Sportsmanship
12.16.2017 AKC Nationals Juniors
Definition of Sportsmanship
: conduct (such as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport
Such a short meaning for such an important word. Lets see how other groups expand upon this definition.
AKC Code of Sportsmanship
PREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive events dates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Shared values of those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship. They are practiced in all sectors of our sport: conformation, performance and companion. Many believe that these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reason why our sport has thrived for over one hundred years. With the belief that it is useful to periodically articulate the fundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.
Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrity of the sport of purebred dogs.
Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play, honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well as winning and losing with grace. Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitment and obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injecting personal advantage or consideration into their decisions or behavior.
The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of the dogs and considers no other factors.
The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructive criticism.
The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise the impartiality of a judge.
The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibit under a judge where it might reasonably appear that the judge’s placements could be based on something other than the merits of the dogs.
The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulations and policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.
Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civility are not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the merit of their competition and the effort of competitors.
Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomers to the sport.
Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade with them.
Sportsmen are willing to share honest and open appraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses of their breeding stock.
Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personal advantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.
Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfare of their dog.
Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, the American Kennel Club, or themselves while taking part in the sport.
An example of Sportsmanship that may not fit the above definition but is Good Sportsmanship all the same.
https://youtu.be/8izFsHWQXaw
EXAMPLES OF GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP WITH DOGS
Helping a fellow competitor get their armband on
Holding a fellow competitor's dog while an accident gets cleaned up
Shaking the hand of the judge whether you win or not
Shaking the hand of the winner and meaning it
Thanking anyone who takes the time to congratulate you
Not complaining about the terrible judging, graciously accepting the judges opinion on that day
Oohing and ahing over your competitions win ribbon even though you wanted it
Cheering your competition on when they go to groups from the Breed ring
Never scolding your dog, always knowing the best dog is going home with you regardless of the ring outcome
Brooke Thompson to Eric Salas All Breed Handling and Grooming - Canadian Group
th birthday.
Anyone who shows enough knows that every judge runs their ring a little different. Most judges we show to will bring the dogs in and have them all go around together. The show we were at didn't offer a Pee Wee class and my son is to young for junior handling. Caiden asked when he woke up if we had his fancy clothes because he wanted to show his Lola on his birthday. My husband and I talked about it and no points are ever more important than our son. So we decided we'd let him get her in the ring and take her around and after the first go around my husband would come in and do a handler change since there was no way Caiden could stack Lola on the ramp.
Well the judge put a monkey wrench in our plans when he did not have us gate around together. I help Caiden find where he needed to stand in the line and went back to my spot (the judge and a couple exhibitors were not trilled to have a young child in the ring). Caiden was trying as hard as a 5 year old could to compete with the "big boys". This picture shows an amazing moment where two other exhibitors (one a big professional handler up from California and the other a junior handler) took the time to make this little boys day by helping him get his dog set up. My husband did come in and finish showing her and I wasn't aware till after we showed how much these 2 handlers helped my son. This picture is a beautiful image to help us all remember what good sportsmanship looks like and no matter who you are taking a moment to help a child or a fellow exhibitor just may have a very lasting impact on that individual as well as those who are watching.