Young Koi Shows: Length Limits & Such Ramble

[MikeM]

A relatively easy way for clubs to start having a show is to have a "young koi show". These shows are not actually about young koi. They focus on smaller koi. Length, not age, is the guiding factor. Everyone seems to pick different limits. The Young Koi Show coming up at Champion Koi has a length limit of 15". Not too many years ago, this limit would have included most nisai produced in Japan. Today, there are "jumbo tosai" being produced longer than 15". The length limit may not be rational for deciding which fish is "young", but it serves the purpose of encouraging participation by those who do not have large koi and beginners. Plus, it is much easier to set up and operate a show geared to smaller fish...which makes it easier for a club to find the volunteers to put on the show.

When the Orlando Koi Club held its first young koi show last Fall, the length limit was 18". But this had to be changed to 20" because in our climate 10" tosai acquired in the Spring can get to be 20" by October. Most of the club members interested in participating did not have any fish under 18" by October. Changing the guidelines after they are first announced is not a good idea. It leads to confusion. But, when the goal is to have participation, some compromises have to occur. (BTW, the top winners were under 18". They were better finished than the larger ones...especially larger koi still in their nisai season of growth.)

Then you get the issue of whether the show should be for members only or open to anyone. This is always something folks can get in an argument about. I like an open show because it gets more people participating. You can let members enter for free and charge non-members if that makes everyone feel better. Dues are so low at most clubs that having an "us vs them" attitude doesn't make much sense to me, but different people get other ideas and can feel strongly about their point of view. It's something that can be worked through.

A fun aspect of a young koi show is that it provides a venue where folks participating in tosai grow-out projects can bring their fish and compare their progress.

More clubs should give it a try. A one day young koi show is not too hard to put together. The club learns how to put on a show. Members get a chance to learn about showing. Everyone gets to meet folks from other clubs who enter fish or just come to see what's happening.

My Orlando club has decided to hold a "second annual" one. The first was too much fun not to repeat. But, to be sure the work load stays manageable, it will be limited to 14 tanks being set up. (Or, was it 13?? ...I forget.) Bigger than that and it was thought there would be too much work for the core volunteers and the "fun" would get lost in the work.

Sometimes, smaller is better.

[RayJordan]

Mike,
I with your comments about young koi shows. These types of shows can be a great way to educate new koi keepers about koi judging and appreciation.

Having a smaller event with the major emphasis on education allows more interaction with the judges and oppertunities to understand koi judging criteria.

Last summer Brett Rowley & I judged the MAKC young koi show. Having a professional koi breeder as a judge added a extra dimension to the event. We were encouraged to discuss the koi we were evaluating so the observers could hear our comments - as we judged. After the judging was completed we answered questions and explained the reasons one koi ranked over/under another. We got lots of positive comments and it was a blast for Brett & I as well.

[jnorth]

This the show you are talking about Ray?

[aquitori]

This show that will be thrown at Champ will be in bags, a much easier way to judge fish next to each other than the english style of goin from tank to tank remembering what you just saw. I do honestly think each club in the US be it AKCA, ZNA or Independent should try a Young Koi Show. This will be my clubs first show and we have a very good dealer to help us out and I am sure Tom Lai wouldn't have agreed to this show if we didnt make it simple.

[KoiCop]

The Nishiki Young Koi Show this weekend in SoCal has a 24" size limit, so there will still be some good sized koi on display.

We're entered and are looking forward to seeing some old and meeting some new kichi!

[cocoyboy]

Start small and then get bigger later. Keepin it simple!

[aquitori]

I think Mike, that alot of the clubs should throw a show or maybe a small local show. I know alot of clubs are afraid of the dealer club relationship but it is a give and take situation. I would love to see some of the clubs in NorCal throw an annual show, but that isnt the case. Promotion of the hobby is what it is about and the more shows that are out there the better.

California is known for dealer associated shows, but if that's what gets everyone interested in the hobby it's even better. I think there are 3 states that have atleast 4 shows a year if I am not mistaken...California, Texas and Florida....More shows be it Big or Small better for the hobby.

[MikeM]

Since there are no dealers of note in Florida, it is up to the clubs to put on shows. Having a dealer-sponsored show is not a bad thing. Folks may need to defer to the sponsor on any differences that arise, but the work and risk is so much less, that is not much of a price.

If a club gets 3 or 4 members to volunteer to help with set-up, etc. of an established show, they will get much of the experience needed to put on a show. Then doing a one day young koi show is a great way to start. The club may never want to "move up" to a full-blown show. Yes, it is work; but for a one-day show with set-up the day before, it is not much work...nothing that a half dozen members can't do. And, if 10 help out, the work is light. It may take some effort for a club to become energized to put on a show of its own, but the club will be stronger for doing it.

[Regenmeneer]

Toni,

which type of bags will be used? The traditional type or the new type used by Toshio Sakai?

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Regenmeneer Toni, which type of bags will be used? The traditional type or the new type used by Toshio Sakai?

Will be using the nozzle type, used at the All-Japan.