Proposal To Executive committee
From Jeff Fowlkes
July 10, 2000

Due to rising concern amongst the general membership, I feel compelled to voice an 
opposing view of the current take on dogs at summer league.

The members of the FDA who own dogs treat them as family members, not as caged 
animals who provide us entertainment at home in the back yard.  They live with us, go on 
vacation, and also visit other friends & their dogs as well at social settings.  They are 
loved and cared for as an extension of our family & our personality.

When I first read the rules concerning dogs at summer league, I swallowed the pill & bit 
my tongue.  After hearing several members disclose personal grievances over the issue, I 
decided someone needed to stand up for our extend family.

I am aware that, as a group, certain decisions must be made for the overall general 
welfare of the group. I don't feel that this should be considered one of those issues.

Dogs & Ultimate Frisbee in Fayetteville have been synonymous for as long as I can 
remember.  I attended practice on a regular basis and was unaware of any major 
grievances concerning dogs & their attendance.  I know I am not alone in saying that the 
new "dog rule" came as a bit of a shock/surprise.  I would hate for the FDA EC or anyone 
of its constituents to impose a rash decision which would ultimately change the 
atmosphere of our organization forever.  Would Ultimate Frisbee be a better club w/o 
dogs?  Or maybe, for some of us, does it make it just the perfect organization which is pet 
friendly?  A place for us, as well as our dogs, to exercise & socialize.

I am begging the EC to overrule the present "dog rule" that is to be imposed.  Let's at 
least ask the general membership what they think before we impose a rule that could 
possibly run off participation in Summer League.

As a side note, I am aware that we play in a city park where leash laws are in effect, but 
we are not here to police our group on such a trivial matter. We have summer league to 
promote the game to new members & show them all the joys of Ultimate Frisbee.  For 
some of us – that includes our beloved four, & even three, legged companions.