Sportsmanship at Rally and Obedience Trials

Is sportsmanship declining at American Kennel Club (AKC) obedience and rally trials? Does it even matter? Call me old school, but, yes, sportsmanship matters. My parents taught me at an early age to compete fairly and politely in the conformation and junior showmanship rings. That meant not crowding other competitors in the ring and congratulating the winner, no matter what. Since then, I’ve adhered to their lessons in the obedience and rally rings.

What is poor sportsmanship? The term conjures up the image of Carolina Panthers’ Quarterback Cam Newton as he sat, slouched with his hoodie drawn over his head, to face the media after his team’s 2016 Super Bowl loss. He epitomized a sore loser. That day’s winning quarterback, Denver Bronco’s Peyton Manning, personified a good sportsman. Throughout the Bronco’s rocky season, he accepted his team’s wins and losses as well as his temporary benching with grace and dignity. Peyton took responsibility when his performance wasn’t up to par and complimented the winning team. He always encouraged and supported his teammates regardless of a game’s outcome.

Certainly playing football isn’t the same as competing at obedience or rally trials. But sportsmanship is an integral part of these sports. Merriam Webster dictionary defines sportsmanship as “fair play, respect for opponents, and polite behavior by someone who is competing in a sport or other competition.” In the dog show world, that boils down to respect and courteous behavior towards judges and fellow exhibitors. It means helping others and feeling happy for their accomplishments. Many handlers spend countless hours training their dogs but sometimes their hard work doesn’t translate into a stellar ring performance. Fellow exhibitors’ encouragement and support help handlers cope with off days.

The AKC introduced rally as a new sport in 2005. That year, I showed two of our Labrador Retrievers to their Rally Novice titles and noticed a strong sense of camaraderie among exhibitors. Some of the signs and courses seemed confusing, perhaps because of the newness of the sport. Exhibitors huddled together to decipher the rally course maps. They explained what the signs meant to each other. They cheered each other on, all hoping to qualify with their dogs that often already had advanced obedience degrees.

Spectators and exhibitors applauded handler-dog teams that placed and qualified. After the judge announced the scores and placements, the qualifiers walked up to the class winner to offer their congratulations. The atmosphere seemed more relaxed and friendlier than the obedience ring. It reminded me of obedience trials before the AKC added the title of Obedience Trial Champion which requires first place wins and points earned based on the number of dogs defeated. Rally was fun!

Ten years later, the atmosphere around rally rings in Colorado seemed different. Exhibitors mingled less and often didn’t chat with one another unless they knew each other. But they still offered help to one another when they walked the rally course before the handler-dog teams competed. They clapped politely as the judge announced class placements but rarely congratulated the winner. Although our Labrador Ranger often placed first in his rally classes, only two handlers congratulated us immediately. The other qualifiers just walked out of the ring. Had this part of sportsmanship been discarded?

I mulled over this possibility earlier this year while watching a judge announce class placements in Novice Rally classes at an Arizona trial. Sure enough, none of qualifiers congratulated the class winner, at least inside the ring.  Later that day, I found myself alone when I congratulated the winner of Ranger’s Beginners Novice Obedience class.

About two weeks later, I showed Ranger in Beginners Novice and Novice Obedience at two trials conducted in the Coliseum at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. I immediately noticed a different tone when we arrived at the first show. Exhibitors chatted with one another, discussing the best locations for dog crates. Some knew each other; others didn’t. Fellow exhibitors congratulated not only class winners but also those that placed. They commiserated with those whose dogs hadn’t qualified. It felt like the good old days of rally and obedience.

Buoyed by the friendly atmosphere, I looked forward to returning to the fairgrounds two days later for another show. I’d see some new friends that I’d just met two days prior and knew we’d encourage one another. It reminded me of what shows should be all about: enjoying new and old friends, and having fun with one’s faithful four-legged companion(s). A friendly, supportive atmosphere permeated this show. Exhibitors encouraged one another and congratulated the class winners and those who placed. It was great to see and feel that special camaraderie once again.

I left Arizona reminded that sportsmanship contributes to a positive show experience. What are some ways to practice good sportsmanship? Here are a few:

• Be polite and respectful towards other exhibitors and judges. They’ve all worked hard to be in the ring.
• Encourage and help fellow exhibitors.
• Play fair. Don’t practice fetch with your dog just outside the ring or eat your yummy odoriferous sandwich at ringside.
• Congratulate your class winner. Be happy for the handler-dog team on their winning day. The handler will appreciate your courtesy and respect for a job well done.

Have fun and good luck!

I’d love to hear from readers about whether they believe sportsmanship is important. Do readers, who also show in obedience and rally, think that sportsmanship is alive and well at trials in their area of the country? Please leave your comments below. If you want to learn about follow-up comments, just mark the box at the end of the Reply/Comments section! Thanks!