The 2010
event will mark the 15th year the Disc
Connected K9's will be sponsoring the Florida State
Canine Frisbee Disc Championships. This tournament has become
one of the largest stand alone Canine Frisbee Disc Competitions
in the world, and draws spectators of all ages. The Championships
bring together teams from around the country, both experienced
and novice for great fun to display the joy of playing Frisbee
with your dog. And just as importantly, it affords us the opportunity
to crown the best Frisbee Disc Dog team each year. We have had
some amazing competitions over the years!
The Championship is open to both experienced and novice competitors from around the country. Divisions include Novice, Intermediate and Open. Novice and Intermediate competitors will compete in Throw & Catch only, while Open competitors will compete in Freestyle and Throw and Catch, with the top 10 qualifiers moving on to one final round of Freestyle.
The 2009 Championship attracted 98 handler/canine teams from
nine different states, including Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Texas,
North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Delaware. In
past years, several thousand spectators have also attended the
Championship.
Need to know Information
This will mark the 7th year we have held the event at the Mandarin Senior High School and will be on the evening of Saturday the 12th day of June, 2010.
The event was held at The Bolles School for the first six years. The Bolles School had generously provided the site each year offering us a great athletic field inside a wonderful stadium as the backdrop for the contestants. While we truly appreciated all that they did for us and the tournament, we decided we needed to move to a larger venue. So, this will be our third year at this wonderful venue. The event has always been held in the evening so as to not expose the spectators nor competitors to the Florida sun. We kick the event off at 3:00 PM with the distance competition for all novice, Intermediate and Open competitors; with the Professional Freestyle competition beginning at 5:00 PM. Awards should begin around 9:00 PM.
Event sponsorships are still available. Each sponsorship package is negotiable. Depending on the level of commitment, sponsors can expect to have their company logos on the event posters, competitor T-shirts, advertisements and in the event program. In addition, sponsors may be eligible to have their company names mentioned in radio spots, display their company name and logo on banners at the event site, a display booth and be announced several times throughout the competition.
The event has grown each year since the inaugural year of 1996. Major sponsors in the past have included; Royal Canin Dog Food, Adamec Harley Davidson, Direct Buy, PETsMART, FOX 30TV, Shoreline Veterinary Hospital, The City of Jacksonville, Pfizer, Big Dog Sportswear , PetSupermarket, COOL 96.9, Watson Reality, and The Jacksonville Veterinary Association; not to mention many local businesses and veterinary clinics. In 2007, the Florida State Canine Frisbee Disc Championships had over 8,000 spectators, 98 competition teams, and hosted 14 rescue groups, along with a host of vendors. Media coverage is excellent with stories running on all the major Jacksonville television stations and in the Florida Times-Union. Major radio stations also pitched in with Public Service Announcements promoting the event.
The Disc-Connected K9's Frisbee Dog Team with assistance from the Greater Jacksonville Disc & Dog Club, is very proud to present the 15th Annual Florida State Canine Frisbee Disc Championships. For more information on the Team, please visit their web site at: http://www.k9frisbee.com
Entry and Schedule
Registration will be $10.00 for each novice team, Intermediate Teams - $15.00, and Open teams will be $30.00.
Each team receives a tournament disc and shirt in their players package, plus a bunch of other goodies.
Each additional dog costs are again determined by which division the dog is competing in. A person may register more than one dog; and a dog may play with more than one handler as long as they compete in different divisions.
Registration will take place at the site between 2:30 & 4:30PM the day of the event.
Entry Fees |
Open Division |
$30.00 |
Intermediate Division |
$15.00 |
Novice Division |
$10.00 |
There will be three divisions in which to compete:
We will be following all UFO judging and scoring criteria as outlined in their specifications below.
Important Times
| Registration |
2:30 - 4:30 PM |
| Mandatory Players Meeting |
4:45 - 5:00 PM |
| Novice & Intermediate Throw & Catch |
3:00 - 4:40 PM |
| Open Freestyle |
5:00 - 7:00 PM |
| Novice & Intermediate Throw & Catch |
5:15 - 7:00 PM |
| Open Throw & Catch |
7:00 - 7:45 PM |
| Novice Throw & Catch Finals |
7:45 PM |
| Open Freestyle Finals |
8:15 PM |
| Competition Awards |
9:15 PM |
| Post Competition Bash |
10:00 PM |
Spectator Information
The Championship begins with the Open competitors performing freestyle routines at 5 p.m.
Freestyle is the innovative aspect of the sport where the handler performs various throws and tricks with his/her dog. Routines are choreographed to music and can involve the dog vaulting off the leg, chest and back of the handler to snag Frisbees high in the air.
Novice, Intermediate and Open Throw & Catch competitors begin at 3:00 p.m. on auxiliary fields.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early for best seating and to visit the many vendor display booths that will be on hand.
Admission is a $2 donation for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
Mandarin High School is located at 4831 Greenland Road in Jacksonville, and is conveniently accessible via I-295 and Old St. Augustine Rd., or via Highway US 1 (Phillips Highway).
Go to MAP
Stadium seating is available. If you wish to get closer to the action, you can bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit in the spectator area beside the field.
Dog food donations. Will go to local shelters and/or rescue groups.
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
A concession stand will be set up to serve a variety of food and beverages; compliments of Pawsitive Life Magazine. Dogs are welcome as spectators on leashes. Bring plastic bags to clean up after your dog should he/she take a nature break.
Balloons, cap guns, fireworks, noisemakers and the like are strictly prohibited.
Competitor Information
We are expecting in excess of 3,000 spectators; with maximum press coverage and photo opportunities. As those of you who have been to this event in the past know, we have an amazing time and it is all for an additional cause; to share with others the joy of playing Frisbee with our dogs. So, pack up the crate and get on down here....
Mandarin High School is located at 4831 Greenland Road in Jacksonville, and is conveniently accessible via I-295 and Old St. Augustine Rd., or via Highway US 1 (Phillips Highway).
Go to MAP
The event, as in all years past, is being held in a stadium. This provides both stadium seating, as well as lawn seating. We are providing some extra perks this year for the competitors, including "air cooled tents", a licensed "Pet Massage Therapist, and a unique water experience. We currently have about 15 vendors signed up to be a part of this event, and feel that it is going to be the biggest and best to date.
Competitors will be able to enter the stadium and unload their personal belongings, crates and dogs. ALL vehicles must be out of the stadium no later than 3:00. Anyone showing up after that will have to carry their belongings into the stadium.
Leash, Tie-Down or Crate for your dog. (All dogs must be restrained when not competing.)
Plastic bags. All dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Sponsored teams are welcome to display their sponsors' logos on their personal belongings throughout the competition, except during the traditional pre-competition player photo and during the actual time spent on the field competing. During those two times, the official tournament shirt must be worn.
As in prior years, air-cooled tents will be provided for competitors on a first-come first-serve basis. Competitors are welcome to bring E-Z Up - style instant shelters and erect them in designated locations as determined by the tournament director.
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Lawn Chairs
- Coolers are OK
If you can throw a Frisbee a minimum of 10 meters and have your dog catch it, you can score points in this championship. There's nothing complicated about it. One Frisbee, a wide-open field, your dog and 60 seconds to complete as many throws as possible. Just remember, the best teams in the world today started as novice competitors.
Tournament provided t-shirts must be worn during each round of the competition, without alterations. We ask that you also wear the tournament shirt for the group picture prior to the event. Also, you must use the tournament provided disc to compete, unless your dog is under 15 lbs.. We may wave this rule for Novice competitors only, but it will be at the sole discretion of the tournament director.
Sponsors of teams will be recognized in every means possible including allowing you to display their logos on your personal belongings, during your introduction, or in any other way possible. But, during your turn on the field you must wear the tournament shirt; no exceptions. Please contact us if you have further questions.
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 sign up. 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.
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.
Throwers are allowed to compete with up to two canines in Major and Local Competitions. Competitors may enter both canines in a single Division or they may slide up or down one Division with their second dog.
For instance, competitors may enter the Open Division with one dog and the Intermediate Division with their other dog, or they may enter the Intermediate Division with one dog and the Novice Division with their other dog. However, a competitor may not enter one dog in the Open Division and the other dog in the Novice Division in a single competition.
Dogs are allowed to compete with up to two throwers in any given competition. This allowance is meant to accommodate families in which more than one member actively plays with and trains the family disc dog.
Each dog/thrower team is ranked separately in the World Cup Series, and each team has the opportunity to make the final round and win prizes in Major Competitions.
Throwers are required to clean up after their dog's nature breaks. If a nature break occurs 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.
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.
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.
Divisions
There will be three divisions in which to compete:
Novice will compete in one round of Throw and Catch competition. The top five Novice competitors will then come back at the end of Open Freestyle for a final additional two minute round. The winners will be determined by the highest combined score of both rounds after the final round.
Intermediate competitors will all compete in two rounds of Throw and Catch. Again, the winners will be determined by the highest combined score of both rounds after the final round.
Open competitors will compete in one round of Freestyle (2 minutes) and one round of Throw and Catch (60 seconds). A cut will be made and the top 10 Open Competitors will then compete in one final round of Freestyle. Winners will be determined in by adding both Freestyle scores and the Throw & Catch score.
- Mark Jennings - A 1999 Canine World Finalist, a UFO Board Director, a World Class disc golfer, human free styler, and excellent trainer of Frisbee Disc Dogs. This will be his 6th Florida State Championships.
Jim Safford - A former World Finalist competitor and judge with more than 20 years of canine Frisbee experience. He is a founding member of the UFO.
Chris Sexton - A World Class Canine competitor, with many wins and championships under his belt, he is constantly recognized as one of the most innovative and exciting competitors in the sport today.
- Rick Bynum - will be our Official Scorekeeper.
Freestyle Rules and Guidelines
The freestyle round is a timed freeform competition that is judged on a 40 point scale using the D.I.S.C. system - Drive and Athleticism, Ingenuity, Showmanship, and Catch Ratio. UFO officials subjectively judge the first three categories on a scale from 1 to 10 in half point increments, but the Catch Ratio is a mathematically determined quantity. 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, which 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 must last a minimum of 90 seconds and must not exceed 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 strongly encourages competitors to limit their pre-routines to 15 seconds or less.Discs
Competitors may use up to 7 discs during their freestyle routine. All discs used in the Freestyle Round must be Fastback Frisbee® discs as these are the established standard for disc dog competition. Discs will be provided for contestants at all Major Tournaments; however, competitors may choose to provide their own Fastback Frisbee® discs which are stamped with their club, sponsor, or personal logo if they wish.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. UFO officials reserve 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 endangering their dog by vaulting irresponsibly. 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. The use of a costume may actually decrease the team's overall score if it hinders the successful execution of moves or disrupts the overall flow of the routine. The use of large props or items which are not worn on the body as part of a costume are not permitted during competition. As this judgement is left to the discretion of the judges and UFO officials, it is highly recommended that competitors consult with the judges before the competition if questions arise. 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 as a compact disc or a cassette tape. Cassette tapes must be cued to the correct location. Bad country music will be chosen for competitors who do not supply their own tape or compact disc. Judging
A minimum of three judges, in addition to a fourth official to determine the catch ratio, will award competitors points for the Freestyle Round of the competition. Each of the three judges will be responsible for judging one of the three subjective categories in the D.I.S.C. Freestyle Scoring System. These judges will fill out the Judge Worksheet that will be handed out to competitors along with their score sheets during the awards ceremony at the end of the competition. Judges will have the option of writing a few short notes or suggestions on their worksheet for the benefit of the competitor. At their discretion, the judges scoring the three subjective categories will have the option of checking the bonus point box on the Judge Worksheet. If all three of the judges check their bonus box, a bonus point will be awarded to the competitor. D.I.S.C. Freestyle Scoring System
Drive and Athleticism - Judges look at the overall athletic ability of the canine competitor with special consideration for the dog's level of prey drive, speed, stamina, leaping ability, control while in the air and during landings, and consistency while catching discs with varying spins and orientations. Ingenuity - Judges look at the overall creativity and throwing ability of the human half of the team with special consideration for the consistent placement of discs, ability to deliver a variety of throws with varying spins, and the overall level of difficulty of the routine. Emphasis is placed on variety, not repetition. Showmanship - Judges look at the overall teamwork and crowd appeal of the routine with special consideration for disc management, smooth transitions between moves, interaction between the dog and thrower, and overall flow of the routine. 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 next highest half point. For example, (22 catches) / (30 attempts) * 10 = 7.3333, or 7.5 by rounding up to the nearest half point. Bonus Point - Judges have the option of checking the bonus point box on the Judge's Worksheet to reward a team for attempting a particularly difficult or innovative move or series of moves. A bonus point will be awarded if all three of the judges check the bonus box on the Judge's Worksheet.
Throw and Catch 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 ÒgoÓ. 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
he 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):
Distance |
English Conversion |
Points |
0 - 15 meters |
15 meters = 49ft. 2in. |
0 |
15 - 25 meters |
25 meters = 82 ft. |
1 |
25 - 35 meters |
35 meters = 114 ft.
10 in.
|
2 |
35 - 50 meters |
50 meters = 164 ft. |
3 |
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.
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.
|
|
Trophies & prizes will be awarded in the following categories
| Open |
1st, 2nd & 3rd Place |
| Intermediate |
1st, 2nd & 3rd Place |
| Novice |
1st, 2nd & 3rd Place |
| State Freestyle Champion |
| State Throw & Catch Champion |
| Best Small Dog Champion |
| Most Improved |
| Crowd Pleaser |
| The Brett Austin "Dream On" Award |
Directions and Accomodations
Click on the map below for Driving Directions to the Mandarin Senior School from anywhere in Jacksonville.
Mandarin High School is located at 4831 Greenland Road in Jacksonville, and is conveniently accessible via I-295 and Old St. Augustine Rd., or via Highway US 1 (Phillips Highway).
Map From Expedia.com
Click Map for more details
The information for the La Quinta Inn is as follows:
La Quinta Inn
I95 & J. Turner Butler Blvd. (exit 101 off of I95)
4686 Lenoir Ave. South
Jacksonville, FL 32216
Phone: (904)296-0703
Fax: (904)296-0709
For More Information
Lawrence Frederick, Tournament Director
Email: Lawrence@k9frisbee.com
(904) 910-1351
General questions may also be directed to info@k9frisbee.com
Our goal is to see that everyone has a
"Dog-Gone Flying Good Time!
|
