re: "A sanctioned match is important though, I believe new clubs must hold a certain amount of matches in a certain time frame before they're allowed to hold regular dog shows. Sorta like a trial run to make sure the club can do everything needed to run the event and take care of paperwork appropriately. Also already established clubs will hold matches in the evening after the show, and I have a feeling they are a good money maker for the club since they already have all the equipment and everything taken care of for the weekend."
This is partly true - a club however in order to maintain it's status as a show giving club has to complete a certain number of components in a given year - a match can be one of them. Do some do it for money - maybe - but I'll tell you from experience that at the end of a show - about the last thing a show giving club is thinking about it's doing more work! we're typically too tired!!!!!
In any event a match is good practice for the dogs, the judges and a great way to get your feet wet. You will have a blast.
