by Maureen Cooper » Sat 25 Feb 2006 5:26 pm
Peter, in response to you, the closing date of Feb 17th was 3 weeks before the trial not 4 weeks. This is printed on the schedule as per the rules and regulations of the NSWCC. Despite this, Flo has often taken entries up to 2 weeks before a trial but this time she had had no feedback re anyone wanting to put in a late entry. Two phone enquiries had been received but she had no entry forms by Wednesday and still has not. It is not up to Flo to ring round ppl asking if they are going to put an entry in.
No, it is not very considerate and if that’s the way it is for you then be prepared to miss out on a few trials, Flo had already posted schedules out to non club members. I seem to remember a previous Lab Club secretary who would not take ANY late entries. There is game to organize, equipment, venue and camping let alone helpers as well as a good catalogue to provide and all done by Flo.
I was very sad we had to let down the Novice entries especially (and I was one) but we did not have the numbers for either AA or Rest. Stakes. Flo said it was unfair to get Bob to come all the way from the ACT to judge 4 dogs, 2 of whom were being entered just to make the stake. Same applied to Ronnie. Your 3 entries per day would have only given one handler. If you want to enter, put the closing date on your calendar so you don’t miss out. Don’t just assume the entries will be held open. Closing date means just that, closing date, though a few days late may be forgiven the odd time following a phone call, but it sometimes is the same ppl late every time, and by your own admission you are one of them.
As you are aware, we have struggled to make up a stake sometimes and with the occasional injured dog or bitch in season, then the stake might not be viable on the day. It is most unfair for someone to travel a long distance eg from the Central Coast area and then find out on the day there is no stake because someone has not turned up. The numbers are down in AA with bitches with litters and retired dogs and the handsome Gareth deserting us.
We had 2 bitches in season. We also found out last year that changing stewards in a low AA stake with most of the handlers going back to another stake left the judge with hardly a helper. As Gareth said in another thread, too often some ppl bomb out and go home without staying to help.
Financially, providing game, trophies, sashes etc for two days would have run the trial at a loss but primarily, the reason was lack of entries and maybe next time the ppl who have missed out might get their entries in on time.
The criticism is unjustified and unfair on Flo, myself and Ken. Most ppl do NOT put in a late entry but this might be a wake-up call for those who think it is OK. I am very sorry to Colleen,Wayne, and Steve to mention just a few, who are Novice handlers and were looking forward to the trial. The property owners are also very disappointed as they had offered to donate a trophy as well as acquiring more land and they do come and watch.
Maureen