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Speed Retrieve
Game Play & Rules

Fast paws. Sharp throws. One disc. Two catches. Beat the clock!

Objective

Complete two successful catches at a declared distance, secure the dog behind the starting line, and signal “TIME” . . . as fast as possible.

Fastest time in each distance zone wins.

Field Setup

  • Uses the standard K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch field (50 yards, marked every 10 yards)
  • Eligible competition distances: 10, 20, 30, or 40 yards
  • No out-of-bounds (side-to-side or long)
  • One disc may be used per round; a separate lure disc or lure may be used to assist

 Game Format

  • Each Team registers to compete in two different distance zones (choose from 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards)
  • Before each heat, the Handler declares the distance zone for that round
  • 60-second “Ready, Set, Go” audio countdown is used to start each round
  • field judge watches the declared distance line for legal catches (dog must land all four paws on or beyond the line)
  • starting line judge uses a stopwatch to track elapsed time
  • Team begins from behind the starting line -- throws may begin and the dog can cross the line after “GO”
  • Time ends when the three following conditions are met:
    1. Two successful catches are completed past the declared distance anywhere (these is no Out of Bounds in Speed retrieve).
    2. The dog and disc return completely behind the starting line
    3. Handler retrieves and raises the disc overhead at which point timing judge exclaims “TIME!” and stops the clock.
      • Handler, disc, and dog must all be behind the line to stop the clock
  • Only one disc may be in play (no stacking or disc switching)
  • Rollers are allowed, but must be declared in advance
  • One Mulligan is allowed on the first throw per round
  • False starts result in a full round reset
  • If a valid throw is made before the “T” in “TIME” and results in a catch, the run continues and is valid
  • If two catches are not completed within 60 seconds, the round is scored DNF (Did Not Finish)

 

 

Scoring

  • Score is the elapsed time (in seconds) to complete the round
  • Two scores per Team—one for each declared distance
  • Fastest times per distance zone are ranked locally and globally
  • Teams with incomplete rounds receive a DNF

Skill Focus

Speed Retrieve sharpens:

  • Long-distance throwing precision under pressure
  • Quick dog acceleration and sharp returns
  • Disc hand-off timing and handler coordination
  • Strategy in distance selection for your dog’s strengths

Divisions & Ranking

  • Teams compete in two declared distance heats
  • Results are tracked by distance (e.g., fastest 30-yard time)
  • Rankings may be posted within Clubs, at Regional events, and Worldwide
  • Optional: Title thresholds and awards for time achievements

Rules Summary

  • Uses standard 50-yard Toss & Fetch field
  • Teams select two distance zones (10, 20, 30, 40 yards)
  • Each round:
    • Starts on “Ready, Set, Go”
    • Ends when: 2 catches at declared distance completed + dog, handler & disc behind start line + disc held overhead.
  • One disc in play (plus optional lure or lure disc)
  • One 1st throw Mulligan per round
  • Rollers allowed if declared
  • Throw must leave handler’s hand before the “T” in “TIME”
  • One-minute max per round; incomplete = DNF

Exceptions to League Rules

  • No out-of-bounds applies
  • Roller throws allowed (must be declared)
  • Third-party dog holder allowed for launch
  • Only one disc may be used in play per round
  • Time may exceed 60 seconds if final throw was made before “T” in “TIME”

Strategy Tips

  • Use a friend or teammate to restrain the dog at the start for faster launches
  • Choose distances based on your dog’s speed vs. accuracy trade-off
  • Practice tight, fast hand-offs to minimize return time
  • Don’t rush the first throw—an accurate catch is worth more than a wild miss