Scoring and Timing

SCORING 

Scoring for all levels is based on a maximum score of 100 points unless otherwise stated. Times will be used to break ties for placements. All stations will be counted with a point value. The maximum point value that can be deducted at any one station will be 10 points per dog. Re-tries of a station are an automatic 3-point deduction.

Minor Deduction: 1 to 2 points for each of the following
  • Tight leash
  • Dog interfering with handler
  • Poor sits 
  • Slow, delay, or resistance to respond
  • Touching or ticking a jump, pylon, post, or person
  • Out of position
Minor to Substantial Deduction: 1 to 10 points for each of the following
  • Repeat of a station – only (1) retry of each station will be allowed for all levels except jump and sit stay. Repeat station is an automatic 3-point deduction.
  • Pylon/post kicked over on Figure 8 and Serpentine 
  • Lack of control 
  • Lack of teamwork 
  • Handler error** 
  • Loud command or intimidating signal 
  • Excessive barking 
  • Hitting the jump
Substantial Deduction: 6 to 10 points for each of the following
  • Incorrectly performed station** (automatic 10-point deduction) 
  • Failure to complete the Sit Stay Exercise (IP) 
  • Failure of dog to go over jump in the proper direction (IP) 
  • Luring/pleading with the dog 
  • Lack of natural manner
White ribbons shall be given for the following:
  • Minimum requirements not met 
  • Dog unmanageable or uncontrolled barking 
  • Consistently tight lead 
  • Dog that eliminates while in the ring for judging 
  • Handler error** 
  • Station not attempted by handler**

**Handler errors can be assessed from 1 to 10 points. Handler errors can be assessed at any station or during movement between stations on a course. Example: Once a handler has stopped on any halt exercise, the handler cannot move their feet to assist a dog without incurring a handler error. 

**Incorrectly Performed (IP) stations occur when a team attempts a station and fails to perform the principal parts of the station on the first attempt. The handler may choose to retry the station once, for a correct performance, accepting the mandatory 3-point deduction for the retry of the station. The station is considered an IP if the handler chooses not to retry or fails to perform the station correctly on attempts. IP stations are an automatic 10-point deduction. 

** A station will be considered Not Attempted if: 

  • Handler completely passes the station without noticing the station 
  • Handler approaches sign but chooses not to do the exercise 
  • Handler approaches sign but does not begin the exercise described on the sign 

 

TIMING 

All dogs will be timed. Times will be used only in the event of ties for a tiebreaker. Timing will begin when the judge gives the order “Forward” and will end when dog and handler cross the Finish sign. In the case of tied scores, the dog completing the course in the least amount of time will receive the higher placement, but the original scores will not be changed. If both the score and time are the same, the dogs will repeat the course and will be scored and timed again. The original scores will not be changed, but a plus (+) will be added after the score of the dog winning the run-off. Times will be entered to the 1/100 of a second on all runs.

Nebraska 4-H Dog Show Manual