What is 'Right Around the Corner' you ask?  The closing date for the 2012 U-FLI Tournament of Champions, as well as the two-day "A-maize-ing Dog Days" U-FLI tournament, and the Dream Team Challenge all being held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Nebraska in August.  Entries need to be postmarked by July 18, 2012.  Entry forms are available on the U-FLI website by visiting www.u-fli.com or by clicking ENTRY FORMS.  Information on the different sanctioned tournaments can be found on the website or by clicking TOURNAMENT LISTING and choosing Nebraska for 2012.

Need a bit more information?  Below are some key points to consider.  And if you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us at championship@u-fli.com.

DREAM TEAM CHALLENGE - On Friday, August 24^th, teams from all over the country will throw down the gauntlet in a fierce but friendly dream team challenge.  This is where you can join the likes of the all-bully breed team called "Bad Rap" or the "Better Red than Dead" team of redheads with your own creative team of same color, same breed, same height dogs or whatever fun combination you can dream up.  If you have a team theme in mind and need some dogs/handlers to round it out, contact us at championship@u-fli.com and we will try to help connect you with others.  Or you can post what you're looking for on our Facebook page at UFLI Tournament of Champions 2012.

Keep in mind that clubs can also enter their regular teams on Friday - it's not a requirement that you have a dream team theme.  On Friday, during the Dream Team Challenge, all teams are considered "pick up" and all teams will place in their division.

SINGLES AND PAIRS - On Friday, August 24^th, come see what your dogs are made of by competing in the singles and/or pairs tournament.  Consider bringing your senior dog out for some fun running or think up a quirky pairs team to enjoy the day with.  The singles and pairs tournament is all about "winning" your division.  Racing is round robin and there are more than just two races.  You will be seeded into divisions and will race to win your division.  But who knows, you might also come away with the bonus of claiming a fastest time at the Tournament of Champions.

A-MAIZE-ING DOG DAYS TOURNAMENT - Don't forget that U-FLI will also be hosting a standard tournament both on Saturday the 25^th and Sunday the 26^th in Kearney.  So, even if you aren't participating in the Tournament of Champions, you still have two great flyball days of racing ahead of you . . . three if you consider Friday's racing options too!

HOTEL LISTING - Take a look at the amazing hotel rates offered in Kearney by visiting the U-FLI website at www.u-fli.com or by clicking HOTELS.  Many hotels have waived the pet fees and all offer great pricing.

CAMPING - RV camping at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds is super simple.  The RV lot is right outside the building, just a short walk away.  Each power pole accommodates four RV's, so you can camp with your teammates without a problem.  While there are no direct water or sewer hookups, you can conveniently fill up your tanks with water and dump your tanks, all right on site.  And there are ample shower rooms too for tent campers or if you just prefer a little more room.  The best part is that RVers pay only $15 per night if reservations are made prior to the closing date of July 18^th.  After that the fee is $20 per night.  E-mail RV reservations to Stephanie at k9sr4flyball@yahoo.com.

BANQUET DINNER - We are looking forward to a fully catered banquet dinner - right on site - Saturday night after racing!  And, we anticipate being done early enough so that everyone can attend the dinner with plenty of time to visit with old and new friends.  More information and pricing will follow soon.

T-SHIRTS and SWEATSHIRTS - Commemorative 2012 Tournament of Champions t-shirts and sweatshirts will be available for purchase this year.   All will sport the U-FLI logo and creative design incorporating something Nebraska is well known for.  The design will be posted on our Facebook page and website shortly, along with pricing and ordering information.

FUND YOUR TRIP - There are still a few "chairs" open that need volunteers.  Remember, you can get paid for taking over a line judge chair for the weekend.  Share the task with your teammates and make enough money to cover gas to the tournament or maybe even some hotel expenses!  For more information e-mail us at championship@u-fli.com.

Remember, entries are due July 18^th.  And,  August 24^th is right around the corner . . . so it's time to start preparing for your trip.  If we can help in any way, please let us know!  See you in Kearney soon!