Large Events

As an advocate of change I hate the expression “back in the good old days”, for I rarely find a situation cannot be improved upon given rational debate and original thinking.  But there is one noticeable exception and this relates to how organisers sometimes plan the layout and execution of large events.  Some take the view that a huge number of rings will ease the running of the schedule and this may be so, although I am not yet convinced.  I have a number of opinions and these are listed in no particular order:-

1. Obtaining and delivering many sets of equipment to the venue creates logistical problems and increases the chances of sub-standard equipment being deployed.  This is particularly so in the case of timers (and displays) plus the increased demand for wings as the new trend develops.
2. The area needed to cater for a large number of rings means that distances between rings has to be larger and areas for parking and camping are by inference further away.  For handlers with multiple dogs this increases stress when clashes occur.
3. More rings running at one time increases the chances of clashes and whilst it is always nice to finish early, that benefit comes a cost of increased incidence of clashes.
4. With a greatly spread out area it is no longer of value to purchase a ringside tent site as chances are you might never (or rarely) compete in the ring you purchase near.  This leads to folk using their car or camper as a base which is likely to be distant from the rings.
5. It is true that a large number of rings increases the time allocated to walk them but is this really of much value.  With an event such as the NZDAC two or three courses might be available for walking for 2-3 hours but it may then be another 1-2 hours before actually running the course. I would much prefer a printed course map.
6. The more rings running at the same time means more manpower which is usually filled by competitors and this only adds to their stress as a result of competition clashes and volunteer duties.
7. One suggestion for NZDAC worthy of note would be to reserve all four days to the traditional classes and schedule less popular events for the Thursday or maybe even the following Tuesday.
8. A second suggestion might be to lengthen the day rather than being hell bent on finishing early.  Hire companies have portable floodlights for rent and could easily extend the competing day from say 8 hours to 10 or more.  This concept would help spread the runs during the day and alleviate stress as was used at last year’s Australian National event in Adelaide.