How should a judge handle a pattern violation such as performing an obstacle out of order?

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Pattern integrity is assessed by applying the class’s prescribed penalties for deviations, rather than ignoring the violation or reacting with a warning or disqualification for a single mistake. When an exhibitor performs an obstacle out of order, it disrupts the intended flow of the pattern and constitutes a pattern deviation. The judge should assign the penalty that the class rules allocate for this type of deviation and clearly cite the specific violation on the score sheet. This ensures consistent judging and provides clear feedback to the exhibitor about what went wrong and how it affects scoring. Disqualification or a mere warning is not the standard response for a single out-of-order obstacle; those actions are reserved for more serious or repeated infractions, whereas pattern deviations are handled with the appropriate penalties and documentation.