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!
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