Fifteen and Send Time
Fifteen and send time (FAST) is a dog agility competition offered by the American Kennel Club. FAST can be thought of as a free-style agility competition similar to Gamblers in USDAA or ASCA agility.
![](../I/m/FastCourseExample.jpg)
The course is laid out in no particular order, with points awarded for the successful completion of obstacles at the handler's discretion. Fifteen obstacles (or obstacle combinations) of a specified point value are arranged according to the judge's preference. Some obstacles are bidirectional (may be taken in either direction), while others are not.
A bonus area (the "send") is marked off with tape. To successfully complete the send, the handler must stay outside this taped-off area while the dog completes the obstacles in order. FAST allows dogs that may not be quite ready to complete a regular course to compete, as not all obstacles need be completed for a qualifying score.
Dogs are given a time allotment based on size, with larger dogs getting a shorter time in which to accumulate points.[1]
FAST specifics
Obstacles
- 15 obstacles that are assigned point values (of which 6 are bar jumps)
- 2 through to 10 can be individual or flow obstacles
- 6 bar jumps (typically winged) are worth 1 point each (no bars are re-set during a run if displaced). They can be taken as often as you like but only for a total of 6 points.
- 9 other obstacles, worth 2 - 10 points individually (using numbered flags or placards) are only taken once for points.
- Non-pointed obstacles may be on the course (typically non-winged bar jumps or tunnel).
- Weave poles mandatory (6 Novice, 9-12 Open/Excellent).
- Obstacles that are bi-directional may be taken either direction unless otherwise directed by the judge.
- Maximum of 4 contact obstacles may be completed for points, 1 may be taken twice, for two separate point values if so designated by the judge.
- Dog/handler attempting to repeat previously successfully completed contact obstacle and/or weaves shall result in a double-whistle; immediate exit to finish obstacle to stop time required (retains points already earned)
- Four-paw rule always in effect (if contact is faulted another obstacle must be done before reattempting).
Send Bonus
- Send Bonus must be successfully completed to earn a qualifying score
- Four-paw rule is in effect if there is a contact in the Send Bonus
- Tape used for handler line must be secured to ground or floor and a bright color
- Minimum 2, maximum 3 obstacles in Send Bonus depending on class level
- Novice 2 obstacles; Open 2-3 obstacles; Excellent 3 obstacles
- Line: 5–10 ft Novice, 10–15 ft Open, 15–20 ft Excellent
- Optional: 2 different handler restricted lines based on 4/8/12/16 & 20/24/26 jump heights
- Novice with weaves or contacts in Send Bonus - 5 ft line must be used for all heights
- Open/Excellent - obstacle discrimination & changes of flow allowed
- Refusals only scored for determining completion of Bonus Send once dog completes first obstacle
- Send Bonus starts once all four feet have completed first obstacle
- Send Bonus completed once all four feet have completed last obstacle (on the ground)
- Individual points of each obstacle during the Send Bonus also awarded
- 5 - 15 points total collectively for obstacles involved in Send Bonus
- "Bonus" verbally announced at the successful completion of the Send Bonus
- Pause table may only be used as the last obstacle in the Send Bonus
- Dog need only get on with all four feet; no sit/down/stand or stay necessary
Points
- 80 points max score available (60 pts for obstacles plus 20 Send Bonus)
- Novice minimum 50 pts to earn qualifying score; Open minimum 55pts; Excellent minimum 60 pts
- Standard course time(SCT) for all levels:
- 38 sec-8 in, 35 sec-12/16 in, 32 sec-20/24/26 in
- Preferred - 41 sec-4 in, 38 sec-8/12 in, 35 sec-16/20 in
- Horn (or whistle) sounds at SCT: 1 point lost for each full second over SCT until dog completes the finish obstacle
- Finish obstacle is "live" once dog has crossed the start line
- Dogs may go to finish obstacle any time prior to the SCT if desired as part of the handlers strategy[2]