UFO – Unified Frisbee Dog Operations

Competitor Eligibility at Events
All UFO events are open to all competitors, regardless of their ability, race, sex, ethnicity, nationality, club or group affiliation.

Competitor's responsibility for Canines at events
Competitors are responsible for the welfare and safety of their dogs at all times and are required to read and sign the UFO registration form which contains a liability waiver at signup. All canine competitors must have a current rabies inoculation and license at the time of registration. Parvo, bordatella, and corona virus vaccinations are also recommended, as is a preventative flea and tick medication. All dogs must be leashed, in a kennel, or otherwise under the owner's control at all times. At the discretion of UFO representatives or contest officials, any dog that is perceived to be a medical or physical threat to other canine competitors will not be allowed to compete and may be asked to leave the premises. Female dogs in heat are not allowed to compete and may not be brought to the competition site.

Canine Welfare
Abusive treatment of canine competitors, or any actions that may be perceived by UFO officials or spectators as such, will not be permitted. Electronic training aids of any kind, active or inactive, are not permitted during competition. While the health and welfare of canine competitors is the responsibility of their owners/trainers, the chief UFO official at the competition or the on-site veterinarian may be called on to ultimately determine whether a canine is fit to compete. Many disc dogs will continue to play even if they are badly injured, so competitors are encouraged to be aware of the physical condition of their dog at all times.

UFO officials reserve the right to deduct points from the competitor's score, or in extreme cases disqualify a competitor altogether if they believe that the canine half of the team is being endangered unnecessarily. Examples of tricks or moves meriting point deductions could include, but are not limited to, the following:

* Collision with the thrower's body, including leaps over the thrower's body, resulting in trips and/or tumbles.
* Direct impact of the disc to the canine's face or any other part of the body in a fashion that may be harmful to the canine
* Frequent repetition or excessive height during any trick or move that leads to reckless lack of control, collapses, crashes, tumbles, etc. by the canine half of the team

The human half of the disc dog team should incorporate into a Freestyle routine only tricks and moves that have been properly trained and prepared for, resulting in the display of control and safe transitions throughout the routine.

Nature Breaks and Other Disruptions
If a nature break occurs on the playing field during competition, time will continue and any clean-up necessary must be done by the human half of the team upon completion of the round. As a courtesy to others, competitors should avoid allowing their dog to take a nature break on the playing field at any time as this can cause an unnecessary distraction for other canines participating in the competition. To this end, canine competitors should be kept away from the playing field before the competition begins and should be taken for a nature walk before they are scheduled to take the field during the competition.

If an unleashed dog runs onto the field during competition, time will be suspended and the competitor will be given the choice to 1) continue with the rest of the round, 2) start the round over, 3) move to the end of the order and start the round over after their dog has rested. Time will be suspended for other unforeseen distractions or obstructions at the discretion of UFO officials, and the same three choices will be given.

In the event that there is a music malfunction during a freestyle round, the competitor has the option to continue the round or signal to the officials to stop the clock. If the clock is stopped, the music malfunction will be treated like any other obstruction, and the competitor will be given the same three choices as outlined above.

Treats
As a courtesy to other competitors, treats or food of any kind is not allowed on the playing field during competition. Food that is inadvertantly dropped on the playing field may cause an unnessesary distraction for other canines in the competition.

Sportsmanship
Abusive language, boisterous challenges of UFO officials, confrontations with other competitors, or any other unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification from competition. In extreme cases, the UFO board of representatives reserves the right to suspend an offending competitor from UFO competitions altogether for whatever time is deemed necessary.

Sponsorship and Prizes
Entry fees collected at UFO Tournaments are designed to fund a basic, bare bones competition series. Organizers of UFO Tournaments are allowed to accept sponsorship from outside sources to help cover the costs associated with running a large competition and to supplement the prize package offered to the competing teams. Regardless of the amount of sponsorship, UFO entry fees must be collected at all Major and Local Tournaments.

Freestyle Rules and Guidelines
The freestyle round is a timed freeform competition that is judged on a 40 point scale using the the four categories included in the DISC freestyle scoring system - Drive and Athleticism, Ingenuity, Sequences and Flow, and Comprehensive. Only moves that begin with the disc in flight and end with a catch are scored. Takes, moves in which the disc is handed off to the dog, will not be scored. Rollers, throws that are intentionally rolled along the ground to the dog, will be scored provided the dog makes a clean catch. Moves such as taps and double throws in which one or more discs are intentionally missed by the dog and caught by the thrower will be scored provided they are cleanly executed.
Time Limit
Freestyle routines have a time limit of 120 seconds. Official time begins with the first throw, and countdown of time remaining will be given at 60 seconds, 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and time. In the interest of time, the UFO recommends competitors limit their pre-routines to 15 seconds or less.
Discs
Competitors may use up to 7 discs during their freestyle routine. At all Major Tournaments, event discs will be provided to all competitors for use during the competition. Hyperflite K-10, Hyperflite Jawz, Wham-O Eurablend, and Dogstar discs are also approved for use during all UFO Major and Local Tournaments but must be provided by the competitor. Any disc not provided by the UFO must be in new condition. If a competitor has any questions as to whether a disc is acceptable for use, they are strongly encouraged to seek out UFO officials for guidance. The UFO reserves the right to deny the use of any disc it deems to be outside of these guidelines and will provide UFO competition discs as a replacement.
Costumes and Props
There are no clothing restrictions in the freestyle round; however, the use of a costume will not increase the likelihood of a higher score if it does not add to the overall entertainment value and crowd appeal of the freestyle routine. Competitors should be aware that the use of a costume could actually contribute to a lower overall score if it hinders the successful execution of moves or disrupts the overall flow of the routine. The use of any type of prop, an item not worn on the body as clothing, is not permitted while the competing team is on the field. If there should be any question regarding this matter, it is highly recommended that competitors consult with the UFO officials in advance.
Infractions of any or any combination of the above guidelines during a competitor's round will result in a 1 (one) point deduction from the freestyle score for that round.
Music
Competitors who bring their own music should present it to UFO officials when they are called to the on-deck area. Contestants are encouraged to avoid music that is not suited for a family audience. Music should be marked clearly on the case with the name of the competitor and the track number, and must be presented on a CD. Bad country music will be chosen for competitors who do not supply their own tape or compact disc.

Vaulting
It is not necessary to include vaulting, using the thrower's body as a launching pad, in a freestyle routine in order to obtain a high score. If attempted, vaulting should be executed in a very controlled and safe manner, and special care should be taken to ensure that the dog lands safely and cleanly upon completion of the maneuver. Frequent repetition of vaults, or excessive height during vaults will not be rewarded.
Point Deductions
Each UFO official reserves the right to deduct up to 5 points from a competitors freestyle routine score, or in extreme cases, disqualify them entirely from the competition for violating any part of the Canine Welfare section of the UFO General Guidelines. The point deductions recommended by each individual judge will then be averaged to arrive at a final deduction value (0.5 point minimum).

Judging
Three judges will be responsible for judging one of the three subjective categories in the DISC Freestyle Scoring System: Drive and Athleticism, Ingenuity, or Sequences and Flow. Each judge will also give a score for the Comprehensive category, the high and low scores for will be dropped, and the remaining score will be the final Comprehensive category score. Each category is scored on a scale from 1-10 in 0.1 (one tenth) point increments. Judges have the option of writing a few short notes or suggestions on comment cards for the benefit of the competitor.
One additional judge will be responsible for determining a Catch Ratio Score. The Catch Ratio is used for reference and as a tiebreaker only. It will not be added to the other scores.

DISC Freestyle Scoring System
Drive and Athleticism - Judges look at the athletic ability of the canine competitor with special consideration for the dog's level of prey drive, speed, stamina, tracking skills, leaping ability, and control while in the air and during landings. Canines should show consistency while catching discs with varying spins and orientations over a range of distances.
Ingenuity - Judges look at the creativity, athleticism and throwing ability of the human half of the team with special consideration for the consistent placement of discs, and ability to deliver a variety of difficult throws. Successful completions are an important part of this category, but emphasis is placed on innovation and variety, not execution and repetition.
Sequences and Flow - Judges look at how the team works together to present a routine that flows naturally from trick to trick and transitions smoothly between sequences. Individual sequences should be composed of tricks that logically flow together, and competitors should pay close attention to proper disc management when linking sequences to form a routine. Solitary tricks that are not part of an obvious sequence are given consideration for their contribution to the flow of the routine as a whole. Teams are not penalized for taking time to set up tricks properly provided the overall momentum of the routine is not compromised.
Comprehensive - Judges score the general impression of the routine as a whole with special consideration for showmanship, presentation, energy, and overall crowd appeal.
Catch Ratio - A mathematically determined number that is obtained by dividing the number of completions by the number of attempts, multiplying by 10, and then rounding to the nearest tenth of a point. For example, (22 catches) / (30 attempts) * 10 = 7.3333, or 7.3 by rounding to the nearest tenth of a point.

Throw and catch

Competition Rules and Guidelines
In the Throw and Catch Round, competitors are given 60 seconds in which to complete as many throws as possible with one disc. The canine and the thrower must be behind the line before time starts. When the thrower indicates that he or she is ready, the line judge signals to the announcer that the competitor is ready. At this time, the announcer counts down "3 - 2 - 1 - go" and simultaneously starts the clock with the word "go". Throwers must be behind the line for all throws, but they may move around the field freely between throws. If the thrower steps on or across the throwing line at the time of the release of the disc, the throw will not be scored. If, during a round, the competitor believes the disc has become unsafe for the dog to catch because of a broken rim or a large tear, it may be handed to the judge for replacement. The damaged disc must be handed to the line judge before a replacement is given, and time will not be suspended during a disc change. Countdown of time remaining will be given at 30 seconds, 10 seconds, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and time. Completions are scored as long as the disc leaves the thrower's hand on or before time is called.

Scoring
The field is measured in meter increments from 0 to 50 meters, and points are awarded for successful completions as follows ( 1 meter = 1.0936 yards):

Bonus

A one-half point Anti-Gravity Bonus is awarded for each completion in which the dog clearly has all four paws off the ground in a distinct jumping motion. Completions will be spotted where the trailing paw of the dog is located at the time of the catch. If the dog is in the air at the time of the catch, the completion will be spotted where the trailing paw of the dog is located when the dog lands. The trailing paw must be completely on or across the line to score in the higher score zone.

Throw and Catch Field Layout
Field Layout
The field is set up so that competitors have a choice to throw from either end of the field; however, the throwing direction cannot be changed once time has started. Low profile cones are placed 20 meters apart along the edge of the field. There is no out-of-bounds along the sides or on the ends of the field.

Bonus Landing Zone
The Bonus Landing Zone is a half circle with a radius of 5 meters and is centered laterally between the boundary cones. The front edge of the Bonus Landing Zone is located on the 35 meter line. A bonus point is awarded if the following two criteria are met:

1. The completion is spotted beyond the 35 meter line (i.e. in Zone 4)
2. Any paw is located in the Bonus Landing Zone at the time of the catch or during landing if the dog is in the air at the time of the completion.

UFO Longshot rules:

Most 'Long Distance" events have a throwing line. Instead of a "throwing line" that is set in place and having the need to mark catches and compare and measure, etc, etc…the UFO instead has a CATCHING LINE.

ALL TEAMS in the division get ready to throw. The first throw is from 10 meters away. Teams may throw from EITHER side of the catching line. The catch must be made across the catching line (where the front feet touch down during the catch, or after, if caught in mid-air). All teams make this throw. (No, not at the same time; in order, one after the next) This format uses a "free start" (same as the Quad). Each team that successfully makes a catch across the catching line will move up to the next distance. The progression of distances can vary by any amount, but here is one suggested format:

10 meters
20 meters
30 meters
35 meters
40 meters
45 meters
50 meters
55 meters
60 meters
...and so on...
If you catch across the catching line, you stay in. If you miss...
Each team has 3 misses for the whole game. A throw will be scored a miss if they miss the catch OR if they miss the distance (ie, the catch is NOT across the catch line). If a team misses, they IMMEDIATELY make a second try. Misses are cumulative, so if you miss once at one distance, that miss WILL count against you if you miss a second time a longer distance. Once a team gets their 3rd miss, they are out.
This will continue until there is only one team left, our winners.

Awards-top 3. If at any point, multiple teams are eliminated, they all leave. However, in the case where one of these would end up in the top 3, then ALL of those teams that missed will move back to the previous distance, and go again in single elimination until that place or places have been decided.

Tie breaker example:
There are 5 teams left. At 65 meters, 3 of the remaining teams are eliminated when they get their 3rd miss. One of these teams will be the 3rd place finisher, so a tie-breaker must be implemented to determine this. These 3 teams will then move back up to the 60 meter line, where they will all make one throw. They will continue in the normal fashion (moving back when a distance has been completed) until there is only one team left (filling that 3rd place placement).

Divisions: men's and women's.

Order of go will be the order of sign up. Order stays the same for the entire game. No changes. The order of go doesn't matter, actually. The game will always be the same for everyone, no matter where they are in the running order, because you will need to make a catch at a certain distance. This is an important distinction. You can't beat someone by throwing farther, you beat them by making catches and outlasting them. It doesn't matter whether you throw 1st, 2nd or 17th. Your task is the same. You have to make a catch at that distance. Whatever the other teams do doesn't effect you.

UFO Locals
Local Event Guidelines

Local Tournaments must adhere to the UFO General Rules and Guidelines. Local contest organizers may use any competition format they wish provided the rules are thoroughly described and explained to contestants prior to the competition. Local Tournament organizers are given this freedom with the guidelines in order to encourage dog/thrower teams to be more versatile and to encourage experimentation with new rules and formats that may be used in Major competitions in the future. The organization responsible for running a Local Tournament may choose to utilize the UFO Freestyle and Throw and Catch Guidelines as well. The UFO board of representatives will approve rules of individual Local Tournaments prior to the competition date on a case by case basis. It is advised that the rules for the local be published in some form prior to the contest. UFO Local events are open to all competitors, regardless of their ability, race, sex, enthicity, nationality, club or group affiliation. There are no limits to the number of locals a competitor may attend, however, only their two highest finishes will count towards their World Cup Series total.

Local Tournaments are generally lower profile events than Majors. The points available at a Local Tournament are enough to give teams the edge over close competitors in the World Cup series, but the Local Tournaments are not worth enough to allow someone to win the World Cup title without placing well in Major Tournaments. If Local Tournaments include more than one division, only the results of the Open Division (or highest division) will contribute to World Cup standings. Points at Local Tournaments are awarded to competitors in the Open Division Overall Category as follows:
Place

Please note-there are no direct finals qualifications or club points at a UFO Local.

UFO Majors

Major Tournaments are high profile competitions that are more highly attended and more tightly organized than Local Tournaments. The format of these competitions follows the UFO General Rules and Guidelines as well as the Major Tournament Rules and Guidelines. To be eligible for World Cup points at a Major, a handler must enter the same dog in both Open Division Freestyle and Open division Throw & Catch, thus earning an "overall" score at the event. Only the top two overall finishes at Major Tournaments count toward a team's standing in the World Cup Series. Points at Major Tournaments are awarded to competitors as follows:

Scoring at Majors
Scoring at UFO Majors is as follows:

The Final score for Open Throw & Catch is the sum of all Open Throw & Catch rounds.
T&C1 + T&C2 = Total

The Final score for Open Freestyle is the sum of all Open Freestyle rounds.
FS1 + FS2 = Total

The Final score for Open Overall is as follows: (Please note-this section contains new rules)
The first round of Freestyle will be doubled, and added to the first round of T&C. The final round of Freestyle is added to this score as well, for those teams that make the cut in to the final round of Freestyle.
(FS1 x 2) + T&C1 + FS2 = Total

The Final score for Intermediate Throw & Catch is the sum of all Intermediate Throw & Catch rounds.
T&C1 + T&C2 = Total

The Final score for Novice Throw & Catch is the sum of all Novice Throw & Catch rounds.
T&C1 + T&C2 = Total

Competitors earn points toward their standing in the UFO World Cup Series based on their performance at Major and Local Tournaments. These points are accumulated throughout the season, and at the end of the season the team with the highest number of points is declared the World Cup Champion. Only competitors who participate in the Open Division are able to earn points toward their standing in the World Cup Series.

New Club Points Rule for 2009:
As the UFO has added new features and events to our offerings, occasionally we have to update our rules to keep pace. Beginning in 2009, the UFO will award "club points" to the Open Throw & Catch division only. The same scales for Participation and Merit will apply. Competitors are urged to correctly indicate their club at each and every Major event they attend so we can properly assign UFO club points.

UFO Club Championships

Many competitors have affiliations with clubs or teams consisting of several dog/thrower pairs. Club Standings are based on the World Cup Points earned by club members in the Open Division of Major. Each competitor that enters the Open Division at a Major Tournament will automatically earn 5 participation points for their club* at their first UFO Major of the season, and will automatically earn 10 participation points for their club at each subsequent UFO Major of the season. Additionally, each club member will also have the opportunity to earn additional merit points for their club based on their overall placing at the tournament. Dog/Thrower teams may only contribute points toward the standing of one club or team in the World Cup Series during any given season. Although only a competitor's top two placings at Majors count toward their final individual standing, there is no limit on the number of participation points a team can earn for his or her club. This provision is meant to encourage competitors to travel to other Majors in order to earn points toward the World Cup Standing of their club or team. Club points will be awarded as follows:

Competitors who claim a club affiliation are encouraged to put this down on their entry form at every UFO Major that they attend. Please only report one club affiliation. The first club affiliation that a competitor indicates at their first Major of the year will carry through for the rest of the year. Club affiliations CAN NOT be applied retroactively. Though we will correct mistakes on the website, leaving the "club affiliation" line blank on a scoresheet is NOT considered to be a mistake. The information on the scoresheet, inasfar as we can read it, will be the official record once it is in the hands of the UFO. Club affiliations are voluntary information; the UFO has no way to verify this information. If the "club affiliation" line is left blank, it will be assumed that there is NO club affiliation for that competitor.

UFO World Cup Finals

The UFO World Cup Final is the pinnacle of disc-dog competition. The event is only open to the top dogs in the world-they most compete all year long to earn a spot in this prestigious event. The points earned at the Finals are added to a teams regular season score to determine the UFO World Cup Champions. Points at the World Cup Finals are awarded to competitors as follows: