Distance/Accuracy
Distance/Accuracy (sometimes referred to as D/A or D & A) is a fast-paced event in which teams attempt to score points by completing as many catches as possible within various scoring zones in the time allotted.
The thrower must always throw from behind the throwing line and between the throwing line cones but may move freely around the field at other times. A throw will not be scored if the thrower steps on or over the throwing line prior to or during the release of the disc (foot fault). If the disc leaves the thrower’s hand before time is called, the throw will be scored if caught by the canine inbounds.
[Rick Rauwerda & Riff Raff score a total of 23.5 points at the ’10 Hyperflite Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship.]
Pairs Distance/Accuracy is one of the events in the DiscDogathon Championships (DiscDogathon Qualifiers, DiscDogathon International Qualifiers, DiscDogathon European Championship, and the DiscDogathon World Championship).
As the name implies, Pairs Distance/Accuracy is Distance/Accuracy with two human throwers of any age or sex making alternating throws to their canine teammate.
In the event that is necessary for one team member to retrieve a disc dropped by a canine during a Pairs Distance/Accuracy round, any member of a Pairs Distance/Accuracy team may retrieve the disc but said disc must physically be carried by the retrieving team member back to the throwing area. Both team members of a Pairs Distance/Accuracy team must be behind the throwing line at the time each throw is made, or foot fault(s) will be called and such throw(s) will not count.
Please note: As far as entries, awards, and Qs, a Pairs team consists of two human throwers (regardless of the order they are listed in) and one dog.
Rick Nielson / Dean Werts and Tucker at Academy Dog Sports in Alpharetta, Georgia.
To receive points, catches must be completed by a canine with all paws landing within one of the official scoring zones. If a canine catches a disc with paws in more than one scoring zone, the catch will be scored as if it were made in the lower scoring zone. If a canine tips the disc and subsequently catches the disc inbounds, the catch will be scored where the catch was completed.
Scoring zones and field dimensions are depicted in the graphic (click to enlarge). Scoring is based on the following point scale. No points are awarded for catches under 10 yards.
Zone 1 (10-20 yards / 9.1-18.3 meters) — 1 Point
Zone 2 (20-30 yards / 18.3-27.4 meters) — 2 Points
Zone 3 (30-40 yards / 27.4-36.6 meters) — 3 Points
End Zone (40-50 yards / 36.6-45.7 meters) — 5 Points
An additional half-point bonus will be awarded for each successful catch in which the dog makes a catch with all paws clearly off the ground in an obvious upward jumping effort and subsequently lands with all paws in a scoring zone.
Distance/Accuracy teams can only use one disc to complete with. However, they can give the line judge a replacement disc if they so choose.
If during the round a competitor believes the disc has become unsafe (e.g.: broken rim, or a large tear in the disc), it can be handed to the line judge for replacement (if the competitor has provided such a replacement). Time will not be suspended during a disc change.
Skyhoundz has selected Hyperflite flying discs as the official flying discs of the Skyhoundz World Canine Disc Championship Series. As such, at all Skyhoundz competitions (including, but not limited to, Local Championships, State Championships, DiscDogathon Qualifiers, Skyhoundz Classic Qualifiers, Xtreme Distance Qualifiers, DiscDogathon World Championship, Skyhoundz Classic World Championship, and Xtreme Distance World Championship), competitors are required to use Hyperflite discs.
MicroDog Division competitors must use Pup Competition Standard discs, Pup FrostBite discs, Pup HyperFlex discs, Pup Jawz discs, Pup SofFlite discs, or Pup X-Comp discs.
Competitors receive one minute to score as many points as they can.
The thrower and canine are required to be in the throwing circle before time starts. The line judge will ask the competitor, “Ready?” When the competitor responds yes, the line judge will raise his/her arm. The announcer will then say, “Go!” and the time will begin. If in the opinion of the line judge, the dog leaves before time begins, the line judge will signal to the announcer, time will be reset to zero, and a restart will be initiated. Competitors may send their canines downfield or throw, anytime after the start signal has sounded.
Countdown of time remaining will be uniform for all competitors: “30 seconds, 10 seconds, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, time!”
Click here for a free download of our 60-second countdown timer.
If you would like to hear the countdown timer, click on the play button below.
If there is a tie for first, second, or third place, the tie will be broken by the following criteria, as necessary:
1) The team with the fewest total throws.
2) A Face-off round with each team receiving 30 seconds in which to score as many points as they can. The team scoring the most points will be declared the victor.
3) If the teams are still tied after the 30-second playoff, the playoff will continue until one team outscores the other. Officials will permit the competitors to rest their dogs as necessary.
An open, flat, grassy area free of obstacles that is at a minimum of 50 yards long x 30 yards wide.
The field is a truncated diamond shape with a throwing line, then 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 yard lines.
The Distance/Accuracy field set-up provides the ability for competitors/teams to choose their throwing direction, however, competitors/teams cannot change throwing direction once time has begun.
Field dimensions and the ability to throw from either end are subject to change, at the discretion of contest officials, due to overall field limitations or for safety considerations.
Thanks to Rick Nielson for his thorough video tutorial on how to accurately set up a complete Skyhoundz Court (Bullseye, Distance/Accuracy, and Spot Landing).
