Flyball - What's Love Got To Do With It

Last weekend I watched the epic DVD called 'Hatfields & McCoys' with Costner and Paxton.  It got me thinking about love and hate and what these emotions do to people.  The movie was, to me, a very extreme example of hate and how devastating it can be.  

The example of bad sportsmanship in my previous post could also be construed on a deeper level to be hate.  Perhaps it was only spite or anger.  But, the fact the person(s) purposely made their thoughts public to all flyballers demonstrates they wanted others to know their feelings.

Question is...why did they want others to know.  It is obvious what was in their hearts and it definitely was not sugar and spice and everything nice.  So, could it have been hate?  

Now, imagine how you would feel on the receiving end of someones hate.  Does it feel good?  Not.  

What is completely absurd to me is some people actually allow themselves to feel spite, anger and hate in flyball.  It is simply sad and honestly ridiculous.  To top it off, why on earth would they want to spread something that could infect and destroy all that is good in flyball.

Bigger question is what makes them think the rest of us will put up with their spiteful or hateful behavior. 

Unfortunately, I have been around people in flyball who do not come from a good place in their heart.   And, truth be told, it can be devastating if their attitude and behavior are allowed to infect a group of people, just like it did in the movie. 

Come on folks!  Flyball is by purpose and design a happy place where we all bring our best furry friends and we play until we can no longer stand up and move or smile because all our muscles, including our smile muscles, are too tired from having been used for hours on end.  

I've read somewhere that happiness can be contagious.  I've also learned that it's more fun to surround one's self with like-minded and like-hearted people in life.  I am on a mission to do just that and I hope you'll join the cause.  

And, just like the Hatfields & McCoys, in the end, love won!  (ooops, sorry for giving away the ending)

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!  

  

Sportsmanship and heads up, Club Owners.

This topic is probably as 'old as dirt' and I suppose there are times we all want to sweep the bad parts under the rug.  But I don't think it can be swept under when it keeps happening over and over and the cumulative effect is negatively impacting our sport's level of participation and its image.

Sportsmanship and ethical behavior are addressed in both NAFA and U-FLI Rulebooks.  Their rules generally refer to what occurs 'at a sanctioned tournament' and I get that.  But, are there instances that occur outside the technical realm of an event that can also be considered unsportsmanlike or unethical?

The answer is yes.    

At the recent, 11/9/12 NAFA Candidate Chat (for Board of Directors election), the topic was discussed.  An example was given of poor sportsmanship that was not observed by everyone at the CanAm, but was none-the-less evident to anyone watching via livestream.  To me, it is an example of what could be called 'subversive' bad sportsmanship with an underlying bias against and intention of undermining other flyballers.

[It is wise for all of us to remember what we say privately may or may not affect how we are perceived in public, but what we say publicly (eg., livestream) will lastingly influence how we are perceived in the eyes of others, including new participants and the next generation of flyballers.]

What concerns me the most during the Candidate Chat, of which there were current Board members as well, the major response to the question of how to handle unsportsmanlike conduct was it would best be handled by the Club Owner(s).  Other suggestions were to lead by example or handle unethical and unsportsmanlike behavior in private.
      
One candidate said if 'policy issues' were brought to their attention, they would look into it and take action as a board member.  But no one said they would take the same action in the case of unethical or unsportsmanlike behavior.

Why is this a concern?   Because instances of poor sportsmanship, including the example from the CanAm that was brought up in the chat, can be found at all levels of flyball including club owner, board member, officer or others who represent flyball's leadership.  And, if one read the chat carefully (especially during the live session), it appeared possible the specific incident may have been associated to a club owner or higher level participant.   
      
It is clear 'leading by example' is not universally applied nor being followed and the idea of handling sportsmanship and ethics issues in private has either not been utilized or it is blatantly not working. 

Who in this example would be handling this specific occurrence if it were the club owner with the bad sportsmanship?  Or, who would handle this if it were a board member?  That's right...no one.

Where does that leave flyballers who are subjected to either direct or indirect unethical or unsportsmanlike behavior by those on the Board or another Club Owner, or anyone in a leadership role?

[Yes, there is the official and formal process of filing ethics charges and paying the $100 fee complete with a hearing to resolve the concern; but, in this case with this example of a subversive and unsportsmanlike public comment, I believe the formal process is not the answer.]

Another option that needs to be considered is for those in like-positions (i.e., club owner to club owner or board member to board member) to find the determination within themselves to confront their colleagues with the truth, have an honest conversation and ask the person to stop the bad behavior.

It would be a good starting place and will demonstrate to others that no one is above reproach when it comes to ethics and sportsmanship.                  
      
[I am struggling with an overall point with this post because it is a HUGE topic with many different facets.]

I think perhaps this is not only a heads-up but also a warning to Club Owners.  Unsportsmanlike conduct and unethical behavior is not limited to what you might personally see in front of you and if someone in your club is behaving badly, you may be the last to know and the first one on the hook to deal with it. 

This post is also an encouragement to all flyballers to read the latest NAFA chat transcript.  And, I encourage current Board members, the current candidates and current leaders in NAFA flyball, do not go along just to get along (with unethical and unsportsmanlike behavior of your colleagues), stand up for your own principles of what is right and what is wrong, and dig down deep in your determination to confront the issue of bad behavior and help promote the positive changes that are needed within the organization.    

As far as U-FLI is concerned, I hope they have already learned by example and are wise beyond their years.  

On a slightly somber, yet hopeful note for flyball everywhere,
I (still) Like Flyball!
       

           

There is a new twist to 'ghost club' and co-hosting tournaments in flyball.  At least that's what I've heard recently.  So, I checked it out a little and discovered one example that looks a little odd to me.

The example is a well-known, long-time flyball club who had just co-hosted a tournament along with another club.  The 2nd club is owned by the same people associated with the 1st club.  Thing is the 2nd club has no actively racing dogs (the few dogs on their roster were all listed as 'retired' or 'deceased' in the database).  In addition, the 2nd club (the co-host club) had no entries at the specific tournament.  

In essence, it appears one club co-hosted a tournament with themselves.  A fact only made clear if one looks closely at the two clubs and their information.  

I get the purpose of co-hosting with a different, perhaps small club since that may provide the help a new club needs to get off the ground as well as help teach them the ropes about how to host a tourney.  I also get the use of a (ghost) club name in order to organize a team and send some entries to race in the Open class since this may allow dogs and handlers from different clubs or who are free agents to come together which may help grow flyball in some fashion.

But, the same club, made up into two clubs and then co-hosting with themselves with no racing dogs or handlers in the one club...do you see the same things I do with this scenario?

Some thoughts I have are that this co-hosted-by-the-same-club tournament:

a) does not help a new club get off the ground since there technically were no new dogs or handlers, and

b) had nothing to do with additional team entries that allow free agents or dogs from different clubs to run together so it does not help grow flyball.

I can only surmise there is some other motivator here.  I truly have no idea but a couple of things jump out at me as possible outcomes of these actions:

1) There are now two clubs rather than one club being tallied under the organization's numbers; this means the numbers may be artificially affected/inflated with respect to number of hosting clubs and growth trends.

2) It is possible that one club now garners additional delegate votes since technically it is treated as two clubs hosting and both clubs therefore may earn a vote for this tournament.

  > The maximum a club is allowed to earn in a year is capped at 15 votes; so the scenario in this post may actually allow the 'ghost club' to also earn a vote for co-hosting.  However, since it is actually the same people in both the ghost club and the first club, it is potentially a round about way for the first club to earn more votes and to have more voting power than the max allowed. 

[Note: I do not know specifically how co-hosting affects delegate vote accrual and I have not sent a formal inquiry to the organization, yet.]




3) It appears this scenario has been able to 'fly under the radar'.  Fishy?  Perhaps.  Perhaps not.  Definitely interesting.  

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!

PS - If you'd like to read my original 'ghost club' post, please see 5/17/12.    

 

The Growth (or decline) of Flyball - The Numbers

Previously in my post on this subject, see 9/13/12, I wondered what flyballers thought about a flyball promotion article that mentioned 'thick-skin' and 'rampant' team splits being part of the success and growth of flyball.  I decided to put the numbers to the test and see if they prove anything one way or the other. 

I was able to find some statistics on the NAFA website.  Kudos to their website which contains lots of fun facts and interesting statistics.  Thus far, I have not discovered similar statistics for U-FLI.  I wish I could compare total combined numbers for both organizations and get the entire big-picture.  

Based on the Growth Trend chart found on NAFA's website along with published BoD and/or AGM meeting minutes from 2006-2011, I believe the numbers do, in fact, prove something.  Here's the stats I used from the last six(6) years: 

2006 - 2011

- Tournaments:  varied from 325-352 per year; trending downward last 3 years

- Racing Clubs:  varied from 347 to 372; trending upward  

- Hosting Clubs:  varied from 134 to 148; trending downward last 4 years

- Newly registered dogs: varied from 1,266 to 1,081; trending around 1,100 last 3 years

- Newly retired dogs:  trending around 1,200 (2006-2009)
  > 2010 & 2011 data not available

- Racing dogs:  trending each year around 5,700 dogs
  > 2011 data not available

Looking at these stats, overall for the past six years, the trend has been stagnation to downward.  The retired dogs to newly registered is a wash; slightly less new registered dogs per year, so no growth there.  Total racing dogs has remained consistent each year; again, no real growth overall.  Tournaments are trending down as are number of hosting clubs.  The only upward tick is in number of clubs; but, the rest of the numbers reveal having more clubs has not meant having more participants/dogs nor more tournaments.            

 
Even if the numbers proved something different, I still do not believe the 'thick-skinned-club-split-up-method' is a good way to go.  I believe the fallout in morale is too high a price to pay. 

I still prefer the opposite method of forming new clubs and getting more people and dogs involved in flyball as I mentioned in my earlier post on this topic.  Perhaps if you agree, we can start a new trend together toward increased growth by providing a better flyball experience from the ground up through a more supportive and happier way of creating more clubs, people and dogs.

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!

Footnotes:
- NAFA website chart contained a few possible errors in the numbers when I compared them to the meeting minutes.
- Information for years 2010 and 2011 are currently found in minutes; not in the chart yet.
- I passed along the potential errors/corrections to NAFA.
- I chose to start with year 2006 because going back to 2000 was too much and because '06 was a few years after U-FLI formed (and perhaps as someone said to me, the dust had settled by then).
- I wish I had stats for U-FLI.  I apologize to you, the readers of this post, that I am unable to provide a comparison of NAFA and U-FLI, nor a combined total picture of all of flyball.
- I hope the U-FLI generation and the next generation NAFA has adopted/will adopt a different growth strategy than has been done in the past; I'm thinking positive :o).

  

700 Views, The Top 4, My Favorite Flyball Posts

In comparison to the flyball list and other popular flyball blogs that have been around for years, I'm pretty new to the blog world.  I haven't publicized other than to my friends on Facebook.  Today I was pretty surprised to see there have been over 700 views so far.  I do not have that many Facebook friends so I have no idea where all these views have come from.

I began roughly 6 months ago and I'm surprised I'm still blogging about flyball.  I thought I'd be done with it by now.  For me, it's been fun but the blog is lacking a little 'something'...I had hoped/still hope to see some comments from readers every now and then.  I've been told it is a difficult process to post a comment here.  I admit I haven't tried it myself.  I also don't know what to do to fix the problem.  If anyone reading this knows how to fix it, consider yourself wonderful and hired for the job!  

Anyway, in honor of 6 months' blogging, here are the top 4 posts read by flyballers May - October, 2012: 

1) Going Around the Rules for Points & Regional Champ, 9/21/12

2) Chapter Four -  Championships, 7/23/12

3) The Growth (or decline) of Flyball, 9/13/12

4) Chapter Three - Competition, Recognition and Speed, 7/16/12

Based on being 'fun to write' and not based on actual content (that's a different list), my top 4 fun-to-write-posts are:

1) Cowboys and Flyball, 8/20/12 

2) Getting to the Heart of Flyball, 5/1/12

3) The Flyball Social Network & Media, 5/29/12

4) Shenanigans is my new favorite word, 9/27/12  

If you're reading this post, do you have a favorite?

With Appreciation,
I Like Flyball! 
----------------------
Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)  

 

      

I've Got Your (Run) Back - A New Type Of Judge

I recently sent the following idea to one of the flyball organizations:

"Hello,

I am not sure who to send this email to, perhaps the Rules Committee or Judges Committee? I have a suggestion for a new 'judge' position based on 3 occurrences at a tournament a few weeks ago. The idea is not mine, but I am forwarding you my related thoughts, observations and others' observations.

The idea: there is a need for a 'runback judge'. This is someone who observes what goes on in the runback area while racing is going on. The head judge does not and cannot see back there many times.

Three instances happened at the tourney I mentioned above where a runback judge would have been helpful.

1) a dog in the right lane crossed into and stayed in the left lane after its own run and prevented the left lane from re-running a dog in order to complete the heat. The crossing dog's handler did not have control of their dog. This created a safety issue as well as interference. The judge did not see it.

2) A dog bit another dog and drew blood during racing in the runback area; both dogs were on the same team. The judge did not see it.

3) A large dog crossed into the opposing lane in the runback area and chased down and grabbed a very small dog around the neck. The small dog was not bitten but there was lots of slobber which indicates a lot of mouthing by the large dog. If the small dog was bitten it could have been a disaster. The handler of the larger dog did not have control of their dog. The judge did not see it to even issue a warning.

In all 3 of the above instances, I believe a runback judge (similar to box judge or line judge) could have helped the head judge tremendously and overall having a runback judge would add to safety.

Thank you for considering this idea and I look forward to hearing back.

Sincerely,"

I don't know if this idea has ever been discussed officially by either NAFA or U-FLI.  I (do) know that the topic of identifying the 'racing lane' has been and I believe NAFA has said the runback area is not an official part of racing.  I'm not sure what U-FLI says about it.

But, I wonder if maybe the runback should be defined as part of the racing lane.   Maybe there should be a judge back there (who helps the head judge) to call out the rare instances of dog bites, interferences, warnings to handlers who don't have control of their dog and warnings to help prevent potentially aggressive dog behavior. 

I also thought of something else that happens in the runback area for which it is obviously called out as a penalty and a loss for the offending side even if the head judge does not see it...fouling in the ring.  Kind of hard to miss seeing that one even without a runback judge.

I don't know if this is a good idea for flyball(or not).   I don't know if it is needed and I don't know if other flyballers like the idea.  But, I hope I hear back from the organization no matter what their answer is.




Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!

 

Curiosity killed the....no, wait...good thing I'm a dog person and good thing it doesn't actually 'kill' anything!

Before beginning this post I did a little research and analysis on the subjects of my recent curiosity; dual-region tournaments and Regional Champions.  I looked at the NAFA Database for 2012 racing year before it got wiped clean a few days ago and I checked the website with reference to past and present Regional Champions.  

At first, I was curious whether or not all regions have champions in both Regular and Multibreed.  My analysis revealed some interesting tidbits.  The most interesting was the variety and difference in how regions actually make a Regional Champion.  Based on a few of the regions I looked at in more depth, my curiosity also made me wonder about the meaning behind the word champion, does it still hold the same level of respect and desire, has anything changed among flyballers, and if so, why has it changed.

I used to think that becoming Regional Champ would more or less happen spontaneously because a club happens to have a really fast team who wins a lot of races and enters a lot of tournaments.  But, three of the examples I looked at were very different than this expectation.  Something has changed.        

Examples

1) In a small area with 2 clubs in the region, their tournaments always lumped all teams into Division 1 regardless of team times.  For obvious reasons this makes sense in order to be able to even have tournaments in a small area.  Most of the time tournaments had less than 4 teams; sometimes they even split up between Regular and Open.  This racing year, they ended up needing 1 more tournament to qualify so they could 'cement' their championship.  They went after it and did.  In a previous racing year, the same thing happened where they needed 1 more tourney.  Both clubs at that time chose not to pursue the additional tournament to get their Regional Champ.  One club said they were tired of hosting and the other club said it was not worth the financial burden given the regional points both clubs had already earned and how the Regional Standings were.

Knowing what I do about the clubs in this region, nothing has changed for the host club always being the host club, so why were they no longer tired of hosting this year?
  
2) In a fairly large region, this year's Regional Champion in Regular was not a close competition.  The region has many clubs and teams, but in 2012 barely enough tournaments to qualify.  They managed to have 7 tournaments but less than half the region's clubs attended all 7 and even less than that raced in the minimum of 4 required for a champion.  One club hosted a year-end tournament in a different region.  I think it was intended as additional 'insurance' but I don't believe the outcome was as they expected.  It seems the majority of clubs in the region were simply not interested in having a champion.

I don't know their exact reasons although I know there is political tension in the region.  Did this play a factor or are there other reasons for some clubs' backing away?

3) In a tri-region area of the country, there have been a number of dual-region tourneys being held throughout the year in 2012.  One of the regions does not appear to have changed strategies and they will have their champion(s) as in the past years.  Another region was unsuccessful in qualifying for Regional Champions this year even though they have many clubs and have had champions in the past.  The third region in this area also used to have lots of tournaments and has qualified for champions before, but this year one of their clubs was only able to attend 3 in-region tourneys for Multibreed.  In order to qualify, one club in the region chose to host a tournament outside their own region.  2012 is the first year this strategy was allowable in the Rules.  It is different than the well-known 'preferred region' rule and can be used one tournament at a time,  whenever desired and as often as desired in a racing year.

Similar to the first example, the club was able to cement  their regional champ by hosting the tournament themselves.

And, similar to the second example, their region did not fully participate in the regional champ program and it appears some clubs are choosing to back away.

Summary

To me, none of the three examples are bad things; they are just different and they indicate a change.  The examples cause me to wonder why the one club is no longer tired of hosting tournaments.  Why are some clubs in previously popular areas backing away.  Why are some clubs choosing to host a tournament out of region to get a champion.  And I wonder if the regional champ program is as popular and as respected as it used to be.    

I am curious by nature and I am analytical.  Always have been; always will be.  Sharing is also in my nature; and there you have it.  I hope it has enlightened you, or, at least entertained you.  To me, either and both of which are good things in flyball! 

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!  
       

U-FLI is simply more fun.  One could say it is overall a simpler and more pure flyball experience.  No strings; no fuss.  Some flyballers have even said...no stress.  It is simply flyball.  I know it is easier to become involved in.  Recent experience tells me it is easier to stay involved in, too.  Over the years and for many reasons I believe things just go smoother and are more fun in U-FLI than in NAFA.

I know I'm not alone in this belief either.

In previous years, my club played in both NAFA and U-FLI (this year being an exception).  I've had many good experiences in both.  However, a case in point just arose this racing year, 2012, where hands-down U-FLI was way easier, way more simple and way more fun to be involved with.

The scenario:  Our Club Owner, Team Captain and all our club's dogs moved from one Region into a different Region.

In U-FLI the change was as simple as going on-line and replacing the old address with the new one.  Done in a matter of seconds and we were off playing in well over half a dozen tourneys for the rest of the year.  Sweet!

In NAFA, the change has been in process since February.  I am hopeful it will become official today, but the Database still shows the old Region.  To me, a 7+ month process is not fun.  It is definitely not simple nor has it been easy for myself and I suspect not for the NAFA contact person either.

And, as a result, our club has been prevented from playing NAFA flyball and competing in our home Region.

Would it be fair of me to think it is 'their loss' and NAFA has missed out on all the great fun of having another club racing?  I doubt they will even think twice about it. 

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!



     

Shenanigans is my new favorite word.  It implies good 'ole fun, hilarity, huge grins and chuckles.  I think it can apply to this next flyball topic, but you be the judge, eh?

I tried to utilize this blog's 'motto', KISS (keep it simple sweetie), however, there were too many twists and turns to be successful.  I am still determined to at least try for simplicity in what follows below.

It started with my curiosity about dual-region tournaments (see my previous blog articles), then it progressed into how some areas earn Regional Points toward Regional Champ.  Now it has twisted itself into words and definitions such as out-of-region hosted as in-region, 'opted-in', 200 mile boundaries, Performance teams and unassigned CRNs.  

Holy-smokes...and this stuff is technically all contained in the Rules!  So, I wonder...does the average flyballer, or Club Owner and Team Captain, or even all Regional Directors around the country really know all these related Rules and exactly how to properly use them?

I know for certain some areas of the country know because they are using the twists and turns in the Rules this racing year in 2012.

Maybe this post can be as simple as a shout-out to the rest of the Regions, Club Owners, Team Captains and average flyballers....Hey, you, out there, come-on, join in the shenanigans...flyball can be fun!

Cheers,
I Like Flyball!           

Going around the Rules for points and Regional Champ may be the latest new trend for NAFA flyball.  It might actually be against the rules.  Or, maybe, it's really all in the name of fun and a bunch of 'exceptions' have been granted to some clubs, teams and regions.  It might even be in the rules.  I don't know yet.

It appears there may be a brand new way to play flyball in some regions and a new way that NAFA calculates regional points and declares regional champs in some regions.  I've never before seen or been aware of a 3-region-regional-points-for-all-tournament before; have you?

Thing is, I've only noticed it in a few regions and it is so late in the 2012 racing year already.  I'm guessing not everyone knows the new way is available to them and I wonder if it will continue going in 2013. 

After I get back from a tourney this weekend I hope to piece together the facts and give you, my fellow flyballers, a quick recap of what I found out.  If I'm speaking too soon, please forgive me.  I promise to do my best to find the truth.

If you can, please stay tuned for more fun and games with flyball and have a nice weekend everyone!

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!...continued below on 9/24/12...

The tournament was great and this morning I sent an inquiry to the NAFA database person asking for confirmation or insight into what I think may be a tri-region tournament.

If you are interested in doing your own research while we wait together for an answer, go to R3 and R4 May 11, 2012 tournament and see what you think.  Did you find another region's team(s) also included for Regional Champ points?  Sometimes I look at this stuff and I think I must be losing it because it just doesn't make sense according to what I know about flyball and what is published in the Rules.

Let me know if you think I've lost it or if you agree it looks strange, please?  I need a reality-check quick!

update 9/27/12...
Here's my summary of the answer I received back from NAFA:

- Not the May tournament; rather it was a March tourney
- Not a tri-region tourney, but yes a dual-region tourney (R3/R21)
- The new 200 mile 'opted-in' Rule was in play*
- An out-of-region club hosted* the tourney and Regional Points were counted for them as if they were in-region; there were 2 teams entered in the Division from their own Region and 2 out-of-region teams to make up the requirement to count for in-Region points...one of the out-of-Region teams appears to be a Performance Team and contains 'unassigned' dogs with CRNs.

Hmmmm, I think I have some topics for another blog article.  Stay tuned :o). 

In honor of my first flyball dog's 13th birthday yesterday, this is a re post of my very first flyball writing back in late 2000 or early 2001...wow, that seems like a long time ago and then again it seems like just yesterday!  Originally I had no idea the writing was put on the Internet and to this day I don't know exactly 'who' posted it.  I discovered it by accident one day.  I've never been able to thank the person who published it but to whoever it was...thank you for thinking it worthy enough for sharing :o).

HOW TO EXPLAIN FLYBALL TO YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY

Since real dogs play flyball and real people live for flyball, you already know what that blank look means on your non-flyball friends', family and/or spouse's face as they stare at you on Sunday evening. They're staring because of that big, stupid grin all over your face! They're wondering what planet you've been on or why on earth you're so darn happy.

What they need to understand is that the big stupid grin is all because you just spent the last 48 hours with your best friends (furry and semi-furry). You may be inclined to try to explain how you feel, but would they be able to comprehend it at all?

Now, some people can only see the good aspects about something and some can only see the bad things. What if you explained both what's good and what's bad about flyball? That may help them begin to see the picture, eh?

Well, here's a stab at a list you can share with them. Let the rest of us know how it works:

1) Getting up at 4am on Saturday and Sunday morning to be at the tournament site by 7am when the rest of the house gets to sleep in until 9am.

2) Lugging ten times your body weight in gear from your house, to your vehicle, through the parking lot, into the arena in below freezing temps and in pitch darkness before breakfast.

3) Paying extra mileage fees on your lease vehicle because all the tournaments are in Canada and you live in the US (or they're all in the US and you live in Canada).

4) Learning to live on mouthfuls of whatever food you can get your hands on instead of 3 square meals a day because two of your teams are on deck in both rings and your other team is on double-deck.

5) As a handler, realizing that it's never the box loader's fault.

6) When you're the box loader, realizing that it's always the box loader's fault.

7) Standing at the box having to give the "I need balls" signal when some of your non-flyball friends are watching your team for the first time.

8) Not seeing your family on weekends and Holidays because you are at your favorite tournament (again).

9) Not being able to wear a skirt to work on Monday because your knees are red and swollen from kneeling on Tuff Spun for 12 hours a day for the last two days.

10) Having to borrow money from a teammate for dinner because you flagged on your passes a few too many times that weekend and now you're broke.

11) Wearing the monkey hat!

So much for the good things…now for the bad………………………………………?

The End

Written by LINDA 

Proud dog-mom of Timber & Indy

Member of the Ballistics' Flyball Team

 

http://flyball.com/high5/family_and_friends.htm

The growth (or decline) of flyball is an interesting topic, and to some an on-going dilemma.  

I often wonder what the truth is when I read facebook posts, marketing articles by flyball organizations, flyball blogs and folks' comments on the subject.

Does growth mean the same thing to everyone?  An example which made me have this question was quoted in a recent flyball marketing article published online.  The majority of the article is pretty good, but two statements really stuck out:   

“The breakups on flyball teams are rampant,” she says. “Every team is split off from another team. That’s how most of the teams develop.” You need “thick skin” to succeed..."

[http://www.bestinshowdaily.com/blog/2012/06/it-takes-a-team-to-play-flyball/#comments]

So, I wonder, do most flyballers agree with this person's statements.  Does flyball truly 'grow' when there are breakups of teams?  Is having thick skin really what makes flyball succeed?

On one level, the thick skin comment is a huge negative to me.  I'm not sure what the person was referring to but here's a definition of thick skinned:

"Largely unaffected by the needs and feelings of other people; insensitive."

Translated it can also mean that one does things only to 'benefit themselves' rather than truly helping others.  To me this does not help grow flyball but instead works as a deterrent to success in the sport. 

The other piece of the quote about team splits also seems negative.  If team (club) splits are 'rampant'...why is that?  To me it implies there is a lot of conflict, perhaps unresolved conflict and possibly lack of caring or being able to work together and accept differences.  Each of these reasons for club splits causes damage among flyballers, some of which is irreversible.  The fallout does not help grow anything.

As an example, when a club splits up and an additional club is created by default are there now more dogs and people playing flyball?  Actually there is simply a different configuration or redistribution of the same number of people and dogs.  The only number that increased is number of clubs.  Participation has not necessarily grown, it has only been separated into smaller groups.  

One could surmise that eventually the smaller groups would subsequently add to their teams, but do they, how often does that happen and how long does it take?  Weeks, months, years?  Does the growth occur after 1 or 2 years; maybe 4 or 5 or even over 8 to 10 years. 

With the club split up method what do the growth trends show?  Do the numbers prove there has been growth?

Perhaps if after 8 or 10 years there are a few new additions, there are probably a few losses by attrition.  At what cost over the years.  How does the fallout of club splits affect flyballers morale.  Would we see better growth in participation by using a different or a better method than thick-skinned-split-up-clubs?

Given the fact that 9 out of 10 club splits are the result of conflict, lack of caring, and an inability to accept differences or work together which effectively damage morale for years to come, is this really how we want to promote, market and grow our sport?

Not me.  I prefer a different method.  Work to reduce conflict (or better manage it), treat each other with more kindness, give more apologies for wrong or hurtful behavior, offer more forgiveness, be more accepting of differences, more helpful toward someone else's aspirations, more truthful in our interactions and mix it all together with more caring and compassion.

Now that's a growth trend I'll stand up and cheer for!     

Truly,

I Like Flyball!             

  

Cowboys and Flyball

"Where have all the cowboys gone" is the song's phrase stuck in my head that prompted me to begin this post. 

The picture I had in my mind was of the hero (like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood) riding up the trail on the fastest horse in town just in time to save the entire ranch from an all consuming fire.  But when I found out the actual meaning of 'cowboy', I changed my mind.  Cowboys according to Merriam-Webster are reckless, aggressive in nature, unregulated and lawless; or, in a side-definition they are rodeo performers.   

Ummmm, well maybe I can use the cowboy theme anyway.  Looking at the definition, there are cowboys in flyball.  If you think about it and you are honest with yourself, I bet you're nodding your head and saying either silently or out loud...yep, yes-sir, yes-siree, I know of a few. 

Are there also heroes who ride up and save the day?  I'd answer yes but most folks wouldn't recognize or notice them.  They are not in your face like cowboys who's behavior is marked by sarcasm, aggressive or passive-aggressiveness, anger, often purposefully antagonistic and disdainful.

Most times, heroes are working silently and with little fan fair.  They are simply busy getting on with flyball.  They routinely overcome the burning fires put in their path.  They continue to forge ahead, bringing clarity or new ideas to the surface for the betterment of the ranch.  Sometimes they get swatted down or fall off their horse, but they get back in the saddle for another ride.  They have a plan and a goal of helping to keep flyballers together, on common ground and out of the fire.     

This blog post is in recognition and tribute to all the silent and behind the scenes flyball heroes and leaders who are out there overcoming all the obstacles put in front of them by the cowboys:

To those who let the past go, those who try not to make the same mistakes twice, those who try to keep an existing club together without damaging fellow teammates, those who help new clubs form but who do not push their teammates out to do it, those who are organizing new clubs without help from the cowboys, those organizing and running Open or Pickup teams for free agents without a home, those who are keeping valued friendships as a priority as well as making new and lasting ones and those who host tourneys for their 'friends' and not for personal or political gains.

Where have all the heroes and leaders gone?  Look around you, they are there!  Stick together and the impossible can and will happen.  Success beckons - grab 'hold of the reins!

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!

PS - If you're wondering why I decided to start posting again.  A lot has happened in the world of flyball and I'm attempting to fill in the gaps until I-Flyball Blog's comeback.  Go I-Flyball!

Chapter Four (my final blog post) - Championships 

Flyball Championships

Both U-FLI and NAFA have official championship racing that clubs and teams may choose to participate in.  Each organizations' program can be found in its Rulebook and on their respective websites.  Each program is quite different from the other. 

U-FLI has an annual Championship Series, which includes several qualifying tournaments leading up to their national event.  The 'series' is similar to other professional sports whereby a team enters several tournaments in a 12-month period and at least one qualifying event where the team must place in the top three positions in any of the time divisions.

Each year, the qualifer tournaments are held in several locations across the country with the culmination and final Tournament of Champions held in the later half of the year at a central location within the USA.  Last year, it was held in November, in St. Louis, Missouri.  In 2012 it will be held in August in Kearney, Nebraska.

In combination with the final championship event, there are also competitions for Singles, Pairs and Dream Team racing which can be entered just like any other tournament and no qualification is required.

NAFA's program has Regional Championships which are an annual, cumulative achievement.  Within the organization, each area of the country is separated into a 'region' (e.g., Region 1 is for Michigan and Ohio flyball clubs/teams; there are currently 22 separate regions throughout the USA).  A regional champ is determined in each region based on how many tournaments a club/team chooses to enter and then based on points earned if a team places in the top three at each tournament.  At the end of the racing year, the points earned are added up and a winner determined. 

The racing year in NAFA flyball ends September 30.  Each region's two champions are declared and recognized at an annual meeting held the following January.  Not all regions are able to declare a Regional Champion because their region may not have been able to host enough tournaments nor a team able to attend the required minimum number of tournaments.  In addition to champions per region, there are two overall NAFA Champions determined each year.  They are based on fastest time throughout the yearly tournaments and are also declared and recognized the following January.

[Information for winners of U-FLI Tournament of Champions can be found on their website.  Currently 2007-2011 is available.

Regional and NAFA Champions can be found on their website.  Past champions back to 2000 can be found.  2011 information was published this month.]
The above paragraphs revised 8/9/12.        

NAFA does not hold a national-type championship event.  There is, however, a separate regular tournament called the Can Am which has been held for the past few years in October in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This event has evolved over the years from a Cynosports-sponsored event previously held in the southern part of the country.  While information about Can Am is not in NAFA's rulebook, it can be researched and found on the internet via BoD meeting minutes, leadership and candidate chats, as well as on it's website.

I hope you have enjoyed this blog and that it has helped you in some fashion.  Thank you for taking an interest and for taking time out of your day to share flyball with me.  

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!

(This is my final blog post because, thankfully, the I-Flyball Blog is coming back according to it's Facebook page...yeah!)

 
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Flyball Surgeons General Warning:  Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)


  

Chapter Three - Competition, Recognition and Speed


Competition

Both flyball organizations offer team competition.  In addition, U-FLI allows Singles and Pairs racing.  Increased consistency and dog speed are a few of the goals in Singles racing.  Pairs racing combines consistency, speed and passing.  For some new flyballers, this is a great way to get their feet wet and enjoy the first stages of competition.     

Most seasoned flyballers say racing on a team is the most fun.  I agree!  If you are a good team player you will thoroughly enjoy being part of a 4-dog & handler team and competing in tournaments.  Two of my favorite team positions are start dog and anchor dog.  These two spots are great for someone with a fun and competitive spirit.  


Recognition of Success

There are two types of recognition in flyball.  One type is given by the host club during a tournament.  Typically these are dog toys or other dog related goodies.  Some tournaments give their awards to the top placed teams, while other tournaments give them to all participants. 

The other type is organizational recognition and these awards are given directly from either U-FLI or NAFA.  

Both U-FLI and NAFA have official recognition programs described in their rules.  There are flyball titles, patches, pins and plaques you and your dog can earn by entering tournaments and successfully competing.  Of all the titles and awards for recognition, the most memorable for me was my dogs' very first title.  I've heard most flyballers think the same and many fellow participants hang onto the specific tennis ball from their dog's first successful run!

Most of the organizational recognition awards are given for an individual dog and plaques typically have both the handler and dog name included which supports the special value of dog & handler teamwork.

Both organizations also recognize team achievements through their respective 'championship' style racing.  Chapter Four hopes to explain this in better detail.

Being the Best and Breaking Records  

There are many ways participants choose to excel in flyball.  Some flyballers silently compete with themselves in an attempt to achieve their dog's best time or break their previous time in the lane.  Clubs and teams also compete with themselves for their personal best team time.  For start dogs, a triple-zero (.000) is something everyone yells 'whoo-hoo' at a tournament!

Improved speed for the individual dog and also the team have each become a measurement of success for some flyballers.  For others, running clean, finishing the heats and completing each race is their success.

I think most flyballers enjoy when their team is working well together and they are winning races more often than losing.  And, generally-speaking, most flyballers congratulate each other verbally and/or shake hands at the end of each race.  Everyone shares in everyone else's success.

Truth be told, there are instances when winning at all costs or achieving the latest and fastest time no matter the consequences has taken over and success has gone (or will go) to some competitors heads.  Thankfully, this does not happen to the majority of participants, teams or clubs and does not occur at all tournaments.  


Flyball World Rankings

Both U-FLI and NAFA post record racing times on their websites.  This is a wonderful way to see how speed in the sport has progressed.  

A reference term sometimes found on websites, in print or an internet search is World Record.  These two words used together have been and can be misleading.  There are several different flyball organizations and a myriad of different countries that play flyball.  One country's recently published record (i.e., Poland) bears the distinction of a 'national' record.  Bravo for truth in print.   

One really great website that tracks speed and record times in flyball racing is http://www.flyball.org.uk/wr/wrank.php.  Countries such as USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium, UK, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, South Africa, Japan, France, Austria, Italy, Netherlands and South Korea are represented in the chart.

As of 7/16/12 there are 55 recorded times under 16.0 seconds.  Wow!

[Update as of 9/1/12, there are now 3 recorded times under 15.0 seconds...wow, again!]

The fastest flyball record is 14.69 set by Touch N Go (USA).

Chart number 1,243's race time is 40.67.

For the record, to me speed is not the 'be-all end-all', but it can definitely be fun.

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball! 

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Flyball Surgeons General Warning:  Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.

Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

#Flyball World Record