Classes and Divisions

For each division, the IDDHA provides the following three classes to assess the capabilities of each dog and handler team:  Distance, Single Disc, and Freestyle.

Distance

Distance Divisions

The Distance event is comprised of Open and Novice divisions.  Men and Women compete separately and outstanding Junior handlers are recognized in the Novice division.

Distance Rules and Guidelines

The following IDDHA guidelines apply for setting a record in the Distance class.

• All record attempts with the exception of the Men’s and Women’s / Unlimited Weight Disc records are made using a Fastback Disc weighing 108 grams.

• The throw must be made from behind the foul line.

• Distance attempts must utilize a fixed start—the dog must not cross the foul line before the disc is released.

• To be viable for records and/or Championship play, the catch must be made cleanly with no tips.

• For catches made in the air, the catch is marked at the first point of contact with the ground.

• For catches made on the ground, the catch must be marked at the trailing foot of the dog.

• The number of throws is limited to 3 per hour, and there is no time limit for the 3 throws per heat (within reason).

• The distance is measured from the point of release on the foul line to the catch point.  Using a measuring tape, the measurement must be made to the nearest inch.  The information is recorded on “Appendix E – IDDHA Competition Tally Sheet.”

• For Championship play, the longest throws from each of 3 heats are added together for a grand total.  The highest accumulated total wins the event.

• For Distance Record setting purposes, three judges are required for each record attempt with one judge watching the foul line and two field judges spotting the catch point and measuring the attempt.  In addition, a record can be recognized if an IDDHA Representative witnesses the record and completes the IDDHA Competition Tally Sheet, the attempt is video taped, and all information is submitted to the IDDHA as verification.

Distance Records

Single Disc

Single Disc Divisions

The single disc event is comprised of Open and Novice divisions.  Men and Women compete together and outstanding Junior handlers are recognized in the Novice division.

Single Disc Rules and Guidelines

• Single Disc events require the handler to use a single disc and throw from a designated area behind a foul line.

• Throws and catches are measured and recorded over a period of time not to exceed 120 seconds or 7 throws.

• Points are awarded based on the location of the catch and whether the dog is determined to be in the air or on the ground at the time of the catch.

• Time begins when the first disc is released.  IDDHA Single Disc events utilize a free start—allowing the dog to be across the foul line when time begins.  Throws that are released before the time expires count, even if the dog makes the catch after time has elapsed.

• There is no provision for replacing damaged discs during a heat.

• See “Standard Single Disc Court” and “Championship Single Disc Court” for the field layouts.

• In Championship play, 1 bonus point is awarded for a catch made in the “sweet spot” as indicated in Appendix B.  Catches made in the air are awarded a bonus point only if part of one paw or more lands within the “sweet spot.”

• Two judges are required for Single Disc events: one Field Judge/Scorekeeper and one Line Judge/Timekeeper.

• Any Single Disc event that satisfies the minimum IDDHA standards is viable for Titling and Ranking.

Freestyle

Freestyle Divisions

The Freestyle event is comprised of Open and Novice divisions.  Men and Women compete together and outstanding Junior handlers are recognized in the novice division.

Freestyle Rules and Guidelines

• During registration, competitors must provide the music for their routine in one of the following formats: compact disc (CD) or cassette queued to the relevant track.  A label is attached to the case, identifying the team and the music selection, such as the CD track number.  See “IDDHA Freestyle Music Selection Labels” for additional information.

• Each team must be prepared for the routine before being called onto the field.

• Per heat, each team is allotted up to 120 seconds to complete their freestyle routine.  Time begins when the first disc is released.

• There is no limit to the number of discs used during a routine; however, use of an excessive number of discs that results in sloppy disc management is discouraged and can decrease scores.

• There is no provision for replacing damaged discs during a routine.

• For each team, the Field Announcer counts down the time remaining at the following intervals:  1 minute, 30 seconds, and “time”.

• The excessive use of vaults, both in terms of the frequency or height, does not generate an increased point score; and in some circumstances, leads to a decreased score.

• Throws that are released before time has expired count, even if the dog makes the catch after time has elapsed.

International Disc Dog Handlers’ Association copyright 1998 - 2008