agility rules fci

Agility Rules: FCI's Comprehensive Guide

By Rachel MartinezApril 18, 2026

The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) has established a set of rules for agility trials to ensure fairness, safety, and consistency across international competitions. These rules, known as the Agility Rules FCI, govern various aspects of agility competitions, from course design to handler and dog eligibility. Let's delve into the key components of these rules to provide a comprehensive understanding of the FCI's agility regulations.

Understanding the FCI Agility Rules

The FCI Agility Rules outline the general principles, course design, and execution of agility trials. They apply to all FCI member countries and their respective kennel clubs. Familiarizing oneself with these rules is crucial for handlers, judges, and event organizers to maintain a harmonious and fair competitive environment.

Eligibility and Participation

To participate in FCI agility trials, dogs must be at least 18 months old and possess an FCI pedigree or equivalent. They must also have a valid FCI vaccination certificate and be in good health. Handlers must be at least 16 years old and have the necessary permissions to handle the dog during the trial.

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Course Design and Layout

The FCI Agility Rules specify the dimensions, number, and arrangement of obstacles in the course. The standard course consists of 17-20 obstacles, including jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and contact obstacles. The course must be designed to test the dog's agility, speed, and teamwork with the handler, while also being safe and fair.

Jumps: 15-20 cm high for small dogs, 30-40 cm for medium dogs, and 45-60 cm for large dogs.
Tunnels: 3-4 meters long, with a minimum width of 50 cm.
Weave poles: 5 poles spaced 1 meter apart, with a minimum width of 50 cm.
Contact obstacles: A- and C-frames, dogwalk, and see-saw.

Scoring and Penalties

The FCI Agility Rules outline the scoring system, which awards points based on the dog's performance, time, and faults. Faults are accumulated for missed or incorrect obstacles, refusals, and time exceeding the course time allowance (CTA). The dog with the fewest faults and the fastest time wins.

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Fault	Penalty
Missed obstacle	5 faults
Refusal	5 faults
Incorrect contact	5 faults
Exceeding CTA	1 fault per second

Judging and Appeals

The FCI Agility Rules establish the criteria for selecting judges, who must be licensed and experienced in agility. Judges evaluate the dog's performance based on the rules and award appropriate faults and penalties. In case of disputes, competitors have the right to appeal the judge's decision, following the procedures outlined in the rules.

Evolving with the Sport

The FCI Agility Rules have evolved over the years to reflect the growing popularity and complexity of the sport. They aim to maintain a balance between challenging competition, fairness, and safety for both dogs and handlers. By adhering to these rules, the FCI ensures that agility remains an exciting, inclusive, and well-regulated international sport.