The jump-off in show jumping: what it is, when it happens and how the standings work

When several pairs finish tied for the lead, first place is decided in one extra round: the jump-off (barrage). Here we explain, with the FISE National Regulation, when it happens, how it is built and how the final standings are drawn up.

In short

• The jump-off is a second (or third, fourth) round to award first place in a class (Art. 158.1).
• As a rule there is no more than one jump-off, except power, six-bar and successive-jump-off classes (Art. 158.6).
• A shorter course: at most two new single obstacles and at least six obstacles in total (Arts. 158.1 and 158.3).
• The standings reward the fewest faults and, where set, the fastest time (Art. 160.1).
• If all the pairs tied for the lead refuse to take part or retire, they cannot be classified in first place (Art. 159.1).
• Source: FISE National Show Jumping Regulation (2025 edition).

What it is and when it happens

The jump-off is that extra round — second, third or fourth — used to break the tie for the lead and award first place in a class (Art. 158.1). It is contested by the pairs left level according to the competition format. The starting order stays as published for the base course (except the special mixed class): a rider moved earlier or later restarts in their original position (Art. 158.1, referring to art. 127.3).

As a rule the number of jump-offs does not exceed one (Art. 158.6). Exceptions are power, six-bar and successive-jump-off classes; FISE may also allow more than one jump-off in Events of Federal Interest, Regional Championships or competitions of significant sporting importance, to award titles or selections.

How the jump-off is built

The jump-off follows the same rules as the base course, but it is designed to be more selective and faster. It may include at most two new single obstacles: both must already be in the arena during the course walk, or be derived from obstacles used in the previous rounds (Art. 158.1). The two extra obstacles can be two spreads, two verticals, or one spread and one vertical; and a vertical from the base course can be converted into a spread or vice versa, counting as one of the two new fences.

Obstacles, required speed, course length, time allowed and time limit must be shown in advance on the course plan (Art. 158.2). The course may use all the obstacles or only some, raised and widened: height and width, however, cannot exceed the base-course measurements by more than 10 cm (Art. 158.3). Note: if the qualified pairs had already taken faults in the previous round, the jump-off obstacles cannot be raised or widened. The number of obstacles cannot fall below six (except power and six-bar), and the order can change only if the obstacles are reduced in number. Obstacles left out of the jump-off must be crossed out (Art. 158.5).

How the standings work: faults and time

The jump-off standings follow a precise order of priority (Art. 160.1). At the top come the pairs that complete the jump-off, ranked by the fewest faults and — where set — by the fastest time. This is where the race against the clock is born: whoever stays "clear" (zero faults) and finishes in the best time wins.

Then, in order, come the eliminated pairs, then the retired, then those who did not start the jump-off, and finally the pairs not admitted, ranked by the faults and time of the base course. A handy rule to remember: if no one completes the jump-off, the eliminated pairs move to the top of the standings, while the retired and non-starters keep the place they had already secured (Art. 160.1).

What happens if you don't start or retire

The rules discourage tactically giving up first place. If all the pairs tied for the lead refuse to take part in the jump-off, for any reason, or retire during the round, they cannot be classified in first place: they finish last among those qualified for that jump-off, and each receives the prize that would have gone to the last of the admitted pairs (Art. 159.1). The same logic applies to classes with two or more rounds that determine the standings (Art. 159.2). It does not apply, however, to a true run-off, that is a further round to award a title or a placing between pairs with the same final result (Art. 159.3).

The commentary. The jump-off is the most spectacular part of show jumping, but also the most tactical: with faults in play you aim for a clear round, while when everyone is clear it all comes down to lines and the courage of tight turns. The rules on the "two new obstacles" and the 10 cm cap keep the jump-off demanding yet fair, without turning it into a different competition; and the rule on collective refusal (Art. 159) is a reminder that first place is won in the arena, not by calculation.

Related deep-dives

See how a course and its combinations are built. Back to the guide to show jumping rules.

Source and disclaimer

Content verified against the FISE National Show Jumping Regulation (2025 edition), Arts. 158-160 (definition of the jump-off, retirement or refusal to take part, jump-off standings). Verified on 15/09/2026. Independent, informational guide, unofficial and not affiliated with FISE: in competition the regulation in force prevails, and it updates by season.