Committee Nominations

Nominee -	Jo Croswell
Proposed by -	Bridget Leek
Seconded by -	Sam Bawden
Reasons -	With many years of study, four years as a school governor and a 3 year term as a member of the committee associated with her audit professionalism behind her, Jo now feels able to devote more of her time to contribute to the BFA. Jo’s Flyball ‘career’ has consisted of six happy years with the Fylde Coasters and just over a year in Ready2Fly. Jo has taken an active part in the last four BFA AGM’s considering proposals and entering into the discussions. Being involved in ‘team admin’ at the 2009 and 2010 Championships proved to be a pleasure for Jo; one she hopes to repeat this year. Announcing racing across four rings was both challenging and enjoyable. Retaining her grip on the microphone, Jo was proud to announce the teams and the times in Division 1 of the Championships. Jo has contributed to the membership renewals process both this year and last; assisting with the updating of the membership database. Her involvement in this effort has heightened her interest in investigating options of available electronic solutions to improve the membership experience. Jo believes that everyone should work to their own strengths to prosper our association and admits that some roles would not be for her; she admires those qualified as judges and head judges for their quick responses and accurate decision making skills, though Jo prefers a little more time to form considered opinions and believes that contributing to the BFA committee would allow her an ideal opportunity to ‘give something back’ to the organisation that has become central to her and her family’s life.
Suitable Position -	Jo would enjoy facilitating the liaison between committee and membership; Jo would also like to be involved in projects to consider and develop the streamlining of the BFA’s processes.

Nominee -	Jason Baker
Proposed by -	Wayne O'Rourke
Seconded by -	Anne Alderman
Reasons -	Jason has been in Flyball for many years and is an original member of the Shooting Stars (BFA 001) He has been a Head Judge since 2007 and is currently a member of the Lights Working Party, the Commitee introduced to review the timing equipment which is used at tournaments. He is an active member of Flyball, assisting tournament organisers, helping new and existing BFA members and teams wherever possible. He is extremely passionate about Flyball and is committed to ensuring that Flyball remains a fun and fair sport throughout the country.
Suitable Position -	Jason would suit any job within the Committe, giving 110% in what ever he undertakes. He would personally ensure that all correspondence is dealt with swiftly. Jason has a naturally calm disposition which would enable him to undertake any task the commitee set him. His passion for the sport would benefit the committee and the BFA membership.

Nominee -	Hazell Brown
Proposed by -	Howard Campbell
Seconded by -	Andy James
Reasons -	I have known Hazell for a number of years now, and she is definately one of the most enthusiastic flyball members you would ever wish to come across. Hazell is a committed flyballer and always willing to offer advice and help out teams in any way she can. She has just recently been appointed by the BFA as a Head Judge. Hazell is a well liked and respected member of the BFA and would be committed to the continued growth and development of the association, building on the good work already established, whilst ensuring that support and systems are in place to meet the needs of a rapidly growing membership. One of Hazells primary aims is to ensure that the sport remains enjoyable,inclusive and safe for all.
Suitable Position -	Hazell could be classed as multi skilled, as she is an excellent communicator,she is highly organised, tactful, team player, good listener, reliable and dependable, versatile, appreciates different points of view,she is approachable and has strong admin skills as frequently demonstrated at shows including the past two years BFA Championships with Bridget Leek and therefore would be suited to any post offered to her (except treasurer) for the reasons already outlined.

Nominee -	Nigel Rose
Proposed by -	Penny Charlton
Seconded by -	Wayne O' Rourke
Reasons -	Nigel has been doing Flyball for 9 years, after 4 years he set up and run Kiveton Katapultz after being with two teams before that time. He came from the printing industry originally and has worked in high up responsible positions all his working career. He has sat on several working groups, steering committee's over the years. As a BFA member, Runner of a team and also tournament organiser he is able to see the complete Flyball experience from most people points of view. He has a good grasp of the rules which apply to flyball. In his work he is put in charge of any logistical problems as he is very good at problem solving and also negotiation on a high level. Over the 9 years he has been doing flyball he has learnt a lot about the sport and feels he can contribute in time saving ideas and also the growth of the sport over the next few years.
Suitable Position -	He would be suited to any role on the committee as he always likes to get involved in any discussions and try to help out whenever he can.

Nominee -	Tony Cain
Proposed by -	Andrew James
Seconded by -	Moe Hendry
Reasons -	I believe they would be suited for a post on the BFA Committee because he has been on the committee before he has just taken a year out to refresh , I have known Tony for a number of years now, and he is definitely one of the most enthusiastic flyball members you would ever wish to come across. Tony is a committed flyballer and always willing to offer any advice where he can. Tony is also a qualified BFA Head Judge is a well liked and respected member of the BFA and would be committed to the continued growth and development of the association, building on the good work already established, whilst ensuring that support and systems are in place to meet the needs of a rapidly growing membership.
Suitable Position -	They would be an asset to the committee and ideally suited for any task the committee set him. His passion for the sport would benefit the committee and the BFA membership.

Nominee -	Tony Hodge
Proposed by -	Maureen Hendry
Seconded by -	Steve Leek
Reasons -	Tony has been involved in our wonderful sport for 5 years now and has just been appointed a Head Judge in February of this year. Tony works for Conwy County Council as Deputy Maritime Officer with 20 men under him. He deals with members of the public everyday upholding local bye-laws and is responsible for the safety of all the promenades and beaches/riverbanks in the county. As well as 25 years as a publican before that, with pubs in some very rough areas. Tony solves problems on a daily basis using his excellent communication /mediation skills, and of course a touch of humour. Tony has been involved in all aspects of our sport from organising tournaments, judging and of course running his dogs , Jazz Carleigh and occasional The Bodemeister when Eillen lets him!! Tony is passionate about our sport, the rules and most of all fair play.
Suitable Position -	Tony would be an asset to any role on the committee.

Nominee -	Sharon Allcorn
Proposed by -	Val Currie
Seconded by -	Rachel Child
Reasons -	she is a well respected serving member of the current Committee who, I’m delighted to say has decided to stand again as she feels there is still more for her to give to the association. Sharon is passionate and enthusiastic about Flyball. She recognises that Flyball is evolving and will continue to do so and wishes to carry on taking the association forward in a way that is to the benefit of all members regardless of the inevitably different ways in which members wish to partake of our sport. She is willing to look at innovative measures to improve the running of the Association, including methods of training. Along with other BFA teams she has taken part in the Euro Championships and has established a good rapport with Euro teams to the benefit of the FA. She has given total support to anything she has been involved with and is more than willing put in the extra effort required of Committee members. She always makes well-considered judgements in all her Committee dealings. Sharon has excellent communication skills; she is approachable and will always help wherever possible. She is a ‘team player’ being well aware that that there is no ‘I’ in team! She possesses a delightful sense of humour and is able to use it to calm a situation.
Suitable Position -	Sharon has already shown that she is able and competent to take on any tasks required by being on the Committee.

Nominee -	Ray Lewis
Proposed by -	Val Currie
Seconded by -	Rachel Child
Reasons -	Ray has been in Flyball since 2006, and is very enthusiastic and passionate about the sport. In Flyball, he has experience of being a Team Captain, a Tournament Organiser, and is a Qualified Judge. He has been involved with the development of a system of Flyball lights, and is very aware of the technical difficulties in producing and maintaining accurate reliable systems. He has also shown a very good understanding of the letter and spirit of the BFA rulebook. Ray lives in South West London and runs with the Lightning Strikes team in Middlesex. With the team he regularly attends tournaments in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and so on. Ray is also enthusiastic about international Flyball, and has competed at the last four European Flyball Championships, including being part of the only UK team to attend the 2008 Euro’s in the Czech Republic. Ray has good contacts with Belgian, German, French, Polish and Czech flyball teams. He would be pleased to play a part in ensuring that the 2012 Euro’s in the UK will be the huge success it promises to be. Ray also feels strongly that the BFA needs to engage properly with its members and Flyball teams from all over the UK – and this will be helped by having committee members hailing from all regions of the UK. Outside Flyball, Ray is a company director, having founded and and run an IT business (recently sold). He has also served as a School Governor. He is currently (until May 2011) working with the UK Census. I think Ray has a positive approach to discussion – which can be seen in his postings on the BFA web forum, and in his contributions at the AGM. He is very much a team player and believes that everyone’s point of view deserves to be heard. He firmly believes Flyball is about the dogs first and foremost – and ensuring the dogs’ safety and enjoyment of the sport is of vital importance.
Suitable Position -	Ray has technical and organisational skills, and is also has good skills in drafting documents in clear plain English. He would be particularly suited to roles and tasks which make use of these skills.

Nominee -	Sam Bawden
Proposed by -	Anne Alcock
Seconded by -	Suzzanne Gladstone
Reasons -	Sam, was a founder member of the BFA. She is one if not the most experienced candidate, having been a Head Judge for 13years, fully involved running BFA shows, a Regional Representative and organising Junior Ring Party Training days. It would be difficult to find any member more passionate and committed to the sport than Sam. She was, involved as Awards Secretary and in setting up and coordinating procedures for the BFA Junior Annual Awards. Since the beginning she’s attended every single AGM and the large majority of judging Seminars. She enjoys attending shows in all parts of the country and in 1997 attended the first European Championships, in Belgium. Sam has therefore turned her hand to most tasks and yet is always humble enough volunteer to help any team that needs it. In her career as a chef it proves she is used to working under pressure and where performance and job completion is the key to being successful. She is also a Girlguiding volunteer, served as District Commissioner for four years involving helping, training, recruiting volunteers and organising large events for up to 500 people. This has given her a good grounding in Health and Safety awareness. She also is a qualified First Aider, and Volunteer Community Responder in her local village and has been available to be called upon at our British Championships. Sam has been in flyball more than most and so has the benefit of knowing from where the Association came from and is best placed to be able to look ahead to see where it is going. She has shown herself to have the ability to motivate and inspire others (eg. Junior Ring Party course and camp, ahead of the British Championships), recognises the effort volunteers put in to their hobbies and wants to make sure the BFA continue to appoint such people and recognise their talents in a buoyant and successful environment. Sam is well able to get involved in discussions and though never afraid to give an opinion, she is honest, fair and fully appreciative and respectful of ideas others put forward. She will be prepared to work ‘her socks off’ in and out of the ‘boardroom’ to ensure the Association can move forward for the full benefit of its members. She is unselfish, ambitious and more than anything cares greatly for the sport and its future. She will be an ideal Committee member able to work with others in a team. As a previous regional representative she strongly believes links with teams and members of paramount importance ie via the web and organised seminars. She will always help and support them without ‘blowing her own trumpet’. In particular she’d like the BFA move more positively into the digital age and be able to see the Junior membership develop and grow.
Suitable Position -	Other than Treasurer, Sam would be willing to put herself up for any Committee position