Monday, October 13, 2014

The Truth In Flyball Never Dies

I started this blog because I believed the truth in flyball was needed, was missing (at the time), and perhaps would help flyballers and the sport. 

http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2012/04/heres-what-to-expect-truth-about.html


Now, two and half years later, I wonder did this blog or the truth help in any way?  On a personal level, I know it has helped me and the flyballers closest to me.  On an organizational level, e.g., NAFA and U-FLI, I think it has helped some folks sort out a few things but has yet to help either organization on a long-term or permanent level.  On a group or team level, a tiny bit of progress has been noticeable.


This leads me to confirmation that some people thrive on the truth and some people prefer to ignore and hide (from) the truth either out of fear or some other negative motivator.  It also confirms for me the truth in flyball never dies.
 

Here are a few examples:

1) Growth of flyball...NAFA used to publish a Growth Chart on the corporate information page of their website...it's been missing for at least a year now (maybe 2 years).  Here's the last chart I'm aware of:  http://www.flyball.org/nafa_numbers.html

Since they've removed the chart, it makes me wonder why and what do they not want to show other flyballers.  I've heard there has been a pretty big decline in participation over the past several years but I have not personally been able to look at any stats since the chart is no longer published.  

U-FLI stats have never been available to flyballers as far as I know. 

From a personal standpoint, I have no clue whether either organization is ignoring or hiding the truth, but perhaps it really doesn't matter.  I am now going to be just one of 'those flyballers who only wants to play with her dogs and only cares whether there are working lights'.  Nah, I'm just kidding.  

The truth is, for many years, I had been caught up in other flyballer's interests.  I knew it had happened, but I went along with it.  Some of it was simply thrust on my shoulders without my really wanting it.  But, I like helping people fulfill their dreams and along the way there were some successes, and I had some really fun times.  

Now, however, I just want to play with my dogs.  And, my friends.  And, I still care what happens to the sport and the truth in flyball.
   

2) Stories about flyball beginnings... one of my former teams is having an exciting anniversary, 10 years!  Whoo-hoo!  I love that it's still going.  And, I love that they are promoting and sharing the history of how flyball got started in their Region. 

What I've noticed, however, is things being omitted in the stories.  The stories are so far, in my perspective, an incomplete version of history.  Perhaps new truths will be told and perhaps some people will choose to tell the complete history.  I believe the whole truth is a good thing and I have hope the full story will be told.


3) Team splits caused by mean people damage the sport of flyball...another team I know recently went through a split-up caused by people being unkind, purposefully hurtful and mistreating their teammates.  What I noticed is the events were told in two completely different versions.  And, some people refused to listen to others.  Therefore, some were able to deny the truth until it was too late.  Almost one year later, a few of them listened and then were able to admit and acknowledge the truth.  Despite knowing the truth, In their viewpoint, it no longer mattered and could still be ignored.  To the other people, severe damage had been done; perhaps damage that may be permanent.  


These three examples are somewhat disheartening, I think, because it is a repetitive pattern in flyball everywhere.  What gives me peace, however, is knowledge (that) the truth is always out there waiting and it will continue to be told by those who know it and it will continue to be heard by those who listen.

I continue to believe the truth lives forever and truly sets one free.






Let all you do be done in love.
[1Corin 4:16]


 
 






Respectfully,
I Like Flyball!
 ----------------------

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