How to Be a Timer at an Agility Trial

Dog agility is a sport where the dog and handler navigate through a course of obstacles that must be done properly in the correct order. There are many different agility games. Usually the judge designs the course and that is what must be run in the order designated. Sometimes the handler picks her own course through the agility field and has to get points and meet speed qualifications under the rules of the game. Sometimes dogs run in relay pairs. Every agility course is judged on accuracy and speed. Every run is timed, and there is always a ring timer who either operates the mechanical timer or uses a stop watch. The timer must be aware of the judge's rules, pay attention to what is going on in the field and accurately record the time for each team.

Things You'll Need

  • Comfortable layered clothing.
  • Gloves for chilly weather.
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Instructions

  1. How to Be a Timer at an Agility Trial

    • 1

      Be very vigilant and observant when timing an agility trial, it's an important job. Dog events rely on the help of many volunteers who do everything from setting up courses, being gate steward, recording scores and keeping time. It is a true group effort and every job is important. The timer's job is critical because whether a dog qualifies or not may depend on how fast they run the course, and people have spent a great deal of work and money getting to the event. The timer must be very accurate! There is always someone to ask if you have a question about timing the trial so don't be shy.

    • 2

      Be accurate and record every stepof each run as instructed by the chief ring steward or judge. While most agility trials use remote timers, which are triggered at the first and last obstacle as the dog passes over or through it, sometimes an old fashioned stopwatch must be used. The time starts when the dog's nose (or feet, whichever comes first) passes through the plane of the first obstacle in the course, and is stopped when the dog clears the final obstacle. The timer gives the recorded time to the scribe, who is keeping notes of the dog's faults and time for scoring purposes. Some agility games are run in two sections, each timed seperately. The timer must be very accurate in recording each section. The timer also signals to the handler that everything is ready and she may go when ready.

    • 3

      Make sure remote timers are recording properly and be ready to trigger it manually if necessaey. Remote timers are triggered when the dog crosses the plane of the first and last obstacles. In this case the timer's job is a little easier although equipment malfunctions and even wind or rain can trigger the timer at the wrong time. The remote or automatic timers are quite sophisticated and can be set to record dual times, or record times for two different dogs on the same course. Most automatic timers have a button attached to a loudspeaker which when triggered by the timer, sounds to let the handler know she can start the course whenever she and her dog are ready.

    • 4

      Watch everything on the course. You cannot signal the handler to go until the scribe is ready to start recording, the jump-setters and tunnel-fluffers are off the course and the judge is ready. Sometimes the handler is nervous already and false starts are unsettling for both handler and dog!

    • 5

      Ask the judge what her policy is if the dog runs by the last obstacle, which means the automatic timer will keep recording. She may want the time stopped when the dog runs past the obstacle, or she may want it stopped only after the dog has been given a second chance to go back and correct. This will probably depend on the skill level of the course but each judge is different so always check with her if there are any questions.

    • 6

      Wear comfortable clothes to an agility event. As timer or foany of the other ringside jobs where you will be sitting for a while, it is smart to dresss in layers so you can stay comfortable and concentrate. If the trial is outdoors, it could start in the morning being very chilly (wear gloves because numb fingers are no fun) and end up warm later in the day. Dress accordingly and bring sunglasses if it's going to get sunny.

    • 7

      Volunteer at an agility trial if you ever compete because is an important way to ensure the event goes smoothly and is fun for everyone. Volunteers often get benefits like workers' lunch and sometimes reduced entry fees at the club sanctioned trials. Mostly it is a way to "give back" and realise how much work goes into making an agility trial happen!