Executive Board Ballots 2013

Adopt National Events Manual
E-Ballot #27-13Motion by Frank Phillips, Vice President, seconded by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer, to adopt the revised National Events Manual presented by the National Events Committee.

Background — The NEC made revisions to the original USCA National Events Manual. The goal of creating a new manual was to identify the NEC role and parameters, identifying USCA role in assisting, planning, preparation, and execution of events, to market all USCA Championship Events as competitor friendly, and brand USCA as the premier GSD Organization world wide.

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WUSV Team Selection Process
E-Ballot #26-13Motion by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer seconded by Frank Phillips, Vice President, endorsed by the World Championship Committee to approve the proposed WUSV Team selection process.

This process should remain in effect until such time the General Board, or Executive Board feels that changes are warranted

 

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Regional Educational Seminar Funding
E-Ballot #25-13Motion by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer, seconded by Frank Phillips, VP to approve funding for reimbursement of Regional Educational Seminar(s). Proposed as a one-time expense, Regional Seminars are sanctioned events intended to strengthen member knowledge and skills, these events are considered a service to our members, and not a profit or income producing event.

Background — We have experienced ample success in the past hosting educational seminars which were well received by our membership. Regional Educational Seminars may be held in conjunction with a Regional event, or as a free standing event. Each Regional Director has the capacity to spend up to $1,500 within their Region(s). Regional Directors will be responsible for allocating the funds. The money is dedicated as a not-for-profit event, and must be offered for all USCA members to participate.

(The Host/club is encouraged to sell food, beverages, and memorabilia items, as a profit)

Educational Seminars must meet the following requirements:

1. Seminars must be advertised on the website, and open for all USCA members
2. Seminar participants must sign a waiver to hold harmless
3. Region(s)/host must submit an Educational Reimbursement Form within 15 days of completing the event
4. Reimbursement amount is limited to $1500 per Region, there is a limit of one (1) reimbursement per Region
5. USCA has the final determination on reimbursement(s)

Motion carried 8/19/2013

Simplify the criteria for IPO3/SchH3 Club Membership
E-Ballot #24-13Motion by Frank Philips (VP), seconded by Dennis Vander Linde (DAL): Simplify IPO3 Club membership criteria.

Background — The SchH3/IPO3 Club is a USCA award (recognition of achievement) for USCA members. The results of a review of the current IPO3 Club membership criteria, the problem occurs when someone titles a dog at another AWDF club the result(s) is a non legible ‘scrawl’ in the scorebook. The office must try to figure out the Judges name, confirm that the judge was an FCI judge through a WUSV organization, then locate the trial results on the internet and verify that the requirements were met. This procedure has become a time consuming burden for the USCA Office staff, and is not economically practical.

The current rule reads:

1. All titles must be earned as a USCA Member.
2. Titles must be obtained under a USCA, SV, GSSCC Canadian Judge or a FCI Licensed Judge from a WUSV Member Club.
3. Trials must be hosted by a USCA club or a USCA-recognized AWDF breed club (German Shepherd Dog Club of America, WDA events are not recognized for the purpose of attaining membership in the USCA SchH3 Club).
4. The titles of BH, IPO /SchH1, IPO/SchH2, and IPO/SchH3 must be earned by the same handler on a previously untitled dog. All protection scores must adhere to USCA standards.
5. All titles must be acquired at a USCA recognized event. An officer of the USCA recognized AWDF organization must confirm the earned title in writing to include that the presiding judge meets the above requirements.
6. A note from the presiding USCA, SV, GSSCC Canadian or FCI (WUSV) Judge may also be used for confirmation. The USCA Office will not be responsible for acquiring this information.
7. A copy of the USCA / AWDF scorebook or USCA certified scorebook.

The suggested criteria simplifies the IPO Club membership criteria, thus reducing the burden on the USCA Office, and clarifying to our members what is acceptable.

1. The titles of BH, IPO /SchH1, IPO/SchH2, and IPO/SchH3 must be earned by the same handler on a previously untitled dog. All protection scores must adhere to USCA standards.
2. All titles must be acquired at USCA event(s)
3. A copy of the scorebook showing proof of titles MUST be submitted with application for SchH3/IPO3 Club membership

Motion carried 8/12/2013

Revision of USCA National Obedience Championship
E-Ballot #23-13Motion by VP-Frank Phillips, seconded by S-Michele Scarberry, to revise the USCA National Obedience Championship criteria. The purpose of the motion is to revise the economic feasibility and to determine a positive economic benefit to the host club and organization.

Background — The USCA National Obedience Championship is held in conjunction with the Working Dog Championship. It has become economically unfeasible to host the Obedience Championship on a separate day, and utilize Olympic style judging. Two Judges must arrive earlier, adding additional expenses to the host. We do not want to eliminate any competitor(s) who prefer to compete in Obedience only phase.

For economic purposes, the ‘Obedience Championship only entries’, and IPO3 entries can be integrated, utilizing only one judge, and everyone will compete at the OB3 level.

All of the IPO3 dogs will be automatically entered into the Obedience Championship, and we include the ‘Obedience Only entries’ — they will all draw the same, and do obedience in the flight(s) they draw.

The flight(s) which incorporates the ‘Obedience only entries’ – will have (1) one less dog in tracking and protection. If there are sufficient ‘Obedience only entries’, these entries could have their own flight(s). The decision can be made after the entries are closed

The National Obedience Champion would be the highest scoring obedience dog, regardless of the outcome of the other phases (tracking/protection). i.e. If the IPO3 Dog/Handler team fail tracking, but score 99 in Obedience, the Team can still be awarded National Obedience Champion. In the case of a tie, the tie breaker would go to the Judges score sheets in exercise order. The first dog to score higher than the other dog in exercise order wins. For example, both dogs receive 9.5 pts in Free Heeling, both receive 9.0pts for Sit in Motion, however, Dog “A” received 10 pts for the Down in Motion, and Dog “B” received 9.5pts. Dog “A” is the winner.

When Obedience is the tie breaker, we do not eliminate the ‘Obedience only entries’ from competing. This criteria does not put any extra importance on any particular exercise, just whomever scores highest first, in exercise order.

High Scoring Obedience Trophy is still ONLY for the IPO3 dog(s). If the IPO3 entry passed all three phases and tied (with another IPO3 entry) the tie breaker would be the Protection score.

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Modify USCA new membership policy
E-Ballot #22-13Motion by Vice President Frank Phillips, seconded by Treasurer Sean O’Kane, to modify USCA membership policy as follows:

NEW APPLICANT POLICY

1. New members are initially on a 180-day probationary period.
2. During the probationary period, USCA members may provide feedback on probationary members. If membership is challenged, probationary members will be contacted by the USCA Executive Board (EB) and will have two (2) weeks to provide evidence or a statement for consideration. The EB can then review evidence / statements and consider the documentation presented to them.
3. During the probationary period, a probationary member may have his membership revoked by a 2/3 vote of the EB
4. Any probationary member that has their membership revoked may reapply for membership one (1) year following the revocation

Motion carried 07/24/2013

Approve compensation for Iowa Hundesport for hosting 2013 WDC
E-Ballot #21-13Motion by Don Yelle, New England RD and seconded by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer to approve $2000 compensation for Iowa Hundesport Club for hosting the 2013 Working Dog Championship. Fixed costs can be minimized but not eliminated, stadium, tracking grounds, judges, helpers, tracklayers cost money regardless of number of entries.

Background — Due to the fact the club had to spend more money than they would have normally. These costs for the WDC were out of the clubs control; website, catalogs, and a trial secretary. To no fault of their own, the entry numbers were low, which is financially devastating, causing a snowball effect, low entries = lower money spent at event on merchandise, entry fees, catalogs, and lower advertising dollars. The club did come in under budget, however, the event lost about $8000. The club did a good job, met all of the organizational requirements, and financial benchmarks. They should not be penalized for lack of participation.

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Approval of 2014 USCA Fiscal Year Budget
E-Ballot #20-13Motion by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer, seconded by Frank Phillips, Vice President, to approve the proposed 2014 Fiscal Year Budget.

Background —

• Revenue of $575,096.60
• Expenses of $573,725.00
• Net Income of $1371.60

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USCA will recognize for breed requirements, Breed Surveys and Show ratings from FCI GSD Koermeisters that are SV recognized
E-Ballot #19-13Motion by Michele Scarberry, secretary, seconded by Frank Phillips, Vice President, to recognize for USCA breed requirements, breed surveys and show ratings from FCI GSD Koermeisters/breed masters who are SV recognized.

Background — The current wording for USCA recognition of Judges is: USCA recognized foreign judges are USCA, SV, or FCI judges from WUSV member organizations.

Currently we recognize for breed requirements, titles from USCA or SV judges. This motion is to recognize for breed requirements, breed surveys and show ratings from FCI GSD Koermeisters who are SV recognized. USCA accepts titles for sport from all FCI judges, but we only allow FCI judges from WUSV or FCI GSD organizations to judge at USCA working events. FCI GSD Breed Judges who are SV recognized, and a member of a WUSV club, should also be recognized.

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Award Honorary title of Judge Emeritus to USCA Judge Warren Jones
E-Ballot #18-13Motion by Nathaniel Roque,DOJ seconded by Frank Phillips, VP and supported by the USCA Judges Committee. To Award the honorary title of “Judge Emeritus” to USCA Judge Warren Jones effective on surrender of his USCA Trial /Performance Judges License due to health issues

Background — USCA Judge Warren Jones is faced with early retirement as a USCA Trial / performance Judge due to severe health issues. Warren Jones has been a member in good standing since Oct,1986 (27 years) during his membership Warren has hosted a local club, training director and helper at the local club level, served as a USCA regional Director and completed his apprenticeship and earned his USCA Trial/Performance Judges License. As a USCA Judge for the past 4 years, Warren has been active, far exceeding the required number of trials.

We have a honorary title of “Judge Emeritus” in our USCA judge program that is currently award to all judges at retirement after 20 years of service. This title helps our membership to honor and remember our judges for their service to the organization, it also gives the recipient free membership and access to our national events. And is an important way to thank our judges for their service.

I am in the process of rewriting the Judges Program to award this title to judges in good standing who retire at 10 years of service or under special circumstances with EB approval.

The USCA Judges Committee unanimously supports this motion and gesture.

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Waiver Regional requirement to participate in 2013 USCA National
E-Ballot #17-13Motion by Dennis Vander Linde, DAL, and seconded by Nathaniel Roque, DOJ, to waive the 2013 Regional requirement to participate in the 2013 USCA GSD National Championship for those handler/dog teams that participate in the 2013 USCA-GSDCA WUSV Championship Qualification Trial.

Background — Our rules already provide a waiver to handler/dog teams representing USCA on the USCA-GSDCA WUSV World Team and FCI World Team that exempt them from the requirement to participate in a Regional Championship to be eligible to participate in the USCA GSD National Championship. This motion extends the waiver to include the handler/dog teams that participate in the USCA-GSDCA WUSV Championship Qualification Trial, but do not make the USCA-GSDCA WUSV World Team. With the added USCA-GSDCA WUSV Championship Qualification Trial each year for those attempting to make the USCA-GSDCA WUSV World Team it is important to lessen the burden on these handler/dog teams by not making them attend a Regional Championship prior to the USCA GSD National Championship. These handler/dog teams have already met the minimum score of 270 points by virtue of being in the USCA-GSDCA WUSV Championship Qualification Trial since there is a minimum score to participate in the USCA-GSDCA WUSV Championship Qualification Trial. This motion will lessen this burden. The USCA World Championship Committee will develop an updated qualification process for 2014 and beyond to address this situation and submit it to the Executive Board for review and approval.

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Adjust 2013 budget increasing website expense
E-Ballot #16-13Motion by Sean O’Kane Treasurer, seconded by Frank Phillips Vice President, to adjust the 2013 budget by increasing the website expense by $4,700.00.

Background — Our new website is in need of the additional funds. Next years budget will address any further costs for the new website. These were expected expenses but need board approval before moving forward.

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Recommended Judges slate 2014 USCA Sieger Show
E-Ballot #15-13Motion by Karen MacIntyre,NBW on behalf of the Breed Advisory Committee, and seconded by Michele Scarberry USCA Secretary/MER BW, to approve the pre-selected Judges for the 2014 USCA Sieger Show. Mr. Nordsieck will judge all the male classes and Ms. MacIntyre will judge all the female classes.

• SV Judge Wilhelm Nordsieck
• USCA Judge Karen MacIntyre

Background — The judges slate for the Sieger Show is presented to the Executive Board by the Breed Advisory Committee. The EB will approve the presented slate, or recommend alternatives to the slate. In 2012, an invitation from Tim Burke was extended to Mr. Nordsieck to judge the 2014 Sieger Show. Mr.Nordsieck accepted the invitation.

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Amend current budget for purchase of new rule books
E-Ballot #14-13Motion by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer, seconded by Nathaniel Roque, Director of Judges, to amend the current budget in order to purchase 500 new rule books, the cost is not to exceed $3,500.00.

Background — Due to recent rule changes and the demand for printed rule books, we need to purchase replacement books that will be sold by the USCA Office. An initial purchase of 500 rulebooks will be for resale and a downloadable version will be available on our website.

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USCA Working Champion Title / Program
E-Ballot #13-13Motion by Frank Phillips,Vice President, seconded by Mark Scarberry,ME RD, to approve the title of USCA Working Champion (USCA-WC) which can be earned by all USCA members in good standing.

Proposal:

Requirements for a dog to earn the Working Champion Title:

1. IPO3 Three (3) times with scores of at least 270
2. At least one IPO3 (270+) must be accomplished at a Championship (Regional or National)
3. At least 3 different Judges. A judge may not be the same for more than one trial where he/she has judged all 3 phases. (if multiple judges are used for a Championship then the judge may also be used in another event)
4. Applicant MUST be a USCA member and owner of the dog
5. All events used to qualify MUST be done at USCA sanctioned events

The title of USCA Working Champion (USCA-WC) can be earned by all USCA members in good standing.

Applicant must send into the USCA office, copies of dog’s scorebook with qualifying events indicated plus a $10 processing fee.

Dogs that are awarded the Working Champion Title will be listed on the USCA website, printed in the magazine and receive a “USCA Working Champion Certificate”.

Background — The proposal of a new working title/award for our members is created for the dog with the title USCA-Working Champion. To earn this award, the dog must have scored 270 points or higher in 3 trials, under 3 different Judges, and 3 different Helpers. The intent of this title demonstrates that the dog is well trained, not effected by different helpers, and defines a true Working Champion. The scores are not required to be in any specific order, or level, and maybe achieved at club level, Regional, or National trials.

Motion carried 4/18/2013

USCA Membership Protection Policy
E-Ballot #12-13Motion by Sean O’Kane,Treasurer, seconded by Frank Phillips, Vice President, to provide USCA members, a membership protection policy.

A. Previously ‘flagged’ applicants

• All membership applicants that have been previously ‘flagged’ will be identified by the Office Team when a new application is submitted
• The Office Team will notify the President and Executive Board immediately upon receiving the application
• The Vice President and Treasurer will contact the applicant, and request that they submit supporting data for their application, which details the reasons for previously denied membership, and why the EB should now reconsider their application
• This information will be presented to the EB, and the EB will vote on the application
• A 2/3 majority vote will be required for applicant to be re-admitted as a member
• If an applicant is denied membership, USCA will send a letter of rejection. The applicant may re-apply for membership 12 months after the date of the letter of rejection
• An accepted applicant will be placed on a 180 day probationary period, as any new applicant

B. New applicants

• All new member applicants will be placed on a 180 day probationary period
• All new members will have their names listed in the USCA magazine under “Welcome New Member” section
• The Office Team will send monthly reports to the Vice President and Treasurer with new members listed
• During the probationary period, the USCA membership has the opportunity to provide feedback, and concerns to the EB regarding the probationary applicant
• During the probationary period, the probationary applicant may have his membership revoked for any reason, by a majority vote of the EB

Background — This policy gives “us” the ability to screen prospective members. An example would be: John Doe joins USCA, then after he joins, someone contacts us and shows proof that John Doe was convicted of dog fighting, animal abuse. Under our current rules we cannot do anything until John Doe does something wrong in USCA. This policy permits the EB by majority vote to terminate membership with someone we do not want to be affiliated with.

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2013 USCA Sieger Show Slate of pre-selected Helpers
E-Ballot #11-13Motion by Dennis Vander Linde, DAL, and seconded by Mark Scarberry, RD, to approve the USCA Helper Committee’s recommended slate of Pre-selected Helpers for the 2013 USCA Sieger Show:

• Sean Murphy
• Don Yelle
• Scott Carlson

Background — Five (5) Helpers submitted their qualifications to be considered for pre-selection to perform the helper work at the 2013 USCA Sieger Show. After reviewing the qualifications of the Helpers, each Helper Committee Member confidentially provided the Helper Program Director/Committee Chair with their selected Helpers for the event. Per the Helper Program three (3) Helpers must be pre-selected for the 2013 USCA Sieger Show. The above referenced Helpers had the highest total number of votes. Final selection will be determined by helper tryouts at the Sieger Show and will be presided over by Nathaniel Roque, DOJ, as outlined in the USCA Helper Program. The remaining helpers who was not pre-selected were notified by email of such, thanked for submitting their qualifications, supporting the USCA Helper Program, and encouraged to submit their qualifications for the remainder of USCA’s 2013 National Events.

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Restructure filing fees for Non-USCA member entry in local club trial
E-Ballot #10-13Motion by Frank Phillips, Vice-President, seconded by Kevin Nance, PNW Regional Director, that USCA will restructure the additional filing fees for Non-USCA members who enter USCA local club trials. This includes all entries in local club IPO trials : AD, BH, BH-VT, IPO-VO 1,2,3 – AWD 1,2,3 – FH, FH2 – IPO/FH, TR (FPr) 1,2,3 – OB (UPr) 1,2,3 – Utility Dog (Apr) 1,2,3 – STP 1,2,3– RH1,2 titles

Effective March 21, 2013, all Non-USCA members will pay an additional $25.00 filing fee for entry into any USCA local club trial, for any title/degree. Because of our existing reciprocity agreement with Canada, the GSSCC will be exempt from this additional fee.

Background — Based on clarification from the WUSV, this fee is now common for all Non-members (with the exception of GSSCC).

For example: the filing fee for a USCA member in a USCA club trial is $4.00. A Non-USCA member entered in a club trial will pay $29.00. The $25.00 filing fee will be the responsibility of the Non-USCA member entered in a local club trial. This fee is not the responsibility of local hosting club.

Trail entry form example: ( only an example and in no way implies actual fees to be charged )

Title	USCA/GSSCA Members	Non-Members
BH	$50	$75
AD	$30	$55
IPO1-3	$60	$85

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Eliminate scorebook certification requirement and fees
E-Ballot #08-13Motion by Frank Phillips, Vice-President, seconded by Kevin Nance, PNW Regional Director, that USCA eliminates the requirement for scorebooks to be certified by USCA, thus also removing scorebook certification fees. USCA will accept scorebooks from all our AWDF, WUSV, or FCI organizations.

Background — Scorebook certification is a burden on members, non-members, and our office staff.

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Recognize GSDCA-WDA as WUSV member
E-Ballot #07-13Motion by Frank Phillips, Vice-President, seconded by Kevin Nance, PNW Regional Director, that effective March 21, 2013 – USCA will recognize GSDCA-WDA as a full member of the WUSV. USCA will recognize GSDCA and the GSDCA-WDA as the same organization, thus granting GSDCA-WDA members all the privileges of being a WUSV member.

Background — Although the WUSV understands that the GSDCA and the GSDCA-WDA are two separate individual organizations, they have asked USCA to recognize the two organizations as being one, for the purposes of WUSV membership.

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Amend Fiscal Budget for New USCA Membership Cards
E-Ballot #06-13Motion by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer, and seconded by Frank Phillips, Vice-President, that the USCA Executive Board amend its 2013 fiscal budget to invest in new membership cards at the cost of, but not to exceed $3,500. This is the cost of materials and a new printer.

Background — Our membership cards are currently printed on card stock paper. Once printed, the cards are then cut out to separate. The current cards do not convey to a new member, the preeminence that we should convey.

1. The cards will be thicker and better quality – similar to a credit card
2. The cost would be about $.50 per card. This would require the initial investment of a plastic card printer, which comes with a 3-year warranty, and operate about 6 years. At a cost of $1700 plus blank cards (3500 @ $0.30 a piece = $700)
3. Each card is affixed to a sheet of paper, similar to what we currently are doing – we will save time, and money by not cutting the individual cards

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Approve the slate of Judges for 2013 USCA GSD Championship
E-Ballot #5-13Motion made by Director of Judges Nathaniel Roque on behalf of the USCA Judges Committee, seconded by Secretary, Michele Scarberry to approve the following slate of Judges for the 2013 USCA GSD National Championship.

• Tracking — Nikki Banfield
• Obedience — Michael Caputo
• Protection — Bill Szentmiklosi

Background — The USCA Judges Committee has selected, and recommends the following slate of judges for the 2013 National Championship. The Committee has reviewed and approved the request from the host club for the above listed judges.

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USCA 2013 Working Dog Championship slate of pre-selected Helpers
E-Ballot #4-13Motion by Dennis Vander Linde, DAL, seconded by Mark Scarberry MER RD, to approve the USCA Helper Committee’s recommended slate of Pre-selected Helpers for the USCA 2013 Working Dog Championship.

• Ryan White
• Scott Carlson
• Don Yelle

Background — Six (6) Helpers submitted their qualifications to be considered for pre-selection to perform the helperwork at the 2013 USCA Working Dog Championship. After reviewing the qualifications of the Helpers, each Helper Committee Member confidentially provided the Helper Program Director/Committee Chair with their selected Helpers for the event. Per the Helper Program, three (3) Helpers must be pre-selected for the USCA Working Dog Championship. The above referenced Helpers had the highest total number of votes and are not listed in any specific order. Final selection will be determined by helper tryouts at the Championship as outlined in the USCA Helper Program. The remaining helpers who were not pre-selected were notified by email of such, thanked for submitting their qualifications, supporting the USCA Helper Program, and encouraged to submit their qualifications for the remainder of USCA’s2013 National Events, if they have not already done so.

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No scorebook bond for NON-USCA Members
E-Ballot #3-13Motion by Sean O’Kane, Treasurer, and seconded by Frank Phillips, Vice-President, that USCA will no longer offer the option to post a scorebook bond (deposit) for any NON-USCA members. Any NON-USCA member cannot enter a USCA trial without a recognized validated scorebook, and cannot post a scorebook bond at the trial

Background — The USCA Office reported multiple occurrences where NON-USCA members are causing excess work for employees and officers. This motion will ensure the office staff is working hard for our membership, and will provide a solution for NON-USCA member problems that arise from not providing a scorebook our sanctioned trials. This rule change will not affect current USCA members. Scorebook bonds will continue to be accepted for USCA members who forget their scorebook, have failed to receive a scorebook (in time for a trial), or have failed to have their scorebooks recorded.

Instances requiring changes include, but are not limited to the following:

1. NON-USCA member forgets their scorebook and does not send the scorebook to the USCA office within a reasonable amount of time
2. NON-USCA member fails the trial, refuses to send in the scorebook, and holds up the clubs trial paperwork and posting the trial results in the magazine. The failure is also not recorded in the scorebook.
3. NON-USCA member scorebooks/dogs are not monitored by USCA Office
4. Checks written for scorebook bonds are either cancelled or a stop payment is placed on the bond check

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Adopt Changes to Sport Medal Program
E-Ballot #02-13Motion by Vice President Frank Phillips, and seconded by DOJ Nathaniel Roque, to adopt the changes to sports medal program.

Background — Added were point values for the new titles offered: APR1-3 and IPO-VO

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Approve 2013 WDC Judges Slate
E-Ballot #28-12Motion by Nathaniel Roque, USCA Director of Judges, on behalf of the Judges Committee, seconded by Michele Scarberry USCA Secretary, to approve the 2013 USCA Working Dog Championship Selection of Judges

Background —The Host Club has requested, and the USCA Judges Committee has approved the following slate of Judges for the event:

• A – Tracking — USCA Randall Hoadley (IPO and FH Championship)
• B – Obedience —USCA Glenn Stephenson
• C – Protection — SV Udo Wolters

Executive Board Ballots 2013