Advanced Freestyle
The Advanced Freestyle Class is an official class
as of January 1, 2013
as of January 1, 2013
Below is a breakdown and further explanation of the new Advanced Freestyle Class
The rules and judging for Advanced Freestyle reflect that this is a performance sport. Audience appeal and pizzazz is important. Difficult tricks performed very well will score very well, but simple tricks performed well will score better than difficult tricks that interfere with the flow of the routine or that are performed poorly. The flow, planning and visual appeal of the routine are much more important in advanced freestyle than in novice freestyle. Novice freestyle is meant to concentrate on mastering the basic skills and moves needed in freestyle. Advanced freestyle should be a smooth professional looking performance.
2.5 FREESTYLE RULES AND GUIDELINES
Advanced Freestyle
• Up to 8 official discs may be used in competition
• All discs must be of an identical brand and type of approved disc (see List of Approved Discs)
• Routines are to be a maximum of 120 seconds long (moves and catches after 120 seconds will not be scored).
• Time starts when the music starts.
• There are no count downs during the routine
• Teams competing in Advance freestyle must have already earned a Basic Disc Freestyle title (BDF)
Routines will be scored according to the following three categories:
Catches:
Number of completed catches
Tricks:
Disc release
Multiple (minimum of 4 consecutive catches)
Leaps or vaults
Over the body
Under the body
Artistic Impression:
Field Presentation
Disc Management
Rhythmic Team
Drive/Ability
Coordinated Team Movement (Entertainment Value)
• Tricks are scored out of a potential 20 points
• Catches are scored out of a potential 25 points
• Artistic Impression is scored out of a potential 55 points
• Total score is 100 points.
• The winner of this event is the handler/dog team that achieves the highest score.
3.7 ADVANCED DISC FREESTYLE (ADF)
To earn a qualifying score (qualifying leg) in Advanced Freestyle the dog and handler must successfully complete a minimum number of compulsory moves. Competitors may attempt any variation of each compulsory move. For a compulsory move to be completed it must end in a successful catch.
Compulsory move categories for Advanced Disc Dog Freestyle are:
Two different disc releases
Two over the body moves
Two under the body moves
One multiple of 4 or more consecutive catches
Leap or vault
• This title is achieved when three qualifying “legs” are attained under two different judges.
• The dog must catch the disc to successfully complete each compulsory move.
An Advanced Freestyle leg is achieved when all of the below criteria are met:
o Four out of five compulsory categories are completed.
o The team completes a minimum of 14 catches
o The team achieves a qualifying score of 70% or better in Artistic Skills.
• Up to 8 approved identical discs may be used in a routine.
• These discs are to be supplied by the handler
• Teams have up to 2 minutes to complete their routine. Routines may be less than 2 minutes at the competitor’s discretion. If the music ends the routine will be assumed to be over.
• There are no time warnings. Competitors may use a timing device (stop watch), but it must only be activated by the competitor without any outside assistance. If the starting and stopping of the timing device takes away from the flow of the routine, points will be deducted. Competitors are encouraged to use their music alone to time their performances. Music should be edited to the appropriate length for the routine.
• CDDA certificates will be issued to each dog that earns a title.
• All dogs earning a qualifying leg will receive a qualifying ribbon.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF ADVANCED FREESTYLE SCORING
COMPULSORY TRICKS
There are 5 compulsory trick categories.
Only 4 categories have to be completed successfully to qualify.
Competitors can earn up to 5pts in each category to a maximum of 20 pts
Completion of each Compulsory scores 5 marks to a maximum of 20 pts, attempts will score part marks
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Disc Release (2 required) A disc release is a throw. To complete this compulsory the disc must be thrown in a minimum of two different styles. For the throw to count the disc must be caught by the dog. If two different disc releases are performed and the disc is caught the team will have achieved this compulsory category. Successful attempts will score 5, unsuccessful attempt will get part marks |
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Multiple Catch (1 set of 4 required) A multiple occurs when the disc is caught and dropped rapidly in succession. This shows the dog's skill at rapidly catching a disc and then releasing it in preparation for another incoming disc. The previous disc should be in the dog's mouth when the next disc is thrown. It is not acceptable to remove the disc from the dog BEFORE throwing the next disc. The dog must drop the disc on its own accord in preparation to catch the next disc. To achieve this compulsory the dog must catch 4 consecutive discs thrown in rapid succession. Successful attempts will score 5, unsuccessful attempts will get part marks. |
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Over the Body (2 different ones required) An over the body manoeuvre is achieved when the dog jumps over the handler's body or part of their body (arm, leg). The dog must clearly jump over the body/or body part and catch the disc to be successful. There must be two different successful over the body catches to complete the compulsory. No "takes" are allowed. A take occurs when the disc is not released before the dog catches it. Successful attempts will score 5, unsuccessful attempt will get part marks |
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Under the Body (2 different types are required) An under the body manoeuvre is achieved when the dog goes under the handler's body or part of their body (arm, leg). The dog must clearly go under the body/or body part and catch the disc to be successful. There must be two different successful under the body catches to complete this compulsory. No "takes" are allowed. A take occurs when the disc is not released before the dog catches it. Successful attempts will score 5, unsuccessful attempt will get part marks |
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Leaps and Vaults (one required) A leap or vault occurs when the dog jumps somewhat vertically. The dog may jump up onto the handler and vault off, may jump up on the handler and rebound off or may perform a vertical jump that does not involve touching the handler at all. The dog must clearly jump into the air with all four feet coming off the ground with some distance. The disc must be caught while in the air for the leap to qualify. Excessively high vaults are to be avoided as they present a potential danger to both the dog and the handler. Jumps in excess of 7 feet high (from the trailing foot) will be considered unsafe. No "takes" are allowed. A take occurs when the disc is not released before the dog catches it. Successful attempts will score 5, unsuccessful attempt will get part marks |
CATCHES (Maximum 25 pts)
The dog will get one point for each successful catch achieved up to a maximum of 25 points. A minimum of 14 catches are required to qualify. Only one successful roll will count as a catch. "Takes" do not count as catches.
ARTISTIC SKILL (Maximum 55 pts)
Field Presentation - 10 points
The routine should use a variety of lengths of throws in different directions to best use the space. The handler and dog should be presented in a manner that adds to, or at least does not distract from, the overall positive impression of the routine. This can include costumes and how the team enters and leaves the green. This also can include the handler’s enthusiasm and how they deal with things that go wrong. The handler and dog should appear to be having fun together.
Drive and Ability - 10 points
Drive is judged by the dog's focus and intensity and his perceived desire to catch the disc and perform the tricks. The dog should appear to be enjoying himself and should show a love for the sport. Ability is judged by the dog's ability to catch the disc and perform the tricks properly the first time.
Disc Management - 10 points
Disc management is the handler's ability to retrieve and deliver discs to the dog seamlessly. There should be no interruptions in the flow of the routine while the handler retrieves discs or organizes them. With ideal disc management the dog will seem to flow from one catch to the next without the audience even noticing the handler picking up discs.
Rhythmic Team - 10 points
The dog and handler should be working as a team, with similar energy levels. When the dog is close to the handler the handler's movements should augment the dog's movements. The choice of music should match the movements and energy of the routine. Transitions should be flowing and smooth. Tempo should occasionally change to build drama and interest. The routine should appear planned and not piece meal. There must be a defined beginning and end to the routine. The routine should end at a defined and logical place in the music. Ideally the music should be edited to 2 minutes or less, therefore, the routine starts and ends with the music.
Coordinated Team Movement (Entertainment Value) - 15 points
Freestyle is a performance sport. Audience appeal is important. Entertainment value will be judged on the variety of tricks involved, choice of music, innovation and imagination, joy and fun and how memorable the routine is. Tricks and moves should involve the disc as much as possible. The dog's style can also add to entertainment value. Presentation and costumes can also add to entertainment value. The routine can have a theme that fits the music or tell a story. Comedy, drama, action, use your imagination!