[ Post a Response | Ask Cheryl Carlson ]
Posted by Carole Field
on 5/31/2012, 8:46 pm, in reply to "French Ring re-run..."
UKC Dog Sports Judge
I think perhaps what we are lacking in many of today’s competitive undertakings is “good sportsmanship”… when a person exhibits qualities highly regarded in sport, such as fairness, generosity, observance of the rules, and good humor when losing.
Some no longer equate "trying your best" as the definition of success. A goal obtained by hard work and teamwork is no longer idealized. Instead reaching that goal through whatever means in the quickest way possible is accepted as “normal” by many. I guess now is the point at which I define bad sportsmanship. It is defined, in my mind, as an inability to play by the rules, be civil with others especially one's opponent, and altogether be a nice person in regards to the sport. I also find it utterly appalling when an instructor/coach/trainer teaches bad sportsmanship to their unsuspecting students.
I know the path I choose to walk is one of honoring other’s achievements and gaining knowledge from those that have a skill set I desire. The learning and hard work in mastering the teaching of a new command or talent to my dog is actually the best part of competition… for at a trial or show you simply exhibit what you have already achieved.
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