When You Have to Pull Your Team

I'm wondering what host teams do with entry fees paid, if a team has to pull before the tournament begins.

-E.W.
Most clubs do not offer refunds AFTER closing. If you stop and think... the judges have been hired, awards ordered, possibly extra space rented, etc,. All based on number of entries at closing. If everyone had the option to pull and be refunded it could crash a tournament pretty fast.

Some clubs have been known to offer a "reduced fee" for another upcoming event if the reason was totally out of your control...like kennel cough (MOST clubs appreciate it when a team pulls for that reason).

That seems to be common practice throughout Region 1. No refund after a tournament closes. Our team has an internal policy as well: If you commit your dog to a tournament and you pull out AFTER the tournament has closed, you are still responsible for paying your portion of the entry fee to the club. The only way out of paying the club is for you to find a "replacement" for your absence.

If your replacement is a member of the club, then that releases your obligation to pay. If your replacement is OUTSIDE of the club and we have to declare that team "PERFORMANCE" then, you are still responsible. We expect you to work it out with whoever you find to replace your dog as to who actually pays. Probably, the replacement dog and handler are more than happy to pay their fair share for the opportunity to play flyball. But, that's not the club's responsibility. That is yours for committing to a tournament and then backing out.

If it seems to be an issue for your club, check with the Tournament Secretary or Tournament Director before you enter and WELL before closing. Ask as many questions as you need to and be sure you understand their policies before entering. It is the HOST CLUB that sets refund policies for any particular event, NOT NAFA. NAFA only "sanctions" an event and only charges fees in accordance with the cost of that sanctioning. The balance of a team's entry fee belongs to the host club that is putting on the event.

Good Luck and Good Racing!

.....Chris