Comparison: CLI vs. ALSA

The most stated objection I hear from potential CLI exhibitors is, “It costs too much to enter a CLI show.” That comment has troubled me for some time, because it demonstrates that many are unaware of the benefits provided at a CLI show that aren’t provided at an ALSA show. Another comment often made is, “CLI shows are halter only.” The best way I know to explain the value of being in a CLI show is to draw a comparison between what exhibitors get at a CLI show versus an ALSA show. 

First, I preface my comparison by saying, “CLI has heard you and now has a graduated schedule where each exhibitor’s entry fee is based upon the number of llamas he enters in the halter show division. Here’s how it works:

1 entry: $100
2 – 3 entries $85 each
4 or more entries $75 each

Second, agility classes (known as performance classes with ALSA) will be offered in the future at CLI shows. These will be unlike ALSA performance classes. They will be interesting, fun and challenging. As plans are developed, they will be shared.

CLI entry fees are comparable to what you would pay for an ALSA double show. In most cases, the entry fee for a double ALSA show ranges between $50 and $75. Although drastically different in format from ALSA double shows, all CLI shows are really double shows. Conformation and fiber are judged separately, and each CLI show has two judges. That’s about as far as the similarity between CLI and ALSA shows goes.                                      

Topic   CLI ALSA
Judges  Judges are extremely competent and always fair.   yes no
Judges “call it like it is, every time.” yes no
  Judges are approachable any time at the show.   yes no
Judges give extensive oral reasons.    yes no
  Judges help exhibitors show their llamas to their best. yes no
Judges help exhibitors relax in and out of the show ring.  yes no
  Judges extensively examine each llama hands-on.  yes no
Judges use a breed standard to choose winners.   yes no
  Judges are paid a fee.   no yes
Recognition Extremely large and superior quality ribbons awarded.    yes no
Elegant crystal trophies to champions & reserves.   yes no
  Point system that recognizes individual animals. no yes
Point system that recognizes breeding programs.   yes no
  When a llama wins, everyone knows why.  yes no
When a llama does not win, everyone knows why.  yes no
  All llamas win or loose on their own merits.       yes no
Education Conformation and fiber training free at each show. yes NA
Additional education offered at most shows.     yes NA
Fair Play Management team/board shows their llamas.   no yes
Show sponsors are solicited.  no yes
  Favors given to select exhibitors and sponsors. no yes
Fees Show sanctioning fee required.   no yes ($50)
Extra fee to exhibitor for each llama entered in show.      no yes ($5)
  Extra fee for non members to show.    no yes ($60)
Fun Exhibitor “NO Hassle” policy.   yes no
Free food and beverages for all exhibitors.  yes no
  Focused on making the llama industry better. yes no

Some may say my comments are negative press, which begs the question, “If it’s fair for disgruntled ALSA members, ALSA past and present judges, ALSA past directors - or anyone else for that matter - to talk openly and at great length about what’s wrong with ALSA, then shouldn’t it also be fair for me to point out the diverse differences between CLI and ALSA?” I suspect it’s not so much about negative press as it is about fear: fear that CLI really does offer a solution, fear that CLI cannot be controlled or manipulated, fear that CLI judges will not play politics or hand out favors and - most of all - fear that more and more will recognize there are no hidden agendas at CLI. There’s just a sincere conviction that the llama industry must return to the core beliefs that made it such a great success in years past. 

The only way to fully appreciate what is offered at a CLI show is to be there. Thank you for reading my comments.
 Kathy Peterson (205) 991-5500 email: petam@aol.com