Rules for the St. Louis Disc Dogs Spring Friendly

Parking:

Parking is free.  There is a large parking lot close to the pavilion and competition field.  Only use marked parking spots or you may be ticketed by the authoraties.  Park rules prohibit any motor vehicles on the grass.

Facilities:

St. Louis Disc Dogs have rented the large pavilion by the competition field for this event.  Feel free to bring food and drinks to the park but please remember that there is No Food Allowed on the Competition Field.  If you set up a canopy or shade screen be sure to stake it down or use weights so it does not get toppled by the wind.

There are many areas to walk your dog.  If your dog does the #2 it is your responsibility to clean it up.  If you need a poop bag, we will have them at the registration tent.  If the weather is hot there may be a baby pool set up for the dogs to cool off in.

All dogs must be leashed or safely contained during the competition.  Only the one dog competing will be off leash.  This is for the safety of everyone and the dogs.

Any handler under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign in for them.

Each handler entered will receive a UFO World Cup Fastback Frisbee, while supplies last.  Other discs will also be for sale at registration.

Awards and Prizes:

There will be official UFO World Cup medals for the top three finishers in each division.

UFO Local Points:

UFO World Cup Championship Series Points will be determined by each team’s total scores in both Pro Throw and Catch and Pro Freestyle.  This will be called the Pro Overall Score.

The team with the highest Pro Overall Score will get the maximum 20 UFO points.

2^nd 18 points

3^rd 16 points

4^th 14 points

5^th 12 points

6^th 10 points

7^th 8 points

8^th 6 points

9^th 4 points

All others 2 points

Any ties for these points will result in a Sudden Death Throw and Catch Showdown (described below)

General Rules:

1.  Any actions deemed by the event staff, to be unsafe, destructive, and/or unsportsmanlike can result in disciplinary actions up to and including the immediate expulsion of the individuals involved from the event, competition, forfeiture of entries and subject to legal prosecution if warranted by the offence.
2. You will be required to sign a liability release form at registration.  The host organization is not responsible or liable for you, your dog or dogs, anyone in your care, or your property at any time.
3. All judges’ calls are final.  If you care to dispute a score or unsportsmanlike action bring it to the attention of an event official that is not actively involved in judging the current round and your issue will be addressed.
4. Any contingencies not covered in this list of rules will be decided by a conference between the Head Judge and the Event Organizer, and only if needed, the involved individuals.
5. Dogs will be kept on leash or physically contained if they are not competing or practicing in the designated practice areas.  Safety should be the first concern when letting your dog off leash for either reason.
6. Clean up after your dog.  Poop bags will be available near the competition field if you do not have your own.  Mind your dog at all times for its’ and others safety, so everyone can enjoy the competition without issue or harm.
7. Female dogs in heat are not permitted at the competition.
8. You may compete in the Junior Division if you are under 14 years of age.  If you are under 18 you must have a parent of guardian sign your liability waiver.
9. Discs allowed for the Novice Division are any disc that is deemed dog-safe by the judging staff by direction of the Head Judge.  Pro competitors are required to use dog specific plastic discs; Hero, Hyperflite, and Fastback varieties, or others by the Head Judge and Event Coordinator’s approval before the competition/event.
10. If a competitors round is interrupted by a loose dog, act of nature, or anything else particular to the competitor’s round that is noticeably distracting.  A judge will call time and the competitor will have upon the judge’s discretion the opportunity to start the round over from the beginning or be set in a fair situation and have time restarted.
11. All competitors should get to compete in all of their rounds but if sunlight or time restraints prohibit a timely finish: It is the Event Coordinator and Head Judge’s option in any division or event after the first round to cut the second round to only the top 10 teams after the first round is complete to keep the competition running on time.  Due to delays, weather, or other issues any event can be finalized after the completion of the first round upon the discretion of the event organizer.
12. First round run orders will be randomly selected and then modified to not run a dog back to back.  Second round run orders will be modified to run from the worst placement of the first round to the best and then modified to not run a dog back to back.
13. During any round, time will not stop for nature breaks.  It is suggested you walk your dog before your round so this isn’t an issue.  If a nature break occurs during your round you may continue your round, but you must clean the area immediately after your round is complete.
14. No littering.  We want to have the best possible relationship with our parks so we can continue to have fun and competitions on their beautiful grounds.
15. Have fun, be safe and ask the competition officials if you ever have a question or concern.

Important Notice, Dog Owners and Handlers:

All competing dogs must have good public manners.  There will be music, children, people, other dogs, kids and handlers throwing discs and playing ball on nearby fields, picnics, cheering, noises, etc...  It is up to you to know your dog, and be safe.

The St. Louis Disc Dogs Spring Friendly will be held on a soccer field.  There is also a playground in that area.  we are not in a fenced in area.

The competition field will be 40x70 yards.

In the novice division you are allowed to leave a leash or long line tied to your dog during your round, but this should be used for fine tuning your disc dog training or with a puppy, and not used as a “safety net” for a dog that can put itself or others in danger by running off.

If you have questions or concerns about this competition and our safety measures, please call or email me.  Adrian Custer  ACuster@DiscDogEvents.com  513-258-8909, Event Coordinator.

Throw and Catch Rules:

1) Discs allowed for competition, any plastic dog safe disc weighing under 140 grams.  These include but are not limited to:  Hero Air 235, Hero Xtra, Super Hero, Hyperflite K-10, Hyperflite Jawz, Wham-o Fastback, Wham-o Eurablend.

o       No hard/brittle plastic or disc golf mid-range or driver discs.  No sharp edged discs.

o       Novice handlers can use fabric or rubber discs if they choose to.  Novice may also use a lure disc for training drops and retrievals in competition as long as it is a different color then the competition disc, only throws with the competition disc will be scored.

o       You may bring extra discs to the start line if you wish to swap discs mid-round.  Hand your spares to the Start Line Judge before your round.  To swap discs you must hand the Start Line Judge your disc and then they will hand you your replacement.  Time does not stop for a disc swap.

o       Questions?  Call or Email me  Adrian Custer  ACuster@DiscDogEvents.com  513-258-8909, Event Coordinator

2) A run order will be randomly made for each Throw and Catch Division Round 1 then checked to ensure that a dog will not have to run back to back.  That order will be announced and shortly after that the round will be run start to finish.  Round 2 run order will be from lowest first round score to the highest going last.

Teams that are called “Up” should be on the field ready to play.  Teams that are called “On Deck” are the next team to take the field and should be standing by their start line with their disc and dog, but just off the field.  Teams that are called “In the Hole” are two teams away from taking the field and should be finishing up walking their dog and ready to take their “On Deck” position.

3) Teams will have 60 seconds to complete as many throw and catches as possible into the scoring zones that will be marked by lines and cones on the field. Team’s scores will be totaled and then the round totals will be added for a Final Throw and Catch Score, highest score wins.

4) The Round will start with the handler waiting for the last handler to gather and leash their dog and exit the field before entering the field and unleashing their dog.  With the handler, the disc, and the dog all behind the start line that they choose to throw from:  The Handler motions to the Start Line Judge that they are ready; the Start Line Judge will raise their hand; then the Timer will say, “Ready, Set, Go” on “Go” you, your dog, and your disc must still be behind the Start Line or a false start will be called and the round will be restarted.  With a clean start, at “Go” your 60 seconds begin counting down.  You may cross the Start Line in between your throws.  You will be reminded periodically how much time is remaining by the Timer.  Near the end of your round you will receive a count-down, “5,4,3,2,1,Time” at the “T” sound of time your round is over, if you have thrown a disc that is in the air after time is called it will be scored, know as the “buzzer beater”.

5) See the Field Graphic for scoring zones.  You may choose to throw from either end of the field, but you can not change field ends mid round.  Completed Scoreable Throw and Catches in which the dog is airborne in an obvious jumping motion will score an extra half point.

6) Foot Fault.  This will be called by the Start Line Judge.  No catch will be scored on a throw that is called as a Foot Fault.  Upon any throw in your round should you touch on or over the Start Line while making a throw you will be called for a Foot Fault.  If you have been across the Start Line you must re-establish your position of being behind the Start Line by touching the ground behind the Start Line before your next throw, or that will be a Foot Fault also.

7) A Catch is made by the dog gripping the disc with its mouth out of the air and completely controlling the disc for a moment before the disc touches anything, besides the dog itself.  If the dog makes a jumping catch the dog must land (and if needed return to its feet) with the disc in complete control throughout the landing.  In a running, once the disc is mouth gripped out of the air and in complete control it is a catch, even if the disc is dislodged shortly afterwards.  Once the catch is made the dog can re-grip or drop the disc and still be scored for a catch.

8) Out of Bounds.  Upon a completed catch or jumping catch’s landing, if any paw is touching the side line or 50 yard line or inside of those lines.  That is In-Bounds and will be scored.  Out of Bounds Catches will be marked but no score.

9) Scoring Zones, the finer points.  A throw and catch where at the catch scoring moment the dog has a paw on or behind the ten yard line, that will be marked as a catch but no score.  If a dog’s paws straddle any of the other scoring zones at the Catch moment the lower scoring zone will be scored.

10) Nature Breaks.  It happens but we strongly encourage you to walk your dog before all your rounds.  If your dog takes a nature break during your round time will not stop.  When your round is finished you will be asked to clean up the competition field.

11) Field Interruption.  If a Field Interruption happens during your round (meaning a loose dog on the field, any safety issue, asteroid strike, something out of the ordinary that disrupts the competition, etc…) the Head Judge or other official will call time.  The Head Judge will decide what options are available to you.  You may continue your round from the point of the interruption resetting the field as it was.  Or a round restart may be offered.

12) Injury.  There is no shame if you hurt yourself or feel physically uncomfortable and must stop your round, just tell a judge that you are hurt and if you need further attention.  Be safe and compete within your means.  Event staff can find you the help you need, just ask.  Be Safe.

If one of the judges realizes or believes that the competing dog may have incurred an injury they will call for a stoppage of time.  If you continue to play after the stoppage after the potential injury is assessed the Head Judge will give you restart options.  We will have basic first aid at the registration tent for you to use and the address and directions to a nearby emergency vet office for any serious dog injuries.  Be Safe.

Freestyle Rules:

(These rules are Copied off the UFO World Cup website with edits for this event in Red)

Freestyle Rules and Guidelines
The freestyle round is a timed freeform competition that is judged on a 40 point scale using the four categories included in the DISC freestyle scoring system - Drive and Athleticism, Ingenuity, Sequences and Flow, and Comprehensive. Only moves that begin with the disc in flight and end with a catch are scored. Takes, moves in which the disc is handed off to the dog, will not be scored. Rollers, throws that are intentionally rolled along the ground to the dog, will be scored provided the dog makes a clean catch. Moves such as taps and double throws in which one or more discs are intentionally missed by the dog and caught by the thrower will be scored provided they are cleanly executed.
Time Limit
Freestyle routines have a time limit of 120 seconds, Novice Freestyle is 90 seconds. Official time begins with the first throw, and countdown of time remaining will be given at 60 seconds, 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and time. In the interest of time, the UFO recommends competitors limit their pre-routines to 15 seconds or less. 
Discs
Competitors may use up to 7 discs during their freestyle routine.  Discs allowed for competition, any plastic dog safe disc weighing under 140 grams.  These include but are not limited to:  Hero Air 235, Hero Xtra, Super Hero, Hyperflite K-10, Hyperflite Jawz, Wham-o Fastback, Wham-o Eurablend.

o       No hard/brittle plastic or disc golf mid-range or driver discs.  No sharp edged discs.

o       Novice handlers can use fabric or rubber discs if they choose to.  Novice may also use a lure disc for training drops and retrievals in competition as long as it is a different color then the competition disc, only throws with the competition disc will be scored.

o       You may bring extra discs to the start line if you wish to swap discs mid-round.  Hand your spares to the Start Line Judge before your round.  To swap discs you must hand the Start Line Judge your disc and then they will hand you your replacement.  Time does not stop for a disc swap.

o       Questions?  Call or Email me  Adrian Custer  ACuster@DiscDogEvents.com  513-258-8909, Event Coordinator

Costumes and Props
There are no clothing restrictions in the freestyle round; however, the use of a costume will not increase the likelihood of a higher score if it does not add to the overall entertainment value and crowd appeal of the freestyle routine. Competitors should be aware that the use of a costume could actually contribute to a lower overall score if it hinders the successful execution of moves or disrupts the overall flow of the routine. The use of any type of prop, an item not worn on the body as clothing, is not permitted while the competing team is on the field. If there should be any question regarding this matter, it is highly recommended that competitors consult with the UFO officials in advance.
Infractions of any or any combination of the above guidelines during a competitor's round will result in a 1 (one) point deduction from the freestyle score for that round.

Music
Competitors who bring their own music should present it to UFO officials when they are called to the on-deck area. Contestants are encouraged to avoid music that is not suited for a family audience. Music should be marked clearly on the case with the name of the competitor and the track number, and must be presented on a CD. Bad country music will be chosen for competitors who do not supply their own tape or compact disc.

Vaulting
It is not necessary to include vaulting, using the thrower's body as a launching pad, in a freestyle routine in order to obtain a high score. If attempted, vaulting should be executed in a very controlled and safe manner, and special care should be taken to ensure that the dog lands safely and cleanly upon completion of the maneuver. Frequent repetition of vaults, or excessive height during vaults will not be rewarded.
Point Deductions
Each UFO official reserves the right to deduct up to 5 points from a competitors freestyle routine score, or in extreme cases, disqualify them entirely from the competition for violating any part of the Canine Welfare section of the UFO General Guidelines. The point deductions recommended by each individual judge will then be averaged to arrive at a final deduction value (0.5 point minimum).

Judging
Three judges will be responsible for judging one of the three subjective categories in the DISC Freestyle Scoring System: Drive and Athleticism, Ingenuity, or Sequences and Flow. Each judge will also give a score for the Comprehensive category, the high and low scores for will be dropped, and the remaining score will be the final Comprehensive category score. Each category is scored on a scale from 1-10 in 0.1 (one tenth) point increments. Judges have the option of writing a few short notes or suggestions on comment cards for the benefit of the competitor.
One additional judge will be responsible for determining a Catch Ratio Score. The Catch Ratio is used for reference and as a tiebreaker only. It will not be added to the other scores.

DISC Freestyle Scoring System
Drive and Athleticism - Judges look at the athletic ability of the canine competitor with special consideration for the dog's level of prey drive, speed, stamina, tracking skills, leaping ability, and control while in the air and during landings. Canines should show consistency while catching discs with varying spins and orientations over a range of distances.
Ingenuity - Judges look at the creativity, athleticism and throwing ability of the human half of the team with special consideration for the consistent placement of discs, and ability to deliver a variety of difficult throws. Successful completions are an important part of this category, but emphasis is placed on innovation and variety, not execution and repetition.
Sequences and Flow - Judges look at how the team works together to present a routine that flows naturally from trick to trick and transitions smoothly between sequences. Individual sequences should be composed of tricks that logically flow together, and competitors should pay close attention to proper disc management when linking sequences to form a routine. Solitary tricks that are not part of an obvious sequence are given consideration for their contribution to the flow of the routine as a whole. Teams are not penalized for taking time to set up tricks properly provided the overall momentum of the routine is not compromised.
Comprehensive - Judges score the general impression of the routine as a whole with special consideration for showmanship, presentation, energy, and overall crowd appeal.
Catch Ratio - A mathematically determined number that is obtained by dividing the number of completions by the number of attempts, multiplying by 10, and then rounding to the nearest tenth of a point. For example, (22 catches) / (30 attempts) * 10 = 7.3333, or 7.3 by rounding to the nearest tenth of a point.

Nature Breaks.  It happens but we strongly encourage you to walk your dog before all your rounds.  If your dog takes a nature break during your round time will not stop.  When your round is finished you will be asked to clean up the competition field.

Field Interruption.  If a Field Interruption happens during your round (meaning a loose dog on the field, any safety issue, asteroid strike, UFO landing, something out of the ordinary that disrupts the competition, etc…) the Head Judge or other official will call time.  The Head Judge will decide what options are available to you for a restart or reset.  You may continue your round from the point of the interruption resetting the field as it was.  Or a round restart may be offered.

Injury.  There is no shame if you hurt yourself or feel physically uncomfortable and must stop your round, just tell a judge that you are hurt and if you need further attention.  Be safe and compete within your means.  Event staff can find you the help you need, just ask.  Be Safe.

If one of the judges realizes or believes that the competing dog may have incurred an injury they will call for a stoppage of time.  If you continue to play after the stoppage after the potential injury is assessed the Head Judge will give you restart options.  We will have basic first aid at the registration tent for you to use and the address and directions to a nearby emergency vet office for any serious dog injuries.  Be Safe.

Any and all Questions and/or Concerns: