Agility Ascension Specification

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Agility Ascension

From practice fields to global trials.

Agility Ascension is an open-source dog agility training and competition game designed for ages 5 and up. Players form a handler and dog team and learn agility through progressive practice fields, obstacle training, environmental distractions, distance handling, achievement progression, and structured trials.

Players can experience the game from either side of the team relationship. Handler Mode focuses on commands, timing, positioning, sequencing, and communication. Dog Mode focuses on responsiveness, movement, obstacle execution, focus, reflexes, and independent execution. The two perspectives work together to create a team-based learning and competition experience.

Project Goals

Agility Ascension is designed to:

Introduce players to the fundamentals of dog agility.
Teach communication between handler and dog.
Develop timing, sequencing, focus, responsiveness, and reflexes.
Provide progressive training before competitive trials.
Reward improvement through positive progression and treats.
Introduce environmental distractions in controlled stages.
Teach advanced distance handling at higher achievement levels.
Provide a structured trial and ranking experience.
Support cooperative and competitive multiplayer as a future expansion.
Provide an extensible open-source foundation for new training systems, courses, obstacles, distractions, and game modes.

Core Modules

Training Module

The Training Module provides the primary learning environment where players develop the skills required for agility competition.

Features include:

Practice fields designed for progressive learning.
Beginner-friendly obstacle exercises.
Repetition-based skill development.
Individual obstacle training.
Multi-obstacle sequences.
Course navigation exercises.
Timing exercises.
Responsiveness exercises.
Reflex exercises.
Handler and dog coordination exercises.
Progressive difficulty.
Replayable practice maps.
Skill-specific training challenges.
Practice completion tracking.
Preparation requirements for advanced trial maps.

Handler Module

The Handler Module provides the human role in the handler and dog team.

Features include:

Customizable handler character.
Handler movement and positioning.
Directional commands.
Speed and movement cues.
Timing-based commands.
Focus and refocus commands.
Direction changes.
Obstacle sequencing.
Command chains.
Strategic positioning.
Distance handling.
Stationary handling at advanced levels.
Handler performance tracking.
Handler-specific achievements.

The module is designed to teach players that effective agility handling depends on clear communication, appropriate timing, and awareness of the dog’s position and movement.

Dog Module

The Dog Module provides the dog role and its associated movement, responsiveness, and performance systems.

Features include:

Customizable dog character.
Breed and appearance selection.
Coat and marking customization.
Accessories and cosmetic customization.
Temperament characteristics.
Movement and acceleration.
Obstacle execution.
Command responsiveness.
Reaction timing.
Focus behavior.
Distraction response.
Independent obstacle execution.
Command memory.
Multi-obstacle sequence execution.
Dog-specific achievements.

The dog character develops through training and earns experience through successful practice and trial performance.

Character Customization Module

The Character Customization Module allows players to personalize both members of the agility team.

Handler customization includes:

Character appearance.
Clothing.
Accessories.
Training gear.
Visual customization options.

Dog customization includes:

Breed or breed-inspired appearance.
Size and proportions.
Coat color.
Coat patterns.
Markings.
Accessories.
Training gear.
Cosmetic rewards.

Customization is designed to provide personalization without creating competitive advantages.

Team Module

The Team Module treats the handler and dog as a coordinated agility team.

Features include:

Shared team identity.
Team experience.
Team bond progression.
Responsiveness tracking.
Communication performance.
Synchronization tracking.
Focus stability.
Distance trust progression.
Team achievements.
Team history.
Trial performance records.

Team progression reflects the development of the relationship between handler and dog rather than simply accumulating individual character levels.

Treat and Experience Module

The Treat and Experience Module provides the primary positive reinforcement progression system.

Features include:

Treat rewards for successful training.
Experience earned through practice.
Experience earned through trial performance.
Bonuses for improvement.
Bonuses for clean sequences.
Bonuses for timing accuracy.
Bonuses for successful communication.
Bonuses for maintaining focus under distraction.
Unlockable training content.
Unlockable cosmetic content.
Achievement rewards.

Treats represent an in-game progression resource and are not intended to represent real-world animal feeding recommendations.

Obstacle Module

The Obstacle Module provides the interactive agility equipment used throughout training and trials.

Core obstacle types include:

Jumps.
Tunnels.
Weave poles.
A-frames.
Contact obstacles.
Pause tables.
Additional agility obstacles as the game expands.

Features include:

Individual obstacle training.
Obstacle-specific performance tracking.
Sequenced obstacle challenges.
Obstacle difficulty progression.
Obstacle timing requirements.
Obstacle accuracy evaluation.
Custom obstacle configurations.
Extensible obstacle definitions.

Course Module

The Course Module provides practice fields, training sequences, and trial maps.

Features include:

Practice maps.
Skill-specific maps.
Progressive course layouts.
Multi-obstacle courses.
Advanced distance courses.
Distraction-enabled courses.
Trial maps.
Randomized practice configurations.
Reproducible competitive course configurations.
Course difficulty progression.
Course completion records.

Courses can combine obstacles, environmental conditions, distance requirements, and distraction systems to create increasingly complex challenges.

Command Module

The Command Module provides the communication system between handler and dog.

Features include:

Basic movement commands.
Directional commands.
Speed commands.
Obstacle commands.
Focus commands.
Refocus commands.
Timing-sensitive commands.
Sequential command chains.
Distance commands.
Command recognition windows.
Command accuracy tracking.
Command timing evaluation.

The module supports progressive command complexity so that younger or beginning players can start with simple commands while advanced players can develop sophisticated command sequences.

Movement and Reflex Module

The Movement and Reflex Module evaluates physical execution and reaction timing.

Features include:

Dog movement.
Handler movement.
Acceleration.
Direction changes.
Turning behavior.
Obstacle approach timing.
Reaction windows.
Reflex challenges.
Speed control.
Movement accuracy.
Timing evaluation.
Course navigation.

The module provides the foundation for evaluating how quickly and accurately the dog responds to handler commands.

Focus Module

The Focus Module measures the team’s ability to maintain attention during increasingly difficult environments.

Features include:

Focus tracking.
Distraction resistance.
Refocus mechanics.
Focus recovery.
Sustained attention challenges.
Focus achievements.
Focus-based progression.
Integration with the Leaf Module.
Integration with distance training.

Focus is developed through training rather than treated solely as a static character statistic.

Leaf Module

The Leaf Module is the game’s unified environmental distraction system. Actual leaves blowing across the agility field are a central feature of the module.

The module provides:

Wind-driven leaves.
Variable leaf density.
Individual leaf movement.
Leaf gusts.
Leaf waves crossing the field.
Leaf swirling.
Leaf accumulation.
Leaves interacting with obstacles.
Wind direction changes.
Wind intensity changes.
Deterministic environmental events for competitive play.

The Leaf Module also provides additional distraction layers.

Animal Distractions

Other dogs moving near the course.
Dogs running on nearby lanes.
Squirrels.
Birds.
Other non-threatening animals.
Decoy dogs.
Distant barking.
Animal movement events.

Object Distractions

Rolling balls.
Bouncing toys.
Moving toys.
Fluttering flags.
Fabric strips.
Lightweight training objects.
Wind-driven objects.

Human and Crowd Distractions

Spectators.
Crowd movement.
Cheering.
Judges moving around the field.
Photographers.
Camera activity.
Background conversations.
Other handler activity.

Environmental Distractions

Wind changes.
Gusts.
Moving shadows.
Lighting changes.
Surface sounds.
Grass movement.
Light weather effects.
Field condition variations.

Leaf Pressure Rating Module

The Leaf Pressure Rating system provides a unified way to control environmental distraction difficulty.

Levels include:

LPR 0: No environmental distractions.
LPR 1: Light leaves and environmental movement.
LPR 2: Leaves and light object distractions.
LPR 3: Animal distractions and increased environmental activity.
LPR 4: Multiple distraction layers including crowds.
LPR 5: Advanced championship-level environmental challenge.

The rating can be configured independently for training, practice challenges, and trials.

Distance Training Module

The Distance Training Module introduces advanced handling where the handler increasingly separates from the dog.

Features include:

Close-range handling.
Short-distance separation.
Mid-range handling.
Long-range handling.
Stationary handler exercises.
Remote command sequences.
Multi-obstacle distance sequences.
Command chains.
Anchor commands.
Delayed command timing.
Line-of-sight challenges.
Independent dog execution.
Distance-based responsiveness evaluation.

At higher achievement levels, the handler can remain stationary while directing the dog through complex sequences from a distance.

The module is designed to teach players that advanced agility handling requires clear communication and trust rather than constant physical proximity.

Distraction and Distance Integration Module

The game combines environmental distractions and distance training to create advanced challenges.

Features include:

Leaf distractions during distance exercises.
Animal distractions during remote handling.
Object distractions during command sequences.
Crowd distractions during advanced trials.
Reduced visual clarity at longer distances.
Timing challenges caused by environmental motion.
Focus requirements during stationary handling.
Advanced distance and distraction combinations.

These combinations become available progressively as the team develops.

Achievement Module

The Achievement Module provides progression milestones for players and teams.

Achievement categories include:

Training achievements.
Obstacle achievements.
Timing achievements.
Reflex achievements.
Focus achievements.
Distance achievements.
Distraction achievements.
Teamwork achievements.
Trial achievements.
Clean-run achievements.
Consistency achievements.
Multiplayer achievements.

Achievements can unlock new maps, training challenges, cosmetic options, and additional progression opportunities.

Trial Module

The Trial Module provides formal competitive maps after sufficient training progression has been completed.

Features include:

Trial qualification requirements.
Structured trial maps.
Timed runs.
Obstacle accuracy evaluation.
Refusal and sequence error evaluation.
Handler timing evaluation.
Dog responsiveness evaluation.
Team synchronization evaluation.
Distance handling evaluation.
Distraction performance evaluation.
Trial completion records.
Multiple-run competition formats.
Progressive trial difficulty.

Trial maps are intended to test the skills developed during practice rather than introduce unexplained mechanics without preparation.

Ranking Module

The Ranking Module provides the game’s progression ladder based on agility trial achievement.

Rank levels include:

Novice.
Intermediate.
Advanced.
Excellent.
Master.
Champion.

Ranking progression can evaluate:

Trial completion.
Time.
Accuracy.
Responsiveness.
Synchronization.
Reflex performance.
Focus under distraction.
Distance handling.
Consistency across runs.

The ranking system is designed to reflect progression through the game rather than provide pay-to-progress mechanics.

Scoring Module

The Scoring Module provides transparent evaluation of training and trial performance.

Scoring can incorporate:

Completion time.
Obstacle accuracy.
Command timing.
Command responsiveness.
Refusals.
Sequence errors.
Team synchronization.
Distance performance.
Focus performance.
Distraction resistance.
Consistency.

Competitive scoring rules should remain transparent and reproducible.

Replay Module

The Replay Module records player performance for review and future multiplayer functionality.

Features include:

Run recording.
Command recording.
Movement recording.
Timing data.
Course state recording.
Environmental state recording.
Distraction state recording.
Distance state recording.
Performance review.
Personal best replays.
Ghost runs.
Reproducible trial playback.

Accessibility Module

The Accessibility Module provides configurable experiences for different player needs and experience levels.

Features include:

Adjustable game difficulty.
Reduced-motion environmental effects.
Reduced distraction settings for training.
Visual command indicators.
Timing assistance in training.
Clear visual feedback.
Adjustable audio cues.
Alternative input methods.
Simplified beginner controls.
Progressive complexity.

Competitive settings can define which assistance features are permitted while preserving accessible participation wherever practical.

Optional Plugin Modules

Multiplayer Plugin

The Multiplayer Plugin extends the core game into shared online training and competition.

Potential features include:

Cooperative handler and dog teams.
Human handler and human dog roles.
Shared training fields.
Competitive trials.
Ranked multiplayer trials.
Asynchronous competition.
Ghost competition.
Community-hosted servers.
Multiplayer tournaments.
Shared course challenges.
Team competitions.

Multiplayer Synchronization Plugin

The Multiplayer Synchronization Plugin provides deterministic synchronization for shared environments.

Potential features include:

Shared course seeds.
Shared Leaf Pressure Rating.
Shared wind conditions.
Shared distraction events.
Deterministic environmental states.
Synchronized command timing.
Reproducible scoring.
Replay validation.

Multiplayer Ranking Plugin

The Multiplayer Ranking Plugin provides competitive ranking systems for multiplayer environments.

Potential features include:

Multiplayer team rankings.
Individual handler rankings.
Individual dog performance records.
Seasonal rankings.
Trial records.
Community league rankings.
Tournament progression.

Community Course Plugin

The Community Course Plugin allows players and communities to create and share additional agility maps.

Potential features include:

Custom course creation.
Course testing.
Course difficulty settings.
Obstacle placement.
Distance requirements.
Leaf Pressure Rating configuration.
Distraction configuration.
Course sharing.
Community course libraries.

Voice Command Plugin

The Voice Command Plugin provides optional voice-based handler interaction.

Potential features include:

Voice command recognition.
Custom command phrases.
Timing-sensitive voice commands.
Voice command training.
Accessibility support.
Voice command performance tracking.

Educational Coach Plugin

The Educational Coach Plugin provides optional instructional assistance.

Potential features include:

Agility explanations.
Obstacle tutorials.
Handler guidance.
Dog perspective explanations.
Timing instruction.
Distance handling instruction.
Distraction training guidance.
Positive performance feedback.
Skill-specific recommendations.

Advanced Weather Plugin

The Advanced Weather Plugin expands environmental simulation.

Potential features include:

Rain.
Wind patterns.
Changing field conditions.
Lighting changes.
Weather-based distraction scenarios.
Environment-specific practice maps.

Community League Plugin

The Community League Plugin allows communities to establish independent agility circuits.

Potential features include:

Custom leagues.
Custom trial schedules.
Community rankings.
League rules.
Seasonal competitions.
Community-hosted events.
Custom achievement systems.

Modding Plugin

The Modding Plugin provides controlled extensibility for community-created content.

Potential features include:

Custom obstacles.
Custom dogs.
Custom handlers.
Custom maps.
Custom distractions.
Custom training exercises.
Custom trial rules.
Custom cosmetic content.
Community expansion packs.

Progression Design

Agility Ascension uses a progressive learning model where players develop skills before encountering advanced competitive requirements.

The progression path is designed around:

Basic movement.
Individual obstacle skills.
Obstacle sequencing.
Command timing.
Team synchronization.
Focus training.
Environmental distraction.
Distance handling.
Advanced practice.
Trial preparation.
Competitive trials.
Multiplayer competition.

Progression rewards improvement and mastery rather than requiring players to succeed perfectly on their first attempt.

Practice to Trial Progression

Practice maps provide opportunities to learn and repeat skills without the pressure of formal competition.

Teams can use practice to:

Learn new obstacles.
Improve timing.
Practice commands.
Build responsiveness.
Earn treats.
Gain experience.
Improve focus.
Train around distractions.
Develop distance handling.
Prepare for trial requirements.

Once the required training milestones are achieved, the team can enter trial maps that test the accumulated skills.

Competitive Trial Design

Trial maps are intended to evaluate the complete handler and dog relationship.

A trial can test:

Speed.
Timing.
Reflexes.
Obstacle accuracy.
Command responsiveness.
Handler positioning.
Distance handling.
Focus.
Distraction resistance.
Team synchronization.
Consistency.

Advanced trials can combine several systems simultaneously, including distance handling, high Leaf Pressure Ratings, complex obstacle sequences, and increased timing requirements.

Multiplayer Vision

The Multiplayer Module is intended as a future expansion that allows Agility Ascension to grow from a single-player training experience into a community-driven agility ecosystem.

Future multiplayer goals include:

Cooperative handler and dog teams.
Human-to-human role play.
Competitive trial maps.
Asynchronous ghost competitions.
Shared seeded environments.
Community-hosted agility servers.
Global trial circuits.
Community leagues.
Tournament systems.
Replay-based competition.
Deterministic scoring.
Shared Leaf Module conditions.

Multiplayer competition should use reproducible course and environmental conditions so that competing teams are evaluated against equivalent challenges.

Specification Branding License (SBL)

Standard

Fully AGPL-3.0+ compliant system
Copyleft enforced for network deployments
Required attribution:
- Roxanne Ardary
- https://www.roxanneardary.com/

Optional

Specification Branding License (SBL)
- Attribution-free commercial deployment
- Pricing based on scale, usage, and deployment scope
- https://roxanneardary.com/agility-ascension/

License & Notice Requirements

Agility Ascension is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later (AGPL-3.0+).

By contributing to this project, you agree that your contributions will also be released under this license.

Please note the following:

All contributions must comply with the AGPL-3.0+ terms.
Under Section 7 of the license, all redistributions, forks, and derivative works must preserve attribution to:
Roxanne Ardary and roxanneardary.com.
Agility Ascension specifications are free to use with attribution. A Specification Branding License can be negotiated upon request.
The project’s notice.md file tracks attribution requirements and contributor acknowledgments. Any update that adds new contributors or modifies attribution should also update notice.md.
When submitting a pull request, ensure that any new files maintain the attribution headers where applicable.
Network-deployed versions of this software must also remain fully AGPL-3.0+ compliant, including exposure of source code modifications when applicable under the license.

For full legal details, please refer to the AGPL-3.0+ license and the project’s notice.md file.

Notice – Agility Ascension

Attribution Requirement: Under Section 7 of the AGPL 3.0+ license, all redistributions, forks, and derivative works, including network-deployed versions of this project, must provide attribution to Roxanne Ardary and roxanneardary.com.

Contributors

This file tracks contributors and their specific contributions to the project.

Roxanne Ardary, roxanneardary.com – May 7, 2026
Created the repository for Agility Ascension. Designed the core system architecture including the Leaf Module environmental distraction engine, Distance Training Module, and Multiplayer expansion framework for an open-source agility training and competition simulation.
[Add other contributors here] – [Date]
[Describe contribution in one sentence]

License – Agility Ascension

This repository is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later (AGPL-3.0+).

Key Points

You are free to use, modify, and distribute the code.
All redistributions, forks, and derivative works or network-deployed versions must also be licensed under AGPL-3.0+ and provide attribution to Roxanne Ardary and roxanneardary.com as required under Section 7 of the license.
The software is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind.

For the full license text, see GNU AGPL-3.0 License.