My question is how dates for sanctioned events are obtained by show managers? I have heard the phrase “owns the dates” before. So, if there happens to be two competing show management companies who want the dates, but one “owns” them, how is it sorted out? Does the USEF actually pick the “Best in Class” show management company, or if someone “owns” the dates do they retain them regardless of the quality of the shows they put on?
Lastly, does the USEF ever perform an application audit to “reassign” dates based on the quality of the manager, or is it solely up to the “owner” of the dates to sell them?
I have heard the owner of the dates must sell the dates, which seems to go against the philosophy of competition, when competition should make the USEF better as a whole. Thanks in advance for the education on how this works.