Scores n More Agility? Real Answer & Facts
- Average speed
- km/h
- Result
- Finish time
- 50 min
- You entered
- Distance
- 10 km
- You entered
“Scores n more agility?” is a question most often asked by dog owners who have seen the phrase on a score sheet, a class listing, or a training app and are not sure what it means. The direct answer: “Scores n more” is not an official title, rule, or recognized level in any major dog agility organization; it is a casual, shorthand way of saying “scores and more,” usually referring to a class that counts toward a title and also offers extra qualifying opportunities. In practice, you will see this phrase on informal club schedules or social media posts, not on official AKC, UKI, or USDAA documents.
Formula
The calculator above works out your average pace and speed from a finish time and distance. The formula for pace in minutes per kilometer is:
Pace (min/km) = Total time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
For speed in kilometers per hour:
Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Total time (minutes) ÷ 60)
Where:
- Total time (t) is the finish time in minutes (e.g., 50 min).
- Distance (d) is the course length in kilometers (e.g., 10 km).
- Pace is the time it takes to cover one kilometer, shown as min/km.
- Speed is the average velocity, shown in km/h.
Worked Example
Using the default values from the calculator above (finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km):
- Pace = 50 min ÷ 10 km = 5.0 min/km
- Speed = 10 km ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 km ÷ 0.8333 h = 12.0 km/h
So the calculator returns an average pace of 5:00 min/km and an average speed of 12.0 km/h. This matches what the formula gives when you plug in the defaults.
Where “Scores n More” Appears
In dog agility, you’ll find “scores n more” on a few types of informal materials:
- Club newsletters or Facebook event pages for a fun match or a “run-through” day.
- Score sheets that list multiple runs for the same dog, such as “Run 1 – Standard, Run 2 – Jumpers, Scores n More.”
- Training facility boards that summarize a dog’s weekend results, meaning “we got scores, and we also got extra Q’s (qualifying scores).”
It is not a formal term in any rulebook. Official organizations use specific class names like “Standard,” “Jumpers,” “Gamblers,” or “Snooker.” If you see “scores n more” on an official-looking document, it is likely a typo or a club’s own shorthand.
How Agility Scoring Actually Works
Agility scoring varies by organization, but the core idea is the same: a dog must complete an obstacle course within a set time and with no faults. A “score” is the numerical result (e.g., 100 points, or a time in seconds). A “qualifying score” (Q) is a score that meets a certain threshold, often a clean run under the standard course time. In most organizations, you need a certain number of Q’s to earn a title. For example, in the American Kennel Club (AKC), a dog needs three qualifying scores in a class to earn a title like “Novice Standard.” In the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), you need a certain number of Q’s per class and level to earn a title. “Scores n more” simply means you have scores (which you always get) and possibly more Q’s toward a title.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that “scores n more” is a special class that gives double points or extra titles. That is false. No official agility organization has a class called “Scores n More.” Another misconception is that “scores” means only the points you earn, not the time. In agility, the score often is the time, especially in time-based classes. For example, in a “Standard” class, the score might be the number of seconds it took to finish, with fault seconds added for knocked bars or wrong courses. So “scores n more” could mean “we have times, and we also have Q’s.”
How to Choose an Agility Class
If you are new to agility and see “scores n more” on a schedule, here’s what to look for:
- Check the organization’s rulebook for the class name. If it says “Standard,” “Jumpers,” etc., that’s the official class.
- Ask the host club what “scores n more” means in their context. It might be a fun match where every run is scored, but not all runs count toward titles.
- Look at the entry form: if it says “trial,” it likely counts toward titles. If it says “fun match” or “run-through,” it probably does not.
If you are trying to earn a title, make sure the event is sanctioned by your organization. Sanctioned events have a trial secretary, follow the rulebook, and submit results to the organization. Informal events may still give you a score, but that score won’t count toward a title.
Common Problems and Mistakes
When people talk about “scores n more,” they often confuse scoring with placement. In agility, your score determines your placement within your class, but a Q is separate. A dog can have a high score (fast time) but still not Q if they knocked a bar. Conversely, a dog can Q with a slower time if they are clean. The most common mistake is assuming that a score of “100” means a perfect run. In many organizations, the score is the time, so a lower number is better. Another mistake is mixing up units: in the UK, courses are measured in meters and times in seconds, but in the US, you might see yards or feet. Always check the units on your score sheet.
Safety and Accuracy in Agility
Agility is a physical sport, and safety is paramount. Always ensure your dog is physically fit and has no underlying health issues before competing. Warm up your dog before a run and cool down after. In terms of scoring accuracy, always double-check your time and faults on the score sheet before you leave the ring. If you think there is an error, ask the judge or trial secretary immediately. Do not wait until after the event, because corrections are usually only made on the day. Also, be aware that different organizations have different rules for what constitutes a fault (e.g., a knocked bar, a missed contact, or a wrong course). Read the rulebook for your organization to avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Scores n More” a real agility title?
No. It is not an official title in any major agility organization. Titles are specific, like “Novice Standard” or “Agility Dog,” and require a set number of qualifying scores. “Scores n more” is informal shorthand for “scores and more,” meaning you have scores and possibly additional Q’s.
What does a “Q” mean in agility?
A “Q” is a qualifying score. It means the dog completed the course with no faults and within the standard course time (or met the specific requirements for that class, like a minimum number of points in Gamblers). Q’s are what count toward titles.
Can I get a title at a fun match?
No. Fun matches are informal and not sanctioned by an official organization. They are for practice and fun, and scores are not submitted for title credit. Only sanctioned trials count toward titles.
How many Q’s do I need for a title?
It depends on the organization and the class. For example, AKC requires three Q’s for a Novice title, while USDAA may require a different number. Check your organization’s rulebook for the specific class and level.
Why is my score a time, not a number of points?
In many agility classes, the score is the time it took to complete the course, with penalty seconds added for faults. The dog with the fastest time (and fewest faults) wins. In some classes like Snooker or Gamblers, points are earned, but time still matters for placement.