Fifteen And Sent Time (FAST) Class

(This Explanation (PDF), Links, and Sample Courses (PDF) listed to left)

Fifteen And Sent Time (FAST) is a new titling class offered (Jan 2007) by the AKC. At present time, there is no FAST titling requirement for MACH's. 

Obstacles

• Fifteen (15) obstacles are assigned points values (of which 6 are bar jumps).
• Six bar jumps are worth 1 point each (no bars are reset during a run if displaced).  These 1-pt bar jumps can be taken as often as the handler chooses but only for a total of 6 pts.
• Nine other pointed obstacles are worth 2 – 10 points.  These may only be taken once for the designated points, in an order selected by the handler/dog.
• Non-pointed obstacles may be on the course and may be taken as desired.
• Obstacles that are designated as bi-directional may be taken in either direction.
• Weave poles are pointed obstacles at all levels (Novice = 6 poles; Open/Excellent = 9-12 poles)
• No obstacle may be taken consecutively (twice in a row).  If faulted, you need to go to another obstacle and then come back to it.  However, weave poles may be immediately restarted.
• Minimum of 2, maximum of 3 unique contact obstacles on the course

o Maximum of 4 contact obstacles may be completed for point (1 may be taken twice if designated as a dual point value obstacle).

o If a contact is faulted while attempting for points, another obstacle must be done before reattempting.  If handlers reattempt contact without going to another obstacle, there will be a double-whistle and must immediately exit to finish obstacle to keep the time and score.

• Dog/handler attempting to repeat previously successfully completed contact obstacle or weaves shall result in a double-whistle and must immediately exit to finish obstacle to keep the time and score. 

  Send Bonus

• Send Bonus must be successfully completed to Q
• Handler may never step into the Send Zone unless the dog has completed the final send obstacle with all four feet.  Dog may be in the area at any time.
• 4-Paw Rule is in effect if there is a contact in the Send Bonus
• Minimum of 2 and maximum of 3 obstacles in the Send Bonus (Novice = 2 obstacles, Open = 2-3 obstacles, Excellent = 3 obstacles)
• Handler line distance depends on class (Novice = 5-10 ft, Open = 10-15 ft, Exc = 15-20 ft)
• In Open/Excellent, obstacle discrimination and changes of flow allowed.
• Refusals/Runouts/Missed Contacts/Wrong Courses are scored for determining completion of Send Bonus once dog completes the first obstacle
• Send Bonus starts once all 4 feet have completed the 1^st obstacle
• Send Bonus completed once all 4 feet have completed the last obstacle (on the ground)
• Individual points of each obstacle during the Send Bonus also awarded
• “Bonus” verbally announced at successful completion of the Send Bonus
• “Fault” verbally announced if there is an error in the send that negates the bonus
• Table may only be used as the last obstacle in the Send Bonus.  Dog only needs to get on with all four feet; no sit/down/stand or stay necessary and dog may continue course.

  Points/Scoring

• 80 points max score available (60 points for all obstacles + 20 points for Send Bonus)
• Points required to Q:  Novice = 50 pts, Open = 55 pts, Excellent = 60 pts)
• SCT for all levels:  8 inches = 38 sec; 12/16 inches = 35 sec; 20/24/26 inches = 32 sec [Preferred: 4 inches = 41 sec; 8/12 inches = 38 sec; 16/20 inches = 35 sec]
• Horn (or single whistle) sounds at SCT; 1 point lost for each full second over SCT until dog (not handler) completes the finish obstacle.
• No points may be earned for obstacles completed after the SCT.  Obstacles completion requires all 4 feet on the ground.
• Dogs may go to the finish obstacle any time prior to the SCT if desired.
• Finish obstacle is “live” once the dog has crossed the start line
• Can still be whistled off the course for all Excusals as noted in the Agility Regs.  This will result in a “No Time” and an NQ.
• Placements based on highest total points first, and then time for ties.