1. COMPETITION SUMMARY

Global competition for pedigree and non-pedigree dogs.
IAL "Toy, Mini, Midi and Maxi Club of the Year" Awards.
IAL "Toy, Mini, Midi and Maxi Dog of the Year" Awards.
Each country has IAL Country Representative(s) (voluntary).
One IAL Global Results Coordinator (voluntary).
One IAL Global Administrator (voluntary).
Results published – Internet Web Page.
Four (4) IAL courses annually, each held within a nominated 3 months time frame.
Different course designs each time from around the world.
Clubs choose judges (do not have to be sanctioned judges from any organisation).
Course complexity and SCT at a "middle" level to suit all ability levels on a global scale.
Courses must fit inside a 20metre x 30metre (approx. 66 feet x 99 feet) area.
IAL to work on an "honesty" system.

2. RULES SUMMARY

Four (4) separate courses, one for each quarter of the year:

Course No 1 dates: 1 Jan to 31 Mar (inclusive)
Course No 2 dates: 1 April to 30 June (inclusive)
Course No 3 dates: 1 July to 30 Sep (inclusive)
Course No 4 dates: 1 Oct to 31 Dec (inclusive)

Dogs individually scored for "Dog of the Year Award" (for each class).
Best three (3) results for each club, for each course, combined for "Club of the Year Award" (for each class).
Three Refusals (including Run Outs) in total results in Elimination.
All contact areas to be judged (both sides of A-frame).
Wrong Course results in Elimination.
Table not to be used.
Number of Weave Poles to be 12.

Spread Hurdle (if used) to have a spread the same as the jump height for the Class.

Long Jump (if used) to have a spread of double the jump height for the Class.

3. DETAILS

3.1 Definition
The International Agility Link (IAL) is a fun competition between clubs that practice the sport of Dog Agility. A club/group is deemed to be enthusiasts that practice/train and promote Agility and can be independent of, or from, any Organisation/Kennel Club from any Country in the world. Both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs are invited to participate.

3.2 Aim
The aim of the IAL is to foster good relations between Agility enthusiasts world wide and to provide friendly rivalry between clubs and individuals, providing the chance to compare skill levels and ability.

3.3 Goal
a. To work towards an internationally accepted form of Agility, with compatible regulations, equipment specifications and a common set of dog classes and jump heights.

b. To work towards an IAL championship competition for individuals and/or clubs previously entered in the IAL. The championship competition could move from country to country.

3.4 Dog/Jump Heights
Dog jump heights and the cut-off for each class have been set based on a compromise between the rules currently utilised in countries contributing to the IAL. It is acknowledged that there is a small variation in some instances of up to 50mm (2") between some dogs of the same height, in respect to the Hurdle height they jump. It is considered that this variation will be negligible in final comparison of skills and ability.

3.5 Administration
Each country that has clubs participating will have a volunteer Country Representative (individual or team effort) with access to E-mail and the Internet. For large countries, depending on the quantity of clubs participating, two Country Representatives or more may be required (eg USA and Australia, east coast and west coast representatives).

Every individual club either by postal mail or E-mail will inform its Country Representative of the results of the IAL within one week of date of conclusion of the IAL course (earlier if possible).

These results must include the height category of each dog. The category of the dog is to be Toy, Mini, Midi or Maxi. Height is measured at the wither to determine the height category of the dog.

Each Country Representative has three weeks from date of conclusion of the IAL course to accumulate all results and send by E-mail to the IAL Global Results Coordinator. The Country Representative must use the spreadsheets provided by the Global Results Coordinator. The Country Representative must validate all input received from clubs before sending it on to the Global Results Coordinator. Incomplete or incorrect results that require major corrective action will be returned to the Country Representative for correction. If corrections are not received in time, the results will not be included for that course.

In order to ensure that the volunteer Country Representatives are not "out of pocket", each club that wishes to participate may be asked to pay the Country Representative an up-front annual fee, between USD$10.00 and USD$20.00 (or equivalent) for clubs without access to E-mail/Internet and USD$5.00 to USD$10.00 (or equivalent) for clubs with access to E-mail/Internet. Each Country Representative should maintain an approximate record of costs and income, and if requested, provide a copy of this to the IAL Global Administrator at the end of each year. Country Representatives are reminded that when setting fees (within allowable limits) only a fair and equitable amount for cost and time should be charged. This ruling and a sense of honesty would prohibit Country Representatives from gaining substantial profit and/or gain from a position of trust.

Each club participating in the IAL, may at its own discretion, charge a fair and reasonable entry fee to handlers/dogs that participate. The entry fee would be in order to recover cost of ring hire, lights, hire of judges (if any) and any rosettes/ribbons and/or prizes.

The IAL Global Results Coordinator and the IAL Global Administrator may be individuals or a team effort. The IAL Global Results Coordinator and the IAL Global Administrator may (by majority vote of Country Representatives) rotate on a yearly basis from country to country that participate in the IAL. The IAL Global Results Coordinator has five weeks from date of conclusion of the course to collate and publish results of that course. The IAL Global Results Coordinator and the IAL Global Administrator will work together to publish previous results/courses and the next course by E-mail and/or the Internet as required. For clubs without access to the Internet, it will be their responsibility to liaise with their Country Representative on how to best receive information on results.

If the IAL Global Results Coordinator and/or IAL Global Administrator incurs excessive (documented) expenditure then this will be taken into account in setting the following year's up-front fees and will be reimbursed (on a number of clubs basis) by the Country Representatives from up-front fees levied the following year.

3.6 Course Design and Submissions
IAL courses may be designed by any individual. Courses are to be sent (at any time) to the IAL Global Administrator.  The Global Administrator will choose a new course for each of the four (4) IAL competitions within the year, ensuring a consistent standard is achieved within the IAL regulations while at the same time ensuring variety between the courses used. The courses submitted to the IAL Global Administrator must be on "grid" (computer generated preferred) to assist with interpretation of measurements. The course must fit into a 20 metre x 30 metre (66 feet x 99 feet) area. The individual that designed the course, and the country of origin will be published with the design. The IAL Global Administrator reserves the right to make minor changes to a course submitted for use to ensure the design, spacing and flow meets all requirements (including a good judging line).

Due to the precision required in setting out equipment for IAL courses the same course design, with appropriate jump heights etc, will be utilised for all four (4) classes.

Courses must remain secret (club officials and the judge only) until the day the course is run. The club may only keep the course open for official runs (that are recorded for the IAL) for that one time period on the day that the club has chosen (within the 12 week period allowed).

3.7 Judges
Judges need not be officially recognised judges by any organisation/kennel club but rather individuals that a particular club feels are capable of carrying out the duties in a responsible and knowledgeable manner. However, the IAL highly recommends that wherever possible, clubs should use a recognised/approved judge from an established Agility organisation. The IAL suggests the "Judging Agility" video by Peter Lewis and John Gilbert of England as the benchmark for judging Agility and interpreting the path of the judge.

Judges and stewards may compete with a "stand in" judge/steward.

3.8 Award system
Dogs from each of the four (4) classes will compete separately and all awards are to be kept separate by class group.

The results (club, dog, handler, Total Faults, time) of all dogs from each club in the four (4) classes are sent to the IAL Global Results Coordinator via the Country Representative. A club may submit individual results for the IAL Toy, Mini, Midi and/or Maxi "Dog of the Year", but may have insufficient dogs in each class to form a 3 dog team and be included in the IAL Toy, Mini, Midi and/or Maxi "Club of the Year" awards.

All results for IAL "Club of the Year" awards for each class are based on the Total Faults and Dogs’ Times of the top three (3) dogs of each club (if applicable), by class, (based firstly on Total Faults and then on Dogs’ Time) for that course. Total Faults and Dogs’ Time for each club's three (3) best dogs for a particular class are added together by the IAL Global Results Coordinator and ten points given to all clubs with three clear rounds. 5 bonus points will be awarded to those clubs with three clear rounds and more than 75 seconds under 3 times the SCT, 4 bonus points for 3 clear and more than 60 seconds up to and including 75 seconds under 3 times the SCT, 3 bonus points for 3 clear and more than 45 seconds up to and including 60 seconds under 3 times the SCT, 2 bonus points for 3 clear and more than 30 seconds up to and including 45 seconds under three times the SCT, 1 bonus point for 3 clear and more than 15 seconds up to and including 30 seconds under three times the SCT. Four points to clubs with up to 5.99 Total Faults, 3 points for 6.00 to 10.99 Total Faults, 2 points for 11.00 to 25.99 Total Faults, 1 point for 26.00 or more Total Faults. No points to be allocated to a club where less than three dogs are not Eliminated.

Details of all clubs in the International Agility Link (IAL) "ladder" for each class will be published together with the results of each club’s team(s), the team's total time and points, as well as their overall position and total points. At the completion of the four (4) courses held throughout the calendar year, the club with the highest points within the four (4) classes is announced the "International Agility Link (IAL) Toy, Mini, Midi and/or Maxi Club of the Year". Second and third place for each class of the "Club of the Year" competition will also be awarded.

A separate, but coinciding competition, will be the IAL Toy, Mini, Midi and Maxi "Dog of the Year". Second and third place for each class of the "Dog of the Year" competition will also be awarded. The IAL awards for "Dog of the Year" for each class will be conducted on a point-score system similar to the "Club of the Year" awards. The IAL Global Results Coordinator will award 10 points to all dogs achieving a clear round. 5 bonus points will be awarded to those dogs with clear rounds and more than 25 seconds under the SCT, 4 bonus points for clear and more than 20 seconds up to and including 25 seconds under the SCT, 3 bonus points for clear and more than 15 seconds up to and including 20 seconds under the SCT, 2 bonus points for clear and more than 10 seconds up to and including 15 seconds under the SCT, 1 bonus point for clear and more than 5 seconds up to and including 10 seconds under the SCT.

Dogs with up to 5.99 Total Faults will receive 4 points, 6.00 to 10.99 Total Faults 3 points, 11.00 to 25.99 Total Faults 2 points, 26 and above Total Faults 1 point. Dogs that are Eliminated will receive no points.

The IAL Global Results Coordinator will maintain a master list of all dogs, by class, that have participated at any stage throughout the year. From each of the four (4) master lists of accumulated points, the IAL Global Results Coordinator will publish via the Internet the results for each class. Remember it is the dog that accumulates points and not the handler (ie one handler could enter 4 or 40 dogs).

In the event that a number of dogs finish the "Individual" competition with equal total points, a count back will take place and the dog that has achieved least Total Faults over the four competitions will win or, if equal, with the lowest Total Time over the four competitions. Similarly if a number of clubs finish the "Team" competition with equal total points, a count back will take place and the club that has achieved the least number of Total Faults over the four competitions will win or, if equal, with the lowest Total Time over the four competitions.

3.9 Honesty
The IAL is a "fun" event organised within the framework of the above Aim and Goals. There will always be a "competitive edge" to any event and the IAL, with its "Awards", will not be an exception. It also acknowledged that with such a diverse and widespread group there is less opportunity for objective "checks and balances" to be conducted. Accordingly all those that enter the IAL agree to conduct themselves honestly and with a spirit of fairness with regard to any events and the preparation and submission of results.

4. RULES FOR CONDUCT OF THE COMPETITION

4.1 Tests
Each course is to be in the form of an Agility Test. The Agility Test must include a Dog-Walk and an A-frame. Although preferred, the See-Saw is optional. The Agility Test must include one (1) set of 12 Weaving Poles. The Agility Test is not to include the Table. Only Single (no wing) or Wing Hurdles may be used (no Wall, Water or Brush Hurdles). A maximum of one (1) Spread Hurdle (Ascending Double Bar Jump) may be used. A minimum of 17 to a maximum of 20 obstacles is required.

4.2 Classes
Three (3) restricted and one (1) unrestricted class make up the four (4) height divisions to provide the means in which dogs may jump the height which is best suited to their size. The four Classes are listed below:

Toy Class: Jump 300 mm (12") and is restricted to dogs up to and including 300 mm (12").

Mini Class: Jump 400 mm (16") and is restricted to dogs up to and including 400 mm (16").

Midi Class: Jump 550 mm (22") and is restricted to dogs up to and including 500 mm (20").

Maxi Class: Jump 650 mm (26") and has no restriction in height.

Each of the four jump heights for Toy, Mini, Midi and Maxi may be varied by +/- 50mm (2”) to allow for the hurdle cups on the equipment of the different organisations around the world.

A dog may only enter one class (height category) at each IAL competition (due to use of the same course design). Preferably, dogs should not be moved from one class to another during the year of competition. However, if it is deemed necessary to move a dog to another class (within the rules of the size restrictions), then this must be reported separately to the Global Results Coordinator and all points accumulated in the "Individual" competition up to that point are lost. However, the points earned for the club in the "Team" competition will be retained within the original class. A dog that is moved from one class to another is to be given a new ID number.

A dog that moves either permanently or as a visitor/guest from one club to another club during the year of competition must be reported separately to the Global Results Coordinator and either option 1 or option 2 (see below) requested:

Option 1.         A dog running an IAL course as a visitor/guest at another club (not the normal "home" club) is to maintain their original ID number. All points accumulated in the "Individual" competition for that course are recorded against the dogs ID number. Points earned in the "Team" competition will be retained against the normal/home club (and not the visiting club).

Option 2.         A new ID number is given to the dog that is making a permanent move from one club to another club. All points accumulated in the "Individual" competition up to that point are lost. However, the points earned for the original club in the "Team" competition will be retained. Any further points awarded under the new ID will accumulate towards the "individual" competition under the new ID and go towards the "team" score of the new club.

4.3 Standard
The Standard (level of difficulty) for the IAL should be Intermediate. The middle/intermediate level of difficulty (Standard) should allow for varied degrees of complexity without straying too far from a course design and SCT that is achievable by all countries participating.

The Rate of Travel used to determine the SCT is to be within the following limits:

Toy and Mini: 2.5 metres (2.75 yards) per second.

Midi and Maxi: 2.75 metres (3.00 yards) per second.

The minimum length of the course is to be 100 metres (109 yards) and the maximum length 200 metres (218 yards).

The judge on the day may incorporate a Maximum Course Time (MCT) if there are large numbers dogs entered and time is am important consideration.

When constructing the course as much care as possible should be taken to ensure the obstacles are placed as per the course design and that the course length is exactly the same. Although not mandatory a measuring wheel is desirable.

4.4 Courses
IAL Agility courses/tests require a dog to traverse at least 17 and not more than 20 obstacles in a prescribed order of passage. Adjacent obstacles in sequence will have a minimum of 4.5 metres (15’) between them. When two obstacles in sequence are at right angles to each other the minimum spacing is 3.5 metres (12’). When two or more obstacles in sequence are placed 180 degrees or more to each other, including a snake or serpentine effect, the minimum distance from centre to centre is 3.5 metres (12’). Spread Hurdles and the Long Jump must have 6 metres (20’) on both the approach and exit side in all instances. Distance between obstacles is measured from centre to centre, including Hurdles which are measured from centre of the cross bar. Judge’s discretion in regards to minimum distance for Tunnel discrimination sequences (e.g. Tunnel under A-frame/Dog-Walk). Judge’s discretion with due consideration to safety with regards to challenges and off-course obstacles that are not the next obstacle in sequence and their minimum distances from the expected path of the dog.

The Course Designer must give consideration to the safety of the dog and handler. For safety reasons the Tyre should be set up with a straight approach.

A well designed course layout will allow the dog to complete the course in a free flowing and smooth manner.

Club administrators are not to reveal the IAL course prior to the Test so as to prevent practice. No practice is allowed on the course save the competitors may be allowed to walk the course, without their dogs, before the Test begins.

Contact equipment (Dog-walk, A-frame or See-saw) or Weaving Poles may not be placed as the first or last obstacle of an IAL Test.

Dogs are required to work in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions of travel around a course.

Note:

Minimum distances between obstacles would normally have the option of being reduced by up to one (1) metre (3.3’) for Toy and Mini Classes.  However, for the purpose of the IAL and the fact that only one course design is used for all four Classes this rule will not apply.

4.5 Scoring/Placing

4.5.1 Course Faults
All course faults are in units of five (5).

4.5.2 Total Faults
Total Faults is determined by adding Course Faults (if any), multiplied by a factor of 5, to Time Faults (if any). A Clear Round is gained by accumulating neither Time nor Course Faults, ie Total Faults = 0.

4.5.3 Placings
The dog with the least Total Faults is to be placed first. The dog with the second lowest Total Faults is to be placed second and so on. A dog that is Eliminated or Disqualified is not to receive a placing.

4.5.4 Equality of Total Faults
Total Faults are to be considered when determining placing’s except as follows:

When two or more placed dogs have equal Total Faults the faster dog will take precedence and place higher.

4.5.5 Example of Scoring/Placing

IAL Agility Tests must be timed to at least 1/100th second.

Once an exhibitor/handler has confirmed that he/she is ready, then any errors from that point on may be recorded. Further, once an exhibitor/handler has crossed the start line and entered the course the handler is deemed to off indicated he/she is ready, and any errors from that point may be recorded.

During the start, once a handler has crossed the start line (enters the course) to attempt a lead-out, if the dog breaks the stay and crosses the start line then the time/stop watch is to start and the dog/handler team are to continue on course.

Electronic timing may be used. When electronic start/finish is used, the first and last obstacle in the course is usually a Hurdle (preferably Wing type) and the electronic beam is set between the Hurdle uprights.

When using manual timing the dog must be behind the Starting Line/Hurdle and the clock will start when the first part of the dog's body crosses the Line/Hurdle. For the finish when using manual timing, the clock stops when the first part of the dog's body crosses the Line/Hurdle.

4.6 Standard Course Time
Standard Course Time (SCT) is the length of the course divided by the "Rate Of Travel" applicable to the Class.

4.7 Maximum Course Time
Maximum Course Time (MCT) may be given by the judge in any Test. As a general rule the MCT will be 1 1/2 times the SCT.

4.8 Marking

4.8.1 Weaving Poles
The dog is to enter the Weave Poles with the first pole adjacent to its left side. Each incorrect entry is to be classed as a Refusal, and a maximum of one (1) Course Fault will be incurred for any other error(s). Failure to complete the Weave Poles correctly before negotiating any further obstacle or Back Weaving will result in Elimination. Back Weaving is defined as engaging three poles in a Weaving motion in the wrong direction.

4.8.2 See-Saw
A dog that leaves the See-Saw before having passed the pivot point is penalised a Refusal. In this instance, a Course Fault will not apply for the dog failing to touch the Contact Area prior to alighting. If the See-Saw is not touching the ground when dog alights from obstacle one (1) Course Fault. A dog which places its paw on the Contact Area and withdraws, when the See-Saw is the next obstacle, will be penalised a Refusal. If the See-Saw is not the next obstacle the dog will be deemed to have taken the Wrong Course (see Elimination).

4.8.3 Dog Walk
The dog which leaves the obstacle before having touched the descending ramp will be penalised a Refusal. In this instance, a Course Fault will not apply for the dog failing to touch the descending ramp Contact Area. A dog which places its paw on the Contact Area and withdraws, when the Dog Walk is the next obstacle, will be penalised a Refusal. If the Dog Walk is not the next obstacle the dog will be deemed to have taken the Wrong Course (see Elimination).

4.8.4 A-Frame
A dog that leaves the A-Frame before having passed the apex and touched the down ramp is penalised a Refusal. In this instance, a Course Fault will not apply for the dog failing to touch the descending ramp Contact Area. A dog which places its paw on the Contact Area and withdraws, when the A-Frame is the next obstacle, will be penalised a Refusal. If the A-Frame is not the next obstacle the dog will be deemed to have taken the Wrong Course (see Elimination).

4.8.5 Long Jump
If a dog knocks down or steps on and/or between any part of the obstacle one (1) Course Fault. Jumping crossways or going past the front poles of the obstacle will be considered a Refusal. A dog that walks through the obstacle will receive a Refusal. A dog clipping the Long Jump with its feet/nails is not considered a fault.

4.8.6 Hurdle
A dog will not be faulted if any part of the obstacle is touched and does not fall. Jumping the wing or the pillar of a Hurdle constitutes a Refusal.

4.8.7 Tyre
A dog that jumps between the frame, or ground, and the Tyre will be penalised a Refusal.

4.8.8 Tunnel (Collapsible and Pipe)
A dog which places its paw or head in the Tunnel and withdraws, when the Tunnel is the next obstacle, will be penalised a Refusal. If the Tunnel is not the next obstacle the dog will be deemed to have taken the Wrong Course (see Elimination).

4.8.9 All Obstacles
Failure to negotiate correctly one (1) Course Fault.

4.8.10 Contact Area
Failure to make contact with any part of any paw one (1) Course Fault.

4.8.11 Refusal
One (1) Course Fault for each Refusal. In addition to the specific Refusals for each individual obstacle, a Refusal occurs when the dog’s nose, while following the course set by the judge, comes to a standstill directly in front of an obstacle or has to retrace its path in order to correctly take an obstacle. 

The dog passing the plane of an obstacle (defined by an imaginary line across the front of the obstacle) is also faulted as a Refusal (“Run Out”). A dog that passes the plane of a contact obstacle and is still able to ascend the obstacle without turning back, shall not be faulted a Refusal. 

A dog that turns away from an obstacle after beginning an approach in the normal direction of travel of the course is to receive a Refusal. The dog is deemed to be on the approach when it is directly in front  (within 1 metre/3.3 feet) of the obstacle. The only time a dog that “circles” its handler would be given a Refusal Fault is when the dog is directly in front (within 1 metre/3.3 feet) of an obstacle and then turns away from that obstacle. If the dog is not directly in front (more than 1 metre/3.3 feet out) and then turns away during a circle (or any other time), no Refusal is given. 

A Course Fault cannot be incurred for any attempt of an obstacle which has been deemed a Refusal. For example, a dog that misses the up contact of the Dog Walk and then alights before touching the down ramp will only receive a Refusal. The Course Fault incurred for the missed contact will be overridden by the Refusal, and action should be taken to amend records/results accordingly.

4.8.12 Time Faults
One Time Fault, or part thereof, will be accumulated for each second, or part thereof, respectively for failure to complete the course within the Standard Course Time.

4.8.13 Handling Faults
Each deliberate touching of the dog or obstacles will be penalised with one (1) Course Fault, including placing the body in such a position that invites the dog to touch it.

4.9 Elimination
Dogs shall be eliminated for any of the following:

Three Refusals, including Run Outs (in total).

Out of control/Unmanageable.

Dog wearing a collar, check-chain, harness or garment.

Handler wearing a bum-bag or similar externally worn item.

Handler dropping food on course.

Dog fouling the ring.

Taking the Wrong Course, including incorrect obstacle ("Off-Course"), Back-Jumping, Wrong Course through Weaving Poles (includes Back-Weaving) and failure to complete a reattempted obstacle after each Refusal.

Handler holding anything in the hand or placing hands in pocket.

Dog holding anything in its mouth.

Exceeding the Maximum Course Time (M.C.T.).

4.10 Additional Rules
All dogs are to be worked off the lead during the Test and within the "Warm up" area.

Dogs under 18 months will not be permitted to enter IAL Agility Tests.

Usually Bitches in oestrum may not compete or remain in the precincts of the Test. However, individual countries are free to utilise accepted practices within their country and allow Bitches in oestrum to compete. In such case it is recommended the dogs in question run last.

Practicing on the equipment prior to judging without the judge’s permission, may merit Elimination.

Any handler subjecting a dog to punitive correction or harsh handling during or within the precincts of the Test or within the "Warm up" area may be Eliminated.

No competitor shall impugn the decision of the judge. Any attempts to do so may merit Elimination.

Any handler engaging in abusive or offensive language may be penalised (up to and including Elimination).

Any handler engaging in bad sportsmanship may be penalised (up to and including Elimination).

The handler may use any number of visual and verbal commands throughout the Test but the use of mechanically produced stimulus may merit Elimination.

The judge alone shall observe and determine Course Faults (ie no flag stewards for contact equipment are to be used). No video or other means of instant replay shall be utilised in determining Course/Time Faults. The judge's decision on scoring shall be final.

The handler must not jump or negotiate the obstacles, including passing under the Dog-Walk and/or A-Frame or jumping over the cloth of the Collapsible Tunnel and/or over the Pipe Tunnel. This will merit Elimination.

No restriction is to be placed on a handler with respect to entry to an area surrounding an obstacle in a Test.

When start and/or finish poles are used, Course Designer’s discretion as to how the dog must pass. (should not be used as another obstacle to test the dog).

Under no circumstances may any obstacle involve the use of fire.

For reasons beyond the control of the handler (eg. fallen obstacle, Tunnel material twisted etc) the decision to allow a handler to re-run a course will be at the sole discretion of the judge.

If a dog runs clear to find a clock/timer fault and no time recorded at the end, the judge may award a clear round and grant the dog another run just for the purpose of recording time (faults would be ignored on the second run).

When possible, Hurdles of single (no wing) and/or wing type should be encouraged for use by handler and dogs entered in a Test for the purpose of "Warming up". All "Warm up" areas should be in a location far enough away from the competition ring so as not to interfere with the running of the Test. It is recommended that all such "Warm up" areas should be under the control/supervision of an appointed Ring Steward.

Prior to the start of each Test, the judge must provide a "Judge’s Brief" to competitors providing details concerning the Test, including Standard Course Time (SCT), Maximum Course Time (if any), and remind them of the Regulations and marking of the Test.

Note:
It is considered that the Tyre is an obstacle which the dog learns to judge its leap and should not, wherever possible, be altered on an ongoing basis. Accordingly settings for the Tyre that conform within an organisations recognised height will be accepted even if this would normally contravene the Tyre obstacle description in the IAL regulations.

The IAL Regulations only have two Tyre heights, one Tyre setting for Toy/Mini and another for Midi/Maxi.

Conversions from metric to imperial have been included throughout these Regulations and specifically with the obstacle descriptions. Where possible exact conversions have been used however some discrepancies will occur.

4.11 Measuring the Course Length
When measuring the course length (CL) to ensure uniformity and exactness of the course layout, measure the length by removing the Hurdle bars and walking through the centre of the Hurdle. All other obstacles to be measured walking with the obstacle on the left (unless otherwise stated in the course set-up notes that accompany every IAL course).

4.12 Obstacles
Obstacles for the IAL are as follows:

Hurdle (single/non-wing)
Hurdle (wing)
Spread Hurdle (Ascending Double Bar Jump)
Tyre
Long Jump
Weaving Poles (set of 12)
Collapsible Tunnel
Pipe Tunnel
A-Frame
Dog Walk
See-Saw

The Table, Wall, Bone, Viaduct and Brush Hurdles, along with the Wishing Well, although recognised as "International" Agility obstacles, for the purpose of the IAL, are not to be included in course designs.

The obstacles must not present any danger for the dog, handler and/or spectator.

For practical reasons the IAL would not insist that each club/country alter the dimensions of their own Agility obstacles. However the following dimensions have been included in these regulations to provide a benchmark.

4.12.1 Hurdles
Types of Hurdles include single (non-wing) and wing.

Height 650 mm (26") . Width 1200 mm (47") minimum. The top bar or plank must be easily displaced by the dog. Brush Hurdles and the Wall Hurdle must have easily displaced units on the top. Hurdle uprights must be at least 1200 mm (47") high. Recommended bar diameter is 20 mm (3/4") minimum to 50 mm (2") maximum.

4.12.2 Spread Hurdle (Double Bar Jump)
Two single/wing Hurdles placed together form a Spread Hurdle. The top bar of the front Hurdle must be at least 100 mm (4") below the top bar of the rear Hurdle with a maximum spread of 650 mm (26") and a maximum height of 650 mm (26").

4.12.3 Tyre
Tyre aperture diameter to be 400 mm (16") minimum and 600 (24") mm maximum. The Tyre shall be adjusted to the height of 550 mm (22”) at the lowest point of the aperture. There are to be no gaps within the inside rims of the Tyre. This may be accomplished by stitching or taping the edges together or filling it in.

The Tyre should be adjustable in height with a system of chains or ropes, rigid attachments will be rejected. The frame must be substantial in such way that the dog cannot easily knock the obstacle over from either direction.

The frame for the Tyre should be a minimum of 1500 mm (59") high. The height of the Tyre must not be changed within a Class, regardless of the Standard of competition.

Lollipop Tyre designs, with a single support, although not desirable nor recommended, may be used.

4.12.4 Long Jump
Two to five separate horizontal sloped planks with a minimum width of 150 mm (6") and a maximum width of 300 mm (12"). The number of planks to be proportionate to the spread jump. The planks are to be placed apart from one another to obtain a spread jump of 1300 mm (51"). The planks are to be a minimum of 1000 mm (40") long with a maximum height of 250 mm (10"). Marker poles of 1200 mm (48") minimum height to be placed at each corner.

4.12.5 Weaving Poles
The Weaving Poles to have 12 poles. The poles to be placed 550 mm +/- 50 mm (22" +/- 2"). The minimum height of the poles to be 950 mm (38") with a diameter of 20 mm (3/4") minimum and 40 mm (1 1/2") maximum.

4.12.6 Collapsible Tunnel
Total length 3000 mm (10’) minimum 5000 mm (16’) maximum. Cloth section to be circular of non-rigid material construction (a lightweight canvas is recommended). The exit end of the non-rigid material to be fixed or weighted to the ground. It must have an entrance of rigid construction with a depth of at least 600 mm (24") that can be fixed or weighted to the ground. Minimum entrance height is 500 mm (20"), with between 550 mm (22") and 600 mm (24”) recommended, and entrance width to be 600 mm (24") minimum and 800 mm (32") maximum. Entrance must have suitable padding (rubber hose or the like). The entrance has a floor this must have a suitable nonslip surface.

4.12.7 Pipe Tunnel
This obstacle to have a diameter of 600 mm (24") minimum and 800 mm (32") maximum. Length of 3000 mm (10’) minimum and 5000 mm (16’) maximum. The Pipe Tunnel to be flexible and be able to form one or several curves.

4.12.8 A-Frame
The A-Frame has two ramps 2743 mm (9’) long, hinged approximately 92o at the apex to produce a height of 1905 mm (6’ 3”) above the ground (refer rule 4.13 and 4.14 for lower Toy and Mini requirements respectively).  The ramp width to be 900 mm (35”) minimum and 1000 mm (39”) maximum. The lower 1067 mm (42”) of each ramp must be a contrasting colour (painted both on the top parts and the edges) to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact. 

Each ramp to have a nonslip surface. The nonslip surface should always provide good traction for the dogs without being too rough as to damage the dog’s pads. The surfaces should be maintained on a regular basis so the dogs will not slip when performing this obstacle.

One anti-slip slat must be fitted at 1200 mm (47”) from the apex (top) on each ramp and then further anti-slip slats are to be spaced at approximately 200 mm (8’) intervals between the 1200 mm (47”) anti-slip slat and the apex.  Anti-slip slats are optional for the remaining section of each ramp below the 1200 mm (47”) anti-slip slat. Anti-slip slats must not exceed 12 mm (1/2”) in height or 19 mm (3/4”) in width. When slats are used below the 1200 mm (47”) anti-slip slat, they may not be placed within 150 mm (6”) of the upper limit of a Contact Area with a suggested interval of approximately 300 mm.   

The apex of the A-Frame must not present a danger for the dog. The two support beams or chains either side of the A-Frame should be a minimum of 600 mm from the ground to facilitate the use of a Pipe or Collapsible Tunnel under the A-Frame.  

4.12.9 Dog Walk
The Dog-Walk consists of three equal length planks, each 3660 mm (12’) long.  The width of each plank is to be the same with a preferred width of 300 mm (12”).  A width tolerance is available of +/- 25 mm (1”).  The horizontal plank to be firmly supported a minimum of 1350 mm (53”) and a maximum of 1400 mm (55”) above the ground. 

All planks to have a nonslip surface.  The nonslip surface should always provide good traction for the dogs without being too rough as to damage the dog’s pads. The surfaces should be maintained on a regular basis so the dogs will not slip when performing this obstacle.

The lower 914 mm (36”) of each ramp must be a contrasting colour (painted both on the top parts and the edges) to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact. 

Anti-slip slats on the ramps at each end are optional.  Anti-slip slats, when used, must not exceed 12 mm (1/2”) in height or 19 mm (3/4”) in width.   When slats are used they may not be placed within 150 mm (6”) of the upper limit of a Contact Area.  

4.12.10 See-Saw
The See-Saw consists of a plank (may be a solid builder’s plank or a constructed ply plank similar in design to a Dog-Walk plank) with a length of 3660 mm (12’).  The preferred width of the plank is to be 300 mm (12”).  A width tolerance is available of +/- 25 mm (1”).  The plank is to pivot on a sturdy base at a height between 600 mm (24”) minimum to 750 mm (30”) maximum from the ground.  The See-Saw is to be manufactured such that the plank has one end resting on the ground, due to its pivot point being offset (approximately 25 mm or 1”) from the centre of the plank.  The plank must return promptly to its original position once the dog has alighted. 

The last 914 mm (36”) from each end of the plank must be a contrasting colour (painted both on the top parts and the edges) to indicate the area with which the dog should make contact.  The plank must have a nonslip surface.  The nonslip surface should always provide good traction for the dogs without being too rough as to damage the dog’s pads. The surfaces should be maintained on a regular basis so the dogs will not slip when performing this obstacle.

Anti-slip slats are not normally used on the See-Saw.

4.13 Toy Obstacles
All obstacles used in Toy class to be as listed in Regulation 4.12 with the following exceptions:

Hurdle, height 300 mm +/- 50 mm (12" +/- 2");

Spread Hurdle, the top bar of the front Hurdle must be at least 100 mm (4") below the top bar of the rear Hurdle with a maximum spread of 300 mm (12") and a maximum height of 300mm (12”);

Tyre, lowest point of aperture to be 300mm (12”) from ground;

Long Jump, spread is 600 mm (24") with maximum plank height 100 mm (4"); and

A-Frame, height may be lowered to 1675 mm (5’ 6”) above the ground by increasing the angle at the apex to approximately 105 degrees.

4.14 Mini Obstacles
All obstacles used in Mini class to be as listed in Regulation 4.12 with the following exceptions:

Hurdle, height 400 mm +/- 50 mm (16" +/- 2");

Spread Hurdle, the top bar of the front Hurdle must be at least 100 mm (4") below the top bar of the rear Hurdle with a maximum spread of 400 mm (16") and a maximum height of 400mm (16”);

Tyre, lowest point of aperture to be 300mm (12”) from ground (same as for Toy Class);

Long Jump, spread is 800 mm (31"); and

A-Frame, height may be lowered to 1675 mm (5’ 6”) above the ground by increasing the angle at the apex to approximately 105 degrees.

4.15 Midi Obstacles
All obstacles used in Midi class to be as listed in Regulation 4.12 with the following exceptions:

Hurdle, height 550 mm +/- 50 mm (22" +/- 2");

Spread Hurdle, the top bar of the front Hurdle must be at least 100 mm (4") below the top bar of the rear Hurdle with a maximum spread of 550 mm (22") and a maximum height of 550 mm (22”);

Long Jump, spread is 1100 mm (43").

Tyre, same as for Maxi Class.