For the Stafford Athletics event the dog must hold on to a toy of the Handler’s choice with all four feet off the ground. There is a maximum of 20 minutes time, which awards the highest punctuation. Time is stopped when / if the dog lets go before the 20 minute mark.

Two attempts are permitted in tournaments, if the dog lets go before 20 minutes one time the handler may choose to try a second time, at the cost that the first score is discarded and the second score is used even if it ends up lower than the original.

The handler is allowed to touch or stroke the dog with only one hand, and handle the rope with the other hand. No two hands should be at the dog or rope at the same time. You may not use your hand to lift the dog's feet to relieve it from it's own weight.