There are several types of USDAA relay courses a team may encounter. The course is divided into portions for each dog to run one after another as the handlers pass a baton between them during the exchange. Pairs Relay consists of 2 dog/handlers teams and Team Relay consists of 3 dog/handler teams.

The pair, or team, enter the course area together. The first dog to run is set up at the first jump, with the handler holding a baton. The other team member(s) set up in the "exchange" box, an area defined by the judge in which the baton exchange must take place. If the baton is thrown or dropped a penalty is incurred by the team. The waiting team members may hold their dog in a "stay" or may restrain them in a manner approved by the judge. Mini dogs may be held in the arms under some judges, ask to be sure.

As the first team completes their portion of the course, handler number one passes the baton to the next partner and they may begin their portion of the course. All relay members must be in the box during the exchange. In a team relay handler number two will pass off to the third member so they may begin their run before the course is complete.

Masters Pairs Relay, the titling event, is scored time plus faults. As long as any faults incurred plus the time scores under the SCT assigned the team will receive a qualifying score. The lowest score wins. Tournament class rules may vary so one will need to check the premium for the scoring system or check it during the briefing.

© 1999 Katie Greer  Agility Ability. No portion of this material may be reprinted or copied in any manner without expressed written permission.