2.2.5 Handling Faults

The dog is faulted when the handler touches the dog if the touching aids performance.  This occurs when the handler collides with the dog in a way that pushes the dog in the direction of the course, and will include the handler touching or bumping the dog during the performance of the weave poles. 

The dog shall not be faulted for incidental bumping or excited jumping on the handler that has no benefit to the dog. 

5.2.2.6 Touching the Equipment

The handler is faulted for touching the equipment only when that touching is intended to aid performance.  Touching the equipment should only be called if the handler’s evident purpose is to draw the dog’s attention to the obstacle.  Accidentally or incidentally touching equipment should not be faulted.

5.2.2.7 Outside Assistance

Outside assistance occurs when someone other than the handler attempts to exert some influence to aid the dog’s performance.  Some possible scenarios might be: a cheering section organized for particular dogs to help the dog get motivated; someone waiting in the dog’s line of sight in the closing of a course with a visible Frisbee or food treats for the dog; someone yelling course directions to the exhibitor on the field.

5.2.2.8 Time Faults

In a standard course run, the dog shall be faulted the exact time over standard course time.  Exceeding standard course time shall result in a non-qualifying performance.  Time faults shall be measured to the 100th of a second. 

5.2.2.9 Elimination

The dog shall be eliminated and the team dismissed/excused from the ring for the current run for any of the following: harsh treatment of the dog; fouling the ring (this includes vomiting, urination and defecation); use of food or toys in the ring; the dog refuses to return to work in a reasonable amount of time; the dog is unmanageable; excessive handling; outside assistance; or, dog aggression. 

Dogs will not be eliminated for: wearing a collar and tags; wearing adornments, clothing, ties; or mild cursing by the handler so long as that cursing is not directed at the dog or an official on the field. 

Aversive training devices will not be allowed on show grounds.  These include choke collars, pinch collars, bark collars, and electronic (shock) collars. 

5.2.2.10 Excessive Delay

A dog whose handler excessively delays the start of his round may be faulted in a range from 5 faults to Elimination.  A typical scenario might be a handler who returns to his dog to correct a broken stay at the start line.  However, the judge is encouraged simply to instruct the time-keeper to start time so that any delay is reflected in the dog’s time on course. 

5.3 Scoring and Faults

Standard scoring shall be determined on a faults-then-time basis.  A dog may place in a class without actually achieving a qualifying score.  In the event of a tie in number of faults, the winner shall be determined on the basis of lowest time.  In the event of a tie in both faults and time, the judge may use his discretion to determine a tie-breaking scenario. 

In standard courses zero faults shall be required to earn a qualifying score.  In games, qualification criteria shall be set by the judge under the direction of the TDAA course reviewer. 

Performance faults shall be assessed on the following basis (see section 9.2 for summary of faults per class): 

• Missed contacts                                                         5 faults
• Wrong-course                                                           5 faults
• Fly-off of the teeter                                                    5 faults
• Missed weave poles, one occurrence only                  5 faults
• Banking a hurdle or the tire                                        5 faults
• Displacing hurdle poles                                              5 faults
• Refusals                                                                     5 faults
• Handler assistance or touching                                   5 faults to Elimination
• Excessive Delay at Start:                                            5 faults to Elimination
• Outside assistance                                                     5 faults to Elimination
• Leaving the table before completion of the count,

            one occurrence only                                                   5 faults

• 3 occurrences of leaving the table early                       Failure to Perform
• 3 occurrences of missed weave poles                         Failure to Perform
• Failure to perform                                                      Elimination
• Excessive handler assistance or touching                     Elimination
• Unsportsmanlike behavior                                          Excused
• Aggression to humans or other dogs                           Excused
• Dog ceasing to work or leaving the test area               Excused