tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71964019795264711502024-03-16T11:52:35.819-07:00#Flyball Can Be Fun!I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-59885057050322659442023-08-21T05:09:00.001-07:002023-08-21T05:09:25.226-07:00<p> <span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Justice in flyball</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">I just read about a business owner in Michigan who is taking his fight against the abuses by government over masks, shots, restrictions, closures, etc., further through the courts. He started his quest in 2020. Three years later, he is still moving forward and has taken additional action in 2023.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">In my view, he is very fortunate to have the money to keep going and help make things right again for all the people in his state. I am thankful for him and what he is doing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">He said he is doing this not just for himself and his business, but for everyone who was affected by a corrupt government and the subsequent interferences and retaliations against him. So many innocent people were abused. He wants it to never happen again to anyone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">I totally understand and, honestly, it was exactly what I was thinking when I began my endeavor against the same type of interference, retaliation and abuse in flyball. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">He also said he does not want people 'to forget the abuse'. My thoughts, exactly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Kudos to him and his legal team. Here's his recent explanation: </span></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysDJouG1bJc">Michigan restaurant owner not forgetting pandemic lockdowns. He is suing his local health dept. - YouTube</a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">With respect to my case of interference, retaliation and abuse by a flyball organization, I hope more flyballers will become aware of what happened and will never forget. I, too, hope it will never happen again. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">One not so great aspect of both our pursuits for justice...it can take years. In the meantime, further abuses can occur (and have) and many more people can be affected (and have).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">In his case, many Michigan businesses closed for good. The state has lost thousands of residents. In flyball, one of the organizations has been operating 'in the red' for the last few years according to published information. The other organization does not publish its information, but their website statistics reveal an overall lack of participation for the past three years. I know many flyballers who completely left the sport and others whose teams completely folded up.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">If you read my previous posts from this year, most of the abuses that happened are spelled out. You can read and see for yourself. I don't know if I've explained it well enough. I tried to. I also realize it is hard to believe an organization would permanently revoke my participation forevermore because I have a disability that prevents me from being able to wear a mask.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">A mask.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">It is still astonishing to me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">It is a good feeling to finally get this out in public. After nearly three years of dealing with lies followed by spiteful, vengeful, abusive actions against me, I want this type of thing never to happen again to anyone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">Just like the business owner. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">And for myself, maybe one day I'll be able to play flyball again in that organization.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">I truly hope justice is served.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE-VU6jijcH6ibkmdBZka5VMgT_9q1TUEyLOljJlqGGhPQQqwB8-mlda-96HeX9DuHF163BWLr-BwxSlWfj62XNAPmk4OO3c_U00sIZp6dbLroFYChS_wtV-XhchbJ8568rLjog_BWka9LURX0JKX7fe4S25uF-KJS5CrwMBnRjFwxmd29UKspIo7k_A/s300/justice%20scale%20image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="178" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVE-VU6jijcH6ibkmdBZka5VMgT_9q1TUEyLOljJlqGGhPQQqwB8-mlda-96HeX9DuHF163BWLr-BwxSlWfj62XNAPmk4OO3c_U00sIZp6dbLroFYChS_wtV-XhchbJ8568rLjog_BWka9LURX0JKX7fe4S25uF-KJS5CrwMBnRjFwxmd29UKspIo7k_A/s1600/justice%20scale%20image.png" width="178" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-36580520754743629512023-07-20T04:14:00.008-07:002023-07-23T03:07:53.857-07:00<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b><u>Truth or Lies - which do you choose?</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">For this post, I am going to quote a recent article discussing the recent American experience in general with respect to truth and lies. I hope you'll see the correlation to flyball; and I hope you'll choose truth over the lies and the liars.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">"...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">Once foreign to the “American mind,” dishonor and deceit are essential “harmonizing sentiments” in totalitarian societies. In a society controlled by force, lying is a way of life..."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">"...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">the cure to overcoming the totalitarian harmonizing sentiment of deceit:</span></p><blockquote class="wp-block-quote" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2rem; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.9rem; margin-top: 0px;">When people renounce lies, lies simply cease to exist."</p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p>"...<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">During COVID, particularly in the early days of the pandemic, the public was frightened. Many preferred to</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;"> </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">get with the program</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">and eschew responsibility for their often difficult health decisions. They wanted no interruptions to their fantasy that their preferred choice was an easy decision. Yet life is messy; there are few one-size-fits-all answers. Unwilling to tolerate the inherent ambiguity in life, they willingly forfeited their freedom."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">Streams of orchestrated, hateful propaganda were directed against those who made different medical choices. These relentless attacks were designed to stir up an agitated population easily gulled into supporting attacks..."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">"The result was predictable. As (</span>Aldous Huxley wrote)<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">, “The surest way to work up a crusade in favor of some good cause is to promise people they will have a chance of maltreating someone."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">"To be able to destroy with good conscience, to be able to behave badly and call your bad behavior ‘righteous indignation’ — this is the height of psychological luxury, the most delicious of moral treats.” </span><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">Righteous indignation </em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">may be another prevailing sentiment in the American mind.."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">"...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;">One of the purposes of free speech is to allow discussion about various topics so the public may make informed decisions… Without a free debate about these issues [vaccines, masks, closures etc.], each person is unable to decide for himself or herself the proper decision regarding their health.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Book Antiqua", Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", Georgia, serif; font-size: 19.2px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Were you able to decide for yourself during the 'virus'?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Were some people denied free speech in flyball?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Were some attacked and maltreated?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Were some slandered and forced out of flyball?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Did some go along with it all?</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are reading this post and the recent preceding ones, now you know someone who was denied, attacked, maltreated, slandered and forced out of flyball in one of the organizations.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now you know the truth. I hope you'll embrace it and give up the lies and liars.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Matthew 18:4 John 8:44 Romans 2:11 Amen</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 19.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(source of quotes: </span></span><a href="https://www.aier.org/article/if-we-live-by-lies-we-will-demand-deceitful-politicians/?fbclid=IwAR0lPNTGKdqG40RB4vrS9v_CPrhQJAfsjgjNelhcX_aVDusE-0a0edPj9dA">If We Live by Lies, We Will Demand Deceitful Politicians | AIER</a> )</p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-41875059601397068332023-06-13T05:03:00.000-07:002023-06-13T05:03:16.693-07:00<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u><b>Proving the Liars and Bullies</b></u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As a follow-up to my April, 2023 blog post, t</span><span style="font-family: arial;">he Michigan Department of Civil Rights agrees with me and have found my claim meets the following elements:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Element - claimant meets definition of person with a disability to the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act and/or the Americans with Disability Act.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Element - yes, claimant requested an accommodation that enabled her to utilize and benefit from the public service or public accommodation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Element - there was no contention between claimant and respondent the request was reasonable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What will come next will be the proof of attempted coercion, interference, intimidation and retaliation against me.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All of these actions are against the law. Specifically, US 42 Chapter 126 Section 12203.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">(quote):</span></p><div class="subsection indent2 firstIndent-2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-left: 12pt; margin-top: 3pt; padding: 4pt;"><span class="num bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;" value="a">(a)</span><span class="heading bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: bold;">Retaliation</span><div class="content" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">No person shall discriminate against any individual because such individual has opposed any act or practice made unlawful by this chapter or because such individual made a charge, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this chapter.</p></div></div><div class="subsection indent2 firstIndent-2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-left: 12pt; margin-top: 3pt; padding: 4pt;"><a name="b" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 28, 114); box-sizing: border-box; color: #001c72; cursor: pointer;"></a><span class="num bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold;" value="b">(b)</span><span class="heading bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: bold;">Interference, coercion, or intimidation</span><div class="content" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">It shall be unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his or her having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of his or her having aided or encouraged any other individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by this chapter.</p></div></div><div class="subsection indent2 firstIndent-2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 3pt; margin-left: 12pt; margin-top: 3pt; padding: 4pt;"><br /><a name="c" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(0, 28, 114); box-sizing: border-box; color: #001c72; cursor: pointer;"></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-55303930281270723212023-04-09T04:42:00.000-07:002023-04-09T04:42:13.396-07:00<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Phony police tactics and harassment</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In my last post I mentioned some of the threats I received by the flyball organization.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What follows are a few details regarding one specific threat I received from an out of State law enforcement officer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The threats came via a phone call to me in my home. Interesting the officer said he was in a different State than where I lived. Huh? How would this officer know me and how did he get my phone number?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'd never even been in the State he said he was calling from. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Sargeant identified himself and told me he was 'representing CS and the flyball organization'. I know who CS is; in fact CS and I are from the same State. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But, why on earth was the out of state sargeant involved?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">During our phone conversation, he went on to say I 'would be arrested'. How, I asked him, since I wasn't even in his State? Did he witness something I did that warranted an arrest? I truly wanted to understand what was happening.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When I mentioned the laws he became antagonistic, rude and sarcastic. I wondered why he was treating me with such disrespect so afterward I contacted his Police Chief directly.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Police Chief asked me if I wanted to file a complaint. Yes, I did.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Police Captain who handled the complaint was in the direct chain of command for the Sargeant. He confirmed the threats toward me were the result of a specific request from the event host and coordinator (CS and the flyball organization as the Sgt. specifically named). He also confirmed there could be a 'civil issue' as result of the organization's behavior toward me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Needless to say, I was blown away by the behavior of the flyball organization. I believe it is why (because they were unsuccessful in their unwarranted harassment and intimidation tactics) the organization's CEO developed the process for suspension of participant status and at the same time pursued permanent revocation against me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What reason for permanent revocation was given? Masks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Is a person who cannot wear a mask a criminal? No.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Is a person who cannot wear a mask one who should never be permitted to play flyball? No.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Is there more to come? Yes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-48858008144219051542023-03-13T11:41:00.000-07:002023-03-13T11:41:16.311-07:00<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Liars and Bullies</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u><br /></u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You may be wondering how the title of this post applies to flyball. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The second to last sentence of my previous article, Phony Suspension - Part 3, is:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Question remains how is someone with a disability wanting to continue playing the sport considered a valid reason for permanent termination?"</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Exactly.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Liars and bullies in flyball is an answer.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to the quotes in my last article, here are a few of the more absurd attempted lies and bullying a 20+ year flyball veteran with a spotless flyball tenure received during the time period 2020 and 2021.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;">(quotes from CEO complaint, August 2021):</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "...is a current...Participant who is not currently in good standing..."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "...requested an exemption...from the...requirement that "masks are required..."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "...engaged in communications with...representatives..."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "...In response...eligibility to participate...was conditioned upon...signed...affirmative written statement..."</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">- "...has not met those conditions..."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">- "...continues to contact...representatives and...host club representatives..."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">- "...communications contain misrepresentations..."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">- "...email regarding...representative...stating...direction...what type document...would accept before...allowed to participate..."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">- "...emails to...attorney...that his communications were...unethical...attempts to slander...to intimidate...as well as retaliate against...on behalf of..."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">- "...email...stating...request...has neither been addressed, nor denied..."</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "...social media message...responds to...host club..."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "...email to...representatives...from host club...stating that 'the wearing of masks and ...request for ADA public accommodation was the only reason...instructed some clubs to refuse...entries..."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "... inappropriate communications with...and host clubs...causing strain...in the community and is negatively impacting...relationships...venues..."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "...communications fail to exhibit good sportsmanship..."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">- "As as result...believes that...Participant status should be terminated permanently."</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">Again, I must ask, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">how is someone with a disability wanting to continue playing the sport considered a valid reason for permanent termination?</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">Even the American Association for Disabled Persons, the CDC and the Governor's Executive Orders make it clear a person with a disability is exempt from wearing a mask.</span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">For example:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222;">"</span><b style="color: #26282a;">From:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a;">Maria Town <mtown@aapd.com></span></span></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>To:</b> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Sent:</b> ...2021</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Subject:</b> Information Regarding Face Masks and People with Disabilities</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br clear="none" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div id="yiv2559857279" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Dear </span><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br clear="none" /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Thank you for reaching out to the American Association of People with Disabilities regarding people with non-apparent disabilities who may have difficulty wearing masks during the pandemic. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br clear="none" /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">There are a few resources on this topic, some of which AAPD has contributed to. Many people with disabilities, both non-apparent and apparent, have difficulties wearing masks, and guidance has been developed to make sure that these individuals can still get their needs meet and engage in community life without being stigmatized for not wearing a mask. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br clear="none" /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Most importantly, the Centers for Disease Control has said that people with disabilities "<span style="color: black;">who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, for reasons related to the disability" are exempt from wearing a mask</span><span style="color: black;">...</span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Please let me know if this is helpful. Thank you for reaching out. </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br clear="none" /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maria </span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br clear="all" /></span><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="yiv2559857279gmail_signature" dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Maria Town</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">President and CEO<br clear="none" /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)"</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Next time, I'll share with you the call I received from an out of state police sargeant threatening me on behalf of...</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="font-size: 12.8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-58392939406968082402023-02-21T05:07:00.000-08:002023-02-21T05:07:30.516-08:00<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><u>Phony Suspension - Part 3</u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In my two previous posts, I described the background for this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today, I was again inspired to continue 'going public'. What follows are some of the threats, harassment, attempts to intimidate, slander and the permanent revocation of participation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I must add that the laws in our State, other States, and our Nation provide for protection against these things and those that committed them have broken several laws.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First I want to share a pretty good article pointing to one step in the remedy and healing process. It's called: </span></p><h1 class="ArticleFull_title__MEgbb" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: DINOT, Impact, sans-serif; font-size: 30px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 36px; margin: 10px 0px 25px;">"It's Time For The Scientific Community To Admit We Were Wrong About COVID & It Cost Lives"</h1><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The link is: </span><a href="https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/its-time-scientific-community-admit-we-were-wrong-about-covid-it-cost-lives?fbclid=IwAR3T6yFCzAtrQ1Gi1mMQ6qPnuy-43tByIVmh2RoquIVW2s98p9M_8NxVD74">"It's Time For The Scientific Community To Admit We Were Wrong About COVID & It Cost Lives" | ZeroHedge</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Without further ado, here are a few of the flyball organization officers and other representatives attempts to intimidate, slander and retaliate. All are quoted:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">(2020)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Mid year: "...I am (expletive) sick of hearing...that some people will not wear them..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"...don't ruin it...end of discussion..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"...thought we could work it out...we cannot...do not contact again..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">(2021)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"...let you know that some of your comments...will be deleted...block you from our group."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"...If you continue...I will cancel the tournament...and no one will play."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"...I trust I have made myself clear..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"...deeming your presence a trespass...and contacting the police..." </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"...no choice but to seek relief in court..."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">(above list not all inclusive)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">During this time in 2021, all participation entries were initially accepted and then all revoked.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">During this time, attorney harassment against participant was ongoing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">During this time, the organization created and instituted a NEW policy whereby the CEO may submit requests to the Board to terminate a participant's good standing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Funny thing, the rules say it must be for a reason.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This was anything but.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Question remains how is someone with a disability wanting to continue playing the sport considered a valid reason for permanent termination?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">One answer might be...ONLY IF THEY ARE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH IT.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-44194006624257895152023-02-15T04:23:00.001-08:002023-02-15T04:23:55.620-08:00<p> </p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u>Be Inspired</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Inspiration can come from unexpected sources.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That's what happened to me this morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Someone I've met but don't know that well is being harassed and threatened</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> with phony legal tactics. Sounds familiar.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This person explained how they are also being retaliated against because they spoke up, spoke truth and tried to assert their rights.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again, sounds familiar.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This inspirational person went on to say they will not be bullied and they will go public.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've already done the 'I will not be bullied' thing.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you read my last post called "Phony Suspension", I think you'll understand what follows.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The phony legal tactic.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(quote from attorney letter):</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;">“…informed you that you are not a participant in good standing and
will not be a participant in good standing unless and until you satisfy the
conditions for participation...</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: medium;">...to return to the status of participant in good standing, you must
submit the following:..your affirmative written statement that you will …without
limitation wearing a mask..."</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, "sans-serif";">(end quote</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> from attorney letter) </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Legitimately ordered by a court? No</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Legal? No. On many fronts.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Retaliation against an individual for asserting rights under the laws? Yes.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wonder what will happen in the long run.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-32737203953952322572023-02-02T04:02:00.001-08:002023-02-21T03:54:40.699-08:00<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><u><b>Phony Suspension</b></u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking back to my last post, in 2015, I was on to something. Little did I know, it would be as bad, and worse, going forward.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Coming full circle, almost seven years later, another suspension takes place. Different issue entirely.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But, same, in some ways. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Let me explain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The issue in 2015 was animal abuse and a participant's status in various dog sports. Flyball was partly emulating the well-known AKC with it's policies. Both flyball organizations took action to suspend the participant convicted of animal abuse. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You can read the post from 2015 for more details.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, comes another suspension. Well, actually a permanent revocation of participant status. Different participant. Different issue entirely. And, this go around, only one flyball organization took action.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Can you guess which one?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Can you guess what it was for?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Want a hint?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It wasn't anything to do with dogs or playing the sport or personal behavior that hurt anyone or (not) even unsportsmanship. It wasn't anything to do with the sport at all.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It was, however, about abuse. Abuse by the flyball organization and it's host clubs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The events that led up to one flyball organization taking action were strictly personal in nature. And, they promulgated their abuse by bullying host clubs into compliance with their actions.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Actions against one person.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Actions against a 20-year+ veteran of the sport. Against a person who had not done anything remotely wrong. Nor, remotely against the sport. Or, remotely against a dog or another participant. None of the things you'd expect a person to be permanently suspended for.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It was, by all the facts, a personal vendetta by one or more of the flyball organization officers. Against only one person.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This person was censored online, kicked out of flyball groups, blocked from flyball groups, and harassed and retaliated against in many forms for many months. Including, get this, coercion using phony legal and law enforcement tactics. One even occurred via an out of state resource. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Again, for what?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Did you guess correctly?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That's right. Masks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Does this sound ok to you?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The truth matters and it will be brought to light one day soon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-7527524819985089642015-10-03T07:31:00.000-07:002015-10-03T07:31:55.846-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surprisingly I agree with AKC. Honestly, I don't really like a lot of what AKC stands for; but on this topic, they are doing the right thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The issue is participation in their organization vs. suspension (or ban) for a person convicted of animal neglect and abuse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is such a person presently known to some in the flyball commnunity, convicted in her community for animal abuse and neglect which resulted in her dog's cruel and inhumane death. The person's name is public knowledge; it is Carla Thomas, also known as Carla Parravani. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The AKC suspended Ms. Thomas, aka Ms. Parravani, in a public newsletter in 2013 (source: </span><a a11yfocused="true" aria-haspopup="true" class="Object-hover" href="https://images.akc.org/pdf/secretary_page/April_2013.pdf" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1080_com_zimbra_url" tabindex="0" target="_blank"><a href="https://images.akc.org/pdf/secretary_page/April_2013.pdf"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://images.akc.org/pdf/secretary_page/April_2013.pdf</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) </span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her 15-year suspension was accompanied by a $3,000 fine according to the newsletter. Quote: "...from all AKC privileges for fifteen years and imposed a $3000 fine, for
conduct prejudicial to purebred dogs, purebred dog events, or to the best
interests of the American Kennel Club...Inappropriate Treatment Policy...". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to her AKC affiliation Ms. Thomas, aka Ms. Parravani, is also involved in dog sports such as flyball. The AKC is loosely affiliated with NAFA flyball because the AKC now recognizes and publishes NAFA flyball titles for it's AKC members. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is the follow-up to my last blog post with the outcome of my inquiries with the AKC, NAFA and U-FLI in regard to Ms. Thomas, aka Ms. Parravani, current and future participation in each organization as it relates to the sport of flyball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">AKC flyball titles: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The AKC will not issue an AKC title to an individual suspended from the AKC if a
title application were received."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NAFA flyball participation:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"As an independent
organization NAFA reserves the right to determine the type and length of any
disciplinary action in regards to competing in our sport. I feel that the
length of Carla's suspension was appropriate for her actions and the BoD
agreed. You are free to generate your own personal opinion however this will be
my final conversation regarding this matter."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">U-FLI participation:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"....</span><span style="font-size: small;">It was a sticky, controversial situation
that U-FLI became involved with regarding Carla's alleged abuse/neglect..." </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The AKC suspension is still in effect and will be until approximately 2028. In NAFA, the suspension is lifted. In U-FLI, the suspension is lifted. I wish NAFA and U-FLI would follow AKC's example. The integrity of the flyball community deserves no less.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I Like Flyball</span> I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-81651232551711453712015-08-14T05:36:00.000-07:002015-08-16T05:38:05.828-07:00<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is an old post brought back into focus and updated due to current circumstances in the flyball community. May you, the reader, find your truth along the way and thank you for reading this blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In truth,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I Like Flyball</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>UPDATE - 2015</u></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">After the following new post to one of the flyball community lists, I asked and received confirmation the person looking for help with her dog's medical bills is the same person in my 2013 blog post (see link at bottom). Me, personally, I am not certain whether or not adults are capable of changing their behavior. From the beginning of this incident there were, in my opinion, cover-ups and outright lies surrounding this person's conviction and subsequent actions taken by both flyball organizations. Even so far as the person's dogs prior to the incident being 'owned' by her then immediately after the story broke to the flyball public, some of these same dogs appeared under a different owner's name (it appeared to be under the spouse's name at that point). Me, personally, I do not trust people who repeatedly obscure the truth and tell outright lies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At the present time, there is a request for 'medical bill' help for this same person's one dog. I'm fairly sure based on the description of the dog's health issue it is most likely not the fault of the dog owner. However, what bothers me is the flyball organizations' continued involvement with the dog owner all along, from the very beginning of the issue, through the conviction of animal abuse, to allowing the dog owner name change which made it possible for this person's other dogs to still compete in flyball and earn titles and to this day soliciting other flyballer's help for someone who was convicted. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Do people change? Perhaps. Did this person change? I have no honest idea. I do not trust the person based on previous reports and subsequent analysis. And, I do not support flyball organizations continuing to solicit to the flyball community on behalf of this person. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That is my truth and I simply want to share it with those who may have never heard of the original issue. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I Like Flyball</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">here's the current post August 2015:</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">(quote)</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>From: </strong>"'Chris Sells' via U-FLI Flyball" <</span><a a11yfocused="true" aria-haspopup="true" class="Object" href="javascript:window.top.ZmObjectManager.__doClickObject(document.getElementById("OBJ_PREFIX_DWT702_com_zimbra_email"));" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT702_com_zimbra_email" tabindex="0"><span style="font-size: small;">flyballlist@googlegroups.com</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">><br /><b>To: </b>"U-FLI List" <</span><a a11yfocused="true" aria-haspopup="true" class="Object" href="javascript:window.top.ZmObjectManager.__doClickObject(document.getElementById("OBJ_PREFIX_DWT703_com_zimbra_email"));" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT703_com_zimbra_email" tabindex="0"><span style="font-size: small;">flyballlist@googlegroups.com</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">><br /><b>Sent: </b>Thursday, August 13, 2015 7:26:32 AM<br /><b>Subject: </b>[U-FLI Flyball List] Zoom's Medical Bills - Go Fund Me</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: HelveticaNeue, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many of you have met Carla at Championship's and her dog Zoom, they need your help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">[click here to support Zoom's Medical bills, link disabled when posted here]</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">(end quote)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the original post from 2013:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2013/06/does-recent-past-come-back-into-play-or.html">http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2013/06/does-recent-past-come-back-into-play-or.html</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*edited 8/16 to remove association with a specific flyball organization due to confirmation from the organization the person's post for solicitation is not affiliated in any way with the flyball organization and the organization does not support the solicitation </span><br />
<a href="https://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=mWLeLU8BAAA.lYvfoD1ok-COsz29vxVtdA.k3sC2bx9bIlocjIcV7tMWw&postId=2056729402054880279&type=POST"></a><br />I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-14461455771523989892014-10-13T05:13:00.000-07:002014-10-13T05:13:10.191-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>The Truth In Flyball Never Dies</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2012/04/heres-what-to-expect-truth-about.html">http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2012/04/heres-what-to-expect-truth-about.html</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, two and half years later, I wonder did this blog or the truth help in any way? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a personal level, I know it has helped me and the flyballers closest to me. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">n 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. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a group or team level, a tiny bit of progress has been noticeable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few examples:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) <em><strong>Growth of flyball</strong></em>...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: </span><a href="http://www.flyball.org/nafa_numbers.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.flyball.org/nafa_numbers.html</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">U-FLI stats have never been available to flyballers as far as I know. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) <em><strong>Stories about flyball beginnings</strong></em>... 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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) <strong><em>Team splits caused by mean people damage the sport of flyball</em></strong>...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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These three examples are somewhat disheartening, I think, because it is a repetitive pattern in flyball everywhere. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue to believe the truth lives forever and truly sets one free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Let all you do be done in love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">[1Corin 4:16]</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Respectfully,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I Like Flyball!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)</em><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-81061949569959309462014-05-26T05:07:00.000-07:002014-05-26T05:07:42.217-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><u>Follow The Dogs</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">You've heard the quote 'follow the money', right? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was reminded of this concept again recently when I came across another flyball announcement posted from someone else regarding their acquisition of a puppy for the specific purpose of playing flyball. The puppy was said to be from a flyball lineage; both male and female parents were great flyball dogs. From the announcement, it appeared the breeding was purposeful and strictly for flyball. Also, it appeared there was great pride associated with both the breeding and the acquisition of the puppy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dog breeding has always struck me oddly compared to how some of my dog friends feel about it. I try very hard not to judge those who choose to purposefully breed and sell or give away the puppies from the breeding. It's tough for me and I readily admit that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My dog acquisitions have all been rescue dogs. Shelter dogs, rescue group dogs, fostered dogs looking for a new home. I have never thought about nor desired to get a dog from a breeder nor to subsequently breed any of my dogs...never. To me, there are way too many dogs who need homes out there and I could never purposefully contribute to any more of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Those are my thoughts and I believe most folks who also rescue may have some if not all of the same thoughts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have no idea how or what a dog breeder thinks. I've heard others say why they think breeders do what they do. To better the breed or to continue a good breed is all I can truthfully remember as sounding like possibly legitimate reasons in my perspective. And maybe these are motives I can relate to on some level. That's where my ability to relate ends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Over the past several years, some breeders have taken up breeding specific 'sport dogs'. These dogs are said to be designed for optimal physical traits that contribute to highly successful athletic abilities. Also, over the years I've heard of flyballers who specifically breed their team dogs and then sell or give away the puppies to other flyballers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Here's where the phrase 'follow the dogs' comes in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There are some big names (i.e., flyball teams) in flyball who are now in the business of breeding for the sport. Perhaps their motives are all good. Since I am unable to relate to this type of business, I have a lot of reservations. I know my motives are all good. I want the best for flyball and for flyballers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And, <em>my most important desire</em> is for what's best for the dog(s).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">In my mind, there are tons of dogs out there who can be rescued and who would be great at flyball. I think I'll always look there first whenever I decide to add to my family again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And, I will pray.</span><br />
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<a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=gWYs8eqdIIdmjM&tbnid=tbKgj87EIKj6UM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetumssignatures.com%2Fgod-grant-me-the-serenity.html&ei=jymDU72_MpOZyATw9oLQBw&bvm=bv.67720277,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNF-zvh5jPrFYb5h1qpkBwbItrLOgg&ust=1401191154154378" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="irc_mut" height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT3V7Aye2PsFpg3tsoT-grvx1QuFOk4XoTaLEgr5df5o9lab7nTuw" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="301" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sincerely,</span></div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I Like Flyball!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-19326311104213535442014-01-09T03:30:00.000-08:002014-01-09T03:30:24.238-08:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How about something new in flyball...well, new for me at least. Up til now I'd say 99% of my blog has been devoted to just about everything <em>except training</em> and <em>my dogs. </em>This morning I decided to just do it differently...yeah!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Last weekend my newest flyball-dog-to-be successfully did a 4-pawed box turn at practice. She's a tall and long husky type and I can't tell you how excited I was when she repeated the turn several more times. She has a really happy and fun spirit and is learning soooooo fast it makes my head spin.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">And, it makes me reminisce a little about my flyball experiences over the past 15 years. Just last November, I retired my first flyball dog after 13 successful years consistently playing and competing. She turned 14 just before retirement. What a joy it is to have played at the sport with her for so many years and my heart is overflowing thanks to her! The year before, 2012, I retired my second flyball dog (hmmm, she was also 14 at the time, sweet). She just turned 15 last month. I am thankful every day for both these wonderful spirits who came into my life and shared themselves with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">So, now we are all sharing flyball with the newbie in our household and things are starting to click. I think we will be introducing the ball into the 4-pawed swimmer's turn pretty soon. She already knows the entire course down and back, taught herself to trigger the box (and) catch the ball and return. I bet she'll be able to put the swimmer's turn into her repertoire in no time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Practice is coming up in a few days. Can't wait! I Like Flyball!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-86612663919828647262013-10-30T05:39:00.001-07:002013-10-30T05:39:09.917-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Of course, flyball was one of the things in my head!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- The new Multibreed Title Awards in NAFA are now being compiled for near-term </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">(Did you know NAFA removed the old club owner access and replaced it with a new 'public administration site'?) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- 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 <em>not </em>a good thing for flyball because it limits the capability for change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- 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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- 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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">That's all I was thinking about this morning. Short and Sweet and keeping with this Blog's motto...K.I.S.S.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">v/r, I Like Flyball! </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-63795453515305658462013-07-31T04:32:00.001-07:002013-08-02T13:17:43.049-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Based on the number of posts I've made, 2012 was fruitful on a personal level.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTCn4dBxeMK7ZOcealdGgkCmvB4OGCXpY9yF-iNOeIliGlQvjDjVVicbWOODCNlyhstkm0uV9Tww9hoxSKyENtSpxzyGXYoOLieYL8RPMknW0Ifsmo6yLuhS7KM27L_r7icvDC-NBODo/s1600/aces-indy-box_dxsk.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTCn4dBxeMK7ZOcealdGgkCmvB4OGCXpY9yF-iNOeIliGlQvjDjVVicbWOODCNlyhstkm0uV9Tww9hoxSKyENtSpxzyGXYoOLieYL8RPMknW0Ifsmo6yLuhS7KM27L_r7icvDC-NBODo/s320/aces-indy-box_dxsk.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">But, something happened in 2013 and a couple of changes are bigger than I expected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">One change is there's not a lot of <em>open</em> 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. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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 </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">ED/BoD representation for the betterment of flyball. I'm not holding my breath, though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The other change for me is writing this blog. There's a big difference from last year. This surprised even me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong><u>Posts</u></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2012, 34 posts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2013, 3 posts (including this one)</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>Views</strong></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The first 6 months - over 700</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The last 10 months - over 2,100 (a 300% increase)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u><strong>Top viewed posts in 2012</strong></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) Going Around the Rules for Points & Regional Champ, 9/21/12<br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Chapter Four - Championships, 7/23/12</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial;">3) The Growth (or decline) of Flyball, 9/13/12</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Chapter Three - Competition, Recognition and Speed, 7/16/12</span></span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>Top viewed posts in 2013</strong></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">1) Does the recent past come back into play or matter to you in flyball, 6/26/13</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2) There is a new twist to 'ghost club' and co-hosting, 11/6/12</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">3) The growth (or decline) of Flyball, 9/13/12</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">4) I've Got Your (Run) Back - A New Type of Judge, 10/14/12</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I haven't done an analysis of what this means...yet. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Maybe all is well that ends well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Flyball Surgeons General Warning:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No visible training flags. </span></span><br />
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I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-12262183131439609642013-06-26T17:20:00.001-07:002013-06-26T17:20:22.544-07:00<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does the recent past come back into play or matter to you in flyball?</span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You decide.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just posted the following on my facebook page, but I believe it merits being on this blog, too.</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"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,..." </span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My facebook comments - </span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612859}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612859}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]">1)</span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span><a href="http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/pet-store-owner-found-guilty-of-animal-neglect/1191476" id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612859}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:0:0]" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/criminal/pet-store-owner-found-guilty-of-animal-neglect/1191476</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span></span></span><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612859}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:3]"></span> </div>
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<span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2)</span></span></div>
<form action="/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="live_10200226570329024_316526391751760 commentable_item autoexpand_mode" data-live="{"seq":"10200226570329024_61612866"}" id="u_jsonp_18_t" method="post" rel="async">
<input name="charset_test" type="hidden" value="€,´,€,´,水,Д,Є" /><input autocomplete="off" name="fb_dtsg" type="hidden" value="AQASZlZ0" /><input autocomplete="off" name="feedback_params" type="hidden" value="{"actor":"1295447889","target_fbid":"10200226570329024","target_profile_id":"1295447889","type_id":"22","assoc_obj_id":"","source_app_id":"0","extra_story_params":[],"content_timestamp":"1372290117","check_hash":"AQBia_XnsNouHfvw","source":"13"}" /><input autocomplete="off" name="data_only_response" type="hidden" value="1" /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0]"><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0]"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:0]">To: "UFLI Flyball List" <flyballlist@googlegroups.com></span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:1]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:2]">Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 1:51:31 PM</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:3]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:4]">Subject: [U-FLI Flyball List] Fw: Dream Team wannabes</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:5]" /><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:6]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[2:0].[3:0:7]">Hi all! My friend Carla is having trouble getting set up on the UFLI list so I told her I would sen</span></span></span><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3]"><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1]"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:0]">t this on her behalf. </span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:1]" /><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:2]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:3]">Thanks,</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:4]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:5]">Stephanie</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:6]" /><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:7]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:8]">----- Forwarded Message -----</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:9]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:10]">From: Real Working Terriers <realworkingterriers@gmail.com></span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:11]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:12]">To: K9sr4flyball@yahoo.com </span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:13]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:14]">Sent: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 9:37 AM</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:15]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:16]">Subject: Dream Team wannabes</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:17]" /><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:18]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:19]">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 <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoticon_text">:)</span><span class="emoticon emoticon_smile" title=":)"></span></span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:20]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:21]">My dogs are...</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:22]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:23]">Ruckus (BC) - 10" jumps, runs in the low 5's, turns to his right, and can run in any position.</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:24]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:25]">Stealth (SBT) - 7" jumps, runs in the low 5's, turns to his right, and can run in any position.</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:26]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:27]">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.</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:28]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:29]">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.</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:30]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:31]">Boom (SBT) - 7" jumps, plows through everything in the high 5's, turns to his right, and can run in any position.</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:32]" /><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:33]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:34]">Please contact me offlist at realworkingterriers@gmail.com</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:35]" /><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:36]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:37]">Carla</span><br id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:38]" /><span id=".reactRoot[4215488].[2]{comment10200226570329024_61612866}.[1:0].[4:0:1].[3:1].[4:0:1].[1:1].[1:0].[1:0:2].[2:0].[3:3].[2:1].[3:0:39]">& the Working Terriers crew</span></span></span></span></span></span> </form>
I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-20717723389262357812012-11-29T05:38:00.000-08:002012-11-29T05:38:34.094-08:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Flyball - What's Love Got To Do With It</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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 <em>wanted</em> others to know their feelings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Question is...<em>why</em> did they want others to know. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Now, imagine how you would feel on the receiving end of someones hate. Does it feel good? Not. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">What is completely absurd to me is some people actually allow themselves to feel spite, anger and hate <em>in flyball. </em>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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5_bYDPtOGcIHJnZHy8nb_601TVkVrATd2EsxY6-ro9tYzv7eyIKvuZ0GfI4gnEkk5DjSWQGl4LjjFjVHRPL-u_9Xhzwpwg8MrAQ0Vl3_9z7SFST-WCx0QfbUFHr0cgOx0-5pP45iBOA/s1600/reckless+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5_bYDPtOGcIHJnZHy8nb_601TVkVrATd2EsxY6-ro9tYzv7eyIKvuZ0GfI4gnEkk5DjSWQGl4LjjFjVHRPL-u_9Xhzwpwg8MrAQ0Vl3_9z7SFST-WCx0QfbUFHr0cgOx0-5pP45iBOA/s320/reckless+heart.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Bigger question is what makes them think the rest of us will put up with their spiteful or hateful behavior.<em> </em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Unfortunately, I have been around people in flyball who do not come from a good place in their heart. And, truth be told, it <em>can be </em>devastating if their attitude and behavior are allowed to infect a group of people, just like it did in the movie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><em>Come on folks! </em>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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">And, just like the Hatfields & McCoys, in the end, love won! (ooops, sorry for giving away the ending) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-61073971090190464672012-11-15T04:53:00.000-08:002012-11-16T04:08:32.939-08:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sportsmanship and heads up, Club Owners.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0X9EVw7VsqnuHo2_J2TefVZKv9gGpOEcxwGxeRf0vycL65Xo_6Fd4442G-dvVdG0cD9Vur7wA5m56_e1GKMAnBJutgTSz36wBLpX_XBkw1Fp3aZqsxC2Cj7JeEaGqYa5N71ug_MoFrU/s1600/sweeping+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0X9EVw7VsqnuHo2_J2TefVZKv9gGpOEcxwGxeRf0vycL65Xo_6Fd4442G-dvVdG0cD9Vur7wA5m56_e1GKMAnBJutgTSz36wBLpX_XBkw1Fp3aZqsxC2Cj7JeEaGqYa5N71ug_MoFrU/s200/sweeping+rug.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The answer is yes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">[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.]</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">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.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">[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 <em>this </em>case with <em>this </em>example of a subversive and unsportsmanlike public comment, I believe the formal process is not the answer.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">[I am struggling with an overall point with this post because it is a HUGE topic with many different facets.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">As far as U-FLI is concerned, I hope they have already learned by example and are wise beyond their years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">On a slightly somber, yet hopeful note for flyball everywhere,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I (still) Like Flyball!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-37381648063682941152012-11-06T07:06:00.000-08:002012-11-06T11:31:23.489-08:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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...d</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">o you see the same things I do with this scenario?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some thoughts I have are that this co-hosted-by-the-same-club tournament:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a) does not help a new club get off the ground since there technically were no new dogs or handlers, and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> > 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. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemAPosoCPMEy-XRAYhZax6Nx96ajCRMLHtpJwa4iBlcF3ZQzxGaSMmM8Ej2f0v3PWtiUeEn3AIItMvEGoDxG86241tZiNYZt8MV6EJDHiHnrPH2Z_5vmo0CIXIcF-RpKj4l5SWQpAZuM/s1600/hanging+chad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemAPosoCPMEy-XRAYhZax6Nx96ajCRMLHtpJwa4iBlcF3ZQzxGaSMmM8Ej2f0v3PWtiUeEn3AIItMvEGoDxG86241tZiNYZt8MV6EJDHiHnrPH2Z_5vmo0CIXIcF-RpKj4l5SWQpAZuM/s1600/hanging+chad.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">[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.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">3) It appears this scenario has been able to 'fly under the radar'. Fishy? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Definitely interesting. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">PS - If you'd like to read my original 'ghost club' post, please see 5/17/12.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-86353305153196547182012-10-25T04:29:00.002-07:002012-10-25T04:29:50.733-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>The Growth (or decline) of Flyball - The Numbers</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to put the numbers to the test and see if they prove anything one way or the other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was able to find some statistics on the NAFA website. Kudos to their website which contains lots of fun facts and interesting statistics. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><u>2006 - 2011</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- Tournaments: varied from 325-352 per year; trending downward last 3 years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- Racing Clubs: varied from 347 to 372; trending upward </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- Hosting Clubs: varied from 134 to 148; trending downward last 4 years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- Newly registered dogs: varied from 1,266 to 1,081; trending around 1,100 last 3 years</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- Newly retired dogs: trending around 1,200 (2006-2009)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> > 2010 & 2011 data not available</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">- Racing dogs: trending each year around 5,700 dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> > 2011 data not available</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsffH7I06A818Q8f7n0Mb2Iuwp8Mth51ShfbPB_MQtY3KGpk0cjJBu6m4AhRQY4MTQGi3zyhmA_GWS6L-qgn1_7jDQ486vlADHTIGIPnpgljIAObXUH68Cvx7_BrQcrqi9wCDvE8e4jgI/s1600/reflection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsffH7I06A818Q8f7n0Mb2Iuwp8Mth51ShfbPB_MQtY3KGpk0cjJBu6m4AhRQY4MTQGi3zyhmA_GWS6L-qgn1_7jDQ486vlADHTIGIPnpgljIAObXUH68Cvx7_BrQcrqi9wCDvE8e4jgI/s320/reflection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Footnotes:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- NAFA website chart contained a few possible errors in the numbers when I compared them to the meeting minutes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Information for years 2010 and 2011 are currently found in minutes; not in the chart yet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- I passed along the potential errors/corrections to NAFA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- 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).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- 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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- 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).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-33903927574612839592012-10-17T05:01:00.000-07:002012-11-03T07:30:25.073-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>700 Views, The Top 4, My Favorite Flyball Posts</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Anyway, in honor of 6 months' blogging, here are the top 4 posts read by flyballers May - October, 2012:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) Going Around the Rules for Points & Regional Champ, 9/21/12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) Chapter Four - Championships, 7/23/12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">3) The Growth (or decline) of Flyball, 9/13/12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4) Chapter Three - Competition, Recognition and Speed, 7/16/12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">1) Cowboys and Flyball, 8/20/12 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">2) Getting to the Heart of Flyball, 5/1/12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">3) The Flyball Social Network & Media, 5/29/12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">4) Shenanigans is my new favorite word, 9/27/12 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">If you're reading this post, do you have a favorite?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">With Appreciation,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-12336927022390958632012-10-14T05:55:00.000-07:002012-10-14T05:59:02.155-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>I've Got Your (Run) Back - A New Type Of Judge</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I recently sent the following idea to one of the flyball organizations:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><em>"Hello,</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><div>
<em>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.</em></div>
<em>
</em><br />
<em>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.</em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<em>Three instances happened at the tourney I mentioned above where a runback
judge would have been helpful.</em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<em>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.</em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<em>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. </em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<em>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.</em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<em>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.</em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<em>Thank you for considering this idea and I look forward to hearing back.</em><br />
<em>
</em><br />
<em>Sincerely,"</em><br />
<em></em><br />
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.<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
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.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlvVuAawyz-7Su0jLby6KveRIrprIelW7Fr4sqqQbShKa8AElPDaNtcZKH5FIrm5njTSYFTTIZHoEI44AmXPbIui_eTv06U7_8_7YqE9T0GU7RUUS3qXldtBiHCMY0m7-98-gfIrst3g/s1600/got+your+runback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijlvVuAawyz-7Su0jLby6KveRIrprIelW7Fr4sqqQbShKa8AElPDaNtcZKH5FIrm5njTSYFTTIZHoEI44AmXPbIui_eTv06U7_8_7YqE9T0GU7RUUS3qXldtBiHCMY0m7-98-gfIrst3g/s400/got+your+runback.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
I Like Flyball!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-56673178062259725672012-10-04T05:53:00.001-07:002012-10-04T05:53:55.989-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OUuC3tWrCRBYoeBZj4J89qvbjr-_eahXLYUd3vhLS6mj4Xy0rWJvjkI2HCElFKrQv3v1zSm_SiUMvq9cFOVMMXN8zE91S70ZOzUUzY2hgLZhwZZ87Fz6UvPUyUXmsiKxc0PpZA9bGn0/s1600/Curiosity-Landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OUuC3tWrCRBYoeBZj4J89qvbjr-_eahXLYUd3vhLS6mj4Xy0rWJvjkI2HCElFKrQv3v1zSm_SiUMvq9cFOVMMXN8zE91S70ZOzUUzY2hgLZhwZZ87Fz6UvPUyUXmsiKxc0PpZA9bGn0/s320/Curiosity-Landing.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Curiosity killed the....no, wait...good thing I'm a dog person and good thing it doesn't actually 'kill' anything!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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 <em>how regions actually make a Regional Champion. </em> 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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Examples</span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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 <em>this</em> year?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Similar to the first example, the club was able to cement their regional champ by hosting the tournament themselves.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Summary</span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-62783342340437055112012-10-01T13:45:00.004-07:002012-10-02T05:12:52.370-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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 <em>simply flyball. </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know it is easier to become involved in. Recent experience tells me it is easier to stay involved in, too. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the years and for many reasons I believe things just go smoother and are more fun in U-FLI than in NAFA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know I'm not alone in this belief either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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 </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The scenario: Our Club Owner, Team Captain and all our club's dogs moved from one Region into a different Region.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">And, as a result, our club has been prevented from playing NAFA flyball and competing in our home Region.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Would it be fair of me to think it is 'their loss' and NAFA has missed out on all the great </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">fun of having another club racing? I doubt they will even think twice about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZSwN7TmW7gpN7Avvr9NEQwa2GWk6eDR0xoMjg9g5Fzum8hIcFQIdERCBu81l5rpqjHFvU5TXpCgmji5Dc1T7HGHHlG3dQQUf34DLzCqdATv0afwueFmAEmjX-v1gz6vz2dxYddM3kHE/s1600/pure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZSwN7TmW7gpN7Avvr9NEQwa2GWk6eDR0xoMjg9g5Fzum8hIcFQIdERCBu81l5rpqjHFvU5TXpCgmji5Dc1T7HGHHlG3dQQUf34DLzCqdATv0afwueFmAEmjX-v1gz6vz2dxYddM3kHE/s200/pure.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7196401979526471150.post-27622732520510087332012-09-27T05:50:00.002-07:002012-09-27T05:57:39.892-07:00<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMkYE4LlCPnkgMO9nhjSev9ELJDUjLD-p3JfgsLD9hy9p9HnBx-tUhTc2-Bv_7cXBTmkLVvEYcjc0qlNCzmcdRyiKUPjIEmHG2iRlQzSgcRJW_h5p_qBRJI8ilguck_PSf3srm7TGVv8/s1600/kiss-tour-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMkYE4LlCPnkgMO9nhjSev9ELJDUjLD-p3JfgsLD9hy9p9HnBx-tUhTc2-Bv_7cXBTmkLVvEYcjc0qlNCzmcdRyiKUPjIEmHG2iRlQzSgcRJW_h5p_qBRJI8ilguck_PSf3srm7TGVv8/s200/kiss-tour-2012.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">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!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Cheers,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I Like Flyball! </span>I Like Flyballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07790263108798700470noreply@blogger.com0