Pitch&Go competitions are becoming increasingly popular. Among dog owners, an increasing number of Pitch&Go competitions are held annually.

Pitch&Go are fetch competitions in which the owner and dog perform together as one team. The goal of the game Pitch&Go is to score as many points as possible within a specified time by throwing a retrievable object into the areas of the field that are worth the most points. Despite the apparent simplicity of performing in Pitch&Go, like any sport, it has its own characteristics. The man throws the fetch, the dog runs and returns the fetch object. To count an effective attempt in Pitch&Go, the dog must return the fetch to the person behind the starting line, that is, having crossed the starting line with at least one paw.

Pitch&Go may include competitions of different height categories of dogs. The Pitch&Go game is a great leisure activity for you and your dog.

RULES FOR PITCH&GO COMPETITIONS

1. General provisions

1.1. During the competition, only the competing team, consisting of one dog and one athlete, and the judging panel may be on the field and in the surrounding area.

1.2. The Athlete is responsible for the safety and health of his dog in competition and to properly supervise and control his dog at all times.

1.3. Dogs must be on a leash at all times except when performing and warming up. The dog must be on a leash immediately after the performance. Warm-up should be carried out outside the competition area and spectators so as not to distract the competitors.

1.4. Strict collars, esho, nooses, chains and other equipment that may be unsafe are not allowed to be worn by a dog during a performance.

1.5. Mandatory disqualification will be carried out in the following cases, but not limited to: cruelty to an animal by an athlete, aggressive behavior of a dog, a female dog in any stage of heat, performance of a sick animal.

1.6. The athlete must appear at the start after the call no later than 30 seconds, otherwise the chief judge may decide to move the order of performance of this team to the end of the list of participants. If the regulations of these competitions are limited, then a decision may be made to withdraw the team from these competitions, without the right to return the entry fee.

1.7. If during the allotted time the dog pauses to relieve itself, either on or off the field, the performance time is immediately stopped and will not be resumed. The athlete must immediately carefully remove all consequences from the field. 50 penalty points are deducted from the team's total score.

1.8. Any items suitable for safe play with a dog can be used as a fetch item (except for frisbees and pullers). The overall dimensions of the retrieval item cannot exceed 30 cm on any larger side or diameter (including all protruding parts of the item).

The compliance of the retrieval item with the stated requirements is assessed by the competition judges. In case of discrepancy in any of the parameters, the athlete is asked to replace the carrying item with another.

1.9. During a performance, only one fetch item is used. The retrieval item cannot be replaced during a performance, or during a re-roll in the event of an equal number of points.

1.10. At the discretion of the competition organizers, dogs can be divided into height categories, for example: Mini (up to 40 cm at the withers) and Maxi (from 40.1 cm at the withers).

2. Competition field

2.1. The competition field is rectangular in shape, 25 meters long.

The width of each zone is 5 meters.

2.2. Standard zones:

• 0-5 meters – 5 points
• 5-10 meters – 10 points
• 10-15 meters – 20 points
• 15-20 meters – 25 points
• 20-25 meters – 15 points

The 30 point zone is a 1 meter diameter circle located between 7 and 8 meters from the start line.

The starting zone is 3 meters or more and is located in front of the starting line.

2.3. Marking of the competition field:

3. Scoring of points for performance

3.1. The team is given 90 seconds to make as many shots as possible. The countdown begins from the moment the aportable object crosses the starting line. A throw made before the end of the performance time, but subsequently going beyond it, is counted if it is successful.

3.2. The thrower must always be behind the starting line at the moment of the throw. The dog must be behind the starting line at the time of the first throw; the rest of the time the dog can be anywhere.

3.2. If an athlete touches or steps on the start line at the time of the throw, such an attempt is recorded with a score of 0.

3.4. The dog returns the fetch by grabbing it after the fetch touches the ground. If a dog grabs a jumping fetch in the air (after it hits the ground), then points are awarded based on the dog’s landing location - any paw closest to the starting line.

3.5. For a successful throw to be counted, the dog must give the retrieving object in the start zone, that is, with at least one (any) paw in the start zone. If the dog, when returning the fetch, dropped, or put down, or touched the ground with the fetch object in any zone except the start zone, points for the throw are not awarded.

3.6. Zone lines belong to zones. An aport that falls on the line separating the zones is counted as falling into a zone with a large number of points.

3.7. In case of the same result among candidates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, the following applies:

• least number of attempts rule - the team with the fewest number of shots takes the higher place, or
• re-roll – athletes make one throw one after another (according to the order of performance during the main time of the competition) until the first winning/losing throw.

3.8. The panel of judges has unlimited powers in judging performances; the decisions of the judges are not subject to review or appeal. Disputes with the judging panel may result in disqualification from the competition.

The English term Pitch&Go consists of two words: “pitch” is translated as “throw”, and “go” is a command to the dog to run after the thrown projectile. This differs from a regular game of wand in that the pet performs all actions solely on command. This is precisely the difficulty of this sport - a person and his dog must have complete mutual understanding, which can only be achieved through long training. The speed at which the animal completes the task is rather an additional requirement.

Animals of any breed (including outbred), age and size are allowed to participate in pitch and go, with the exception of aggressive and sick dogs, as well as females in heat. At competitions, animals are usually divided into categories according to size: mini - whose height at the withers is less than 35 cm; midi - for dogs from 35 cm (inclusive), but less than 43 cm; maxi – for dogs from 43 cm at the withers and above. Both an adult and a child can act as a handler - the main requirement is the ability to control your pet. Projectile. Retrieval is carried out using various objects, mainly industrial toys for dogs, balls, thick textile sticks, etc. The Frisbee disc is not used in pitch and go - this is a separate sport. During the competition, 1 team can only use 1 item.

One team is given 90 seconds to perform. The countdown begins at the moment the carrying object crosses the start line. During the throw, the handler and the dog must be in the starting area without crossing the line. At the owner’s command, the pet must run to the area where the projectile lies, pick it up with its teeth and bring it back, while at least one of its front paws must cross the starting line. The dog must pick up the object either on the ground or during the rebound. If she intercepts it in the air, then the points do not count.

CONDUCTING PITCH&GO COMPETITIONS

1. General provisions

1. Only one participant and one dog perform on the site at a time.
   1.2.Dogs can only be brought onto the site during competitions (otherwise this will lead to the participant being removed from the competition).
   1.3. During the performance, dogs should not be wearing any equipment or clothing that could cause discomfort to the animals or lead to injury (leash, collar, EO)
   1.4. Aggressive behavior of dogs is unacceptable (a participant with a dog showing aggression is removed from the competition).
   1.5. Sick dogs and bitches in heat are not allowed.
   1.6. Owners are required to clean up after their dogs on the site (otherwise the result will be canceled and the participant will be removed from the competition).
   1.7. Cruelty to animals is not acceptable (the participant is removed from the competition).
   1.8. Discussing the score with the judge is prohibited.
   1.9. To participate in competitions, a veterinary document on rabies vaccination is required.
   1.10. The following items are allowed as a carry-on item:
   a) balls;
   b) any industrial toys for dogs;
   c) special objects intended for fetching: dumbbells, grips.
   1.11. Dogs are divided into 2 height categories: Mini (up to 40 cm at the withers) and Maxi (from 40.1 cm at the withers).
   1.11. Dogs of any age, purebred and mongrel, are allowed.

1. Pitch&Go rules

2.1. The team has 90 seconds to make as many shots as possible.
2.2. The participant throws the fetch object, trying to get it into the zones that give the most points, and the dog returns the fetch to the thrower. Zone diagram:

2.3. At the beginning of the performance, the referee gives a sign for the throws to begin.
2.4. The countdown begins from the moment the retrieval object is thrown and crosses the line of the start zone.
2.5. The thrower must always be behind the line of the start zone, but may step over the line if necessary to return the fetch (the dog does not fetch). In this case, no points are awarded for the throw.
2.6. No points are awarded if the dog grabs the fetch before it hits the ground.
2.6.1. If the dog grabs a bouncing ball in the air, points are awarded. To determine the score, the landing site is taken (determined by the hind legs).
2.7. If the fetch falls outside the marked zones, no points are awarded.
2.8. The dog must give up the retrieval object only in the start area. Points for the throw are awarded if, when returning the fetch, any of the dog's front paws crosses the starting line:

2.9. If the dog, when returning the fetch, drops the fetch object in any zone except the start zone, no points are awarded for the throw.
2.10. If the fetch falls on the zone line, it is considered that it fell into the zone in front.
2.11. Only one apportion item may be used during a performance.
2.12. If the throw is made before the time expires, the throw will count.
2.13. In the event of a tie between two or more participants, the team with the fewest throws takes the higher place.
2.13.1. If teams score an equal number of points with the same number of throws, these participants are offered a repeat series of throws according to the current rules. This point of the rules applies to teams claiming 1st, 2nd or 3rd place based on points.
2.13.2. The remaining participants with equal points and the same number of throws share among themselves the place that they receive as a result of their points.

Pitch and go- another wonderful type of sports dog training, in which exciting and fun competitions are held.

In the summer of 2016, at the Eagle's Nest dog training camp, anyone could take part in the Pitch and Go competition with their dog. I'll tell you and show you how it all happened.

Let's start with the rules.

The basis of Pitch and Go is the retrieval (toeing) of objects.

Site requirements for Pitch and Go.

A rectangular, flat and non-slippery area is being prepared for the competition. In our case, it was a freshly mown clearing. According to the rules, its dimensions must be at least 25 m (in length) and 18 m (in width).

The playing area is divided into sectors, each of which is assigned a certain number of points:

If we consider the starting line as the reference line, then points are awarded as follows:
first 5 meters - 5 points,
from 5 to 10 meters from the start - 10 points,
from 10 to 15 meters - 20 points,
from 15 to 20 meters - 25 points,
from 20 to 25 meters - 15 points.

The person’s task is to throw the retrieval object into the zone that brings the most points.
The dog’s task is to grab this object (but in no case on the fly, but only after it hits the ground) and bring it and give it to the person as quickly as possible.

Throwable item.

Selected by participants at their own discretion. These can be any options convenient for fetching - balls, toys, dumbbells, pullers, grips (the main condition is that they must be safe for the dog).

Please note that the Pitch & Go rules only prohibit frisbees (discs).

I’ll show you with examples what kind of retrieval items the dogs ran with at our competitions:

Time.

Each pair (human-dog) is given one and a half minutes (90 seconds) to perform. During this time, each pair strives to make the maximum number of throws in order to score as many points as possible.

The start of the countdown is the moment of the first throw when the retrieval object crosses the starting line on the court.

If a person manages to throw before the “stop” is announced, but the dog returns the fetch after the “stop”, this throw will still be counted and points will be awarded for it.

Here are some wonderful duets that performed at our Pitch and Go competitions at the Eagle's Nest camp:

Points for throws are not awarded if:

• • the dog caught the object in flight before it touched the ground;
  • if the dog dropped the object before reaching the starting line;
  • if a person stepped over the starting line;
  • if the dog gave up the retrieving object without stepping at least one paw over the starting line;
  • if the retrieval item was thrown outside the marked areas of the site.

Clarifications.

If, during a throw, a fetch (for example, a ball) bounced off the court several times, ending up in different zones, then points will be awarded based on the position of the dog’s paws closest to the starting line, at the moment of landing, after it grabbed it.

If the throw hits the line dividing the sectors, points will be awarded for the sector that is closer to the starting line.

A person can cross the starting line only to take the fetch if the dog does not give it back. In this case, no points are awarded for the throw.

Dogs of any breed (including outbred dogs) and of any age can take part in the competition. The main thing is that the dog is healthy, vaccinated against rabies, not aggressive and not in heat.
For objectivity in summing up the results, dogs are divided into two categories - mini (height at withers up to 40 cm) and maxi (height at withers 40.1 cm and above).

If several participants (two or more pairs) scored the same number of points, then the leader will be declared the pair that made more throws that were “more expensive” in terms of points. For example, two pairs have the same number of points, but the first pair had 5 throws of 25 points, and the second had 6 throws of 25 points. Victory in such a situation will be awarded to the second pair of participants.

These are the simple rules.

Pitch and Go- a simple, but very fun and interesting game that does not require any particularly serious and lengthy preparation for the dog to participate.
It gives a lot of positive emotions to both the dog and the person, and helps to keep the animal in good physical shape. It turns out that Pitch & Go is an ideal useful joint leisure time!
I recommend!!!

For those who have more time and desire to train their dog, let me remind you about another exciting type of dog sport - freestyle. By clicking on , you will be taken to a page where you can watch more than a dozen videos about dancing with dogs from our summer canine camp.

Pitch and go- competitions between sports pairs (a dog and its owner) to retrieve a certain object (one’s own) for the accuracy of the throw by the dog’s owner and the shortest time for the dog to pick up and bring the retrieved object to its owner.

Japan is considered the legislator of this type of sports competition between sports pairs. This type of entertainment came to Russia in 2008. Why I named it entertainment is because this type of competition has the character of an optional competition or, as it is commonly called, a hobby sport. But this is for now, and in the future we hope that this species will join the main cohort of serious competitions, since these competitions already have their own rules.

Who can compete in this type of competition?

In Pitch & Go the following sports pairs can compete:

dogs of any breed, any size, age and gender. The exceptions are aggressive, sick and estrus bitches. There are no restrictions for dog owners.

Sports couples are divided into groups:

the first group of dogs measuring up to 40 centimeters at the withers;

The second group of dogs measures over 40.1 centimeters at the withers.

Competitions among sports pairs are held on pre-prepared and marked sites; there may be several of them, depending on the number of participants. Each site is marked with its own scoring range from 5 to 25 points. The dog owner throws a fetch object (it can be different, one of the dog’s toys) into one of the zones for which he receives points. One fetch item is presented for the competition.

Procedure for performing the exercise

The sports couple goes to the starting point. After the judge's command to perform the exercise, the dog owner throws the maximum number of throws with a retrieval object into those scoring zones that give the most points within 90 seconds. The dog must quickly respond to the owner’s commands and bring the fetch item on time.

The timing begins from the moment the retrieval object crosses the starting line. The dog owner is prohibited from crossing the starting line, unless the dog has brought a retrieval item.After being thrown, the thrown object must fall into one of the zones and must touch the ground before the dog retrieves it, otherwise the points will not be protected.

The dog must return the retrieval item after crossing the starting line. Victory is awarded to the sports couple that accumulates the most points. It happens that teams score the same number of points. Then the victory is awarded to the sports pair that made fewer throws. If the number of throws and points is equal, the judge gives sports couples the opportunity to perform another series of throws. These competition rules may apply to sports pairs who, according to the terms of the competition, occupy 1-3 places.

Pitch and go(from the English pitch&go - throw and run) is a young but very exciting sport. Every year there are more and more people involved in this discipline. A sports couple can even consist of a child who can throw an object and a puppy who can fetch it.

Moreover, there are no breed restrictions! After all, any dog ​​can take part in competitions, regardless of breed, size, age and level of training. The main condition is that the dog must be controllable, not aggressive, and loving to bring the owner a retrieval item.

Pitch and Go is a fun competition for dogs who love fetching. The birthplace of this active entertainment is Japan. There are many interesting competitions in Japan where you can come with your dog to demonstrate its skills. Moreover, even such simple ones as endurance or the command “Come to me!”

During the competition, both spectators and participants receive a lot of positive emotions! You and your pet can also take part in such competitions.

Rules for Pitch & Go Competitions

1. General Provisions.

1.1. Only one participant and one dog perform on the site at a time. The surface of the competition field must be smooth, not slippery and not very hard. An athlete can use only one retrieval item during the entire performance. In each discipline, an athlete may compete with no more than two (2) dogs.

1.2. Dogs may only be brought onto the court during competitions (otherwise this will result in the competitor being disqualified from the competition).

1.3. During the performance, dogs should not be wearing any equipment or clothing that could cause discomfort to the animals or lead to injury (leash, collar, EO).

1.4. Aggressive behavior of dogs is unacceptable (a participant with a dog showing aggression is removed from the competition).

1.5. Sick dogs and bitches in heat are not allowed.

1.6. Owners are required to clean up after their dogs on the site (otherwise the result will be canceled and the participant will be removed from the competition).

1.7. Cruelty to animals is not acceptable (the participant is removed from the competition).

1.8. Discussing the score with the judge is prohibited.

1.9. To participate in competitions, a veterinary document on rabies vaccination is required.

1.10. The following items are prohibited as a fetch item: frisbees (discs).

1.10.1. The following items are allowed as a carry-on item:
a) balls;
b) any industrial toys for dogs;
c) special objects intended for fetching: dumbbells, grips.

1.11. Dogs are divided into 2 height categories: mini (up to 40 cm at the withers) and maxi (from 40.1 cm at the withers).

1.12. Dogs of any age, purebred and mongrel, are allowed. The field on which the competition is held must be rectangular in shape and have a minimum size of 25 m in length and 18 m in width.

1.13. The minimum size of the start zone (or accumulation zone) is 5 meters from the start line.

1.14. In all disciplines, only one athlete and his dog may be present on the field at one time, each pair at their own time, according to the order.

1.15. Spectators, photographers, and the press are prohibited from being on the competition field and within one meter of the outer field marking line.

2. Throws and order of performance in the individual competition.

2.1. Each pair has 90 seconds to make as many throws as possible.

2.2. The participant throws the fetch object, trying to get it into the zones that give the most points, and the dog returns the fetch to the thrower. The zone diagram is shown in the Appendix, Fig. 1.

2.3. At the beginning of the performance, the referee gives a sign for the throws to begin.

2.4. The countdown begins from the moment the retrieval object is thrown and crosses the line of the start zone.

2.5. The thrower must always be behind the line of the start zone, but may step over the line if necessary to return the fetch (the dog does not fetch). In this case, no points are awarded for the throw.

2.6. No points are awarded if the dog grabs the fetch before it hits the ground.

2.6.1. If the dog grabs a bouncing ball in the air, points are awarded. To determine the score, the landing site is taken (determined by the hind legs).

2.7. If the fetch falls outside the marked zones, no points are awarded.

2.8. The dog must give up the retrieval object only in the start area. Points for the throw are awarded if, when returning the fetch, any front paw of the dog crosses the starting line (see Appendix, Fig. 2).

2.9. If the dog, when returning the fetch, drops the fetch object in any zone except the start zone, no points are awarded for the throw.

2.10. If the fetch falls on the zone line, it is considered that it fell into the zone in front.

2.11. During a performance, only one fetch item can be used.

2.12. If the throw is made before the time expires, the throw will count.

2.13. In the event of a tie between two or more participants, the team with the fewest throws takes the higher place.

2.13.1. If teams score an equal number of points with the same number of throws, these participants are offered a repeat series of throws according to the current rules. This point of the rules applies to teams claiming 1st, 2nd or 3rd place based on points.

2.13.2. The remaining participants with equal points and the same number of throws share among themselves the place that they receive as a result of their points.

2.14. All throws in which the fetch was released from the athlete’s hand before the end of the performance time are counted, even if the performance time ended before the throw was completed (before the dog returned the fetch).

2.15. The throw is counted if, during the raising of the fetch, at least one paw of the dog was inside the boundaries of the competition field. If the catch occurs exactly on the border of two zones, the one closest to the starting line is counted.

3. Throws and order of performance in the team competition.

3.1. The team must consist of three (3) performing pairs (handler + dog) and have its own name.

3.2. A team is allowed nine (9) throws - three (3) throws for each competing pair on the team.

3.3. The sequence of performance of each participant is carried out according to the starting protocol, one after another, one (1) throw at a time.

3.4. After the first participant has completed his first throw, he must: take the fetch from the dog, fix it and give a signal (for example, raise his hand with the fetch) for the next member of his team to throw.

3.4.1. If the next team member in the order of performance performs a fetch throw without waiting for a signal (or the fetch was not taken from the dog) of his partner, he receives 0 points for his throw.

3.5. Each team is given an estimated control time to perform.

3.6. The presence in a team of at least one dog belonging to the mini category means a deduction of 5 seconds from the team’s final performance time.

3.7. The scoring is carried out in the same way as in the individual competition, only the 30-point zone is missing.

3.8. If a team is ahead of the control time, the difference with the control time is added to its score of points (1 second = 1 point).

3.9. If a team falls behind the control time, the difference with the control time is subtracted from its score.

3.10. Each participant in a team performance must be behind the starting line before the competition judge gives permission to begin the performance.

3.11. The countdown of the team's performance time begins from the moment when the aportable object is thrown by the first pair and crosses the line of the start zone.

3.12. The time is stopped after the last team member returns behind the start line.

3.13. Each couple on the team must have only their own fetch item during the performance.

3.14. Violation of the order of performance of the participants of one team leads to its disqualification.

4. Order and discipline at competitions.

4.1. If during the performance the dog damages or soils the area, the performance time is immediately stopped. The athlete is disqualified and cannot continue further performance. The number of points received by the performing pair up to this point is taken into account. The athlete is obliged to immediately eliminate the consequences of the incident. If the handler fails to comply with this requirement, the pair will be completely disqualified with a zero result.

4.2. An athlete’s cruel treatment of a dog during a performance, obscene language, open display of hostility towards other participants in the competition, as well as appearing on the competition field while intoxicated, is punishable by disqualification for a period established by the refereeing team (that is, disqualification for a certain number of subsequent competitions is possible , or for a temporary period)

4.3. During the competition, only 1 pair of performers can be on the field: a handler and a dog, not counting the team of judges. Other competitors cannot approach the starting zone (determined by the starting line) closer than 5 meters. It is prohibited to be in this area with dogs and to play a dog with the athlete next in line, as this may interfere with the current performance. If such a fact is recorded, the couple that violated this rule will be disqualified.

4.4. It is prohibited to train a dog and play with it before a performance in the immediate vicinity of the competition field while other participants are performing. Especially when using “squeaky” toys. The degree of guilt of the athlete is determined by the decision of the judge, and the athlete is given a warning.

4.5. Dog aggression is unacceptable in competitions. If a dog shows aggression towards a person or another dog in the field of view of the chief judge (both before, during and after the competition until the end of the award ceremony), the dog and its handler are disqualified, their result is equal to 0. A preliminary warning may be issued. The period of disqualification is set by the chief judge and depends on the severity of the consequences of the aggression shown: from the result in a given discipline to an unlimited time.

4.6. Within the competition area (everything that surrounds the competition ringfield, the area where the competition participants are and are waiting for their turn), the dog must be next to the handler on a leash, or be tied. Uncontrolled movement of a dog without a leash is unacceptable. And in the case of a dog running into the competition ring during the performance of another pair, 1 warning is issued, depending on the severity of the act, or the pair that violated this rule may be disqualified (in the case of obvious running into the field, when the dog ran out to the performing dog and /or to her toy, which interfered with the performance). The performing pair is assigned a re-roll.

4.7. Disputes with the panel of judges and any appeals are prohibited at any time during active competitions. For hostility and disputes with the team judge, disqualification for a period established by the chief judge or the issuance of 1 preliminary warning is also possible.

4.8. If a participant receives 2 warnings during the competition, the participant is disqualified for the given competition with one or all dogs (if there is more than one dog).

4.9. Females in heat are not allowed to compete. If an athlete conceals the fact that his dog is in heat from the judges, the couple will be disqualified. Sick dogs (and pregnant bitches) also cannot participate in Frisbee Dog competitions. Dogs with developmental or structural defects (or acquired) are allowed to participate, but do not cause problems for the dog or handler during the performance (do not lead to a risk of injury) and do not have health problems. Admission is determined on the spot by the chief judge of the competition. The period of disqualification is set by a panel of judges, depending on the severity of the consequences caused by the presence of such a dog at competitions.