Proving the Liars and Bullies

As a follow-up to my April, 2023 blog post, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights agrees with me and have found my claim meets the following elements:

Element - claimant meets definition of person with a disability to the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act and/or the Americans with Disability Act.

Element - yes, claimant requested an accommodation that enabled her to utilize and benefit from the public service or public accommodation.

Element - there was no contention between claimant and respondent the request was reasonable.

What will come next will be the proof of attempted coercion, interference, intimidation and retaliation against me.

All of these actions are against the law.  Specifically, US 42 Chapter 126 Section 12203.

(quote):

(a)Retaliation

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.

(b)Interference, coercion, or intimidation

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.

  

 

Phony police tactics and harassment

In my last post I mentioned some of the threats I received by the flyball organization.

  

What follows are a few details regarding one specific threat I received from an out of State law enforcement officer.  

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?

I'd never even been in the State he said he was calling from. 

  

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.  

But, why on earth was the out of state sargeant involved?

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.

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.

The Police Chief asked me if I wanted to file a complaint.  Yes, I did.

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.  

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.      

What reason for permanent revocation was given?  Masks.

Is a person who cannot wear a mask a criminal?  No.

Is a person who cannot wear a mask one who should never be permitted to play flyball? No.

Is there more to come?  Yes.

 

Liars and Bullies

You may be wondering how the title of this post applies to flyball.  

The second to last sentence of my previous article, Phony Suspension - Part 3, is:

"Question remains how is someone with a disability wanting to continue playing the sport considered a valid reason for permanent termination?"

Exactly.

Liars and bullies in flyball is an answer.

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.

(quotes from CEO complaint, August 2021):

- "...is a current...Participant who is not currently in good standing..."

- "...requested an exemption...from the...requirement that "masks are required..."

- "...engaged in communications with...representatives..."

- "...In response...eligibility to participate...was conditioned upon...signed...affirmative written statement..."

- "...has not met those conditions..."

- "...continues to contact...representatives and...host club representatives..."

- "...communications contain misrepresentations..."

- "...email regarding...representative...stating...direction...what type document...would accept before...allowed to participate..."

- "...emails to...attorney...that his communications were...unethical...attempts to slander...to intimidate...as well as retaliate against...on behalf of..."

- "...email...stating...request...has neither been addressed, nor denied..."

- "...social media message...responds to...host club..."

- "...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..."

- "... inappropriate communications with...and host clubs...causing strain...in the community and is negatively impacting...relationships...venues..."

- "...communications fail to exhibit good sportsmanship..."

- "As as result...believes that...Participant status should be terminated permanently."

Again, I must ask, how is someone with a disability wanting to continue playing the sport considered a valid reason for permanent termination?

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.

For example:

"From: Maria Town <mtown@aapd.com>

To: 

Sent: ...2021

Subject: Information Regarding Face Masks and People with Disabilities

Dear  

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. 

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. 

Most importantly, the Centers for Disease Control has said that people with disabilities "who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask, for reasons related to the disability" are exempt from wearing a mask...

Please let me know if this is helpful. Thank you for reaching out. 

Maria 

Maria Town

President and CEO

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)"

Next time, I'll share with you the call I received from an out of state police sargeant threatening me on behalf of...

 

Phony Suspension - Part 3

In my two previous posts, I described the background for this.

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.

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.

First I want to share a pretty good article pointing to one step in the remedy and healing process.  It's called:  

"It's Time For The Scientific Community To Admit We Were Wrong About COVID & It Cost Lives"

The link is:  "It's Time For The Scientific Community To Admit We Were Wrong About COVID & It Cost Lives" | ZeroHedge

Without further ado, here are a few of the flyball organization officers and other representatives attempts to intimidate, slander and retaliate.  All are quoted:

(2020)

Mid year:  "...I am (expletive) sick of hearing...that some people will not wear them..."

"...don't ruin it...end of discussion..."

"...thought we could work it out...we cannot...do not contact again..."

 

(2021)

"...let you know that some of your comments...will be deleted...block you from our group."

"...If you continue...I will cancel the tournament...and no one will play."

"...I trust I have made myself clear..."

"...deeming your presence a trespass...and contacting the police..." 

"...no choice but to seek relief in court..."

(above list not all inclusive)

During this time in 2021, all participation entries were initially accepted and then all revoked.

  

During this time, attorney harassment against participant was ongoing.

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.

  

Funny thing, the rules say it must be for a reason.

 

This was anything but.

Question remains how is someone with a disability wanting to continue playing the sport considered a valid reason for permanent termination?

One answer might be...ONLY IF THEY ARE ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH IT.

 

 

   

 

Be Inspired

Inspiration can come from unexpected sources.

That's what happened to me this morning.

Someone I've met but don't know that well is being harassed and threatened with phony legal tactics.  Sounds familiar.

This person explained how they are also being retaliated against because they spoke up, spoke truth and tried to assert their rights.

Again, sounds familiar.

This inspirational person went on to say they will not be bullied and they will go public.

I've already done the 'I will not be bullied' thing.

If you read my last post called "Phony Suspension", I think you'll understand what follows.

The phony legal tactic.

  

(quote from attorney letter):

“…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...

...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..."

(end quote from attorney letter) 

Legitimately ordered by a court?  No

Legal?  No.  On many fronts.

Retaliation against an individual for asserting rights under the laws?  Yes.

I wonder what will happen in the long run.

Phony Suspension

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.

Coming full circle, almost seven years later, another suspension takes place.  Different issue entirely.

But, same, in some ways.  Let me explain.

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.  

You can read the post from 2015 for more details.

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.

Can you guess which one?

Can you guess what it was for?

Want a hint?

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.

It was, however, about abuse.  Abuse by the flyball organization and it's host clubs.

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.

Actions against one person.

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.

It was, by all the facts, a personal vendetta by one or more of the flyball organization officers.  Against only one person.

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.  

Again, for what?

Did you guess correctly?

That's right.  Masks.

Does this sound ok to you?

The truth matters and it will be brought to light one day soon.

 

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.

The issue is participation in their organization vs. suspension (or ban) for a person convicted of animal neglect and abuse.

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. 

The AKC suspended Ms. Thomas, aka Ms. Parravani, in a public newsletter in 2013 (source: https://images.akc.org/pdf/secretary_page/April_2013.pdf) 

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...". 

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.  

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.

AKC flyball titles:

"The AKC will not issue an AKC title to an individual suspended from the AKC if a title application were received."

NAFA flyball participation:

"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."

U-FLI participation:

"....It was a sticky, controversial situation that U-FLI became involved with regarding Carla's alleged abuse/neglect..."

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.

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball 

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.  

In truth,
I Like Flyball

UPDATE - 2015

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.

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.  

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.  

That is my truth and I simply want to share it with those who may have never heard of the original issue.  

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball

here's the current post August 2015:

(quote)
From: "'Chris Sells' via U-FLI Flyball" <flyballlist@googlegroups.com>
To: "U-FLI List" <flyballlist@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2015 7:26:32 AM
Subject: [U-FLI Flyball List] Zoom's Medical Bills - Go Fund Me

Many of you have met Carla at Championship's and her dog Zoom, they need your help.

 

[click here to support Zoom's Medical bills, link disabled when posted here]

 

(end quote)

Here's the original post from 2013:

http://flyballcanbefun.blogspot.com/2013/06/does-recent-past-come-back-into-play-or.html

*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 

The Truth In Flyball Never Dies

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

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


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


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

Here are a few examples:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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






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


 

 

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

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

Follow The Dogs

You've heard the quote 'follow the money', right?      

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.

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.

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.

Those are my thoughts and I believe most folks who also rescue may have some if not all of the same thoughts.

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.

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.

Here's where the phrase 'follow the dogs' comes in.

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.

And, my most important desire is for what's best for the dog(s).

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.

And, I will pray.

 



Sincerely,

I Like Flyball!

     

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 except training and my dogs.  This morning I decided to just do it differently...yeah!

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.

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.

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.

Practice is coming up in a few days.  Can't wait!  I Like Flyball!

    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

v/r, I Like Flyball!      

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

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

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

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

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

Posts

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

Views

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

Top viewed posts in 2012

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

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

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

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

Top viewed posts in 2013

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

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

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

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


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

I Like Flyball!

---------------------- Flyball Surgeons General Warning: Attack dogs and owners who do not pick up after their dogs beware of the underground electric fence. No visible training flags.  Flyball Can Be Fun! blog powered by K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sweetie)

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

You decide.

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

 

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

 

My facebook comments - 

 

1)

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

 

 

2)

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

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

Thanks,
Stephanie

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

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

Please contact me offlist at realworkingterriers@gmail.com

Carla
& the Working Terriers crew 

Flyball - What's Love Got To Do With It

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,
I Like Flyball!  

  

Sportsmanship and heads up, Club Owners.

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

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

The answer is yes.    

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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