Your Dog, Your Journey: Your Sport Needs More Good Sports!

Every person who steps in the obedience ring is on a unique journey with his or her dog. What does your journey look like?

By Dana Nelson

Sportsmanship and Civility seem to be a hot topic recently. In fact, the AKC requires all premiums to include its Code of Sportsmanship and Civility – all 21 points. Most exhibitors have seen it many times, but do we really know (and abide) by it? You might be surprised.

I'd like to focus on a few of the points in the document.

Sportspeople understand, uphold and abide by all AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies.

Show of hands - who has actually read the AKC bylaws, rules and regulations?

Before you complain about something a judge dinged you for, check the rule book. I know I have thought I knew what the rule was, only to discover I was wrong once I looked it up. The rules and regulations for all AKC disciplines can be downloaded or purchased. Keep a copy in our training bag – or for you tech-savvy folks, on your phone.

I am not suggesting memorizing the entire book, but you should certainly read the chapter covering the class you're currently training for and, especially, the one you're competing in.

Fun Fact: At every AKC event, you'll find copies of the rule books at the secretary's or superintendent's table if you ever need to reference them.

Sportspeople contribute to a positive atmosphere at events by avoiding negative gossip, disparagement, or unsportsmanlike behavior.

This one!

I often times wonder if exhibitors realize they are agreeing to this every time they enter any AKC event. I have seen some truly negative and unsportsmanlike behavior – mainly in the conformation venue. In fact, I witnessed an incident two years ago that resulted in me being asked to sign a witness statement.

I encourage all of us to think before we speak and to help create a positive environment. At a recent trial, it was wonderful to see the “B” exhibitors stay and applaud the “A” exhibitors. Many also offered words of encouragement. We've all been that Novice A exhibitor. Think back to the people who encouraged you and made you want to continue in obedience, rally, agility – or whatever your sport may be.

And for goodness' sake, don't complain about a score while you're still in the ring – or when you walk into your next ring. I recently read about a judge who had an exhibitor removed after they entered the ring complaining about a score they had just received in another class. The judge immediately called the trial chair over and had the exhibitor excused.

Trust me – you don't want to receive a letter from the AKC regarding an infraction of the Code of Sportsmanship and Civility.

Interesting fact: Each month, the AKC publishes a report of individuals who have been fined or suspended. You can find it on the Secretary’s Page. As someone who very much enjoys the Real Housewives, I have to admit those pages become even more interesting when you recognize someone on the “naughty list.”

Sportspeople extend their values of civility, fairness, and respect to all digital and social media platforms.

Please be kind on social media platforms. Sometimes it is easy to become a keyboard warrior, especially after you've had a disappointing run or experienced problems with a trial venue.

This also includes talking about judges. I was disappointed to read a recent Facebook thread where exhibitors spoke poorly of a judge hired for that trial. If you haven't done well under a particular judge, make a mental note not to enter under them again – or better yet, step up your game and earn that qualifying score under that judge. Posting negative comments online doesn't demonstrate good sportsmanship.

Spoiler alert: Judges and AKC Representatives read Facebook comments. I am part of an AKC Judges' discussion group, and this very topic recently came up in a conversation about good sportsmanship.

Merriam-Webster defines sportsmanship as: “Conduct (such as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport.”

The AKC is always happy to accept your entry fees for the many events it offers. But when you submit that entry, you're also agreeing to uphold its Code of Sportsmanship and Civility.

So I'll leave you with one question:

What kind of sport will you be?