Splash Dogs Cynosports World Championships

[renegade]

Hello all,
We are trying to work out the details on how Splash Dogs World Championships will be setup and run this year. We want to make this the best world championships ever and are working on cool things like t-shirts, ribbons/medals, awards, an awards dinner, and potentially prizes. We'd like your input.

Please take the poll posted above. We want to know how you want us to structure the fees/prizes/payouts/special goodies we provide at the event.

By the way - low/regular fee would be our regular $20 wave fee, slightly higher would be a $30-50 entry fee, high entry fee would be in the $100-$150 range. For this you would get entry into the world championships in your division and have your opportunity to jump yourself and your dog into the finals (top 12) for your division and potentially into the top 4.

[cbrrescuemom]

Can I assume that if we go with the higher fees that there will be no additional wave fees? For those who jump in many waves it might not be that different.

[renegade]

This would be for the championships on Sunday. All other waves the rest of the week would be $20 like normal.

On Sunday we will run divisional championships. For all the dogs who qualify and enter in the Splash/Junior/Senior/Pro/Extreme/Lap Dog divisions they will get 2 jumps in the divisional semifinals. We will then take the top 12 dogs in each division from those jumps and have divisional finals and a final 4 jump off.

[renegade]

Two clarifications
1) the awards dinner will be an annual awards dinner with awards for handlers/dogs for their results/accomplishments/(and goofs) throughout the year 2007.

2) There will be no bubble at this event. The only way to qualify for the 2007 world championships on sunday is to have 5 jumps in 2007 in a division throughout the year. You can finish qualifying at cynosports in the regular waves prior to sunday, but we will not be having a bubble like normal. All dogs with the qualifications make it to the championships on Sunday. It is completely independent of your results on prior days of cynosports (other than the fact that you might achieve your 5 jumps in those days).

[Sardo]

My vote is for slightly higher. I think that is very reasonable amount for prizes/medals versus the regular price and getting the normal ribbons that we get throughout the year.

[Chase]

If I understand you correctly, there will be two separate events during Cynosports.

The first will be a "regular" event that will be run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with the normal cost of $ 20 per wave. At the end of the day on Saturday, that event ends.

The second event, the Splashdogs World Chamionships, will start on Sunday. EVERYONE who jumped in 5 waves in any one division in 2007 is already qualified to compete in the Sunday event. No other qualifying is required and there will be no bubble; EVERYONE jumps.

There will be 6 divisions; Lap, Splash, Junior, Senior, Pro, and Extreme or maybe only 5 divisions combining Pro and Extreme into one division. Each dog will jump in the Semifinals of his division; getting two jumps. Then you will take the top 12 dogs from each divisioon and run a Finals for each diviision. And after that, you will have a run off of the top 4 longest jumping dogs in the Finals.

So, based on that information, your question to all of us is "What should the charge be to enter the Sunday event?"

I would assume that you are going to give EVERY participant in the Semifinals and the Finals a SPECIAL Wolrd Championship T-shirt, Ribbon, and Medal. And then also Prizes for the top 12 in each of the division Finals. If that is the case, then you need to charge more than $20 to give out these gifts to everyone. The SLIGHTLY higher charge of $ 30-$ 50 for the Sunday event would cover EVERYONE getting a T-Shirt and Ribbon and Medal for participating, so I would vote for charging in that range.

I would NOT vote for the much higher range of $ 125 because MANY dogs are only going to get to jump 2 times in the Semifinals and not get to the Finals and that is MUCH too much money for only two jumps. As a result, many people might not even bother to participate if they have to pay that much money, which would defeat the whole purpose of having a World Championship in the first place. It is NOT the World Chamionship for those who can afford it, it is the World Championship for those who have already SUPPORTED Splashdogs throughout the year and already EARNED a place in the World Championship. So, the higher charge seems way out of whack to me.

One final thought. I think it is EXTREMELY important that ALL participants get a Special World Championship T-Shirt Ribbon, and Medal, NOT just those who are in the Finals. Those who will participate in the Semifinals and not get to the Finals are JUST as important a part of Splashdogs as those in the Finals and they should be treated as such.

And second, as you ALL know from our previous thread on Payouts, I am TOTALLY against Monetary Payouts at the World Championships for the top 4 dogs. Sorry, but we will ALL (little jumpers and big jumpers) be incurring hefty traveling expenses for hotels and gas and food etc and just because a dog can only jump 8 feet does not mean that dog should PAY THE EXPENSES for the longer jumping dogs.

If you want to give out prizes to the top 12 in EACH division and better prizes to the top 4, that sound great. But, I am TOTALLY against charging more for the Sunday event if it means the money is going to be used for Payouts. It just isn't fair, it creates hard feelings and animosity, and is not in the spirit of the Splashdogs family that we have created and are working so hard TOGETHER to make these events happen.

That's my vote. And, I also speak for Chase.

Brooke & Chase

[renegade]

Brooke - thanks so much for your thoughtful feedback!

Just curious, do you still feel against monetary payouts if it is done for the top 4 in each division (i.e. splash/junior/senior/pro/extreme/lap)? Or just if it is only done for the top 4 overall?

[PrinceAndyFlores]

If there was a payout whether I agree with one or not, wouldn't it be the top 4 dogs in each division? If so, it seems pretty fair to me. Thats 28 dogs being payed out. Whatever everyone wants is cool with us though. We are just excited to be a part of this. But keep in mind a dog jumping 8 feet could very well compete at the splash level and be in the top 4. Correct me if I am wrong. It is the World Championships and only happens once a year. It's the best of the best!! If you and your buddie are there you have accomplished a great deal. It is something to make memories with!!! And most importantly and the the number 1 Splash Dogs rule to "HAVE FUN!"

[Chase]

Wendy:

Yes, I am.

I think Non-Monetary Prizes for the top 4 in all of the Divisions is great. A little extra toy or maybe a little gift certificate or some Splashdog bucks for the next event is nice.

But cold hard cash is just too crass for me. It just seems weird to me to give money to people because their dog jumps farther.

I think it is absolutely amazing that some of these dogs can jump as far as they do, and I enjoy watching them do it, and I am NOT trying to take anything away from the fact that they can do it.

BUT, I enjoyed equally if not MORE, watching Tammy and Borias on the dock at Wags. She was in the wheelchair and Borias is her companion dog. THAT is something I will NEVER forget. How can you put a price on that and say that the longer jump was worth MORE than Tammy and Borias' jump?

Call me a Pollyanna, but I like the idea that we are all in this to Have Fun. That is our motivation. If you look at the people who volunteer to help at every event, these people are rarely going to make the top 4 overall or top 4 in each division. That is not their motivation for being there and for working hard to make sure the event takes place.

Splashdogs (at least from my experience here in Southern California) is not just about distance, it is also about comraderie. I just think if we make this about money, then it will create divides and then people will be less likely to want to help out and the events will suffer and it will no longer be as much fun.

It is just how I feel.

Brooke & Chase

[all4sadie]

Well I totally agree with all Brooke said and she did say it well. I would also think slightly higher would be ok.

[Sardo]

I definitely don't think giving out money to the top 4 in EVERY division will cause displacement in the splashdog family. IF it happens it will only be for this event. This is the Splashdog World Championships and I think needs to be a little different than the rest of the competitions throughout the year and I don't think handing out monetary prizes will affect any memories we have of splashdogs events. Again, this is for fun and some people work their butts off to to get their dogs jumping wheter it be a 4' jump or a 24' jump and that is why if having payout for the championships happens it will for every division and not just the big dogs. This is my opinion and I would definitely like to see a payout in every division IF there is going to be one.

[PrinceAndyFlores]

We Totally Agree With You Brian!!! Well Said!!!

[Pumba]

What happens if my dog jumps outside his class at the championship? Is he instantly in the next class and would need to be pushing 20' to be competitive in the class? What if he breaks the the 15' on Saturday would we have to re-qualify with 5 more wave? We are just a inch away for the next level and I would hate to have to not qualify late minute or not be able to qualify at all.
I am a big fan of the gifts like teeshirts and medals more than the just money. If you do a cash payoff it will bring out more of the big guns and make it a much bigger crowd which is cool but it may bring the uglier side of competition too which splash dog is not. Sorry about all the question guys.

[renegade]

Your dog qualifies in the highest division that he has 5 jumps in during 2007. So, if Pumba has 5 senior jumps in 2007 and then gets 1 pro jump on thursday at cynosports, he is still int he senior division for the world championships. If he were to acquire 5 pro jumps before the world championships on Sunday, then he would be required to compete in the pro division.

[Pumba]

So it all about what division you complete 5 jumps in. so once he does 5 jumps past 15' he would now be in senior. Thanks that helps a lot.

[Chase]

Bart, Wendy asked us a question and I answered it. You do not have to agree with me, that is your right and believe it or not, I actually do respect your right to disagree with me and offer your own opinion.

But I think I need to clear up what I meant by "family oriented". It refers to the fact that in order to make Splashdogs run smoothly or even at all, it has become very necessary for people other than Tony and Randy and Greg and Wendy to volunteer and help at Splashdog events; set up the pools and docks, check in jumpers, hold handlers meetings, announce, set up the running order, wrangle, teach the newbies, etc. Tony and his crew can no longer do it alone.

Over the last couple of years, a number of people have seen this need, and have created a sort of "family" of Splashdoggers who have taken on the job of helping Tony run the events. It is not a structured group, we all just get up out of our chairs and go help. And, it is NOT by any means some exclusive club. We want and need everyone to join in and volunteer, because frankly we get exhausted doing all the work.

A bit of animosity has been growing (and from what you said in your first posting in this thread, I gather you were on the receiving end of some of it) because there are a lot of people who never or rarely help, eventhough it is obvious that those of us who are helping REALLY need their help doing all the work. Then, when the discussion of payouts arises, the animosity increases even more, because it tends to be the handlers who do not help out at the events, who want the payouts the most.

I have been volunteering to help at all of the events I have attended in the last couple of years. And my dog has suffered a lot because of it. He does not jump as well or have as much fun when I am spending so much time helping out, and that is not fair to him. It would make it so much easier for those of us who volunteer, if more people would join in and lessen the burden, and yes become more of a "family". That is what is meant by "family oriented".

Whatever Tony and Wendy decide about payouts is fine with me. It is their decision, not mine. But, I personally would appreciate it very much if when we all get to Cynosports, more people act like a "family" and help out so that more of us who have been volunteering, can actually spend some time with our dogs. Thanks so much to all who volunteer in any way that you can.

And finally, I personally had no idea that anyone thought that the Pro Division was as an actual Professional division meant as "an occupation for the means of livelihood or for gain" versus the Lap, Splash, Junior, and Senior divisions which I guess you view as only amateur divisions. I thought Pro was just a term they used, because if Pro means Professional, then I have no idea what Extreme is suppose to mean.

Brooke & Chase

[dogjumpingrefugee]

Hello, for those of you who do not know me, I handle henry. He has been doing very well lately and I am happy I could tag along for the ride. As everyone will agree, going to some of these events, in or out of town, can become very expensive. So let me say that I will never be against money payouts if an organization wants to offer it. However, given that SplashDogs is not as large as other organizations and because it is still a relatively "grass roots" organization I am not one to expect a cash payout at the expense of not allowing others to participate in the sport because it is too expense.

I don't do this for the money, I do it for the memories, the fun of spending time with my wife, my dogs, friends and the SplashDogs community. I have a light fixture at my house that I have hung all of my dog, Kona's ribbons and medals. I will say that the giant ribbon we got at SRS for participating is very cool. I will also say that getting a medal from DD for simply participating is also gratifying. So given that we usually get small ribbons for participating in qualifying waves at SplashDogs in normal events, I think that the SplashDogs World Championships should recognize the significance of the occassion and provide larger ribbons or even medals.

However, I do recognize the financial constraints of the organizers, so I would agree to pay a little more, like $30 or something in the sunday championship waves to help defer the additional costs of bigger ribbons and/or medals for the participants and for each of the divisional finalists, not just the top four. As for the top four, I think they should be given a payout of "splash bucks" for use at future waves or for t-shirts. The "splash bucks" would only be a relatively nominal cost to the organizers when they are used, ie. I spend $20 in splash bucks on a splashdogs t-shirt that cost the organizers maybe $10 to buy, but it's still 20 dollars for those of us spending it. Also, i am for equal payouts for each divisional top 4. In other words, something like $100 splash bucks for the first place winner of each division. I think thats fair because the senior division entrants jump in as many waves, and pay for as many waves, as those in the pro division or any other division.

Thats my two cents. Finally, I always remember that at each on of these events, be it SplashDogs, DD or SRS, I am continually told by the announcers to "always have fun." Honestly, when I stop having fun at these things, I will stop going. So far having fun at SplashDogs for me hasn't involved getting any money, but it always helps. So I hope that once the organizers of SplashDogs becomes more successful, they'll remember the people who helped build this sport and either make participating cheaper or provide money payouts. Until then, I like medals and big ribbons, it gives the dog something more to chew on, it's what chessies do.

[Stanley]

Until then, I like medals and big ribbons, it gives the dog something more to chew on, it's what chessies do.

Which is the exact reason I hang Stanley's prizes up high, we pay big bucks for those ribbons! Maybe one of these days Stanley will win a Kong!

[Jillie'sMom]

We are so new at this, but I have read and re read all this info a couple times and as Jillie's Mom, I can say we would agree with Brooke and Cindy...it is just to be lots of fun! I would think a little higher charges would be acceptable, but we don't think payouts are good.
Ribbons, medals and t-shirts are great momentos of a wonderful event.
Have a great week!

[hershey kiss]

Hi everone I have looking at this for a few days and I think a payout is a bad idea not only for me but for Splash Dogs.Let me explan I love doing this as a family thing we have only been doing this for less then one year and we have meet a lot of Great people and if you start bring in high fees you are going to loss a lot of those people and this does include us {Hershey Kiss & Seth JH},
Vince & Rhoda becuase we could not aford giving more money 100-150 dollars
to someone else that there dog can jump farther then Hershey Kiss no way!!!!
And for Splash Dogs I would not like walking away from the Splash Dogs Family but we would have to and I think a lot of people would if you would bring in a higher amount of money for the dogs and for everyone to HAVE FUN
Good luck with that and I know I well get It From both sides but don't make Splash Dogs into DD PLEASE.
I think paying a few more dollars like the 30-50 is a good idea for the better
medels and ribbons and having a dinner sounds great we would do that before
we would pay the big bucks.Stay Safe and we well see everyone soon Hershey Kiss

[Sardo]

I just want everyone to remember that this would be for World Championship's ONLY. It would be one small fee for prizes and payouts for Sunday's Championships. This is not set in stone yet either. The idea is for everyone to have a good time and to take home a little something extra for the hard work the dog's have put in throughtout the year and to make this event stand out from all the rest.

Please keep the input coming and vote.

[Pumba]

What if some of the entry fee was to the multi event volunteers that have busted there --- to make such a great competition for us. Cash or even gift certificates would be good. I would like to see more done for you who go well beyond the call of duty at every event. I think they more that deserve it.

[Sardo]

What if some of the entry fee was to the multi event volunteers that have busted there --- to make such a great competition for us. Cash or even gift certificates would be good. I would like to see more done for you who go well beyond the call of duty at every event. I think they more that deserve it.


That is why Tony has came up with the idea for splash bucks. Like Brooke said more people just need to step up and help out. Every event I go to it's the always the same group of people helping out. If Wags didn't have the volunteers they had it would've been really hard on the crew and I probably wouldn't have made it through the whole weekend.

[Stanley]

professional 1.following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain.

Splash Class 0'1" to 9'11"
Junior Class 10'0" to 14'11"
Senior Class 15'0" to 19'11"
Pro Class 20'0" to 22'11"
Extreme Division 23'0" and above

Gunner will have to jump less than 22'11" to maintain his pro status as an occupation for gain.

[hershey kiss]

Brian I got the message that this is only a one time event but if Splash Dogs goes to the high end of entry fees alot of us would not be able to go to this event and thats what I was tring to get at this is a big event for us personally we have work really hard with Seth & Hershey both, and to put the high end money event for Worlds is not fare to us and fare to everyone that has work just as hard with there dogs to where they are at.AND to Little Cunner please stop,you are not funny at all and you diffidently miss what Brook was tring to say.

[hershey kiss]

SOOOOO Sorry "little gunner'' about my spelling or spelt words in my last post to you so let me see if I can get this write or right you can make up your own mind on the spelling.I don't like the way you have bag on Brooks post about The Splash Dog family I have to several events this year and have help at everyone of them and if I remember I have not seen you at any one of them so before you bag on someone's post like Brook's is B.S. in my mind.. So
do you get it now "little gunner" gee did I spell "gunner" right .IF you need more help with this I well be here all week Stay Safe,Jump Big Hershey Kiss

[all4sadie]

Ok I've tried to keep my mouth shut here, but Bart come on. People make typo's all the time. No one is perfect. Please stop with putting people down...this is a friendly message board and the wise cracks are not appreciated....You totally know and understand what Herseys dad was writing.

We all need to just step back and get along.

As for payouts as in my first email I'm against them also...I agree with Brooke and what Herseys family is saying. I could not afford it either....I do what I can to help out when I can at the events. But if you have to put such a high price on the events then it's not fun and alot of the regular people would not be able to make it. We are there to enjoy the family and friends we have made and to have fun.....

Lets all just get along and HAVE FUN.

[Chase]

Hershey's Kiss:

You are very sweet to defend me, but don't worry, you do not have to do so. Bart is being very rude, as he proved in his response to you, but he does not intimidate me.

I think Wendy and Tony have gotten a pretty good feel from the sentiments expressed in the messages in this thread, as to what they need to do to insure that Cynosports is a a big success and fun time for EVERYONE.

Perhaps it is time to put down the dictionary, go on to new and more interesting topics, and let this thread age gracefully.

Brooke

[Sardo]

Hershey- believe me if it went the high registration fee I would not be attending also. The poll with the high registration fee was just put there to see what people's thoughts were on paying a fee and we needed a couple of options other organizations use to see what people wanted. As you can see from the votes it will not happen. So I will be seeing you there at Cyno.

Tell Seth I will have his Maximus shirt ready and waiting for him when you guys get there.

[Sassy Girl]

Hey Barb! Glad to see you on the board.

We've been lucky on the West Coast to have been with Splash Dogs through it's beginnings. Which has definitely made us a closer West Coast unit. However one thing we do all need to think about is that this is growing company, and as we all know to grow you need to offer things that will attract the new dogs/handlers to Splash Dogs from across the country. This doesn't mean SD's needs to change it's overall approach but for events such as the World Championship it's a great opportunity to offer things we don't normally offer, showing that this is a first class event.

I love the Splash Dog Family - you guys have been with me through some very hard times over the past year. But we do need to look at this for more than just our small group.

By the way I voted for the middle of the range entry, I'm also cool with payouts either in cash or in gift certificates, nicer ribbons, prizes and plaques.

Peace Out!

[Linda Hettich]

Growth and expansion can be a double-edged sword. We all would like to see Splash Dogs grow to be more of a force on a national level. At the same time, we all -- or most of us, anyway -- like the camraderie and sense of family. There's a real fear we'd lose that 'close knit' feeling if SD takes a more profit-based route. Increased fees would exclude many people we've come to care about. But the two objectives are at odds, and something will have to give. And while this debate right now is just for Cynosports, it's a reality SD faces for all its events for future growth. Some tough decisions will have to be made, by all of us.

[hershey kiss]

Last night I wrote some things about a member on this thread and would like to say I'am sorry to them on this Message Board.To "Little Gunner" I would like to say I'am sorry for the things I wrote to you last night I was out of line for doing that to you.I was upset at the things that you wrote about Splash Dogs and about Brook everyone on this message board including you have the right to write about anything you wish and I got upset with you when you started bagging on someone's post I'am SORRY and I was out of line

[Little Gunner]

Tony,

You not only deleted all my posts from this thread. You also deleted every post, and thread I started on your board. Including "The Adventures of Little Gunner."

Regards,

Bart Richardson

[hershey kiss]

Brain I got your message I know this is been a big topic for a few years and we are glad to be apart of it and well be for we hope years to come and this topic well also be there to.I well let Seth know thanks Hershey Kiss

[Little Gunner]

I'm fairly certain Tony didn't mean to delete all my posts. I am sure Tony got some complaints about my posts pertaining to "Family", "Pro Division", and my post to Hershey. Yes, my posts were over the top, and for that I am sorry EVERYONE. See you all in Scottsdale, PAYOUTS or NOT.

[Kel]

Well, I will admit I haven't regularly jumped with SplashDogs. Actually, we have only participated in two events. However, we do regularly jump with UAD and I was planning on attending the Bark-in-the-Park SplashDogs event, along with the Nationals later this year. Unfortunately, most of the events are a bit far away...

Annnway... I'm glad to see this topic here and so openly discussed. I agree fully with Brooke (Chase) in that payouts are not necessary, nor do I feel they are the best choice for awards. Whether everyone recieves them or only a select few, I would much prefer non-monetary prizes. Cash really seems too crude an option. On the light side of reasons, not only do non-monetary awards provide a lot more in the way of mementos, but I also enjoy the variety, thought, etc. involved. They also make for much better pictures afterwards. ;)

I've witnessed a bit of the same thing Brooke mentioned in regards to animosity/annoyance with those who do not help much at events, yet are very quick to reap the rewards of others labor, along with really being for any payouts. However, those I know who volunteer very regularly, never seem to be concerned about that. I've seen some newcomers who were even so crude as to treat the event staff like dirt during the comeptition, acting high and mighty, and then throwing a fit and storming off when they didn't recieve cash for their dog's efforts. Yes, that's the extreme end of it, of course, and luckily not the norm.

Within other canine sports, it is rare that cash prizes are given. The closest thing is akin to the Splashbucks Tony came up with. Some agility trials I have competed in, for example, awarded us with coupons for Qs and/or 1-4 placements. Each coupon was worth a certain amount (increased with your placement) towards entries at future events hosted by that group. So, when you sent in your registration fee for their next event, you would include the coupon(s) and subtract that amount from the check you wrote. These were awarded in addition to the regular Q strip ribbons and 1-4 placement rosettes.

I also agree with Brooke when it comes to the time spent volunteering affecting your dog's performance, enjoyment, etc. Being cooped up in a crate for longer periods of time and then rushed out to jump is not fun for them. It also doesn't allow for near, if any, the preparation/practice time. So, the more help people give and offer, the better. Free or discounted entries for workers is a good idea also, I think, and one also employed in other sports.

Just my two cents... from the other side of the states... ;)

[Little Gunner]

I just returned from an event this weekend that had payouts. I drove with LG a total of 1400 miles so a friend could handle LG in the name of Chase. There were a lot of tears...of joy too I might add. LG won EV and Big Air. Not only did all of LG's winnings go to the ACVIM Foundation, the 2nd place dog Jack's winnings went to the same foundation. That's a lot of payout for a great cause :-).
"Double-Double"

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb236/bigairgunner/IMG_0196.jpg

[Sardo]

C'mon people. We have 89 active members and we have a total of 24 votes. Everyone's input is needed to help make a decision. So please at least vote if you don't want to leave a comment.

[Kel]

Hey Brian, It has a note under the poll saying that it's closed. :( So, unfortunately, it's too late for anyone else to vote... unless there is a way to re-open the poll?

LG's dad, that's wonderful. Good for you and Jack's family. With that in mind, here's another possibility... Perhaps the money that would otherwise be used for payouts at the event should be put aside and donated in the name of the winner to the canine related charity of their choice? Just throwing random ideas out there...

[Team Chloe]

Brian....says the poll is closed!

LG n Bart! Awesome!!! Thank you for helping all of our dogs!

[Cruisin'ThroughTheAir]

I think I would be happy either way. I would have voted for upping the entry fee a little to have nicer prizes if the poll wasn't closed.

I don't have a problem with money payouts, but I would be equally happy with a nice t-shirt and some Splashbucks. The enticement for me would be to be able to pay less at future events using the money or the Splashbucks we won. Money is often tight around here, so we would be able to go to more events if that were the case!!

I love getting ribbons and such at the events, but in reality, we enjoy them for a few days and then they end up in a box somewhere because we don't have anywhere to display them. I think it would be really fun to recieve a t-shirt or a toy for Charlie or money or Splashbucks as I said above!

Well, I think that's all I have to say for now. I don't have much to add about whether cash payouts would affect the family atmosphere and what not as we are still fairly new. I would love to be more involved and help with volunteering and such, but I know it would be very difficult for us. With an almost 2 year old and another on the way, we have our hands full. We're usually only able to attend for one day of the event. Hopefully I can be of more use as some of the local events where we won't have to travel!

If we can scrape the cash and time together, we're looking forward to being able to attend the Scottsdale event this year!

[FlyingSquirrel]

I think it is EXTREMELY important that ALL participants get a Special World Championship T-Shirt Ribbon, and Medal, NOT just those who are in the Finals. Those who will participate in the Semifinals and not get to the Finals are JUST as important a part of Splashdogs as those in the Finals and they should be treated as such.
Brooke & Chase


I don't do this for the money, I do it for the memories, the fun of spending time with my wife, my dogs, friends and the SplashDogs community.
<snip>
So given that we usually get small ribbons for participating in qualifying waves at SplashDogs in normal events, I think that the SplashDogs World Championships should recognize the significance of the occassion and provide larger ribbons or even medals.
<snip>
The "splash bucks" would only be a relatively nominal cost to the organizers when they are used, ie. I spend $20 in splash bucks on a splashdogs t-shirt that cost the organizers maybe $10 to buy, but it's still 20 dollars for those of us spending it. Also, i am for equal payouts for each divisional top 4.
<snip>
Thats my two cents. Finally, I always remember that at each on of these events, be it SplashDogs, DD or SRS, I am continually told by the announcers to "always have fun." Honestly, when I stop having fun at these things, I will stop going.

Ok, I quoted a bunch - but these thoughts sort of sum up my views.

We talked a lot about this in the past, comparing SD to other organizations and other dog sports. It's a tough call, because this is such an expensive sport to participate in AND to host, so how do you balance giving without giving too much? I am always thrilled to get the free T-shirts and hats, win "prizes," etc. and I think a special event such as this warrants something along those lines. Paying a little more to cover the expense of those items isn't a big deal IMO. Much more than that, and you're either pricing a lot of people out of the sport or making it a financial burden to the SD business.

Medals are a nice step up from ribbons but I would reserve those for the top 12 in each division. I like the idea of Splash Bucks for prizes, but I'd also vote for the top 12, not just the top 4, especially if everyone who participates is getting a T-shirt if they enter for Sunday. The Splash Bucks "amount" could be graduated, depending on your final position. Heck, enough to cover a wave or two, or enough to buy another T-shirt would be great - AND gets the SD name out there even more! (Free wave coupons wouldn't really cost SD anything...) You know there will be HUNDREDS of people and dogs sampling the sport over the 4 days, so making it into the top 12 is still a big deal.

Wendy, is it worth opening the poll again?

It's too bad SD doesn't have major sponsorship from a sports company or dog-related corporation who could donate the "prizes." Unfortunately, I don't have any leads, but I would think that would make it a lot easier.

On another note, I hope everyone pitches in and helps out. Even working the "baby pool" relieves someone else. I'll try to help when I can.

Kim

[renegade]

Anyone know how to reopen a poll? I can't find any options to let me do that!

[Kel]

I would have voted for slightly higher entry fees were the poll still open.

Personally, I think ribbons/medals, some toys/tshirts, and Splashbucks would be the way to go... with the knowledge that the Splashbucks could be used on merchandise or towards entry fees in future SD events.

[shakoz]

i also would have voted for slightly higher fees...for all the same good reasons stated above.