General Rules & Video Submission Standards

(Applies to All Weeks Unless Otherwise Specified)

The following rules govern all weekly challenges in the NASDA Versatility Cup. Weekly releases may include additional specifications; however, these general standards apply to every submission.

1️⃣ Eligibility

• Open to eligible NASDA competitors.

• Teams may compete in the Individual Division and/or contribute to Club standings.

• Each dog may submit only one official entry per week unless otherwise stated.

• All entries must be submitted before the weekly deadline.

• Minimum competition age is 16 weeks.

2️⃣ Video Submission Standards

Video clarity and consistency are critical to fair judging.

📹 Camera Requirements

• No POV (body-mounted, head-mounted, or chest-mounted) cameras permitted.

• Landscape (horizontal) orientation strongly preferred.

• Video must be continuous and unedited.

• No cuts, filters, overlays, or music.

• Audio must remain intact.

📍 Camera Positioning

• The entire search area must be visible before the run begins.

• A 360° pan of the search area is required prior to release.

• Required distractions and start line must be clearly shown.

• Camera operator must maintain clear visibility of:

  • The dog

  • The handler

  • The search area

• Excessive zooming or erratic movement may result in scoring reduction.

⏱ Timing

• Time begins when the dog crosses the start line.

• Time stops at the handler’s call or judge-defined finish.

🎯 Hide Reveal

• After completion, the hide location must be clearly shown on video.

• Distraction placements must remain visible and undisturbed unless engaged by the dog.

Failure to meet video standards may result in score reduction or non-qualifying submission.

3️⃣ Search Area & Setup

• Weekly challenge documents define required parameters.

• Search areas must be safe and stable.

• Objects must not pose risk of injury.

• Required distractions must be placed exactly as described in weekly release.

Teams are responsible for ensuring accurate measurement and compliance.

4️⃣ Handling Standards

The Versatility Cup emphasizes:

• Clean handling

• Independence

• Environmental navigation

• Accurate and confident indication

Excessive physical interference, repeated verbal correction, or disruption of search flow may result in deductions.

5️⃣ Disqualifications / Non-Qualifying Submissions

Submissions may be deemed non-qualifying for:

• Video editing or interruption

• Failure to show required elements

• Incorrect setup of weekly parameters

• Safety concerns

• Unsportsmanlike conduct

6️⃣ Scoring

Each weekly challenge is scored on a 100-point scale based on:

• Successful Completion

• Time Efficiency

• Clean Handling

• Independence

Detailed scoring breakdown is published in the Tournament Scoring Guide.

Championship and Playoff rounds may include weighted scoring adjustments.

7️⃣ Sportsmanship & Integrity

The NASDA Versatility Cup is built on integrity.

Competitors are expected to:

• Adhere to published parameters

• Submit honest and accurate setups

• Compete in the spirit of fair play

• Represent NASDA positively

Any attempt to manipulate setup or video presentation may result in removal from the tournament.

8️⃣ Accessibility

Weekly challenges are intentionally designed to be accessible across regions and environments. Competitors are encouraged to work within available space while adhering to required specifications.

9️⃣ Amendments

NASDA reserves the right to clarify or amend rules as necessary to preserve fairness and safety throughout the tournament season.

🔟 Governing Rules

Unless otherwise specifically stated in a weekly challenge release or tournament addendum, all current NASDA rules, definitions, and standards apply.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Definitions of qualifying performance

• Indication standards

• Handling expectations

• Deduction structure

• Safety requirements

• Sportsmanship guidelines

Where a tournament-specific rule differs from the standard NASDA rulebook, the tournament rule shall govern for that specific challenge only.

All other NASDA rules remain in full effect.