Transcript for the NAFA Candidate Chat November 29th,
2016
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
Hi everyone, I'm on
the election committee and the moderator for this evening's candidate chat. All
questions for the candidates must come to me first. I'll queue the questions
and provide them to the candidates. Instructions for sending a private message
to the moderator are at the top right of this web page.
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
Okay, let’s begin.
Thanks to everyone for joining us in the first candidate chat for the 2016/2017
NAFA Election. Thank you to Kyle Mankes, Kim Davie
and Steve Corona who are assisting tonight.
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
The Board of Directors
Candidates are: Dirk Elber, Matt Goodyear, Peter Guidolin, John Hendriks, Leerie
Jenkins, Jessica Knox, Lynda Mantler and Donald
Watson. Neil Flood is running for Executive Director.
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
Neil could not attend
tonight as he is travelling for a conference. If anyone wishes to get his
answers to questions asked tonight, or questions specific to the ED position,
please feel free to contact him (his contact info is on the NAFA website).
Dirk, Peter, Leerie, Jessica, Lynda and Donald are
participating in this chat.
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
We will now take
opening remarks from the candidates. Candidates, go ahead.
1 hour ago
Leerie
Jenkins
I’d just like to thank
everyone who is here to participate and listen, to those who will read the
transcripts later, to NAFA, and the nomination and election committees for
having us here tonight, Thanks to Steve Corona for chairing the election
committee and putting this together. Thanks to our moderator Emma Mak. A big
thanks also to all the great candidates who are putting themselves out there,
volunteering to work hard, for the sport we all love! What a great, and large
group of candidates. I’m Leerie Jenkins, I’ve been
playing flyball for about 17 or 18 years now, I’m a
supervising judge, and I’ve served on the board for 7 years, from 2009 through
2015. I’m honored to be nominated again, and I’d love to volunteer to work for
the NAFA board again, serve on committees, and serve in whatever capacity the
voters and board members see fit. Thanks for considering me.
1 hour ago
Jessica Knox
Hi Everyone,
thank you for taking the time to either participate in the chat tonight or read
the transcripts later. I am thrilled at the prospect of working with NAFA and
representing my region. Thank you for the opportunity tonight to
demonstrate why I think I am a good candidate for the Board. I have
such high regard for the people involved in this organization, and I am proud
to be a part of something that allows so many different people and dogs to
participate in a team sport.
1 hour ago
Dirk Elber
First thank you to
Steve and the rest of the committee for putting the time in to get this all
organized. With this many people that was not an easy chore.
1 hour ago
Lynda Mantler
Hello Flyball enthusiasts! I am honoured
to be nominated for the BOD. I have been competing in flyball
for 15 years in region 7, BC, OR! WA. I have enjoyed becoming involved in
various tournament related duties. I am looking forward to,our chat tonight.
1 hour ago
Peter Guidolin
Thanks to all who set
this up as it is a great way to start the ball rolling, and to those others
that have decided to join us. I am running for the board for the first time
this year but I have been on the judges' committee for two years and have
served in this type of organization in the past and have enjoyed it. Now that I
am in a semi retirement i
have a fair bit of time to dedicate to this organization and I honoured to be in with a great group of nominees this year.
Thank you
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
We're just waiting on
hearing from Donald Watson. I apologize for not saying that John Hendriks is
also here. John, please go ahead and add your opening remarks.
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
For all participants,
I currently have no questions in the queue. Please private message me any
questions. Instructions are at the top of the web page.
1 hour ago
john
Hendriks
I would like to thank
everyone attending tonight's chat. I have been fortunate enough to serve the
board for the past 3 years and look forward to providing input for the next
term
1 hour ago
Emma Mak
I currently have 3
questions in the queue. Hopefully Donald Watson will join us again soon.
59 mins ago
Emma Mak
1st question from
Nancy Denier: Hi there, wondering if BOD nominees have thoughts on moving
Can-Am around so that it is more available for teams from all over to participate?
56 mins ago
Kyle Mankes
@Katie c please Private message me.
56 mins ago
Dirk Elber
I know this has been a
question asked many times, even at our public forum in Ontario last year. There
is nothing keeping CanAm in indianapolis on a permanent basis. However there is
now a major infastructure in place there including
equipment, vendor base, hotel availabiitiy. That goes
along with the fact that Indianapolis is fairly well centered in the
demographic map of NAFA flyball. It would be nice to
have it move around but not sure it is a finacially
viable option.
56 mins ago
Peter Guidolin
This has been a
question that I have asked as well, I think that it current location is fairly
central to most teams if a different location was be chosen it would also have
to be equally centrally located as well it has to be large enough to house all
of the rings, vendors, and crating and some kind of camping. That is not easy
to find.
56 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
I have thought of that
and it was a big trip to make for many competitors. If a suitable venue could
be found, i think would make sense to move it. Advance
planning would be key. Geographically though, Indiana is a good location.
55 mins ago
Jessica Knox
I recognize there are
many teams that opt out of participating each year because of the location and
length of time to travel and breed restrictions for flying. There are many
teams that are also able to attend each year because the location is confident
for them. I know that the current location is closer location for NAFA and
everything needed to host a tournament of that size. However, I would be interested
in looking at how we could rotate venues throughout the various regions and
enrolling clubs in those regions to help locate suitable venues. I know there
would be added cost to do this and the value for other people to be able to
participate would benefit NAFA as a whole.
55 mins ago
Leerie
Jenkins
It’s a good idea in
theory. In practice, there is so much equipment stored in Indianapolis,
contracts, contacts, etc…. that it would be somewhat
onerous to move. Indianapolis is sort of central, if you consider a “weighted”
population distribution. That all said, I know the NAFA board has always been
open to looking at options. If someone has a proposal for a site, then it would
be considered, and I’d encourage them to send their proposal to the ED, or the
NAFA Chair.
54 mins ago
john
Hendriks
There has been
discussion about the logistics of moving CanAm to
different locations . The problem is the
infrastructure that has been created as well as finding a facility large enough
to host the event
54 mins ago
Emma Mak
Next question from Kim
Davis: Hello Candidates! Here's a question for you all - Is there an area of
service or pet project that interests you most (i.e. on which committees would
you like to serve)?
54 mins ago
Emma Mak
3 questions in the queue
53 mins ago
Peter Guidolin
I have served on the
judges committee and enjoyed that very much I would like continue with that
committee and I would also like to join the rules committee and then one other
possibly elections
52 mins ago
Leerie
Jenkins
My personal favorite
standing committees to serve on are judges and rules. Although not “standing” I
also really enjoyed contributing to the technology committee and the canam planning committee.
50 mins ago
Dirk Elber
Rules has been the one
that has really taken the most time and energy this year... but that seems to
change every year as we address different issues. I would like to continue on
the rules committee, judges and marketing plus the work for CanAm
steering.
50 mins ago
john
Hendriks
As Rules Chair this
past year I would like to continue on this committee also I really enjoyed the
Judges Committee
48 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
My goal is to work
where needed if I should be a successful board candidate. Areas I feel I would
be able to contribute best are the rules committee and marketing committee. As
I am a detail person, these would be areas of strength for me.
48 mins ago
Jessica Knox
I personally would
like to take on a role in working with the junior handler program. Our junior
handlers are our future of flyball and it would be
great if something could be incorporated at each tournament to celebrate their
accomplishments. I am also interested in serving on the rules committee. I find
this committee most interesting because I love rules and seeing how others
might interpret the rules. I like to see other people’s point of view and then
discuss the spirit of the rule set in place and help clarify and update as
warranted.
48 mins ago
Emma Mak
Next question from
Katie Caslick: Curious on their thoughts on the new
height card challenge and how to fix the issues surrounding it
47 mins ago
Emma Mak
I have 2 questions in
the queue
43 mins ago
john
Hendriks
As we have learned
with any new rule/process there is a learning curve.
42 mins ago
Jessica Knox
I can see how this can
be a challenging issue and one that needs to be clarified for the future. It is
an issue that requires a lot collaboration and insight. Making sure everyone
can come together to discuss possible changes in the procedure is critical to moving
forward.
42 mins ago
Peter Guidolin
This is a vary hot topic for sure and one
that does not have a simple answer. The height card challenge is there for a
purpose. I do think that it needs some adjusting. Things like there can only be
one challenge for a card once that challenge is upheld that is the end of the
challenge process. Also I think that if we have videos of a height card then
that challenge process should be changed. Currently the board validates a world
record and it stands why make similar rules for a video height card. Perhaps
two videos reviewed by either the board or committee or both. The videos can be
part of the public record similar to the world records.
42 mins ago
Dirk Elber
This of course has
been the hot topic item as of late after two anonymous challenges made. I voted
for the change to the process when it came up in 2015. The reason being that we
had a challenge process but for various reasons noone
had used it. I am not against the challenge process but am open to making sure
that this does not become a tool to harrass certain
teams with constant challenges. I know Rules committee has spent a lot of ours
working on this issue and I think that by the time we leave the AGM in Florida
there will be some changes. As a judge I am for making this a fun sport for all
competitors, but also want to make sure the rules are followed on a consistent
basis by all.
42 mins ago
Leerie
Jenkins
It seems measuring
controversy occurs every some number of years in our sport. As the dogs and
teams go faster, limits are pushed. I believe the rules committee (and judges)
have been working, slowly, over the past year or three, to try and evolve the
measuring and stance portions of the rules, how they’re interpreted and
applied, etc.,.. I have faith that with each challenge (pun intended), progress
will continue to be made. I have a relatively open mind about most suggestions.
I do believe true height dogs (short ones) are valued little creatures, and I’d
hate to see their importance diminished in NAFA flyball.
41 mins ago
john
Hendriks
We are currently
working on new wording that would create the stand that Nafa
is looking for. I believe by fixing the wording in the stance we would get away
from the need of the Challenge.
40 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
I am aware of
considerable unrest around the height dog measuring issue. I believe this needs
to be addressed promptly and thoroughly with a resolution that is fair to all
players. Though NAFA does not have the business model that UFLI does, it is
important to serve our members in order to keep them playing flyball with NAFA. I've seen some good suggestions on how
to possibly deal with this and it would take real organization and technology.
I do think all height dogs should be measured several times including by a
supervising judge and get a height card. Height cards should not be able
challenged. There is a laser measuring technique which I understand works quite
well.
40 mins ago
Emma Mak
Next question from
Kyle Mankes: What are the candidates plans to drive
interest in the sport to gain more competitors?
39 mins ago
Emma Mak
I have one question in
the queue.
36 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
We need to be good
ambassadors when competing and encourage spectators ask questions. Encourage
prospects to come out and see what flyball is about,
take part in public demos when possible. Reinforce that all dogs are welcome.
35 mins ago
Dirk Elber
Just as a follow up to
Lynda's comment. I have been in touch with our friends in England about the use
of the laser measuring system. It definitely has potential and we have been
reviewing their method. But again it must be in conjunction with the new
wording that addresses the stance required by NAFA. The laser is just the tool
to replace the metal wicket. The issues we are speaking about is inconcistencies in what is acceptable in stance. Again just
trying to be fair to all competitors.
34 mins ago
Peter Guidolin
One of the things that
is important is to make this a family type sport. This can be done by promoting
our junior handles program. We also need to fix issue that cause unrest such as
the height card and height measuring. The sport is to be a fun thing to do with
your dog and your friends not to be the "be all and end all" and it
needs to be promoted this way. Our own little team has been out talking to
local people with dogs and get them interested in the sport and explain that it
is for ALL dogs not just the fast one. We currently have 2 deaf dogs that play
on our team and they are a big part of the team (they are both height dogs).
All competitors, judges and board members need to conduct them
selves properly as a judge I have always tried to be a good ambassador
for the sport and spectator asks a question I feel obligated to answer and
explain
33 mins ago
Leerie
Jenkins
I think reasonable and
manageable growth comes best from the grass roots level. I leave it to local
clubs to build up flyball. I think NAFA continues to
provide a solid, fun, affordable and accessible sport to play, and the growth
happens organically. Continue to keep it a fun, family friendly sport, and like
Jessica intimated, the junior participants will fall in love with flyball, just like we all did. Lots of people play other
dog sports. Word of mouth. People come to volunteer to box judge, and get interested.
See a local demo or tourney.
32 mins ago
Dirk Elber
Kyle's question is a
hard one. Most of the effort to expand the sport is done on the local level.
Whether it be seminars, exhibitions or just open house training. We have had
some good exposure at CanAM with spots on the
National news, that was then rebroadcasted in Canada as well, but definitely
more to do to get that exposure to potential new competitors.
32 mins ago
Leerie
Jenkins
A strategy on my club,
is to give the visitor a "point and shoot" fun dog to run. Bam.
They're hooked. 
32 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
Thank you for that
further information, Dirk. I know there can be a reasonable solution.
30 mins ago
Jessica Knox
My suggestion would be
to have NAFA more involved in supporting clubs when they participate in
demonstrations and local events. Supporting those clubs with informational
brochures, and other items for the public to gain interest in this sport and to
know that all dogs can play. Educating the public on the various divisions for
all dogs can play at. It is crucial, however, that clubs and regions keep
supporting ALL dogs and families who want to play, not just the sporting dogs
who run sub - 4 seconds…that is why NAFA created different divisions for
racing.
30 mins ago
Dirk Elber
John wanted me to let
everyone know that he has had an internet outage and will return to chat if
possible
John Hendriks *
Doing demonstrations
for communities is always a great way to show off the sport. Also trying to encourage news outlets to
cover tournaments is also a great way to show the sport to new people.
30 mins ago
Emma Mak
Ok thanks, Dirk. We'll
give John a chance to answer when he gets back on. Next question from Steve
Corona: Outside of attending tournaments, can you provide examples of how you
promote the sport of flyball?
29 mins ago
Emma Mak
I have no questions in
the queue. Last call for questions.
28 mins ago
Dirk Elber
Not only am I involved
with teaching classes here but we also take our team to 2 or 3 demos per year.
Normally we go to the local dog festivals to show off the sport.
26 mins ago
Peter Guidolin
Almost everyone that I
have met that has a dog (including border crossing guards) I have explained
what the sport is. We also have run a few open classes to help people to see
the sport and invited them out to see a tournament in action. Most people see a
tournament and see some of the faster teams running and they want to learn more
and I am willing to help out with getting them out to a class with their dogs.
I have done demos in the past with a number of teams and loved that. Demos are
a great way to get the word out.
25 mins ago
Leerie
Jenkins
Hosting tournaments.
Judging tournaments. Helping new clubs and new handlers get started training,
running, and hosting tournaments. Showing good sportsmanship, and trying to be
a good example.
25 mins ago
Jessica Knox
One of the ways I
promote the sport is to hold classes so that new folks can be introduced to the
sport. I have participated in fun matches and demonstrations in my area and
also helped other clubs run these events so we can get the word out about flyball. I have personally supported a new club in my
region as they got started by helping them with training and class set up and I
am starting a club of my own this winter. Word of mouth is a huge part of
getting information out there and my connection to Guide Dogs for the Blind
gives me an opportunity to talk to other "dog people" about this
sport and the potential for their dogs (who didn't make it as a guide) to play.
24 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
I have participated in
many public demos at events such as fairs, Canada Day celebrations and at
church groups. I also was one of the organizers and trainers for introductory flyball lessons for many different sessions over the years.
We handed out flyers that were produced by our club and also the NAFA
brochures. And of course, I talk about flyball to
anyone I meet who does not know about it!
John Hendriks *
Our club has done many
demos for local communities as well as professional sports clubs including the
Edmonton Eskimos football and the Edmonton Trappers baseball clubs. In addition I have personally travelled to
different towns in my region doing seminars trying to start new clubs. I am also currently teaching a flyball class at a local dogsport
training facility.
23 mins ago
Emma Mak
A message from Steve Corona,
Chair of the Election Committee: Thank you to the candidates for joining us
this evening and providing their thoughts on a diverse range of questions. It
was nice to see so many people from the NAFA community engaged in tonight’s
chat and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to provide
questions to our candidates. There are 2 more chats scheduled, one each in Dec.
and Jan., which will provide an opportunity for those candidates who were
unable to attend this evening to express their viewpoints.
23 mins ago
Emma Mak
Candidates please
prepare your closing remarks. A reminder that the ballots will be sent out
electronically December 1. Club Owners, Regional Directors,
Approved/Supervising Judges and Board Members are eligible to vote. If NAFA
does not have your current email address, please contact elections@flyball.org ASAP. If you'd like to confirm your
email address and number of votes, you have two options:
23 mins ago
Emma Mak
1. Go to www.nafaflyball.com/database/eballot_signup.php and input your name and email address.
You'll receive a confirmation email with your number of votes. 2. View your
contact info and vote count through your NAFA website account www.nafaflyball.com/database/public/public_login.php. If you don't already have an account you can
go here: www.nafaflyball.com/database/public/public_account_signup.php Any questions
about the election should be directed to elections@flyball.org.
21 mins ago
Leerie
Jenkins
Thanks again to
everyone. If anyone has any questions, or wants to chat about flyball, find me on facebook, or
ask one of the moderators for my email address. I’m always happy to talk about
the crazy passion we all share. Good night!
20 mins ago
Dirk Elber
Thanks to all who
attended. It is always good to see what other people are thinking for in
regards to teh questions that we as face in this
sport. But as a member of a 9 person organization it is good to have differing
viewpoints to work towards a common goal.
20 mins ago
Kyle Mankes
Good night everyone.
Thanks for participating.
20 mins ago
Peter Guidolin
I would like to again
thank the organizers for putting this on and it was great to see a number of
people wanting to participate in this process. There was some great questions
asked and hopefully we can have as good a turn out for then
next two schedules chats. Anyone has or wants any further information from
don't hesitate to ask (my email is on the judges list or you can ask the
moderators) the door is always open for question and concerns good night all
19 mins ago
Jessica Knox
Thank you, everyone,
for providing questions and providing an interest in the candidate chat and
NAFA elections. I am looking forward to having an opportunity to represent my
region (region 7, OR, WA, BC) and to grow participation within my region in
NAFA issues. I feel strongly that our region is fast growing, yet has little or
no representation at the highest level, and I seek to change that. My
involvement with flyball goes well beyond just
running a dog - I am a new club owner, a successful tournament director, and a
supporter of other teams and clubs as well. This is a team sport and it takes
all of us to make the entire Association successful. I am happy to answer any
questions you may have if you'd like to contact me privately.
17 mins ago
Emma Mak
Thanks to the
candidates, nomination and election committee members, and all the NAFA
participants. Have a good night!
17 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
Over the years I have
been tournament director and tournament secretary which has given me an
understanding of what goes on and how much work is involved in hosting a
tournament. I've had some interaction with NAFA representatives and am
intrigued by the prospect of of becoming a NAFA
director. I would love to learn more about the processes behind the scenes at
the board level and want to give back to the flyball
community that I have received so much from. There always needs to be people
willing to step up and do the work and I am very willing to take on some
challenges and work on the BOD.
15 mins ago
Emma Mak
Thanks, Lynda. Good
night, everyone.
14 mins ago
Lynda Mantler
Thank you!
*Because of an
internet outage, John Hendriks’ answers to two of the questions were emailed to
the moderator for inclusion in this script and were not in the original chat.