The Future Of Our Sport

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214 – April, 2023

By Jessica Braatz

We’ve all heard it again and again: juniors are the future of our sport. At some point the prior generations of “greats” will pass the responsibility to this generation. The majority of us do our best to give back, hoping to further the sport we love, but, what would happen to our sport if juniors are not given opportunities? What if we do not foster the desire to learn and be involved in the sport? What is really at stake, and how can we ensure that junior involvement continues to increase?

Entries have dwindled over recent years and we need to start asking ‘why’ before shows are reduced to none. Thousands of dogs at each show used to be the norm, but now, we are seeing frequent entries under five hundred. There are some clusters and clubs who are prioritizing juniors, though, and this is being reflected in large entries. The highly successful Kentuckiana Cluster in Louisville, Kentucky pulled entries of well over three thousand in March. What are they doing to be so successful? Specifically, in junior showmanship, there are entries of over fifty on the weekdays and more than seventy on the weekends–a drastic change from typical entries nationally. This show hosts a large regional scholarship offering multiple monetary awards for those who place. They also schedule juniors at 8 A.M. every day, which frees the rest of the day for assistants to work. They offer Itty Bitty and Pee Wee classes, encouraging a family environment at shows. Most importantly, they waive all junior’s entry fees, making junior showmanship accessible for all. If this size cluster can prioritize and encourage juniors, we can all step up, too.

 Click here to read the complete article
214 – April, 2023

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