Fifteen and send time is a dog agility competition offered by the American Kennel Club. FAST can be thought of as a free-styleagility competition similar to Gamblers in USDAA or ASCA agility. 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 of a specified point value are arranged according to the judge's preference. Some obstacles are bidirectional, while others are not. A bonus area 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.
FAST specifics
Obstacles
15 obstacles that are assigned point values
2 through to 10 can be individual or flow obstacles
6 bar jumps are worth 1 point each. 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 are only taken once for points.
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 timerequired
Four-paw rule always in effect.
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
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
Novice minimum 50 pts to earn qualifying score; Open minimum 55pts; Excellent minimum 60 pts
