2008 Master World Schutzhund Tornament - Page 29

One point: amateur athletics  does not equal free.

Boy, ain't that the truth! I don't even want to think about the costs of the flights, hotels, food eaten out, 20-30K miles I'll put on my van and dog trailer this year... all for trophies I cannot EAT!

I don't see a problem with offering competitors a chance to cover their expenses, reimburse some of the expenses for training, and maybe even a short vacation in the process.

SS

Sorry - posted a response on a separate thread - which can be deleted. This is *so* pedigree database, and in some ways, *so* Schutzhund.

Louise Penery has made a good and healthy amount of contributions to this board, some of which have been extremely helpful.  I don't know Louise, but I do know Louise's writings and informational posts - seldom if ever filled with invective and garbage.  Come to think of it, I haven't read anything negative from Louise.

Louise's opinion on the Masters is Louise's, shared and in disagreement of the event.  Good post.  I'd like to share a contrary viewpoint.

Louise:  I believe the Olympics to be the uber ultimate of commercialization.  A city collects tons of revenue and imposes taxes on the massive attendance of virtually all merchants.  The Olympics committee makes a hundreds of millions of dollars for licensing and broadcasting rights (if anyone cares to elaborate on the details of the inner workings of the Olympics, feel free to correct me), and uses some of the money to develop sports in underdeveloped nations.  While the Olympics may be an "Amateur" sport in your idealized view (no disrespect intended), isn't - in 1992, they were opened to professional athletes (remember the "NBA Dream Team"?).   

"In 1999 the executive board of the IOC began to reform the process by which cities are selected to host the Olympics. The changes occurred after it was discovered that several IOC officials violated their oath to the Olympic Charter during the selection process by allegedly accepting cash payments and improper gifts from cities competing for the Games."

As a newbie, I thought Schutzhund was a test to determine viability of breeding, subsequently turned into a Sport.  The details of how this turned from Amateur Sport to massively commercial enterprise are lost on me, but it is. 

Carlos shared money with the winners:  $10k for the top prize. Will some of the DVD money help subsidize part or all of that $10k? Who knows - my guess is yes. The participants weren't victims: they were invited to participate with all terms spelled out up front.  Everyone knew the event would be videotaped.  The process of purchasing DVD's was present during the event.  I don't think the participants feel used in the process; they did their best in a for-money competition and their efforts were captured to be sold, in some instances, for the learning or admiration of others.

What I do think sucks is the constant personal crap that goes on in this board.  GregN: "Stick to your show dogs" - seriously - are you implying that Louise's preference of Show Dogs sucks, just as much as Louise's opinion of the commercialization by the Masters? I don't *like* the look of a "roachback", I don't yet understand their appeal, and I went to a Sieger yesterday.  Maybe one day I'll get it.  I don't yet, but I respect that people do. I just don't see the relevance of showdogs in Louise's opinion of Carlos' event.

Seriously.

Carlos put on a first class show.  I attended in person, and I may buy the DVD. I may not. Ethically, I have zero issues with what Carlos is doing.  I don't know what the deal with Outkast was, nor is it my business, but it sounds like they're pleased with their arrangement.  Hopefully, Louise may see that the event or its existence isn't so negative or sinister afterall.

"GregN: "Stick to your show dogs" - seriously - are you implying that Louise's preference of Show Dogs sucks"

I was implying she should stick with what she knows best

I think these tournaments for top competitors, for money prizes - is a super idea.  I'm all for it.   Thanks to Carlos and the rest of the supporters for this opportunity to pursue competitive dog sport - perhaps without so much of the politics - in this country.  Cheers!!

molly