Point system for hobbyist who show.

[aquitori]

Point system for hobbyist who show. I know the one thing hard about a koi show is to get people to show their fish. Should there be a point system to encourage hobbyist to show? Something like NASCAR...

[Bern]

It's not something I'd advise. I've found that any element that focuses on the owners rather than the Koi has the potential to create conflict.

rgds Bern

[Bern]

.............However (just had a 2nd thought moment).

This UK iniative http://www.koi-clubs.com/SouthEast/MKK.htm is aimed at recognizing the achievements of koi keepers.

FYI - it was sponsored by Cliff Neale our National GC Winner 2003 & 2005

Although it rewards the koi-keeper's skills, the emphasis is still on the Koi.

rgds BERN

[mrbradleybradley]

Hi

I like something that encourages and rewards increased participation. One of the best things a respected hobbiest said to me 20 years ago was

'Well done"

after I was given an encouragement award. I was in my early teens. But it was one of those things amongst many that made me stick with the hobby.

BB

[johnsmith]

Bern, I agree. A koi show should only be built on the idea that it is an educational exercise. It is to promote koi and koi keeping. And it is to bring together hobbyists to discuss and compare husbandry practices and the fine points of koi as art. This educational experience is presented against the backdrop of hopefully, a fun competition. IT AIN'T about the exhibitor. Its about the lesson and the fish.

[PapaBear]

If it really is about the fish it needs to be so. Being relatively new to the hobby I've not shown (don't have any competetors anyway... yet ) but the Koi are what I enjoy. This springs OKC show was my first to attend and I enjoyed the entire event, looked at all of the Koi, fell in love with several, got to meet Gene and chat with him about their beautiful GC Kohaku. It all gave my wife and I something to aim for.
I can only make assumptions based on other types of venues I have participated in, but the "people" who make things happen do get recognized, just in a different way than the Koi. The people who put a show together and work behind the scenes are appreciated by those who really matter, and the owners who show their Koi are likewise appreciated and respected for their efforts and achievements.
At the end of the day, if the only reason you show is to boost your own self-esteem you have "issues" that are better worked out on a couch than in a show tank. If you enjoy sharing the beauty of Koi with friends and strangers alike your greatest reward is seen in the faces of those who come to enjoy them with you.

[MacKoi]

In San Antonio ( and other places that have copied the idea) we use a point systen to award a Sweepstakes Trophy to encourage partitipation in our show. Any trophy fish is awarded three points (Grand Champion is worth no more than best in variety, etc.) But to promote participation and or more entrys , we award 2 points for all 1st place fish and one point for all second place fish. With this system, a person having 10 first place koi but no champions would still win the Sweepstakes award over a person having three major awards and three first place koi. (20 points vs 15 points) We have a very friendly revalry going on and people seem to enjoy the idea even though some still wont enter koi, thinking that they must have a trophy fish to be worthy. Mac