Just wondering is a few things I heard this weekend were true? Is it true that no one showed up for helper try outs for the North American and that the President of USA regined this week?

I know Elder did resign and Lyle Roetemeyer is the new USA President. I did hear the helper rumor too but don't know if it is true..

This was sent to the USA regions last week:
"May 2, 2005

Fellow USA Members:

I am saddened to report that on May 1, 2005 Jim Elder resigned from the Office of USA President for medical reasons. Jim has been battling a health condition that has recently worsened.
As Vice President, Jim has kept me informed as to the day to day operations of our organization. I have assumed the office of President in accordance with the USA Constitution and By-laws. A new Vice President will be elected by the Executive Board in accordance with our by-laws.
Jim Elder has made a tremendous sacrifice to USA, in time and energy, over the past several years. I know his decision to resign was not an easy one but he felt that his health condition was placing constraints on the time needed to be effective as USA President.
I know that each of you will join me in wishing Jim a quick return to good health and saying THANK YOU for the years of leadership and "unselfish service" he has given to our United Schutzhund Clubs
of America.

Lyle Roetemeyer"

It will be interesting to see if he sees the forest for the trees. I understand that USA is loosing membership. This can only be blamed on a lack of leadership

You know to one in his own world if he knows 10 people who left schutzhund and went ring, that seems like "EVERYONE IS LEAVING SCHUTZHUND AND GOING RING" Which is what I am seeing. In my little world from my one view off my porch it looks like a parade of Sch people passing by headed to ring!
It's fall from grace can only be leadership.

Now if we can just get them to remember that it is ring and not schutzhund. No dumbing down so dumb___ can get a title for his dog. And for gosh sakes if you can leave the Mali's out of shutzhund. It is not a breed test for them. Start a club, there is plenty of help available.

Did anyone hear about three people in one tracking flight who all failed tracking and the judge then temporarily canceled the tracking only to let all three re-track in the afternoon – then 2 competitors fail a second time?

Is it true that the FH tracks had no cross tracks, no terrain change, no road crossings and were not long enough? Hummmmm

If this is true its no wonder USA is loosing money and credibility?

Yes this is correct Ed, the judge decided that they can re-do their tracks later in the day, when the weather was better, and yes two flunked again. On the FH...correct again, but get this... the flags and articles were not numbered, as the rules require, so....there were 5 ideal tracks, ie. terrain, lined with trees, plush green fields, 8-10 inches high. 2 were horrible, 3ft high, bald spots throughout the track, on toop of a hill with wind gusts of who knows what. Somehow...all of the big names were given the great tracks and two guys not so well known were given the crap tracks. Funny how the tracks weren't numbered...they just told you, you track this one and you track that one. What a coincidence. Also, the FH didn't ahve crosstracks or roads to cross, and two very well known top USA competitors score 100's. Just funny how things work out for some people huh?

What was up with protection? Have a friend that was there, dog didn't score that well in protection. I have never seen that dog score like that ever in the 2 years I've been watching him. Friend said a**hole judging, just curious on to others takes.

It's about time that Schutzhund USA decides that this is a "CLUB" - not a "PIVTAE CLUB FOR NATIONAL COMPETITORS" which is supported by peon club members.

There are times that I hear stories about judging where is sounds blatantly corrupt. I can tell you what happens in the SV - the members sue the SV.

I can tell you one thing that would eliminate a good share of corrupt judges - start to enforce a mandatory drug test. It would also eliminate a good share of national contenders. My feeling on that is either change your lifestyle or dont let the door hit you in the ass on your way out.

Why is a MADITORY DRUG test not a part of a these national events? If baseball and football can enforce it why not Schutzhund USA? The board of directors has its head in a hole. So the org. would loose some people - so what. They are loosing people right and left right now because members are getting sick of how these events are run.

If anyone wants to take my post and post it on other web board they have my permission to do so. My membership card for Schutzhund USA shows that I have been a member since 1976.