Propose That Rules Change: You’re Not Alone in Thinking It

I grew up in a home where a strict father and a rigid Christian culture of rules shaped every aspect of life, with “My way or the highway” as the guiding principle. Most of my older siblings left home before age 18 because they found the family and church rules too constricting. They often struggled with curfews and other restrictions because of the bad company they kept and the rules they broke.

I saw things differently. I kept good company, stayed obedient, and over time, my rules became more of a guideline. The more I earned my parents’ trust, the more freedom I gained. By the time I was a teenager, I called home at 10:00 PM—before the era of cell phones—letting them know where I was, who I was with, and when I’d be home. I never lied, and in return, my curfew became flexible with their permission.

This wasn’t because I was spoiled—ask any of my nine siblings. As the middle child, I wasn’t given any special treatment. What set me apart was learning to work within the rules and understanding the principles behind them.

This lesson applies to the hardwood industry today. The current economic landscape presents a real opportunity to move beyond the “strict old rules” and bring the industry into the 21st century. I hear it all the time: “The NHLA Rules don’t apply to my business” because of variations in species, grades, or customer needs.

Tradition has its place, but why hold onto rules that no longer serve the future? If NHLA Grading Rules aren’t working for many businesses today, why not adapt them to fit modern needs? The fact that NHLA has been around for 127 years is an incredible testament to its legacy, but that doesn’t mean the rules from 127 years ago should remain unchanged.

The NHLA Rules shouldn’t be seen as rigid restrictions that limit manufacturers. They’re meant to be guidelines that provide flexibility to meet customers’ demands. But for them to remain relevant, adjustments are necessary. These could include introducing rustic grades, urban wood grades, or structural grades. The rules could also better reflect today’s dimensions, fixed widths, and lengths. Even addressing issues like the 4% off-grade allowance—an outdated standard that neither customers accept nor businesses rely on—could make a meaningful difference.

Updating a standard isn’t the same as lowering it. Lowering a standard means intentionally reducing quality expectations. Updating a standard means aligning it with current realities to ensure its continued value and usability.

Of course, changes shouldn’t happen on a whim. That’s the beauty of having an association. Through debate and collaboration, the industry as a whole can determine what updates are needed and approve changes thoughtfully. But clinging to rules that are outdated or obsolete benefits no one.

As a parent, I never tell my kids, “My way or the highway.” Instead, I explain the rules and the principles behind them. I give them a choice: they can follow the rules for flexibility and freedom or fight them and face restrictions. I share lessons from my past and my siblings’ experiences to help them understand why the rules exist.

In the same way, the hardwood industry doesn’t need to discard its traditions or rules entirely. Instead, we can adapt them to reflect where we are today while honoring the principles they were built on.

So, I encourage you to take a close look at the NHLA Rules you’re using. If there are changes you believe would improve their relevance to your business, propose them. Chances are, you’re not the only one who sees the need for change—and by finding common ground, we can build a stronger foundation for the future of our industry.

Dallin Brooks
NHLA Executive Director
dallin@nhla.com | 901-377-0182