Executive Board Ballots 2010

Approve the May Universal Sieger competition as a USCA authorized event
E-Ballot #26-10Motion made by Tim Burke and seconded by Craig Groh to approve the May Universal Sieger competition as a USCA authorized event to select the USCA Universal Sieger Team for the WUSV competition.Background — The WUSV is hosting a Universal Sieger competition June 24 – 26, 2011 in Austria. Each Country is allowed to send up to six participants. A country must have at least three teams and one dog must be a bitch. USCA does not currently have a mechanism in place to select a team for this event. We currently have a Universal Sieger selection process. This new competition will not effect this program at this time. This event is for USCA to select a team to send to the WUSV event.

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Add Authorization Fee for non-USCA events
E-Ballot #25-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Al Govednik, to add an Authorization fee for the use of USCA judges for non-USCA Club and National events.

1. Effective January 1, 2011, all non-USCA Clubs or Organizations will be charged a “Judges Authorization Fee” to schedule a USCA-licensed judge for their events. The fee will be $50.00 for Club events and $100.00 for Championship events.
2. All non-USCA Clubs or Organizations requesting the use of a USCA-licensed Judge will contact the current USCA Director of Judges for approval and on receipt of the required fee to the USCA office the USCA DOJ will release the authorization to the Club or Organization.
3. Excluded from this “Judges Authorization Fee” is the German Shepherd Schutzhund Club of Canada, due to our existing reciprocity agreement with them for sharing judges.

Background: The USCA Judges College provides world-recognized judges for use at trials and shows. The expense of maintaining the quality of our Judges falls on the USCA Organization and its Membership in the form of funding the Judges College.

Often times due to our Judges scheduling themselves to judge outside of USCA, they are not available to accept an assignment for a USCA Club.

One of the benefits of USCA Club membership is and will continue to be easy access to scheduling our judges at a much reduced cost to the clubs over using foreign judges.

The USCA is happy and willing to help provide judges for all AWDF Member Organizations, the FCI and WUSV organizations throughout the world. The burden of expense or availability should not fall on our membership.

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Move WDC Date
E-Ballot #24-10Motion by Al Govednik, seconded by Sean O’Kane, to move the date of the WDC. The event would run from Friday, May 13th through Sunday May 15, 2011.Background — The date of May 13th through May 15, 2011, is the only date available during this time frame for the venue we have selected.

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2011 WDC approved Judges
E-Ballot #23-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Nancy Brigham, to approve the following judges for the 2011 Working Dog Championships as approved by the Judges Committee and the host club:

• Tracking ­ Craig Groh (USA/SV)
• Obedience ­ Johannes Grewe (USA/SV)
• Protection ­ Günter Lanfer (SV)

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Expense Reimbursement for Sean Murphy, Helper for the 2010 WDC
E-Ballot #22-10Motion by Dennis Vander Linde, seconded by Sean O’Kane, to reimburse Sean Murphy, in the amount of $469.66, for his travel and hotel expenses incurred to perform the helper work at the 2010 USCA Working Dog Championships.

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GSD National Championship Waiver for Tanna Ragan
E-Ballot #21-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to accept the entry from Tanna Ragan for the 2010 GSD National Championship.Background: This member obtained a qualifying score at a USA trial and then attempted to compete at the Pacific Northwest Regional Championship, but her dog was ill. When she checked in for a phase of the event with the judge, she was excused due to the dog being ill. She asked at the time if she needed to show the dog to meet the qualifying requirements for the GSD National Championship and was told by the three judges and the regional director in attendance that she had fulfilled the requirements to enter the GSD National Championship. In interviewing two of the judges at the event, they both stated that the dog was sick but could have started the phase of the competition if needed; but they did not think it was necessary and that it was better to excuse it at check in than after a couple of exercises.The USA Regional Policy clearly states that the dog must enter and show to include starting in at least one phase of the event and that a dog that is previously injured or sick does not qualify. USA Regional Policy: “To qualify for participation, the handler/dog team at a minimum must begin one or more phases of the trial. If while participating the dog is pulled due to injury or illness, the process outlined under Section D “Pulling a Dog from a Trial” under General Rules and Regulations in the USA Trial Rules will apply. A notation in the scorebook of “terminated (or discontinued) because of injury or illness” is acceptable to qualify for participation. A handler/dog team that cannot attempt the exercises or achieve a partial score due to a pre-existing injury is not qualified as having participated. Disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct does not qualify as participation.”

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GSD National Championship Waiver for Meridith Vallillo Late Entry
E-Ballot #20-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Frank Phillips, to accept the late entry for Meridith Vallillo to enter and handle her husband’s dog “Orion” in the 2010 GSD National Championship.Background:This handler/member qualified this dog by handling him to obtain a qualifying score and entering him in the Northeastern Regional Championship. The entry was accidentally sent to the USA Office two days late due to personal problems.Meridith’s husband, Gary D’Hue, who was the original handler/owner of the dog, has been hospitalized with Stage 4 lymphoma and had asked Meridith to show the dog for him at the GSD National Championship. In all of the stress and confusion of Gary’s illness, Meridith thought that Gary had mailed the entry and did not realize it was not sent until after the deadline. This handler already had tickets and lodging reservations and is doing this at her husband’s request. The entry has been sent to the USA Office and is postmarked two days post closing date.

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2010 USA-GSD National Championship Slate of Helpers Change
E-Ballot #19-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to approve Joe Brockington to replace Clark Niemetalo as one of the preselected helpers for the 2010 USA-GSD National Championship.Background: Clark Niemetalo notified Helper Committee Chairman, Dennis Vander Linde, that he would not be able to work the event due to personal reasons. The Helper Committee reviewed the existing short list of helpers for this event and voted to invite Joe Brockington to replace Clark Niemetalo for the event.

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GSD National Championship Waiver for Beth Bradley
E-Ballot #18-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to grant a waiver of the GSD National Championship regional participation requirement to Beth Bradley. Beth had just finished practice at the Northeast Regional Championship on Friday when she received a call saying her father was gravely ill, and she left the championship to join him (who was a three-hour drive away). Her father did not survive, and passed away half an hour after she arrive.

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BOI Case: Mathew Levin v. Grewe/Phillips/Roetemeyer/Wallick
E-Ballot #17-10Motion by David Witmer, seconded by Jeff Govednik, to accept the determination/recommendation of the Board of Inquiry in the case of Mathew Levin v. Grewe/Phillips/Roetemeyer/Wallick with the exception of charges #4 and #5. As the Board of inquiry failed to reach a decision for charges #4 and #5 as mandated by the USA Bylaws, and as the period for declining to consider the allegations had passed, the Executive Board agrees with the dissenting opinion and modifies the determination/recommendation for charges #4 and #5 as not sustained. Also, the appeal of the BOI determination in this case submitted by the accuser has been denied by the Directors at Large.

BOI DETERMINATION/RECOMMENDATION

Listing of charges provided by USA Secretary:“You have filed charges against four USA members (which requires a $200 deposit for each charge), and you have filed additional allegations against both Johannes Grewe and Frank Phillips (which requires a deposit of $50 for each additional allegation.)”

Upon addressing the listed charges above, the Board of Inquiry (BOI) determined that the additional charge against Mr. Phillips is superfluous. Mr. Phillips is charged with voting in favor of a motion and later in the document is listed a second time for voting at the General Board meeting (GBM), which we believe lead to the interpretation of an additional charge. In the BOI’s opinion, Mr. Phillips should only be charged one time for voting at the GBM.

• Charge #1:Mr. Grewe is charged with violating USA’s bylaws when he rose at the GBM in Iowa and presented several motions to the voting members for discussion and vote.
• Charge #2:Mr. Roetemeyer is charged with violating USA’s bylaws when he recognized Mr. Grewe and gave him the floor to present his aforementioned motions.
• Charge #3:Ms. Wallick is charged with violating USA’s bylaws when she counted the votes for the motion presented by Mr. Grewe for consideration at the GBM.
• Charge #4:Mr. Phillips is charged with violating USA’s bylaws when he voted in favor of Article IV, Section 2 motion that Mr. Grewe presented for a vote at the GBM.
• Charge #5:Mr. Grewe further violated USA’s bylaws by voting in favor of the motions he presented.

The Board of Inquiry recommendation:

1. Dismiss the additional charge placed on Mr. Phillips and return the $50 deposit to Mr. Levin
2. The BOI does not find willful violation on the part of the defendants and does not recommend disciplinary action, unanimously
3. Charges #1-3 are not sustained, unanimously.
4. Charges #4-5 received four votes of “non-decision” and one vote of “not sustained”All members agree that the bylaws with regard to the voting rights of the Directors at Large are ambiguous. Parliamentarian opinion was rendered in this case and specifically addressed the ambiguity.The four votes of “non-decision” are in agreement with the Parliamentarian opinion that interpreting and rendering a decision on this bylaw ambiguity is not within the scope of this Board. Bylaw and Constitution matters should be discussed properly through either the Bylaws Committee or before the GBM. Policy-making matters (i.e., determining Director at Large voting rights) require the input of the general membership and should be decided by the GBM. The majority BOI on this vote was placed with the specific intent of not labeling the recommendation as “sustained” or “not sustained” in order to remain non-influential in any subsequent motions or actions arising from this ambiguity.The “not sustained” vote is in agreement with the Parliamentarian opinion that challenging voting rights is to be completed before the last vote is cast.
5. It is the recommendation of this BOI that USA hire a professional parliamentarian and/or attorney before the next general board meeting, and annually thereafter, to examine the bylaws as they are written and recommend changes to alleviate any ambiguities in the future.
6. It is the recommendation of this Board of Inquiry that USA investigate the matter of how the defendants’ response document was made available to parties outside of the BOI, the defendants, and council.

During the course of these proceedings, information presented itself that would indicate a breach of confidentiality in that the defendants’ response document was made available to parties outside of the BOI, the defendants, and council. However, the BOI agreed unanimously that the unsolicited information was not admissible and would not be taken into consideration in the case.

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2010 USA-GSD National Championship Slate of Judges)
E-Ballot #16-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to approve the USA Judges Committee’s recommended slate of judges for the 2010 USA-GSD National Championship:Tracking – Carla Griffith (USA, USA/SV)
Obedience – Al Govednik (USA, FCI)
Protection – Mike Hamilton (USA, USA/SV)
IPO FH – Ann Marie Chaffin (USA, FCI, USA/SV) and Carla Griffith (USA, USA/SV)Assisting will be:
Ann Marie Chaffin (USA, FCI, USA/SV) – Long down judge
Andrea Duggan (USA Probationary Performance Judge) – Tattoo and line check at tracking

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Qualifying Score for USA-GSD National Championship
E-Ballot #15-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Al Govednik, to accept a 270 or greater IPO, VPG, or SchH score as a qualifying score for the USA-GSD National Championship. The current rules state SchH and do not specify an IPO or VPG is acceptable.Background: In the past, IPO scores were not accepted because IPO rules prior to the 2004 rule changes were different in some of the exercises than SchH. Since the IPO rule changes, and with the upcoming integration of IPO, VPG, and SchH into one common name; it is and will be more correct to allow a score of 270 or greater at a USA event from the IPO, VPG, or SchH to be accepted for entry in the USA-GSD National Championship. We have had members who have earned an IPO3 with 270 or greater and assumed they are qualified for the USA-GSD National Championship (this happened to me in 2001 with my dog Saber — Al Govednik); and then when the entry opened they were forced to scramble for a SchH trial to try to qualify. With the IPO, VPG, and SchH virtually the same, this motion would only help to close an oversight from past differences in the rules.

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Competitor Dress Code for USA National Events
E-Ballot #14-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Craig Groh, to approve the USA Judges Committee recommendation to institute a Competitor Dress Code for National Events:

COMPETITOR DRESS CODE FOR USA NATIONAL EVENTS

All competitors entered in any USA national event — (Sieger Show, Working Dog Championship, GSD National Championship), must adhere to a basic dress code:

Dress code for stadium phases (obedience, protection, show ring, protection test, and awards ceremony):

• Collared shirt (examples are button shirts or polo shirts [no t-shirts]).
• Pants (examples are khakis, BDU, or Dockers [no jeans]).
• Jackets, windbreakers, or rain suits are acceptable if required by the weather.
• Team or competitor uniforms are acceptable in the form of a workout suit, athletic outfit, etc

Dress code for tracking phase

• Jeans or Levis are acceptable if necessary due to conditions; suggested attire is the same as the stadium phases.

At all times the competitor must make every effort to maintain a clean and presentable image for the organization.

Background When the United Schutzhund Clubs of America hosts national events, these events are the showcase of our organization. Competitors in these events are featured in photographs in our magazine and represent our organization. Because of this, the USA Judges Committee proposes adopting a basic dress code for national events.

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Judges Program Revision to Allow Additional Travel Day
E-Ballot 12-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to allow any authorized judge for a USA performance trial/breed show/breed survey/seminar to add one (1) additional day of travel expense at the approved rate (currently $100) for his/her return travel day if that day is scheduled on a non-event day (day after the trial/show/survey/seminar). Travel expense may only be charged if the travel takes place on a day when there is no event being conducted. A judge may only charge the approved rate per day to include either judging fees or travel expense.Background: An example of the use of this charge would be when a judge is scheduled to work a Saturday and Sunday event and travel is scheduled for arrival on Friday and departure on Monday. At the judge’s discretion, he/she may charge for one day of travel to arrive and one day of travel to depart plus the two days of the event.

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2010 GSD National Championship Slate of Helpers
E-Ballot 11-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to approve the USA Helper Committee’s recommended slate of helpers for the 2010 GSD National Championship:

• Patrick Davis
• Clark Niemetalo
• Steve Romard
• Don Yelle

Final selection will be determined by helper tryouts on the Wednesday preceding the event as outlined in the USA Helper Program.

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Fiscal Year 2011 Budget
E-Ballot #10-10Motion by Sean O’Kane, seconded by Craig Groh, to approve the fiscal year 2011 budget with total income $573,510, total expenses $544,695, income tax expense $11,500, and net income $17,315. ( Click here to view Budget).Background from Treasurer Sean O’Kane: With the downturn in the economy, the loss of corporate sponsorship, and a decrease in income in other areas, including membership, we are faced with a budget that in order to balance will require either a dramatic decrease in expenses and services or an increase in income. While expenses have been cut in many areas, the only way to balance this budget and keep services that we are all used to is by increasing our dues. We are faced with antiquated equipment and software at the USA Office and a website in desperate need of replacement.All these needs cost money. This budget is the first step toward upgrading USA’s infrastructure. This budget is the first step toward insuring USA’s future is secure so we can not only provide the members with services they have become accustomed to, but provide them with additional services that are badly needed. A new website to increase communications to all members, provide a members area to view our magazine, update their contact information, and even renew their membership will be a part of the upgrade. This database-driven website will also replace the current software used at the USA Office to keep track of trial results, membership, and dog registration information.With this dues increase, which must be voted on in a bylaw change at our General Board meeting in Reno, we will have a net income of approximately $17,000. This money and reserve funds will be used to make these much-needed upgrades.Background from Vice President Craig Groh: While this year may not be the best time to increase our organization’s dues for various reasons, it is long overdue. USCA has not increased our dues in the last 14 years, since 1996. Inflation alone has reduced the buying power of the US dollar from 1996 to 2010 by almost 40%. The average item that cost you $60.00 in 1996 now costs you $83.50. Essentially, the cost of running the organization has increased by 40% over the last 14 years, while our revenue has remained flat. We have been able to accomplish this by “doing more with less.” While we have been able to improve the efficiency of the organization, and will continue to do so, the well is running dry.

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2011 USA Working Dog Championship
E-Ballot #9-10Motion by Sean O’Kane, seconded by Sara Wallick, to select Machtig Strom SchH Verein as the co-host club for the 2011 USA Working Dog Championship from one bid submitted to the National Events Committee

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USA Helper Book Price Increase
E-Ballot #08-10Motion by Mark Scarberry, seconded by Nathaniel Roque, to increase the price of USA Helper Books to $10 and to charge $15 for replacement books in order to bring the costs more in line with that of USA Scorebooks.Background: Helper books currently cost $5, and no fee is charged for replacement books; while scorebooks currently cost $10, and a fee of $12.50 is charged for replacement books. The USA Helper Committee believes that charging $10 for helper books and $15 for replacements is reasonable.

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2010 USA Working Dog Championships Slate of Helpers Change
E-Ballot #07-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to approve Sean Murphy to replace Marcus Hampton as one of the three preselected helpers for the 2010 Working Dog Championships.Background: Marcus Hampton has been involved in an automobile accident and is recovering from injuries sustained in that accident, but will not be fit to work this event.

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Budget Amendment for Working Dog Championships
E-Ballot #06-10Motion by Mark Scarberry, seconded by Sean O’Kane, to amend the 2009–2010 budget under the National Events line item for the Working Dog Championships in the amount of $19,500.Background: With the change in the administration of our Working Dog Championships and GSD National Championship, money must be allocated for the WDC. The original budget allowed $5,500 for each of these events. We are asking for a total of $25,000 for each event. This includes a change in income and expenses for our current 2009–2010 budget. This process is a work in progress and needs to remain dynamic as we try to put on national events we can all be proud of. Included below is the language from the vote at the 2009 General Board meeting:

 

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Internationale Rettungshunde Organisation (IRO) Application by USA
E-Ballot #5-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to approve the United Schutzhund Clubs of America’s application to become a member of the Internationale Rettungshunde Organisation (IRO).BackgroundIRO is the international organization that is developing and governing the search and rescue programs and certification specifically for USA. This is the organization that sets the rules and standards for the RH title.It is important for USA to continue to develop and maintain all working aspects of the GSD, and one of these is in the working evaluation of the dogs’ search and rescue ability. The RH title is a valid and internationally accepted test to determine this ability in our dogs.At this time we already have a number of our USA judges who are approved to judge this title, and we have had a growing interest by our membership and number of RH titles awarded in the United States.

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2010 USA-GSD National Championship Host
E-Ballot #4-10Selection of host club for 2010 USA-GSD National Championship from two bids submitted to the National Events CommitteeBids submitted by:

• Blue Tahoe Schutzhund Club (Reno, NV)
• Mid-Ohio Schutzhund Club (Columbus, OH)

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USA Sports Medal Program Revision
E-Ballot #3-10Motion by Frank Phillips, seconded by Al Govednik, to approve the revised USA Sports Medal Program.

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Updated USA Breed Show Regulations
E-Ballot #2-10Motion by Tim Burke, seconded by Craig Groh, to approve the updated USA Breed Show Regulations as proposed by the Breed Advisory Committee.BackGround This is an update to add long stock coat classes and for clarifications, grammatical changes, renumbering, and organizational changes.

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2010 USA Working Dog Championships Slate of Helpers
E-Ballot #1-10Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Sara Wallick, to approve the USA Helper Committee’s recommended slate of helpers for the 2010 USA Working Dog Championships:

• Marcus Hampton
• Lionel Madden
• Don Yelle

The final selection and placement of the helpers will be determined by a helper tryout prior to the start of the event as outlined in the USA Helper Program.

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