Isn’t it time that our NAFA regions have a voice and play a larger role when implementing rule changes? Everyone that participates and attends NAFA tournament is a stockholder in the organization and deserves a voice. NAFA did a good job by allowing the delegates to vote on certain rule changes, a basic yes or no vote, but then acted on their own to draft and implement the new rules.
It is my opinion, and recent events bear this out, that there are certain members on the rules committee that have an agenda contrary to the best interest of the NAFA flyball community. Nevertheless, something needs to be done to limit this in the future and allowing regional representatives a more active role in regards to rule changes that affect the community is one solution.
NAFA Candidate Chat
Question: Is a candidate for the BoD representing their region or all regions?
Answers:
Alisa Romaine - A candidate for the Board should come with their regional issues but be ready to work for every region. Each region has individual concerns and ways of doing things but we need to work for the good of all or we’ll shatter into individual regions with no cohesion.
Dale Smith - While each Board member has more experience in their own region, we all have to remember that we represent all of NAFA. We bring a diverse set of experiences with us - that makes for great discussions and debates - but when all is said and done, we make a decision about what we feel is best for our sport and our organization as a whole.
Scott Stein - I believe that we bring what we know to the BoD. What we know is a combination of our region and the places we’ve competed. The broader the experience the better. However, when it comes to voting, a candidate needs to put aside their ‘personal’ feelings and look at how the decision effects every region.
Zachary Chernik - I agree with Scott that when it is time to vote on an issue, the decision on the vote has to be based on each and every region and the future well being of NAFA.
Christine VanWert - I think we also need to bring “curiosity” to our thinking and problem-solving. We should be willing to ask questions and seek out expert advice when our experience limits us.
Do you see a pattern or general theme emerging from these answers?
Regional Vote
The regional director could fill the role of the regional representative but I believe that each region should vote for a representative for their region. In other words, the regional director should not be an appointed position. When a full delegate vote is not necessary or called for, the regional representative should cast the vote for their region. This should have been done years ago.
Larry
Related Post:
3 comments ↓
Larry,
I have said this before - years ago on the big flyball list. RD’s should be voted by their region, and actually be members of the board. HOW, can I vote for someone I have never seen in a tournament, race a dog, interact with etc…I have always thought the very process of how we elect BoD is very, well, dumb.
By having RD’s be the ones on the Board, we as members of the region will have more input, our RD - who is racing/competing in the region will know exactly what is going on, and can report better. The RD could then appoint “committees” for their region to help grow the sport - how can the Board - with members based elsewhere have any idea as to how to help grow in other states?
If we did it this way, we would have a very broad view of ideas on the BoD.
Jackie,
You said it much better that I did and completely agree. Thanks for your input!
Great point!
It is the age-old centralized versus decentralized management model. Each offers strengths and weaknesses.
This topic made me realize just how much I do _not_ know about what is going on outside the region I’m in.
Elected RD’s being members of the board … sharing experiences and concerns with RD’s from other regions … this being part of policy and governance … cool stuff.
Leave a Comment