Exhibitors need to try an obstacle 3 times and then move on to next obstacle.
Need to successfully complete all obstacles for a purple ribbon.
- Refusal one time is minus 5 points (they did it on second try)
- Refusal two times is minus 10 points (they did it on third try)
- Refusal three times is minus 20 points (they did not complete the obstacle and went on to next obstacle)
Top run is clean without any refusals and completes all obstacles and must get 85 points or higher for a purple ribbon.
Course Times
Measurement done with tape measure or surveyor’s wheel and determine course time according to distance and number of obstacles in each class.
Course Time Deduction
1 point for every second over the course time.
Refusing
When a dog puts two feet on an obstacle it is considered committed. A refusal occurs if a dog fails to continue the obstacle. When the dog stops forward motion a refusal deduction is scored. Also, if the dog runs past an obstacle or turns back on his path, a refusal is scored. Refusals are scored as 5-point deductions.
In/Out of the Pause Box
No points are deducted but the count of 5 is restarted each time this happens.The time also will restart if a dog anticipates the count and gets up during the count. The count of 5 is restarted each time this happens.
Wrong Course
Taking an obstacle out of sequence is a 5-point deduction per occurrence. Dog is eliminated after 3 occurrences.
Tight Leash or Leash Correction
Minor: 1–2-point deduction
Major: 3–5-point deduction
Additional Deductions:
- 5 points - Handler or dog knocking down an obstacle or jump
- 5 points - Missing a contact zone (one foot must touch zone)
- 5 points - Handler running wrong course
- 5 points - Handler touching dog or obstacle
- 10 points - Seesaw fly offs
Dog Leaves Course
The timer should continue timing with the stopwatch (do not stop time) while the handler encourages the dog to return to the course. The handler will receive the ribbon they earn as the time lost will reflect on the ribbon placement. If the dog does not return to the ring, then there is no possible score as the course was not completed and will be awarded a white ribbon. If the dog leaves the ring and is difficult to catch, the judge should wait no more than 5 minutes.
RIBBON PLACINGS
Purple 85-100 points
Blue 70-84 points
Red 55-69 points
White 54 and less