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IDDHA Judging

IDDHA Representative Qualifications

 

To become an IDDHA Representative, a handler must maintain their IDDHA membership in good standing and sustain a Level 5 RPT rating on at least one dog.  See “IDDHA Retrieval Proficiency Test (RPT).”

  • IDDHA Representatives can offer RPT tests and judge Single Disc and Distance events.

  • IDDHA Representatives can submit Competition Tally Sheets for titling and ranking purposes.

  • IDDHA Representatives can verify Distance Records.

IDDHA Judging Qualifications

The goal of an IDDHA Judge is to uphold universal standards of conduct and proficiency in the evaluation and quantification of disc dog performances in the sport of Canine Disc.

  • IDDHA Judges must maintain their membership in good standing as specified in these official IDDHA Rules and Regulations.

  • IDDHA Freestyle Judges are required to perform written and practical tests for certification.

Judging Sanctioned Single Disc Events

Single Disc events are judged by IDDHA representatives.  Certification for the judge is not necessary, but a thorough understanding of the IDDHA guidelines for judging single disc events is required.  Descriptions of the four primary responsibilities for judging a single disc event are provided below.  The combined responsibilities of these judges can be administered by a minimum of two people.

Line Judge (LJ)

  • Straddles the foul line at the boundary of the playing field.

  • Maintains a clear, unobstructed view of the foul line, the handler, and the dog at all times.

  • Signals foot faults by alerting the Field Judge if a handler’s foot crosses the line during a throw.

  • Signals the Timekeeper to start timing the heat upon release of the first disc.  In some instances, the LJ also serves as the Timekeeper.

  • Keeps a running total of the throws and calls time if 7 throws are attempted within the allotted 120 seconds.

  • Informs the handler of the time and number of throws remaining, as required.

Timekeeper (TK)

  • Starts and stops time.

  • Signals the expiration of time after 120 seconds, unless the Line Judge calls time after 7 throws and before the time expires.

  • Starts time upon release of the first disc.

  • Indicates the start of time with a verbal cue or hand signal.

  • Calls out time remaining at intervals, but this should be performed at the discretion of the contest organizer or the handler.

Field Judge (FJ)

  • Determines the exact spot the canine catches the disc and if the canine is in the air at the time of the catch.

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

  • For catches made on the ground, marks the catch at the trailing foot of the dog.

  • Signals the Scorekeeper to record whether the throw resulted in a catch or a miss, its distance and relative value, based on the rules of the contest.

  • Appeals to the Line Judge for confirmation in the case of a close call.

Scorekeeper (SK)

Judging Sanctioned Freestyle Events

For titling purposes, Freestyle judging is based on an objective "yes or no" observation of the required skills listed in “IDDHA Freestyle Judging Criteria and Scoring.”  Scoring is determined by assessing the execution of all the elements in the Canine and Handler Skill Classes and 5 out of 7 of the Combined Skills.

For Championship play, the recommended Judging Staff of an IDDHA Sanctioned Freestyle Competition consists of 6 individuals.  Freestyle routines can be judged by one or two efficient and skilled judges; however, three judges and three secretaries comprise the recommended judging staff for IDDHA Sanctioned Freestyle events.  The following rules apply:

  • One judge is assigned the position of Chief Judge and is deferred to in the case of discrepancies or disruptions on the field.

  • All three judges use “IDDHA Freestyle Judges’ Worksheet” to keep their scores.  Each judge scores one of the three Skill Classes and continues to judge that particular Skill Class throughout the competition.

  • One Secretary is assigned the responsibility of tabulating the catch percentages of each routine and informing the judges of the results at the culmination of the routine.   The other Secretary assists the Combined Skills judge and indicates when the next competitor can enter the field.

  • At the end of each competitor's routine, the scores are transferred to the master score sheet, and the score sheet is given to a third secretary who is responsible for tabulating the totals and posting the scores.  See “ IDDHA Freestyle Judging Criteria and Score Sheet.”

IDDHA Judging and Training Video

A video has been produced as a guide for judges and an aid for handlers to learn the fundamentals of disc dog competition.  The video titled “The Standards and Guidelines for Single Disc Events and Freestyle Competition” is an educational video that provides a thorough explanation of each Skill Class that is used for judging events.  By using the IDDHA judging criteria as a framework for training, you can improve overall disc dog skills and bring better organization to any routine.

For information about ordering this entertaining and informative video, visit the IDDHA web site, or contact an IDDHA representative.

 

International Disc Dog Handlers’ Association copyright 1998 - 2008