Description of the Hoopers Class
If a test can be described by a “pattern” – pinwheel, serpentine, hoop weaves, etc. – the test will not be numbered and may be attempted in either direction. If the test cannot be described by a pattern, the test will be numbered and must be taken in the indicated order. Non-test hoops will be a straight line of four hoops. The non-test hoops may be performed in any direction, except for repeated consecutive hoops. At any time, if the dog goes through a test hoop before performing the required number of non-test hoops, the non-test hoop count sets back to zero. If a test is faulted by a dog going off-course or bypassing a hoop with all four paws, the team can re-start the test without having to perform additional non-test hoops. The test can be attempted in a different direction, as long as it is the same test (see “pattern” described above). All tests (including bonus tests) may be re-attempted. A team can attempt a test up to three times. For purposes of counting attempts, a test does not start until the dog passes through the first hoop with four paws. If a team gives up on a test or is unsuccessful after three tries, the appropriate number of non-test hoops must be performed in order to attempt another test. The team may not re-attempt a test once they intentionally return to the non-test hoops. Elite - at the Elite level the team must perform three tests, one of which must be designated a bonus test (bonus tests do not have to be performed observing the bonus line) as follows:
Open - at the Open level the team must perform any three tests as follows:
Novice - at the Novice level the team must perform any two tests as follows:
A qualifying run, without bonus, will be worth 10 points. At any level, if a team successfully performs a bonus test with the handler observing the bonus line, they will earn a 15-point qualifying round. For Elite, if the team successfully performs both bonus tests with the handler behind the line, the result will be a 20-point qualifying round. At any level, if the handler crosses the bonus line, the team will not be awarded the extra points for the completion of that bonus. Should a team attempt a test observing a bonus line, then bonus line rules apply. Therefore, the team must perform the test “in-flow” which means that a re-direction of the dog will negate the bonus, but will not affect the validity of the test. Standard Course Times Elite 48 sec for small dogs; 44 sec for medium dogs; 40 sec for large dogs
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Hoop Photos and |
A Hoopers course consists of non-test hoops and test hoop sequences. The Judge will brief before each class to clearly indicate which hoops are non-test hoops and to identify the test hoop sequences. For Novice & Open there will be four tests available on the course. Elite will have five tests on the course. There will be one bonus test available for Novice and Open and two bonus tests available for Elite. In order to qualify, the team must successfully complete the required tests for their level and be within course time.
