Updates to 2019-2020 USDAA Regulations

Reminders about recent & upcoming regulation changes

Updates are underway as USDAA is actively working on simplifying and updating programs to enhance the USDAA experience. There are a number of additional items currently under review, and we will update you as they are finalized.
 

Runout Definition Amendment

Effective date September 3, 2019

Already in practice in the Masters Challenge Classes (Chapter 12), runouts shall be faulted only when the judge determines there has been a "focused approach" to the obstacle. 
 
A "focused approach" shall be established when the dog has indicated their attention on the correct obstacle through direct motion towards the obstacle.  A dog's attention elsewhere would indicate no focus, while an indeterminable focus would be evaluated by reasonable proximity where it is presumed by the judge that the dog has had focus on approach. As such, the runout line no longer extends more than a reasonable distance left and right of an obstacle based upon the judge's assessment.
 

Contact Performance Amendment

Effective date September 3, 2019

The "Up-Contact" area on the Dog Walk, Teeter, and A-Frame will no longer be subject to penalty for failure to make contact with the yellow contact zone on ascent of the obstacle. 

Judging criteria for the Down-Contact Area on all obstacles remain unchanged. 

Refusals and runouts will still apply according to the program rules. 
 

New Safety Measures Rolling Out

In addition, this first phase of our work has led to the following updates to equipment specifications to enhance safety measures. Effective dates are included below:

• Tire Amendment

Effective date January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted 

The requirements specifying the aperture for the Tire Jump have been amended to include a range: 20"-24". Prior to this amendment the required aperture was limited to 20". The increased allowance is to permit more space for dogs to accommodate the varied lines of approach to the tire when used in certain course configurations.

The regulations provide that the jump height of the Tire shall be measured from the lowest point of the inside edge of the aperture. It is noted that the curvature of a larger aperture provides a wider jumping path at the dog's jump height.

Other specifications remain in effect, except that a "breakaway" tire with functionality as currently defined in the regulations is now required; previously it was optional. The breakaway tire suspended within a stable frame has gained wide acceptance and has been shown to be an effective safety feature since its adoption in 2010.

The use of the "Saloon Door" Style tire is currently under safety review, and is not yet approved for use at USDAA events.
 

• Tunnel Amendment

Effective date January 1, 2020, with early adoption encouraged

To assure sufficient stability for tunnels, a judge should have a sufficient number of supports (i.e., approved bags, straps, or skirts) to maintain a tunnel's shape over its distance during performance. The regulations have been amended to provide that one (1) support (i.e., bag, strap, or skirt) is generally recommended at intervals of no more than 4'. As such, a judge would have available the following number* of bags, straps, or skirts:

• 4 Supports - Tunnel measuring 12'
• 5 Supports - Tunnel measuring >12' to 16'
• 6 Supports - Tunnel measuring >16'

*Groups whose inventory includes supports that are equal to, or greater than, 18" wide may find that the 4' recommended spacing may be achieved with fewer supports.

Depending on the placement and curvature of the tunnel within a course, the actual number of bags applied may be adjusted at the discretion of the judge.

Other regulations remain in effect, with the following additional specifications:

• A tunnel shall be fully extended and not require a turning radius of less than 4', when measuring the path along the center of the tunnel.
• All tunnels, regardless of length, must be fully extended and follow a natural curvature over the length of the tunnel. "S" curves and other obstructive configurations should not be used.
• Minimum 4" spacing between supporting wires may be extended to 6" provided the material density and strength of the tunnel is sufficient to maintain its open shape (i.e., not fold into the inner space of the tunnel).
   

• Weave Pole Amendment

Effective date January 1, 2020, with early adoption encouraged 

To reduce the likelihood that a dog can be impeded while weaving, tape and similar adhesives would no longer be permitted for use as contrasting stripes or color bands on weave poles. Instead, stripes or color bands, if any, shall be painted or dyed. 

Brightly colored poles may be used in lieu of contrasting stripes or bands on each pole, provided the color is clearly visible with a significant contrast when considering the surrounding walls or other objects. 

Questions or comments regarding these amendments should be directed to rules@usdaa.com.