2025 Rulebook Update:  BIS (Bitches in Season) Updated Policy - Effective March 1, 2025

The 2025 edition of USDAA Rules & Regulations has been reformatted and updated to include past amendments.  Each chapter can be found on the usdaa.com home page under REGULATIONS – OFFICIAL REGULATIONS  – Rulebook.

We want to thank all competitors and judges for taking time to send their feedback to the office. With such a major restructuring, there may be further corrections for unintended impact of changed wording and omissions. The following corrections have been made and chapters 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10 republished to reflect these updates:

• The tire jump is optional in Steeplechase and Jumpers.
• The long jump continues to be required in Steeplechase.
• Conflicting dates and information relative to ADCH have been corrected.  The current ADCH requirements remain unchanged through 2025.  

The proposal for ADCH in 2026 will be evaluated by a Rules & Competition Standards Board (see below).  

BIS (Bitches in Season) Updated Policy - Effective March 1, 2025
Prior to this update by default BIS were not permitted to compete unless the Group Organizing Committee stated in the Test Schedule that BIS would be allowed to compete.

With the update, by default USDAA rules and regulations will permit BIS to compete subject to additional procedures as set forth in the policy statement. When those procedures are modified by the Organizing Committee, the adopted policy shall be published in the Other General Provisions section of the Agility Test Schedule. If BIS are not permitted to compete that will need to be stated in the Test Schedule.

Click here for the updated BIS policy.  

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at:  rules@usdaa.com.  

Rules & Competition Standards Board
We are returning to one of our original successful practices and forming a Rules & Competition Standards Board.  

Board members are being selected to represent the variety of views that the many supporters of USDAA bring to our sport. Our goal in the selection of board members is to ensure that the board reflects the diversity of competitors, event organizers, and judges, fostering balanced and inclusive decision-making. This board will play a pivotal role in shaping rules, standards, and competition policies that align with the evolving needs of our community while maintaining the integrity and spirit of USDAA. 

Thank you for your interest and commitment to supporting the future of our sport!

The Board will reassess the proposed 2026 ADCH requirements and provide recommendations. Any rule changes for 2026 will be posted by October 1, 2025, for review and comment.

Summary of 2025 Regulations Updates
In addition to incorporation of the past amendments, the rulebook has been totally reformatted with the following notable changes:

• Class Organization: Information is now presented by class type.
• Scoring Methods: General scoring methods are consolidated into a single chapter. Exceptions to the general scoring methods are included in the appropriate class chapters.
• Tournament Chapter: A new chapter outlines the philosophy and scoring rules for each tournament. Annual eligibility and advancement requirements will continue to be published annually prior to the start of each new tournament season. 

Summary of Updates to the Appendices
The appendices are currently being updated, with the following changes in progress:

• Appendices A & B: These appendices are being updated and will be republished once edits are complete.
• New Appendix Forthcoming: Policies and procedures previously included in the rulebook (Chapter 2 – 2011 and prior editions) covering host, judge, and competitor responsibilities at events and operational processes and policies for licensed events are being updated in a new Appendix.