About Just For Fun

Find a Just For Fun club near you

Just For Fun Agility Notebook

Running an Agility League

Just For Fun Rules and Regulations

Download a JFF Dance Card

The brainchild of Bud Houston, Just For Fun Agility's primary focus is on having fun with your dog and your fellow competitors. Rules and regulations are designed with this concept in mind, allowing a broader spectrum of competing individuals, both dogs and handlers. Fees are minimal, volunteering is essential and having a good time is mandatory!

'But what makes it different from the other flavors of agility?' you ask.

JFF Agility is unique in that handlers select both their jump height and course time. This enables many more dogs and handlers to play the agility game! And speaking of games, JFF Agility has a slew of them. A second, brilliantly original aspect of JFF is League Play.

League Play consists of a number of teams, whose members may be selected by random draw, that meet to compete against one another in standard-type runs and games classes. League Play encourages development of handler strategy, all while having a heck of a great time!

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These are groups who sponsor Just For Fun matches or possibly ongoing JFF League Play.

• Durango, Colorado, contact Lorna Appel
• Northeast Florida, contact Diane Tosh.
• TechnoPaws Agility Team, Idaho, contact Amanda Nelson TchPawsAgility@aol.comm http://www.clix.to/jh. 
• Just For Fun Runners, Chicago, Illinois, contact Deb Richey, jffunrunners.com. 
• Frankfort, Illinois, Blitzen Canine Academy, Inc. Contact Lee Ann Zerbian zerbi@mindspring.com www.BlitzenK9.com or http://home.mindspring.com/~zerbi/zerbagility/index.htm. 
• Springfield, Illinois, contact Marilyn Stewart.
• Champaign, Illinois, contact Diane Jenson.
• Pine Meadows Dog Training Center, Northern Michigan, contact Jane McManus.
• The JAZZ Agility Club, Albany, Lake Placid & Amersterdam, New York, to Western Vermont, contact Fbseibert@aol.com.
• Dogwood Training Center, Ostrander, Ohio, contact Marsha Houston
• Columbia, South Carolina, Greater Columbia Obedience, contact Kathy Evans , www.gcoc.net 
• Houston, Texas, contact Rachel Long.
• Richmond, Virginia, contact Cindy Briggs.
• Northwoods Agility Group, boondocks north Wisconsin, contact Ilze Rukis.
• Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Contact Dawn Hubick snoasis@accesscomm.ca. 
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, contact Shirley Ann Redl shirleyann@sasktel.net,  http://www.dsdogs.com. 

If you'd like to include a link to your club please, or update the information in an existing link, contact Bud Houston.

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The Just For Fun Agility Notebook is no longer available as a monthly periodical. It will be published in the future, on an "occasional" basis. Back issues and new publications of the Notebook can be purchased directly from the Dogwood web store at http://www.dogwoodagility.com/store.

The Notebook includes a JFF league game for every week, with lesson plans for four levels of training nested with modest movement of equipment. The lesson plans were designed (for the most part) by Bud Houston, one of America's favorite agility trainers. 

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JFF is open to all breeds of dogs, regardless of pedigree, whether mixed or pure-bred, as long as they can demonstrate the ability, confidence, and willingness to perform. Handlers may compete, and earn titles in JFF matches, JFF league tournaments, seminars, agility camps, and other agility organizations’ events, or even just in training class. However, people may not judge themselves.

Dogs must be at least 12 months old to compete. Bitches in season are not eligible, but refunds will be given to dogs coming into season. No proof shall be necessary. Dogs who are disabled, but are still capable of safely performing a course are eligible to compete. However, dogs who are injured, are ill, or have a condition that does affect their ability to compete are not eligible.

Dogs demonstrating aggression towards people or other dogs are not eligible to compete in JFF events, and will be asked to leave the premises.

There is no registration necessary in order to compete in JFF events. To earn titles, each handler is responsible for keeping track of their own legs or scores on a dance card. A standardized dance card can be downloaded from the JFF web-site, or can be obtained from the host club. These shall be submitted to JFF on completion of each title, if the handler wishes these titles to be registered. A fee will be charged for this service.

A dog may perform at any level, or at more than one level. However, any legs earned will be applied to the lowest title first. However, it is not necessary to start at the lowest level.

This requires three qualifying rounds under two separate judges. The course should contain between 15 - 17 obstacles, and should be simple, and flowing, with minimal challenges. It is suggested that if the available equipment allows, there should only be between 5-6 weave poles.

This is for dogs performing at the Intermediate level, and should provide for greater challenge than the first level of competition. Five qualifying rounds, under three judges are required for this title. The course should contain between 16 - 18 obstacles.

This is for dogs competing at the Advanced/Masters/Elite level, and requires seven qualifying rounds, under three separate judges. The course should contain between 17 - 20 obstacles, including those performed more than once. The design should test the training, as well as the communication, and teamwork between the dog and handler.

In addition to the above, each course may be run a second time. Any qualifying scores earned during the second round may be applied towards Mulligan titles.

• M.B.A.D.    Mulligan Beginner’s Agile Dog

•  M.I.D.    Mulligan Intermediate Dog
•  M.S.A.D.    Mulligan Superior Agile Dog

As non-Mulligan scores are earned, the Mulligan designations are cleared.

Games offered should be at two levels, Beginners, and Advanced. No intermediate level is required. (This does not apply to League Play, when only one level is offered.)

Four Qualifying scores, of at least two different games. Games can be original creations, from other agility organizations, or from the Clean Run Book of Agility Games, by Bud Houston and Stuart Mah. If the game is a new, or a variation on a game, the outline, should be sent to JFF. The qualification criteria should be as per the originating agility organization, if applicable. Otherwise, the judge shall determine the score required for qualifying.

This shall require seven qualifying scores, of at least three different games, which can be earned from Beginner’s or Advanced level.

Ten qualifying scores of at least four different games, which must be earned from the Advanced level of competition.

This may be the same course as the Superior level, but with the 6’3" apex A-frame. Qualifying scores at this level will count towards JFF titles.

For dogs and handlers not yet ready for competitive classes. Courses may have a training set of weave poles, or no weave poles, and may be run on lead. Does not qualify towards titling.

There is no advanced application process, and no fee. However, the host club shall be responsible for sending the following information about the sanctioned test:

• Course maps
• Scoring basis for each game
• Standard Course Times, if used
• List of winners and qualifiers
• List of judges at the event

Anyone may stand as a judge so long as they have the confidence of the host club.

The judge’s word on any call is final. Video tape may be used in dispute of a call so long as the judge agrees and the review of the tape does not interfere with running an orderly trial. A judge may show his/her own dog at a trial. The restriction is that another judge must judge the competing judge’s entire jump height(s). The judge’s word on any call is final.

One jump height must be judged by the same judge, except in the case of unforeseen circumstances that prevents the judge from completing the assignment. In this case another experienced volunteer may step in to complete the class.

The judge may use his/her own course design, the host club’s, or another person’s as long as he is not prohibited from doing so by copyright, or other laws. The judge shall measure each course to determine course yardage. Only the judge can assess course faults.

The handler may choose the jump height at which the dog performs. This may be any height that the equipment can accommodate. Measuring dogs is not necessary. There will be no standard course time. The judge may set a maximum course time.

The below is a list of equipment which must be available for standard courses:

Safety zones shall be painted in accordance with the rules of any of the major agility organizations (MAO). These organizations include USDAA, NADAC, AKC, and UKC.

Contacts shall be judged on the down ramp only, except for the see-saw, where both the up and downside shall be judged.

Leaving a contact prior to beginning the descent will be assessed a minor penalty. The dog has to commit to the obstacle with all four paws first, and then leave to incur this fault. The obstacle must be completed in order to avoid a Failure to Perform (FTP) penalty. However, if the dog jumped off in an uncontrolled, or unsafe manner, or if the dog appears not to be confident enough to perform the obstacle, the judge may tell the handler to go on, without a retry. This will result in the FTP penalty, but will not be assessed the minor penalty in addition.

Making contact with all four paws on the incorrect ramp will be assessed as a wrong course.

Flyoffs on the seesaw are assessed only if the dog leaves the obstacle in a blatantly unsafe manner. This is a judge’s call.

If used, the dog must jump onto the table and assume a position of the handler’s choosing for a period of five seconds. The purpose is for the dog to come to a stop only. If performing a down, the dog merely has to assume a prone position. Both elbows do not need to be touching the table. If performing a sit, the dog may slide to a down without penalty, and without interruption in the table count. The table count is cumulative for all levels.

A handler may opt to perform a stand if competing at an International class level.

A minimum of two table heights should be available. Dogs jumping 16" or less should perform a table of no more than 12".

Dogs jumping greater than 16 inches should perform a table of between 16" and 24".

No refusals or missed pole penalties shall be assessed. However, the obstacle must be completed in its entirety in order to avoid FTP penalty. This means that the dog should eventually enter, and exit correctly, and weave in and out of each pole.

Back weaving will be assessed a wrong course, and will be judged the same as other agility organizations.

If used, incidental contact (ticking) will not earn a penalty. A dog walking over the obstacle will earn FTP penalty. Knocking part of it over will be assessed a minor penalty.

Dogs jumping 8" vertical height will jump 14 inches

Dogs jumping 12" will jump 20" , all others will jump twice their vertical height.

If used, the double may be ascending only. The triple may be ascending, or hog's back.

Other obstacles are judged according to MAO’s rules and regulations.

Dogs fouling or leaving the ring will be eliminated. Leaving the ring is defined as when the dog is no longer working, and its attention is not on the handler. Passing under ring gates whilst still working will not be penalized.

These must have a displaceable bar or plank. Bars may be placed on the ground, crossed in the middle to provide a lower jump height, or may be set in the traditional method.

A minimum of 60 by 80 feet must be available for courses, however, it is recommended that a larger space be used.

Obstacles may be placed no closer than 12 feet apart; however, a spacing of 15 - 22 feet is preferred.

Standard courses should have a defined start and finish line. This will be used to start and stop the time, once any part of the dog crosses that line. If the finish line is close to the last obstacle, time will not end until the last obstacle has been completed prior to crossing the finish line. If the handler chooses not to complete that obstacle, the timekeeper will write No Time (N/T) on the scribe sheet.

The table may be used to stop time in games.

Courses should contain a minimum of two contact obstacles, and a maximum of four. However, if only using two contact obstacles, at least one of them should be used more than once. However, the club must ensure that the judge has the minimum equipment available to use in his/her course design.

A-Frames may have ramps of either 8 feet or 9 feet in length. For the 9 foot lengths, an apex height of 4’11", 5’6", or 6’3" may be used, or the equivalent settings for 8 foot ramps. However, the 6’3" height is reserved for use in the International class.

Food and toys may only be taken onto the course if the handler has entered For Exhibition Only (FEO). No food may be placed onto the obstacle or ground directly, but may be placed on targets, which the handler provides. Food should be of the non-crumbly variety. Such FEO runs, if allowed by the host club, must be run at the end of the event, upon the conclusion of the competitive classes.

Obstacle familiarization is permitted at the host club’s discretion.

Training is permitted on the show grounds as long as it is not harsh or abusive.

Shock collars are not permitted on show grounds. Other training collars are permitted when not running the course. While competing, the dog should either be without a collar, or else may wear a buckle collar (this includes the plastic snap on variety). Dog ID tags, patterned, or jeweled collars are also permitted.

Harsh handling either verbally, or physically, is not permitted, and neither is outside assistance.

The handler may not touch the dog or obstacle, except for incidental contact. This is viewed as accidental contact that does not benefit the dog’s performance. This includes the handler knocking off a pole after the dog has cleared the jump. A bump which results in the dog changing direction towards the correct obstacle, even if accidental, will result in penalty.

A dog may be penalized or eliminated for continually nipping, or showing some other form of aggression towards the handler.

A dog should work steadily throughout the course. If the dog ceases to work, is out of control, or is performing obstacles unsafely, the dog and handler shall be dismissed from the ring.

No refusals, or run-out penalties shall be assessed, unless after having committed all four paws to a contact obstacle, and dismounted the obstacle.

Off course shall be assessed when a dog has committed with all four paws to the incorrect obstacle, wrong end of a contact obstacle, or tunnel, or for performing the obstacle in the wrong direction.

Non-punitive training is allowed in the ring, but will result in elimination. However, the handler is allowed to complete the course. Non-punitive training includes: picking the dog up, and gently placing it back on contact equipment, moderate verbal reprimand, and touching the dog to assist it assume position on the table. It does not include hitting, or striking the dog, shouting or searing, shaking, or throwing anything at, or near the dog, or any other action which the judge may interpret as abusive. Should the judge determine such behavior as being inappropriate, the dog will be excused from the ring immediately.

No Standard Course Time shall be used for Just For Fun titling. Therefore no Time faults shall be assessed.

Rather than establishing a maximum course time, the judge shall exercise discretion and dismiss any dog not under control, or refusing to work. This should accommodate the problem of most dogs exceeding reasonable time on the course.

No fault limit shall be assessed. Handlers may complete their round in a reasonable time. The judge shall determine what is reasonable.

This shall determine the winner based on fewest faults in the fastest time. Qualifying standard runs will be a clean round. 

No standard course time is imposed. Therefore, time faults cannot be accrued. However, the judge may impose a maximum course time, beyond which a dog is eliminated.

This is the responsibility of the host club, who may, or may not offer, any prizes and awards they choose. Cash prizes are permitted, including sweepstakes. Corporate sponsorship is encouraged, and may also donate prizes to the host club.

The judge an organizing committee will deal with any misconduct that may arise at JFF events. It is suggested that the USDAA guidelines be used.

A League is an ongoing competition among a number of teams for a fixed period of time. Placements in each competition result in points earned by the placement of teams. At the end of the league schedule, the team with the most points shall be declared the winner.

The selection of teams and the rules under which the league operates are up to the individual league.

In general, each team should have an opportunity to choose what game is played, and what the scoring basis should be, on a given league night. That means a diverse selection of games may be played.

Individual runs in League Play are scored according to the other sections in this document. Standard runs should be scored according to JFF rules and games should be scored using the rules outlined in the Clean Run Book of Agility Games. Games not found in the Book of Agility Games may be played Any game can be used so long as placements are clearly defined and the game can be played by all participants in a timely fashion (about one hour). Rules for new games, or variations on existing games, should be submitted to the JFF office for inclusion in future editions of the book.

League Play should emphasize games.

Team results will be tracked by a designated league member (League Secretary) and reported to the JFF office.

The League Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a roster of teams, posting results of League Competitions and accumulated scores in a timely fashion. The League Secretary shall be eligible to participate in competition with one or more dogs.

Teams should be static for the duration of League Play. Leagues may organize teams in one of two ways:

• Four Dogs - Teams may add an alternate member if one is unable to participate. If the new member is kept on the team notification to the League Secretary is required.
  
• Run Five Count Four - In this case the alternate is already built in. Up to five dogs may run on the team but only the top four scores will count toward the team total.

Teams may use alternates as temporary substitutions. A League Secretary will maintain a roster of alternates.

Each course used in League Play will be run at the same level of difficulty. There will not be separate courses for Beginners, Intermediate, and Superior. Qualifying scores earned in League Play may count toward whatever JFF titling, so long as other stipulations for titling are observed. Results will be recorded on participant’s Dance Card in the same manner as for non-league matches.

Several courses may be run in a single day of League Play. Some leagues may prefer to have multiple runs in a single outing while other leagues may run a single course every week. Almost any schedule agreeable to all participating teams is allowable.

A simul-league is league competition in which two or more groups run the same course in different locations. This allows teams from different clubs to compete with one another on a regular basis without meeting together.

Simul-league events are scored in the same manner as all other league events.

The participating groups should coordinate to determine what equipment they have in common.

Courses should be prepared using equipment that the groups have in common. Courses should be distributed to the participating groups at the same time. Every attempt should be made to run the courses on similar dates.

Care should be taken that equipment is as similar as reasonably possible. For example, both groups should use the same size dog walk. In addition, the rings should be of similar size.

The host organization, represented by the League Secretary, shall be responsible for reporting league results to JFF. Just For Fun requires the following information to be reported:

• League Operating Rules. This is the complete summary of the operating rules of the league.
  
• Description of games. This should include a course map, and a well-written description of the rules used for playing, placement, and breaking ties.
  
• Competition results. This should include all of the scores, faults and times of individual competitors, including alternates, and a placements of winning teams.
  
• League Results. This will be the names of the handlers and dogs of the winning team, and each of the placing teams.

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Download a Just For Fun dance card

To download a JFF Dance Card, click here.

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