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AKC Board Meeting MinutesJune 8th - 9th, 2015no April-July Chairman's Report as of July 21st, 2015
To search for specific subject, person, or word in the American Kennel Club minutes, use "find" command. Wording is exactly as presented in the Minutes provided by American Kennel Club Secretary James Crowley, with addition of bolded subject text. The April 2015 Board minutes, copies of which were made available to all Directors, were discussed. They were amended to reflect that on the vote to reconsider a decision to rescind breeds from Mr. Bengtson, Dr. Davies had abstained. Upon a motion by Mr. Gladstone, seconded by Dr. Battaglia, the April 2015 minutes were approved and amended.
Economic Benefit of AKC Events - The Board reviewed a report that covers the findings from an online quantitative survey conducted by the AKC during a one month period from April 10 to May 11, 2015. The objective of this study was to gather current and relevant information to assess the benefits of AKC events to regional economies. This information will be used to help clubs illustrate the value that AKC dog event participants bring to local communities through significant spending on such services and products as lodging, food, transportation, etc. Just over 84,000 surveys were emailed. A total of 14,288 respondents who have attended an AKC dog event in the past 12 months completed the survey for a response rate of 17%. Of those respondents, 3,516 say they have chaired an AKC event (25% of the total respondents). The survey results show that AKC Events generate significant dollars in spending by both Exhibitors and Clubs.
In total AKC events have the potential to generate over $1.5 billion in spending nationwide every year.
WOOFtale - Michael Basone, Steve Pessah, AKC staff, and Jay Cahill, from Bluefin Technology Partners were present for this portion of the meeting. Mr. Cahill gave the Board an update on the status of WOOFtale.
IT Conversion - Michael Basone, AKC Vice President of Technology, presented a full set of recommendations, budget, and timeline for AKC’s Information Technology resources. His ultimate goal is to reduce the overall cost of our information technology operations while providing the level of services that AKC requires both today and in the future. There was a discussion on the expanded Online Competition Management System (OCMS). Mr. Basone indicated that additional resources were needed in a supplemental IT budget in order to complete OCMS, so that it could be made available to clubs. Following a motion by Mr. Kalter, seconded by Ms. Cruz, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers) to approve an additional $360,000 to complete the OCMS project. Mr. Basone explained work that had to be done to maintain the current legacy systems while carrying out the migration to the Cloud technology. He indicated that this would require 2015 expenditure of two million dollars in a supplemental 2015 IT budget. Following a motion by Mr. Menaker, seconded by Ms. Cruz, it was VOTED (affirmative: Mr. Menaker, Ms. Cruz, Mr. Ashby, Mr. Kalter, Dr. Battaglia, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Dok, Dr. Davies, Mr. Wooding, Mr. Feeney; absent: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers; abstaining: Mr. Gladstone) to approve an expenditure of two million dollars in 2015 in the supplemental budget, to initiate the migration and modify the current legacy systems.
Real Estate Committee - Mr. Sprung reported on a survey of AKC’s Real Estate Committee (REC) and management that has been completed regarding the anticipated space needs for the future. The REC will receive recommendations from CBRE, the real estate firm AKC has contracted, and the REC will be making a recommendation to the AKC Board.
Registration Development - There was a report on the status of the roll out of the new Bred With H.E.A.R.T (BWH) program. The AKC goal is to encourage breeders to work in tandem with AKC’s commitment to dog health, breeder education and dog welfare through health testing of breeding stock and our care and conditions policy resulting in a responsible breeding community. The Breeder of Merit (BOM) and the BWH programs are an important part of our breeder outreach and complement one another. These programs constitute the only programs in the United States which are aimed at the responsible breeding of purebred dogs and provide the tools to do so. BOM and BWH both recognize and support breeders who certify that applicable health screens are performed on their breeding stock as recommended by the Parent Club.
AKC Canine Health Foundation - Mr. Ashby, Vice Chairman, reported that AKC and the AKC Canine Health Foundation agreed to an executed Memorandum of Understanding to replace the previous which had expired. The Board had previously voted to provide a matching grant of up to $500,000 for new money raised in 2015 under the same conditions that applied in 2014. This grant was contingent upon the executed Memorandum of Understanding. The terms of the grant are that: AKC will provide a 1 to 1 dollar-amount match for any cash contribution collected from a new donor in 2015 up to $500,000. AKC matching dollars will be only used for grants, however, regardless of the type of donation made by the new donor. A new donor is defined as a donor who has not contributed to AKC-CHF in the past 2 calendar years (i.e. 2013 and 2014) including their immediate family members or corporations or foundations for which they control or are on the board of. AKC will only match cash contributions or amounts that are readily convertible to cash within 30 days. The funding will be based on quarterly statements to AKC with payments made each time as soon as possible, except for the last statement which is funded after the KPMG confirmation with a listing of new donors who qualify for the match as of December 31, 2015 together with a report from KPMG verifying the matching criteria was met for the year is received. Costs related to such service will be borne by AKC-CHF.
AKC Pension Plan - Dr. Garvin, Chairman of the Pension Committee reported on an amendment to the Pension Plan. It would provide individuals, who are neither retired and receiving a pension benefit nor still employed by AKC, but who are vested in a future pension benefit, with the option of taking an immediate lump-sum cash payment in lieu of monthly payments at some future date. Affected individuals will be contacted with the specifics of this option. This was approved in principle at the April 2015 meeting with final approval contingent upon agreeing to the actual wording. Following a motion by Dr. Garvin, seconded by Dr. Davies, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers) to adopt the amendment to the AKC Employees Retirement Plan.
The discussion on the Bred With Heart program continued Tuesday, June 9, 2015. When fully implemented, BWH will support AKC’s continued commitment to canine health as well as help the general public identify the most responsible breeders from which to buy a family pet.
New Management Employees - The Board were introduced to the following new management employees; Aimee Ritell, Director of Marketing | Brandi Hunter, Director of Public Relations | Elie Orgel, Marketing Manager.
Judging Approval Procedure - There was a discussion on proposed revisions to the Judging Approval Process. The Board discussed the final version of the proposed Judging Approval Process. This version incorporates changes resulting from the April 2015 comment period. Following a motion by Mr. Gladstone, seconded by Dr. Battaglia, it was VOTED (affirmative: Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Menaker, Dr. Battaglia, Mr. Kalter, Mr. Ashby, Mr. Dok, Dr. Davies; opposed: Mr. Feeney, Mr. Wooding, Ms. Cruz, Dr. Garvin; absent Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers) to adopt the revised Judging Approval Process attached to these minutes. The revised policy becomes effective September 2015. Staff was directed to prepare a report for the Board so that the effect of the new policy could be measured. Staff will administer the tracking report and provide the results to the Board on an annual basis. Prior to the start of the new process, staff will provide the benchmark numbers to the Board for each of the five measurements, and the sourcing data used to arrive at these benchmarks. Four of the items are statistical, while the second will require establishing a survey and methodology. The report, based on an annual survey and in-house date, is to track any changes to the following matrixes on a year-to-year basis:
Invitations to Apply - Pat Cruz pointed out that under the previous judging approval policy there was a provision for extending invitations to individuals to apply for additional breeds. A motion had been place on that provision which was still in place. Following a motion by Ms. Cruz, seconded by Mr. Menaker, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers) to remove the moratorium as the provision no longer exists in the judging approval process.
CONSENT - Following discussion, there was a motion by Mr. Ashby, seconded by Mr. Gladstone, it was VOTED (unanimously; absent Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers) to approve the following Consent Items:
Agility Premier Class Regulations - The Board VOTED to approve the recommended regulations for a new higher level class in agility called the Premier class. The class provides more difficult challenges than is currently offered in the AKC agility program. Clubs may start applying to hold the Premier Class after July 1, 2015. Clubs may start running the Premier class at their agility trials effective October 1, 2015. Visit akc.org for fully detailed regulations for AGILITY REGULATIONS, NEW Chapter 11, Premier Championship Classes.
Eligibility to Judge Coursing Ability Test (CAT) - The Board VOTED to approve changes to Sections 7 and 8 of the Coursing Ability Test (CAT) Regulations. This is a modification to the eligibility requirements regarding who may judge Coursing Ability Tests. Changes to Section 7 (underlined) permit anyone with three or more years of experience in the sport of Lure Coursing to judge a Coursing Ability Test (CAT). Section 7. All AKC approved Lure Coursing event judges are approved to judge a Coursing Ability Test. People who are not Lure Coursing judges may be approved to judge a Coursing Ability Test provided they meet the following minimum requirements: (1) Must be in good standing with the AKC and are at least 21 years of age, and (2) Have a minimum of three years of experience in the sport of Lure Coursing. It is the responsibility of the hosting club to assure these requirements are met.
Changes to Section 8 (underlined) shift the responsibility for a safe course design from the judge to the event committee. Section 8. Course Design. The course shall be designed with safety for non-sighthound breeds as a primary consideration. There shall be no turns more acute than 90 degrees. The total length of the course shall be no less than 600 yards and should be as close to 600 yards as possible. The lure will consist of plastic strips. Depending on the size and type of dog, the dog will run either the full course or a 300 yard course. The 300 yard distance shall be clearly marked. Safety is of utmost importance. Many of the dogs running the Coursing Ability Test will not possess the agility of a sighthound and this must be a consideration in the design of the course. The event committee is responsible for the safety of the course by ensuring they have experienced, knowledgeable individuals in course design at the event. The judge is responsible for walking the course prior to the start of the event in order to look for hazards.
Employee Participation in AKC Sports - The Board VOTED to amend the policy on AKC employee participation in the sport. The intent of this change is to give the AKC staff the opportunity to participate in AKC’s many event types, providing them a broader understanding of our events and their role in fulfilling our mission. The changes enable Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents and Field Staff to compete in events for which they have no administrative responsibilities. Employees will be able to compete for a Grand Championship title, but not for the Gold, Silver, or Platinum levels. Employees will be able to judge any AKC non-titling event. The new policy follows: Many employees are attracted to the AKC because of their love for dogs. Employees and members of their household are encouraged to compete at AKC events provided their job responsibilities do not result in a potential conflict of interest. Dogs owned or co-owned by an employee or household members may be exhibited at AKC events unless one of the following conditions apply.
Any questions or concerns regarding this policy should be referred to a member of the Human Resources professional staff.
Recognizing GCH Levels as Titles - The Board VOTED to modify the Grand Champion program so that the additional achievement levels are recognized as titles. The designations will be GCHB (Bronze), GCHS (Silver), GCHG (Gold), and GCHP (Platinum). This will require an amendment to Chapter 16, Section 7, of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows (new wording underlined below) and must be approved by the Delegate body. It will be read at the September Delegate meeting and voted at the December Delegates meeting. If approved by the Delegate, it will become effective on January 1, 2016.
The change will be retroactive to the beginning of the Grand Champion program and the dog’s titled name will be modified to reflect the highest GCH title they have earned. These dogs have already been awarded an achievement certificate and a medallion for each level previously earned, therefore, a title certificate will not be issued as part of the implementation. Dogs that earn a Grand Championship title after the implementation will receive a standard title certificate. Medallions will continue to be issued for winning the Grand Champion title as well as the advanced Grand Champion titles.
Concurrent Group and All-Breed Events - The Board VOTED to approved the Concurrent Group and All-Breed Events Pilot program as described below. It is approved with effective dates of July 1, 2015 – December 31, 2016. Staff will monitor these events and come back to the Board with a recommendation for the future of the program after the 18-month Pilot program. Concurrent Group and All-Breed Events Pilot Program Group and All-Breed events may be held concurrently with the following limitations:
Requests for multiple group events on the same day and site of an all-breed event will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Changes to Rules Applying to Dog Shows, Obedience Regulations, Rally Regulations and Tracking Regulations to Allow for Electronic Documents The Board VOTED to approve changes to Rules Applying to Dog Shows Chapter 4, Section 2; Chapter 7, Section 12; and Chapter 12, Sections 1, 3, 4, and 6; to allow for publication of electronic documents at the club’s discretion. This recommendation would be read at the September Delegates meeting and voted at the December Delegates meeting to be effective January 1, 2016. The Board also VOTED to approve the changes to the Obedience Regulations Chapter 1, Sections 3 and 26, Rally Regulations Chapter 1, Section 3 and 20, and Tracking Regulations Chapter 1, Section 18, contingent upon the Delegates approval of the change to Rules Applying to Dog Shows effective January 1, 2016.
Delegate Eligibility - “Professional” Judge The Board reviewed a proposal that was submitted on behalf of the Delegate Bylaws Committee. The Delegate Bylaws Committee is proposing an amendment to Article VI, Section 5 of the Bylaws of The American Kennel Club that would permit Delegate Judges to charge a fee of up to $150 per assignment over and above actual expenses. Following a motion by Mr. Gladstone, seconded by Dr. Garvin, it was VOTED (affirmative: Mr. Gladstone, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Kalter, Mr. Menaker, Mr. Feeney, Mr. Ashby, Ms. Cruz, Dr. Davies, Mr. Wooding, Mr. Dok, opposed: Dr. Battaglia; absent: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers) to approve the addition of the following underlined wording to the first paragraph of ARTICLE VI, SECTION 5 of the Bylaws of The American Kennel Club:
This proposed change will be read at the September Delegates meeting and voted upon at the December Delegates meeting.
2016 and 2017 Meeting Calendar - In April 2015, the Board VOTED to base the 2016 and beyond calendar on the second Tuesday of the month with the exception of February (Westminster Kennel Club dog show) and December (AKC/Eukanuba National Championship). The Bylaws require that the Delegate Meetings be held in March, June, September, and December or January (based on AKC/Eukanuba being in either month). The Bylaws also require that there be at least eight regular Board meetings in a year. Beginning in 2016, the Board meetings are to be held in the eight months where there are no Delegate Meetings. The Board reviewed the projected 2016 and 2017 calendars for both the Board and Delegates meetings. Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Mr. Dok, it was VOTED (affirmative: Dr. Battaglia, Mr. Dok, Mr. Menaker, Mr. Ashby, Ms. Cruz, Mr. Kalter, Dr. Davies, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Feeney, Mr. Gladstone; opposed: Mr. Wooding; absent: Mr. Arnold, Mr. Powers) to approve the 2016 and 2017 dates indicated with the February 2017 dates contingent on the dates of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
AKC Bylaw Amendment - Term Limits - The Board reviewed a proposal submitted by the Clarksville Kennel Club to amend Article VII, Section 1 of the Bylaws of the American Kennel Club to eliminate term limits for members of the Board of Directors. It was reported that the Delegate Bylaws Committee voted to endorse and to co-sponsor this amendment. This will be discussed further at the July Board meeting.
Nominating Committee - The Nominating Committee for the March 2016 election must be appointed by August 15, and its report must be received no later than October 15, 2015. The Board was reminded that as there is no August 2015 Board meeting, the appointment must be made at the July 2015 meeting to meet the requirements of the AKC Bylaws.
Canine Legislation Position on Predatory Pet Leasing Schemes - The Board was given a recommendation to update the Canine Legislation Position Statement on Protection for Puppy Purchasers to include the issue of commercial leasing/rental arrangements for dogs as pets. It recommends the inclusion of a statement of opposition to predatory pet leasing arrangements in which prospective owners make hefty monthly payments for their pet, but are not given legal ownership of their pet. In recent years, a predatory new model of pet possession has emerged. Predatory pet leasing schemes will lease pets as companions over a multiple-year term for a monthly fee. Even after paying many times the value of the pet, the lessee may not own the pet. In one model, the leasing company provides open-ended leases that include healthcare, food and other supplies at the discretion of the lessor in exchange for a monthly fee for the life of the pet. Another model provides a lease for the pet only, which terminates after several years, at which time the individual may have the option to then purchase the pet. In either case, even after paying many times the value of the pet, the lessor may not, and may never, own the pet. The AKC strongly believes that acquisition of a pet should be a commitment by a future owner for the lifetime of the pet. As legal property, pet “ownership” provides legal rights, responsibilities and liabilities that that are valuable to both consumers and society, and may not be otherwise available Predatory pet leasing agreements allow the leasing company to obtain a significantly higher profit margin while potentially avoiding regulatory oversight and consumer protection laws. At least one state attorney general has looked into the practice after receiving complaints to its consumer protection unit. Lessees can end up making interest payments that may be as much as three times the price of the pet while giving up property rights and consumer protections usually associated with purchase and ownership of a pet. The AKC strongly believes that acquisition of a pet should be a commitment for the lifetime of the pet. AKC supports a ban on predatory pet leasing schemes, which victimize potential owners, undermine a lifetime commitment to a pet, and do not confer the rights and responsibilities concomitant with pet ownership. This will be discussed further at the July meeting.
Litigation Against Discriminatory Legislation - Based on a request from the Board, Staff presented information on becoming more aggressive in litigation against “discriminatory laws,” meaning laws that potentially may harm or discriminate against certain dog owners such as breeders, owners of certain breeds of dogs, or individuals with disabilities utilizing a service dog. It might also include issues related to AKC and/or dog owners’ interests such as regulation of pet sales, the role of animals as legal property, and other issues. This will be discussed further at the July 2015 meeting.
Importation and Interstate Transport of Dogs for Retail Rescue - Based on a request from the Board, Staff provided a report detailing the problems surrounding the importation and interstate transportation of dogs for retail rescue (also known as “dog trafficking”) and resulting public health concerns, and discussed potential public policy solutions to better protect the public health and breeders’ interest. State governments, particularly those most impacted in New England, have begun looking at the influx of imported dogs and responding to the challenge with regulations requiring quarantines and health examinations of dogs and registration or licensing of rescue groups that import them. State federations remain concerned with the impact public health has on dog trafficking, and the lack of public funding available to enforce animal importation laws and regulations. The Board discussed the fact that opportunities exist for states to better address issues related to dog trafficking. Solutions could be pursued through legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts spearheaded by AKC, state federations, and other allied organizations. This will be discussed further at the July 2015 meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION There was an Executive Session to discuss personnel matters with nothing reported out of this session.
Best Practices for Recruiting Club Membership - The Board reviewed a memo from Staff that provides best practices for recruiting membership into AKC clubs/events. These best practices include input from the All-Breed Clubs and Companion Events Delegate Committees. The All-Breed Clubs Delegate Committee conducted a survey of all-breed club presidents, secretaries and delegates. They received 879 responses. The survey’s primary findings are:
After review of the survey, the All-Breed Clubs Committee compiled a list of best practices for recruiting and retaining membership. The complete list will be posted to the AKC website following their June meeting. The Companion Events Delegate Committee has assembled a list of best practices based on the committee member’s experience. Further, they have been elaborating on some of the best practices and are posting these on the AKC website so they are available to all clubs. (www.akc.org/clubs/promote) The CE Delegates Committee’s suggestions for clubs to attract new members and retain existing members are:
Proposed Breeder Assistance Program - The Board was given a Staff report on a proposed program that would assist breeders in need of rehoming dogs. Such a program would benefit those who, because of illness, resources, natural disasters, etc., are unable to care for their dogs and who seek a discreet and confidential program through which to rehome their dogs.
Defibrillators at Shows The Board discussed the question of having defibrillators at all-breed and group shows. Currently, AKC requires that group and all-breed clubs have a qualified Emergency Medical Technician (CPR certified) in attendance from one hour prior to the start of judging until completion of all judging at group and all-breed conformation events. While Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained in the use of defibrillators, it is not required that they provide one onsite. It should be noted that if the event is held in a public facility (physical structure), these facilities likely will have AEDs onsite in order to be in compliance with state regulations. Requiring superintendents to provide and operate an AED would necessitate the training of employees, the purchase and maintenance of equipment, and compliance with state requirements for each state where their services are provided. Given the EMTs’ availability, their training, their ongoing need to maintain the AED device and their familiarity with local laws, it is the staff’s recommendation that the EMTs should be the ones responsible for providing the AED. Clubs holding AKC events are required to complete a Disaster and Emergency Plan as part of their application. This provides a vehicle to convey the importance of AED devices. Following a motion by Mr. Kalter, seconded by Dr. Garvin it was VOTED to approve two changes to the Disaster and Emergency Plan effective September 1, 2015. 1) The following wording will be added to the cover letter of the Disaster and Emergency Plan as recommendation number 9 9. Clubs holding group and all-breed conformation events in public facilities must identify the location of all onsite automated external defibrillators (AED). If the event location does not have onsite AEDs, it is recommended that the club request the EMT in attendance provide an AED. 2) On the Disaster and Emergency Plan form itself, the following question with a checkbox should be added: For group and all-breed shows, does the show location have automated external defibrillators onsite? This is a modification to Board policy.
Low-Entry Breeds - The Board continued to discuss ways to assist low-entry breeds with regards to earning Championship points. It was agreed that any recommendations should be based upon verifiable statistical information.
Limited Status Junior Judges, Eligible to Judge Group Shows - The Board reviewed a recommendation to allow an individual with Limited Status approval for Junior Showmanship for all breeds in a group, to be eligible to judge Junior Showmanship at a Group Show. This proposal is made by staff at the request of the Delegate Dog Show Rules Committee. This will involve, if approved, revisions to the Conformation Junior Showmanship Regulations, Sections 2 and 4. If approved by the AKC Board, the effective date will be October 1, 2015. The Board will discuss this further at the July meeting.
Junior Showmanship, Master Class Criteria - The Board reviewed a Staff proposal to revise the eligibility criteria for the Junior Showmanship Master Class. Staff is proposing the criteria for the Master Class be revised to 10 Best Junior Wins with competition. If approved, the new criteria will be effective on October 7, 2015. The Board will discuss this further at the July meeting.
Addition of the Pee Wee Class to the List of Special Attractions with Standing Approval - The Dog Show Rules Committee proposed the addition of a Pee Wee Class as a pre-approved Special Attraction. Staff has worked with the committee to establish the Procedures and Guidelines for conducting the class. There was still concern among Board members regarding liability issues associated with the class. Staff was directed to seek advice from AKC’s insurance carrier. Go to AKC.org for full details of the PEE WEE CLASS SPECIAL ATTRACTION Procedures and Guidelines
Concurrent Match - The Board asked Event Operations staff to look into the possibility of matches being held concurrently with dog shows as part of the initiative to attract new participants. After discussing the pros and cons of the idea, staff presented an alternative to holding a concurrent match. A way to provide a stress-free experience for new exhibitors would be for a club to offer a showand- go ring. A show-and-go ring could serve three functions during the event. At the start of the event the ring could be used for the New Exhibitor Briefing. This would allow an appropriate segregated location to introduce new exhibitors to the event. For the majority of the day the ring could be used by exhibitors to practice with their dogs. Having practice rings was brought forward by the Executive Field Staff as a positive for exhibitors based on their experience at events that provide practice rings. Exhibitors would have the opportunity to work their dog in an event-type environment without the pressure associated with point competition. Lastly, clubs could offer set time frames throughout the day to provide mentoring; sign-up could occur at the New Exhibitor Briefing and throughout the day as time and slots remain available. Knowledgeable club members would staff the show-and-go ring to assist new exhibitors. The mentoring option also provides the club an opportunity to increase their event revenue if they choose, by offering mentoring at a small fee or donation. Executive Field Staff pointed out that some shows setting up practice rings kept a donation box at the ring entrance. The goal of the show-and-go ring is to provide an opportunity for new exhibitors to obtain an understanding of the conformation procedure that is unavailable during regular class judging. Members staffing the ring do not have to have specific breed knowledge but participation knowledge to assist with the basics: armbands, lead and collar (could be breed specific), stacking, movement patterns, table or not table, basic grooming tips. Additionally this will provide a focal point for new exhibitors to meet other like-minded individuals. Promoting the setup of a practice ring and mentoring ring at events would have a positive impact on AKC conformation events by exposing new dog owners to a user-friendly training experience. Providing a one-on-one opportunity for a new exhibitor can potentially lead to a memorable positive experience with their dog. Some will be inspired to enroll their dogs in classes and become future competitors and potentially future club members. Without objection, staff will begin to promote the set-up of show-and-go practice rings at events and the use of these rings by clubs to provide New Exhibitor Briefings and stress-free mentoring experiences. This option could be implemented quickly by clubs, giving them the ability to provide a better event experience for new exhibitors. This will be discussed at the July 2015 meeting.
Allowing Deaf Dogs to Participate in Agility, Rally and Tracking Events - The Board reviewed a recommendation from the Agility Advisory Committee and the Sports and Events Department to allow deaf dogs to participate in Agility, Rally and Tracking events. All Agility Advisory Committee recommendations were provided to the fancy for comment and polling. With 952 participants in the poll, the recommendation to allow deaf dogs to participate received the highest approval rating of any recommendation (93% love it/like it rating). Input from the Companion Events Delegate Committee will be sought in June. This will be discussed further at the July meeting.
Allow Group and Specialty Clubs to Hold All-Breed Obedience/Rally A Matches -The Board reviewed a recommendation from the Companion Events Department to clarify the Match Regulations to allow Group and Specialty clubs to offer all-breed Sanctioned A Matches at their option. The obedience and rally regulations allow Group and Specialty clubs the ability to offer all-breed licensed trials at their option. The Match Regulations allow Group and Specialty clubs to offer all-breed Sanctioned B Matches for obedience and rally at their option. However, the Match Regulations do not mention Sanctioned A Matches. The Club Relations Department has interpreted this as meaning Sanctioned A Matches held by Group and Specialty clubs must be restricted to their breeds only. The purpose of Sanctioned A obedience/rally matches is to ensure a club is well prepared to run a licensed event prior to becoming licensed. Allowing a club to offer an all-breed Sanctioned A Match will only further prepare them to produce the required event materials correctly by having more entries and additional repetition of processes at their Sanctioned A events. The Companion Events Department is requesting that the Match Regulations be clarified by adding a provision that specifically states the Obedience and Rally Sanctioned A Matches may be open to all breeds. These sports are governed by Regulations and may be modified by a vote of the Board. If approved, the change would become effective September 1, 2015. This will be discussed by the Board further in the July meeting.
What Motivates People to Participate in Dog Sports - The staff presented a memo that outlines information from two reports; one that looked into What Motivates People to Participate with Their Dogs in Sporting Events and a second study discussed the multiple roles of individuals within dog clubs and the factors related to their involvement. The majority of dog sport participants are motivated by the gratification they receive from the activities associated with developing their skills and their dog’s skills, achieving their personal goals and the pleasure of social interactions associated with a sport. The degree of involvement is limited by the costs associated with their participation.
Why Do People Participate in Agility - The Board reviewed a memo that outlined the major findings of a survey conducted to gain insight into the question—Why do people participate in agility? Six motivational factors were noted.
Re-Instated Judge:: The Judging eligibility of the following person has been reinstated; Mr. Fred Lanting Emeritus Judges: Dr. Peter P. Emily Resigned Judge: Mrs. Carol D. Hawke | Mr. Michael J. Hawke | Mrs. Andre B. Schoen Deceased Judges: Mrs. Kathy L. Beliew | Mr. Richard Byrd | Mr. Charlie Cobb | Mr. John Gymer | Mrs. Ellen Passage | Mrs. Gloria R. Reese | Mrs. Margaret Renihan | Mr. Carroll Stewart Adjunct Judges: Mrs. Janet Fink | Ms. Pat Putman
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