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Scoring Methods
There are three basic methods for scoring classes in dog agility –
- "Standard” scoring,
- "Time-plus-Faults" scoring, and
- "Point-basis" scoring.
Each of these are described below:
"Standard Scoring" is the preferred method for standard agility and jumping classes,
though "Time-plus-Faults" scoring may alternatively be utilized. Classes scored pursuant to
"Standard Scoring" are run against a "Standard Course Time" or "SCT" that is set by the judge.
In titling classes that utilize the standard scoring method, strict time standards are prescribed
for each level of competition (i.e., Starters, Advanced, Masters in the Championship Program and
Levels I, II & III in the Performance Program). Fault penalties are assessed for each infraction
as defined under the rules for course and obstacle performance and for exceeding the SCT. The
competitor with the fewest total penalties is the winner; in the event of a tie, the competitor
with the fastest time is the winner, unless some other tie-breaking method is specified prior to
the class. Penalties are assessed pursuant to the following table of faults:
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COMPARISON OF CLASS SCORING BETWEEN LEVELS
|
| Fault Description |
Starters/Level I |
Advanced/Level II |
Masters/Level III |
| CONTACT OBSTACLES |
| Missed contact zones |
5 faults |
5 faults |
5 faults |
| Fly off |
5 faults |
5 faults |
5 faults |
| WEAVE POLES |
| First missed pole |
0 faults |
5 faults |
5 faults |
| HURDLES, JUMPS & WISHING WELL |
| Displace top pole or plank |
5 faults |
5 faults |
5 faults |
| Touching wishing well base |
5 faults*** |
5 faults*** |
5 faults*** |
| Failure to clear jump span |
5 faults |
5 faults |
5 faults |
| TABLE |
| Leaving table prior to end of count |
5 faults*** |
5 faults*** |
5 faults*** |
| Anticipation of end of count |
5 faults |
5 faults |
5 faults |
| HANDLING |
| Handler/Outside Assistance |
5 - 20 faults, or "E" |
| Refusals (including runouts) |
0 faults |
5 faults* |
5 faults |
| Wrong course |
5 faults |
20 faults |
"E" |
| 3 Refusals (including runouts) |
0 faults |
"E"** |
"E" |
| Single omission |
20 faults**** |
"E" |
"E" |
*Contact obstacles only
**Single contact obstacle, not cumulative on course
***Maximum penalty of 5 points for individual obstacle for this infraction
****Multiple omission is "E"
"Time-plus-Faults" scoring is utilized in classes that wish to emphasize speed, such as
relay classes; however, this method may also be utilized in standard agility and
jumpers classes that might typically be scored on the Standard Method. The score is the
competitor's actual performance time on course plus any penalties assessed for improper
performance as indicated above for "Standard Scoring". For example, a competitor with a
time of 47.68 seconds on course incurs 10 faults by incurring a refusal at one obstacle
and dropping a pole from one hurdle. They would have a score of 57.68 seconds. The dog
with the fastest time after the addition of fault penalties is the winner. In case of a
tie, a jump-off is run to determine the winner unless another method of breaking the tie
is specified.
"Point Basis" scoring is utilized in nonstandard classes such as gamblers, snooker and
other specialty classes, wherein the judge assigns point values to each of the obstacles
and establishes a time parameter during which points may be accumulated in performance;
points are awarded for successful (i.e., no faults) performance of each obstacle. The
competitor with the highest number of points accumulated in the round is the winner. In
the event of a tie, the fastest time determines the winner unless another method for breaking
the tie is specified.
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