How to Time an Agility Competition From Start to Finish

In agility, the dog-and-handler run is measured to the hundredth of a second, and faults are added to the time. Reliable timing is therefore the heart of the competition. This guide describes the whole chain from setting up the field to publishing results.

Photocell placement

Place the start photocell in front of the first obstacle so the beam breaks at the dog's chest — not the tail, not the handler's leg. A typical height is around 25–40 cm depending on the height class. The finish photocell goes after the last obstacle on the same line. Use tripods so the height is repeatable across every class.

Start and finish

In a wireless FDS system, the start and finish cells talk to a receiver at the judges' table. When the dog breaks the start beam, the clock starts locally in the cell; when the finish beam breaks, time stops. This local timestamp removes the effect of radio latency, which is decisive in fast classes.

Faults and disqualifications

The timekeeper records the clean time; the judge signals faults (knocked bar, refusal) and they are added in the software. Agree in advance on a clear hand-signal or radio convention between judge and secretariat so faults land on the right dog.

Integration with SmarterAgility

A modern workflow feeds the finish time straight into SmarterAgility or similar software, which calculates placings and standard-course-time overruns automatically. Before the event, verify that the link between software and timing (USB or network) works and that class parameters are entered.

Common pitfalls

• Sun straight into the cell: use a glare shield or turn the cell.
• Tripods swaying in wind: weigh down the legs.
• Flat batteries: charge overnight and keep a spare cell ready.
• Dog triggers the start twice: calibrate sensitivity and height.

Competition-day checklist

Set up and test the system before the first start by running the course yourself. Confirm scoreboard visibility for the audience. Keep a spare cell, spare batteries and one printed backup list nearby. Well-prepared timing is invisible — it just works.