5. Field Setup, Weekly Play & Scoring

5.1 Standard Field Requirements

5.1.1 Field Dimensions

League fields must be as flat and clear as possible—free from debris, holes, or obstructions—and meet the following standard dimensions:

• Length: 50 yards
• Width:
  • 10 yards wide at each end
  • 20 yards wide at the 25-yard midpoint

Recommended Field Buffer: A 10-yard buffer surrounding the entire field is suggested, making the ideal space 70 yards x 40 yards.

5.1.2 Scoring Zones

The field is divided into five 10-yard scoring zones:

• 0–10 yards = 0 points
• 10–20 yards = 1 point
• 20–30 yards = 2 points
• 30–40 yards = 3 points
• 40–50 yards = 5 points

5.1.3 Field Markings

• Painted lines are encouraged but not required for regular weekly League play.
• At a minimum, 14 cones or pylons must mark the field corners and scoring zones.
• Line Judges use line-of-sight between cones to determine scoring zones when painted lines are not used.

5.2 Field Adjustments for Limited Space

If field space is restricted, Clubs may adjust as follows:

• The 40–50 yard zone may be shortened or removed.
• Field width may be reduced if 20-yard center width cannot be achieved.
• All other scoring zones must remain in standard 10-yard increments.
• All Teams must throw from the same starting line on a shortened field.
• Captains must notify League Administration when using a shortened field.

These adjustments ensure inclusivity without compromising scoring consistency.

5.3 Approved Discs and Disc Management

5.3.1 Approved Discs

Any dog-safe round disc without a hole, no larger than 9" (228mm) in diameter, is permitted.
Approved discs must meet these criteria:

• Made of non-toxic, dog-safe plastic or fabric.
• Durable or soft enough to avoid cracking or injuring a dog’s mouth.
• Reinforced, rounded rims for safe gripping.
• Typical weight: 110–145 grams.
• Smaller (6"–7") discs are allowed for Tiny Dogs and puppies.

Also approved:

• Soft rubber or floppy discs
• Round fabric discs

5.3.2 Prohibited Discs

• Ultimate Frisbee discs (too large and heavy)
• Golf discs (too sharp and dense)
• Aerobie-style ring discs (unsafe design)

5.3.3 Disc Management

Only one disc may be used in play per round.
If using a Lure Disc, it must be a visibly different color.
Switching discs mid-round is only allowed if a disc becomes unsafe. To switch:

• Backup disc(s) must be handed to the Starting Line Judge prior to the round.
• The damaged disc must be handed off before the replacement is used.

5.4 Weekly Play Structure

5.4.1 Weekly Rounds

Each Team plays two (2) rounds of Toss & Fetch per week:

• All Teams in a Club must play on the same field under consistent judging and conditions.
  • If members play at different locations, they must form separate Clubs.

Format Options:

• 60:/All Format: Score all successful catches within 60 seconds.
• 90:/5 Format: Score the five highest-value catches within 90 seconds.

5.4.2 Practice Throw

Each Team may take one (1) optional Practice Throw before their round:

• Handler must announce “Practice Throw” to the Line Judge.
• Afterward, Handlers may:
  • Switch field ends (if desired)
  • Switch to a different disc
  • No second Practice Throw is allowed

5.5 Timekeeping & Round Management

5.5.1 Round Timing

A League-approved auto audio timer is required for all rounds. (Available for download at Disc Dog University.)

Round process:

• Handler gives a “thumbs up” to the judges.
• Timer begins with “Ready, Set, Go.”
• The dog, handler, and disc must be behind the starting line until “GO” is called.
  • Early movement = False Start. The timer resets, and the round starts over.

Time Calls Include:

• “30 Seconds” remaining
• “10 Seconds” remaining
• Countdown: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, TIME.”
• A throw released before the “T” in “TIME” is in play.

5.5.2 Throwing Direction

• Handlers may throw from either end of the field but must remain behind the line for all throws in a round.
• Dogs may be anywhere on the field during play.
• Handler may retrieve a disc or dog but must return behind the line to throw again.
• No one other than the active handler and dog may touch a disc in play.

Why? Standardized play ensures fairness and consistency across all Clubs worldwide.

5.6 Scoring Per Catch

5.6.1 Points by Distance

Points are awarded based on the trailing paws of the dog at the moment of the catch:

• 10–20 yards = 1 point
• 20–30 yards = 2 points
• 30–40 yards = 3 points
• 40–50 yards = 5 points

Additional Notes: The League adheres to "The Line is Your Friend" scoring placement, whereby:

• If trailing paws land on a zone line, the higher point value is awarded.
• Only one (1) paw must be in bounds or on a sideline for the catch to count.
• Catches beyond 50 yards = 0 points.

5.6.2 Air Bonus

• A 0.5-point bonus is awarded for a clear jumping catch with all four paws off the ground.
• The jump must be obvious and intentional—not just an extended stride.

5.6.3 Junior Handler Exceptions

For Junior Handlers (13 and under):

• A good-faith throw that reaches the 0–10 yard zone or goes out-of-bounds earns 1 point if attempted from at least 10 yards away.
• No Air Bonus is awarded for these exceptions.

5.7 Roller Dog Classification

We "Let It Roll"

If your dog can’t catch a flying disc—because it’s too young, too old, or just can’t do it—you can still play! The League allows Teams to compete using rollers.

• Roller Teams are scored and ranked like any other team.
• Roller Teams are eligible for Club Points.
• A Team that chooses the ROLLER designation must commit for the entire season.
• No handicap points are awarded to Roller Teams, regardless of the handler’s Division.
• Tiny Dog Roller Teams still earn the Tiny Dog Bonus Point per catch.
• Junior Roller Teams earn 1 point for a catch short of the 10-yard line or out-of-bounds.
• Handlers with multiple dogs may designate some or all of their dogs as Roller Teams.

How to Judge Rollers:

• The dog must “catch” the disc by biting it before it tips over or comes to a stop.
• All other Toss & Fetch rules—including trailing paw scoring and out-of-bounds—apply.

5.8 Tiny Dog Classification

Tiny Dog Qualification

Any dog measuring 40 cm (15.75 inches) or less at the withers qualifies as a Tiny Dog (TD).

• The “withers” is the ridge between the shoulder blades.
• To measure: place the dog on level ground, measure from the top of the withers straight down to the ground.
• Captains must record the height in centimeters on the Club’s Roster each season.

Tiny Dog Bonus Points

In addition to standard handicap points, Tiny Dogs receive 1 bonus point per catch. Scoring for Tiny Dogs:

• 0–10 yards = 0 points (1 point for Juniors)
• 10–20 yards = 2 points
• 20–30 yards = 3 points
• 30–40 yards = 4 points
• 40–50 yards = 6 points
• Air Bonus still applies: +0.5 points for a four-paw airborne catch

Tiny Dog 55-Point Limit

• A Tiny Dog Team’s combined 2-round weekly score is capped at 55 points.
• Scores above 55 are recorded as 55.

5.9 Mulligan Rule & Missed Weeks

The Mulligan Rule builds flexibility into the season and helps maintain fairness when unforeseen issues arise.

• Each Team’s lowest-scoring week is dropped at season’s end.
• If a Team misses a week, that becomes the dropped score.
• No make-up rounds are allowed.
• Missed weeks cannot be played at a later date.

6. Judging, Oversight & Valid Rounds

6.1 Overview

Accurate judging and proper oversight are critical to the fairness, consistency, and enjoyment of League play. Every round of K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch must meet minimum judging standards to be considered valid and official.

Note: These judging rules apply to regular season K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch League play. Additional judging criteria apply to K9 Frisbee World Games events (e.g., Precision Distance, Disc Dog Dash, Speed Retrieve, Progressive Doubles) and to the Worldwide Championship (WWC).

6.2 Required Roles for Valid Rounds

To ensure fairness and peer oversight, every valid League round must have:

• One Handler actively playing.
• Two Sideline Judges actively judging the field.
• One On-Deck Handler observing play.
• A Club Captain or designated Co-Captain overseeing play.

At least four active League members (on Teams that season) must be present. Peer oversight protects League integrity, promotes safety, and ensures consistent play standards across Clubs.

6.3 Sideline Judges

Sideline Judges are essential to objective scoring. They are responsible for:

• Being in position before the round begins.
• Confirming readiness with the Line Judge.
• Judging scoring zone placement, Air Bonus leaps, and Out-of-Bounds calls.

If two Sideline Judges are not present before a round starts, the round must be restarted immediately. Rounds completed without proper judging are invalid and must be replayed.

6.4 Line Judge Responsibilities

The Line Judge manages:

• Starting the round with “Ready, Set, Go.”
• Timing the round accurately with calls at:
  • “30 Seconds” remaining
  • “10 Seconds” remaining
  • “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, TIME”
• Verifying that a throw released before the “T” in “TIME” counts

Standardized timing and clear calls allow for fair strategy and competition across Clubs worldwide.

6.5 Judging Close Calls

• Always give the benefit of the doubt to the dog on close catches and boundary calls.
• Use line-of-sight between cones if no painted lines are present.
• Judges may confer briefly to confirm uncertain calls.

All judging decisions are final at the Club level.

6.6 Same Field, Multiple Days

To accommodate different schedules:

• Clubs may hold official League play across multiple days within the same League week.
• Each play day must meet full judging and oversight standards:
  • Four participants
  • Two Sideline Judges
  • A Club Captain or Co-Captain present

6.7 Solo Rounds and Video Submissions Not Permitted

• Handlers may not play alone and submit scores.
• Video-recorded rounds are not accepted.
• All play must occur live, on the Club’s official field, under approved oversight.

These rules preserve the integrity, fairness, and community focus of League play.

6.8 Reporting Misconduct or Fair Play Concerns

Fair play is everyone’s responsibility. If a member observes:

• Rule violations
• Improper judging
• Unsportsmanlike behavior

They should:

1. First address it with their Club Captain privately.
2. If needed, escalate to the League Administrator via Facebook Messenger or email: mark@tossandfetch.com

Most issues are honest mistakes and resolved quickly and respectfully. Local issues that do not affect fairness or gameplay should be handled within the Club.

6.9 Worldwide Championship (WWC) Regional Judging Requirements

Because of the global nature and elevated competition of the WWC, additional standards apply:

• Three Judges per Field:
  • Two Sideline Judges for scoring and boundary calls
  • One Starting Line Judge to monitor:
    • Foot faults
    • False starts
    • Starting line infractions
• All WWC rounds must:
  • Be played on lined fields
  • Use automated audio timer files

These elevated requirements ensure fairness and standardization across all WWC Regionals.

7. League Traveling Rule

7.1 Overview

The League Traveling Rule allows Members to maintain their participation and weekly scores by playing rounds with a different active Club when traveling, facing scheduling conflicts, or seeking community.

While flexible, the Traveling Rule must be used responsibly to uphold fair play and sportsmanship. Scores earned while traveling may still count for the Handler’s declared Home Club, provided the protocols below are followed.

The Traveling Rule encourages:

• Maximizing weekly participation
• Flexibility for real life
• Greater camaraderie and connectivity
• Broader opportunities to meet other Teams

7.2 Declaring and Maintaining a Home Club

To preserve fair Club competition and Club identity:

• Members must declare a Home Club at the beginning of each Season.
• A Member must play at least one week with their Home Club.
• If a Member plays three (3) or more weeks with another Club, that Club becomes their default Home Club for that Season.
• A Member may earn Club Points for only one Club per Season.
• League Fees (and any Club-specific fees) must be paid to the Member’s declared Home Club Captain.

7.3 Playing Priority

Protecting Home Club participation preserves Club loyalty and inter-Club competition integrity.

• Members should make every reasonable effort to play with their Home Club.
• The Traveling Rule may not be used for competitive advantage, such as avoiding weather or field conditions.
• If a Home Club cancels League play for a week, Members may join another Club for that week without penalty.
• Switching Home Clubs mid-season is not allowed, except under the three-week default reassignment rule.

7.4 Playing as a Visitor: Responsibilities

Visitor transparency ensures fair scoring and builds goodwill between Clubs.

To participate with another Club as a Visitor:

• Request permission in advance from the visiting Club’s Captain.
• Notify your Home Club Captain of where and when you plan to play.
• Pay any fees required by the visiting Club.
• Follow all local Club rules and guidelines.
• Report your weekly score back to your Home Club Captain immediately and accurately.

7.5 No Make-Ups or Double Weekly Play

The Mulligan Rule already offers flexibility by dropping each Team’s lowest-scoring week. Additional replays would compromise fairness.

• A missed week cannot be made up by playing later with another Club.
• Teams may not replay a weekly round with a different Club to try for a better score.

7.6 Traveling Rule & the Worldwide Championship (WWC)

• Scores earned via the Traveling Rule count toward WWC eligibility if participation standards are met.
• To qualify for the WWC, a Team must play in at least three (3) weeks of an official League Season during the qualifying period.
• Qualified Teams may attend any WWC Regional, even outside their home region, while still representing their declared Home Club.

The Traveling Rule supports season-long engagement and allows Teams to proudly represent their Club—even while on the road.

8. Handler Divisions, Handicapping & Promotions

8.1 What Are Division Promotions?

The K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch League’s Division Handicap System is designed to level the playing field so that all Handlers—regardless of experience, skill level, or physical ability—can:

• Compete fairly across Clubs of all sizes and strengths
• Earn Club Points
• Compare themselves to peers in the same Division
• Celebrate personal growth through skill-based promotions

Less than 10% of all League Handlers compete at the Expert level, and only about 25–30% more are at the Master level. Earning a promotion to either is an accomplishment worth celebrating, and a testament to your growth as a thrower and teammate to your dog.

To recognize that growth and maintain fair competition, the League awards promotions at the end of each 5-week Season. Final Week 5 Team Scores include Division promotions earned during the Season.

8.2 How the Division Handicap System Works

Every League Team is assigned a Division based on the Handler’s current level. Division Handicap Points are added to each weekly Team Score according to the Division listed on the Roster:

Division	Handicap	Description
Junior	+10 pts/week	For Handlers age 13 or under. No minimum age.
Handler	+10 pts/week.	Entry-level Division. Open to all new and casual players.
Master	+5 pts/week	For intermediate Handlers with improved skills and consistency.
Expert	0 pts/week	Achieved by advanced players with elite throwing and catching ability.

Important Notes:

• Handlers may choose to opt into a higher Division at any time.
• Division designation applies to the Handler, not the dog.
• Once promoted, the Handler competes in that Division for all dogs and Teams in future Seasons.
• Only the League Administrator may approve a demotion due to permanent injury or illness—and only at the start of a Season.

8.3 How Division Promotions Are Earned

Promotion criteria vary slightly depending on the season format:

In 60:/All Format Seasons:

• Master Promotion: Score 21+ points in at least two different weeks with the same dog.
• Expert Promotion: Score 32+ points in at least two different weeks with the same dog.

In 90:/5 Format Seasons:

• Master Promotion: Score 25+ points in at least two different weeks with the same dog.
• Expert Promotion: Score 36+ points in at least two different weeks with the same dog.

Promotions are based on the Handler's top-performing dog, and only one promotion is granted per Season, regardless of how many dogs a Handler plays.

8.4 Embrace Your Promotion

If you’ve earned a promotion—congratulations! That means you’ve demonstrated the skill, accuracy, and consistency to compete at a higher level. The promotion reflects the Handler’s ability, not the dog’s.

You must compete in the highest Division you’ve earned in all future Seasons. This ensures fair scoring and reflects the spirit of good sportsmanship.

If you’re running multiple dogs, all your Teams compete in your assigned Division.

8.5 No Sandbagging

Sandbagging—intentionally underperforming or playing in a Division below your skill level—is a violation of League spirit and fairness. It includes:

• Enrolling in a lower Division after earning a promotion
• Avoiding full effort to remain eligible for Handicap Points

The League operates on the Honor System. We trust every Handler to:

• Play hard every round
• Accept their earned Division
• Support fair competition across all Clubs

Need a Demotion?

Only in cases of permanent illness or long-term injury can a demotion request be considered. It must be approved before a Season begins and requested by your Club Captain.

8.6 Final Word: Play Fair, Play Proud

You’ve worked hard to improve. Be proud of that. A Master promotion means you’re connecting regularly in the 30-yard range. An Expert promotion puts you in the top 10% of all players in the world.

Wherever you stand, your job is simple:
Play your best. Play fair. And have fun with your dog.

9. Frisbee Dog Titles & Certificate Recognition

9.1 What Are Frisbee Dog Titles?

Frisbee Dog Titles honor the prowess and performance of the dogs themselves in the game of K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch. These titles celebrate a dog’s athleticism, consistency, and scoring success over multiple League Seasons, creating a lasting legacy of participation and excellence.

There are two primary Dog Title tracks:

• Frisbee Dog Titles – for dogs competing primarily with air-thrown discs.
• Roller Dog Titles – for dogs competing exclusively under the Roller classification.

Each track is designed to recognize the dog’s achievement in its own right—whether flying through the air or chasing a roller downfield.

Titles are earned through consistent participation and cumulative scoring across multiple League Seasons. Each Title earned reflects the hard work, teamwork, and joy shared between dog and Handler.

9.2 How Frisbee Dog Titles Are Earned

Frisbee Dog Titles reflect a dog’s scoring ability, reliability, and commitment over time. To earn a Frisbee Dog Title, a Team must:

• Compete in multiple official League Seasons.
• Accumulate a minimum number of total points across those Seasons.

As dogs reach key scoring milestones, they earn Title Degrees, representing increasing levels of achievement. These milestones are tracked automatically by the League and posted in seasonal results folders.

Handlers receive downloadable certificates as official recognition of their dog’s journey and accomplishment in the League.

9.3 Roller Dog Titles

Dogs competing under the ROLLER Classification are equally eligible to earn Roller Dog Titles, celebrating teams who roll rather than toss.

To qualify for Roller Dog Titles:

• A Team must be designated as ROLLER for the entire Season.
• The dog must accumulate scores across multiple Seasons of official League play.

Like Frisbee Dog Titles, Roller Dog Titles are awarded based on cumulative points and are tracked and recorded by the League. These Titles recognize the athleticism and dedication of dogs who roll with it—and the handlers who make it happen.

Note: Roller and Tiny Dog are Classifications, not Divisions. They do not impact Division placement or promotions, but they do affect scoring rules and Title tracking.

9.4 Title Eligibility for Squad Members

9.4.1 Promotions for Squad Members

Handlers playing for Squads—Clubs with fewer than 8 active Handlers—are eligible to:

• Earn Division promotions (Handler ➝ Master ➝ Expert).
• Use the online Promotion Certificate Wizard to generate Division promotion certificates.

9.4.2 Dog Title Restrictions for Squads

However, because Squads lack adequate peer oversight and judging consistency:

• Squad Members are not eligible to earn Frisbee Dog or Roller Dog Titles.
• Dog Titles are reserved for Teams playing in full-status Clubs (8 or more members).

This policy helps ensure the integrity of Title recognition while also promoting Club growth and broader participation.

9.5 Certificate Wizards: Easy & Accessible Recognition

The League provides online Certificate Wizards so eligible Handlers can quickly create and download personalized certificates.

9.5.1 How It Works

1. Locate your Promotion or Title Confirmation Code in the League’s Season Results folders (via Google Drive).
2. Go to the appropriate Wizard form on the League website.
3. Fill in your name, your dog’s name (if applicable), and the Season of achievement.
4. Receive your customized PDF certificate via email—ready to print, share, or frame.

9.5.2 Available Certificates

• Division Promotion Certificates: Celebrate Handler promotions with Degree level (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd promotion to Master or Expert).
• Dog Title Certificates: Commemorate your dog’s earned Title in either the Frisbee Dog or Roller Dog category.

The Certificate Wizard system offers a fun, professional, and permanent way to mark the milestones that matter most—your bond, your dedication, and your dog’s achievements.

10. Worldwide Championship Rules & Eligibility

10.1 Overview: The Crown Jewel of the League

The Worldwide Championship (WWC) is the premier global event of the K9 Frisbee Worldwide League.

Held annually in September, the WWC brings together top-performing Teams and Clubs from across the globe to compete for individual titles, Club honors, and international bragging rights.

Unlike standard League Seasons, the WWC features enhanced judging, stricter eligibility standards, and a unique competition format to ensure a world-class level of fairness, consistency, and excitement.

10.2 WWC Scheduling and Format

10.2.1 Flexible Regional Championship Window

The WWC is played at Regional Championships held worldwide during an 8-day competition window:

• Saturday through the following Sunday

Clubs and Regional Hosts may schedule their event on any day within this window to accommodate:

• Local weather
• Field availability
• Member availability and travel

This flexibility ensures broad participation while maintaining consistent global standards.

10.2.2 WWC Competition Format

• Each Team plays three (3) 60-second rounds
• All catches are scored — no 90:/5 format at the WWC
• Division Handicap points are applied after the round scores:
  • +15 points: Handlers & Juniors
  • +7.5 points: Masters
  • No handicap: Experts
• Tiny Dog Bonus: +1 point per catch still applies
• Each Club’s Top 8 unique “A” Teams contribute to Club Points
• Roller Class Teams are fully eligible for scoring and Club contribution

10.3 Field and Judging Requirements

To ensure global consistency and fairness, all WWC Regionals must meet these standards:

• Painted field lines (no cones-only setups)
• Automated audio timer for all rounds
• Three (3) live Judges per field:
  • Two Sideline Judges (catches, zones, air bonuses, out-of-bounds)
  • One Starting Line Judge (foot faults, false starts, timing infractions)

These enhanced requirements create a world-class, standardized competition environment across all Regions.

10.4 Eligibility Requirements

10.4.1 Team Eligibility

To qualify for the WWC, a Team must:

• Have played together (same Handler and Dog) in at least one full League Season within the past 12 months
• Have played at least three (3) weeks of that qualifying Season
• Compete for only one Club — any Club they played for during the qualifying period

If a Handler and Dog did not play together during a Season, they are not eligible for the WWC. At the discretion of the Regional Host, a non-qualified may play in the "Fun Run" Division.

10.4.2 WWC League Fees

All WWC Teams must register and pay the applicable League fee:

 

Local Clubs may add a venue surcharge to cover:

• Field rental
• Supplies
• Awards
• Local fundraising

There is no League limit to the number of dogs a Handler may enter. However, local Hosts may impose a cap (e.g., two dogs per person) due to time and field constraints.

10.5 Hosting a WWC Regional

Hosting a WWC Regional is both an honor and a responsibility. To host:

• Two or more experienced Club Captains must co-host and manage the event
  • If two Captains are not available, the Regional must have active participants from two different Clubs
• The field and format must comply with WWC judging and setup standards
• A WWC Regional Application must be submitted at least one month in advance
• Hosts must contact the League Administrator via Facebook Messenger or email (mark@tossandfetch.com) for vetting and final approval

This process ensures consistency and integrity across all WWC locations.

10.6 WWC Awards & Recognition

The WWC celebrates the hard work and excellence of both individual Teams and Clubs with the following official awards:

Award	Who Earns It	Description
WWC Patch	All participating Teams	Special commemorative patch for taking part
WWC Canis Magnus Patch	Top 8 “A” Teams per Club	Recognizes the core scoring contributors for each Club
WWC Canis Felix Patch	All other active WWC Teams	Honors every Team that competed
Regional Champion Awards	Top scoring Teams by Division	Awarded on-site at local Regionals (ribbons, medals, etc.)

• Official patches and awards are mailed to Club Captains after the WWC concludes
• Local Hosts may offer additional prizes at their discretion