While some things change, others stay the same...it's a saying that popped into my head this morning as I was catching up on all sorts of events going on in my environment and my life.

Of course, flyball was one of the things in my head!

Since I have not posted on this blog in several months, I want only to post short thoughts that do not take a whole lot of mind energy to write.  Therefore, the following are simple snippets of the theme 'what's changed and what hasn't' in flyball off the top of my head:

- U-FLI 2014 Championships are different than in past years and the changes appear to make it significantly easier for a team to enter.  I think the new program no longer includes qualifiers or qualifying tournaments thus eliminating cost and travel expenses for participants throughout the year.

- The new Multibreed Title Awards in NAFA are now being compiled for near-term future distribution.  I requested my club's awards and look forward to receiving them.  I'm not convinced this is a necessary expenditure of NAFA volunteers time nor of NAFA dollars, but it is a nice gesture on their part.

(Did you know NAFA removed the old club owner access and replaced it with a new 'public administration site'?)      

- The many changes and enhancements to the NAFA Database are pretty nice and fairly easy to see and use.  I especially like the change to tournament scoring that shows regional qualifiers vs. tourneys that do not meet the requirements.  A good change.

- The 2014 election period for NAFA BoD and ED is under way.  I noticed the position of ED has only 1 nomination.  The current ED has been in the position since May 2008 (if not longer).  I was surprised to see only one name for 2014 and that the same ED has been in place for 6 years already.  I was surprised at the length of time because BoD members are limited to only two consecutive terms (i.e., a max of 6 years).  I could not find a limit in the NAFA By-Laws for the ED.  I believe this is not a good thing for flyball because it limits the capability for change.

- The U-FLI tournaments I've been to recently have had lots of pre-flight, singles and pairs racing.  This piece of flyball racing seems to be a big hit with flyballers and is an overall great change U-FLI introduced to the sport that I'm glad is staying the same.

- I discovered a facebook page for 'flyball training' and I joined it (thank you to the page owner for approving my request).  It's not an extremely busy page but so far I've been introduced to some nice flyballers.  This was a nice discovery since it seems the former venues for training material or help (i.e., I-Flyball and Prop-a-ganda) have been underutilized in the recent year or so.  I hope the new facebook page will be a good change and will help flyballers share training tips and experiences.  

That's all I was thinking about this morning.  Short and Sweet and keeping with this Blog's motto...K.I.S.S.

Thanks for stopping in and reading.  If you'd like to share your morning thoughts on what's staying the same and what's changing in flyball, c'mon join in.  Comments more than welcomed! 

v/r, I Like Flyball!      

This blog began in early 2012.  Today is July 31, 2013, and I wonder if anything has been accomplished over the past 15 months...either on a personal level or for the benefit of flyball.
 
Based on the number of posts I've made, 2012 was fruitful on a personal level.

But, something happened in 2013 and a couple of changes are bigger than I expected. 

One change is there's not a lot of open discussion going on about flyball and some people/clubs/teams I haven't seen at tourneys in a while.  Some of my flyball friends used to play both NAFA and U-FLI and now some of them only play U-FLI.  Me included.  

Since I played NAFA before U-FLI, I still try to follow some of the happenings in the organization...I guess because I still have hope for critical changes necessary in leadership, the political environment and the ED/BoD representation for the betterment of flyball.  I'm not holding my breath, though.

The other change for me is writing this blog.  There's a big difference from last year.  This surprised even me!  

Posts

2012, 34 posts
2013, 3 posts (including this one)

Views

The first 6 months - over 700
The last 10 months - over 2,100 (a 300% increase)

Top viewed posts in 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

Top viewed posts in 2013

1) Does the recent past come back into play or matter to you in flyball, 6/26/13

2) There is a new twist to 'ghost club' and co-hosting, 11/6/12

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

4) I've Got Your (Run) Back - A New Type of Judge, 10/14/12


I haven't done an analysis of what this means...yet.  Maybe all is well that ends well.

I Like Flyball!

---------------------- 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)

Does the recent past come back into play or matter to you in flyball?

You decide.

I just posted the following on my facebook page, but I believe it merits being on this blog, too.

 

"To any/all of my flyball friends going to the U-FLI Championships, it is with heartfelt concern I wish to advise you of the following request posted to the U-FLI list with reference to someone looking for open spots to run. I do not like rumors or gossip and this is neither. It is factual. It is also an honest concern for the sport of flyball that I am sharing this with MY FRIENDS ONLY since you know me and you know my heart is in the right place and I truly wish no harm to anyone or any of our canine companion sport-athletes or fellow flyballers. I realize some aspects of what I am about to share are 'old news' dating back a year or two and I acknowledge people can change as well as we can choose to forgive past discretions. Yet, I must at minimum share the following so that you can make your own 'informed decision'. If you have any questions, please ask. And, please be assured I truly want what is best for flyball, for our dogs, for you and for U-FLI. v/r,..."

 

My facebook comments - 

 

1)

http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/pet-store-owner-found-guilty-of-animal-neglect/1191476

 

 

2)

To: "UFLI Flyball List" <flyballlist@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 1:51:31 PM
Subject: [U-FLI Flyball List] Fw: Dream Team wannabes

Hi all! My friend Carla is having trouble getting set up on the UFLI list so I told her I would sent this on her behalf.

Thanks,
Stephanie

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Real Working Terriers <realworkingterriers@gmail.com>
To: K9sr4flyball@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 9:37 AM
Subject: Dream Team wannabes

Since we are already going to be at Nationals for the Tournament of Champions, I figured I would offer my dogs to any Dream Teams that are looking. I would really like to find a Staffy Bull or bull breed team to run with :)
My dogs are...
Ruckus (BC) - 10" jumps, runs in the low 5's, turns to his right, and can run in any position.
Stealth (SBT) - 7" jumps, runs in the low 5's, turns to his right, and can run in any position.
Gidget (Min Pin) - 6" jumps, runs in the low 5's, turns to her right, and can run in any position. She may already have a spot, but it hasn't be finalized.
Sniper (JRT) - 7" jumps, runs in the low 5's (has hit 4.8-4.9 several times), turns to his right, can run in any position but does best in cleanup.
Boom (SBT) - 7" jumps, plows through everything in the high 5's, turns to his right, and can run in any position.

Please contact me offlist at realworkingterriers@gmail.com

Carla
& the Working Terriers crew