May 2004 Secretarys Report

This report details the day to day activities of the ASCA Board of Directors and includes issues brought before the ASCA Board and communications done by mail, fax, e-mail and/or phone.

May 1- 31, 2004

01:10  AUSSIE TIMES - Articles
Motion by Davenport, seconded by Aufox.

That all articles submitted for publication to the AUSSIE TIMES, that are more than eight (8) pages, including photographs, be sent to the Aussie Times Committee for approval of their length.

Comment:  This motion will replace the 3-page motion passed in April after discussion with the Aussie Times Editor.

Directors voting:  Approve:  Hellmeister, Aufox, Davenport, Warren, Berryessa, DeChant and Gray.  Disapprove:  Hollen and Stevens.  Motion is approved.

93:19  BOARD POLICIES & 01:20  AUSSIE TIMES - Policy
Motion by Davenport, seconded by Berryessa.

Potentially Defamatory Material:  It is the policy of ASCA that no article, advertisement or editorial opinion presented for publication in the Aussie Times casts aspersion upon, libel or promote untruths against any other person, including the members of ASCA.  Accordingly, if, in the opinion of the Aussie Times Editor, any such article, advertisement or editorial opinion is presented to the Editor for publication in the Aussie Times, the copy therefore shall be submitted to the Aussie Times Committee for determination as to whether such copy should be published, and the determination of the Aussie Times Committee shall be final.

Directors voting:  Approve:  Unanimous.  Motion is approved.

90:38 AGILITY COMMMITTEE-Chapters 3-5
Motion by Hellmeister.
 
I move to accept the following recommendation re.: re-write of Chapter 3-5 of the current Agility Rules.

Here is a new motion. Allison Bryant moved, Ron Schumann - Second
The voting was as follows: Andrea Hoffmann Yes, Allison Bryant Yes, Ron Schumann Yes, Shelley Malan Yes, Pete Dolan Yes, Sue Graham Yes, Pam Smith Abstain,
Frank Butera - Non-voting

Align section 3.1 list of possible classes so it is even.

Remove section 3.2.1 Standard Division (It will be added to Section 3.2) Renumber sections in chapter 3.

Section 3.2 Standard Division-Entry Requirements
Change entire section to read:
"The Standard Division is open to any dog aged 18 months or older. A handler may not enter a dog in more than one division of the same class on any one day of a trial. Therefore, if a dog is entered in the Veterans Division of the Jumpers Class, then that dog could not also be entered in the Standard Division of the Jumpers Class on the same day at the same show. However, if a dog is entered in the Veterans Division of the Jumpers Class on Saturday, that dog could be entered in the Standard or Junior Handler Division of the Jumpers Class on Sunday. If a dog is entered in a Veterans Division for one class, it is not required that the dog be entered in the Veterans Division for all other classes for that day. For example: A handler might enter an eight (8) year old dog in the Veterans Division of the Regular Agility Class, and the Standard Division of the Gamblers Class."

Remove the title of:
Section 3.2.2.1 Crediting Standard Division Points Toward Veterans Division Title other than the ATCH
(keep section 3.2.2.1.1, renumber the following sections.)

Section 3.2.2 - Veterans Division - Entry Requirements
In the first sentence change Veteran to Veterans.

Append to the end of the first paragraph:
"Disabled handlers shall present a copy of their disabled parking permit or a letter from their doctor."

In the second paragraph, insert the sentence:
"The gamble time in the Veterans Gamblers class shall be two seconds longer than the gamble time for the Standard Division"

Replace the second paragraph with:
"Dogs entered in the Veterans Division classes will jump 4 lower than their regular jump height. Course times for dogs entered in the Veterans Division of the Regular Agility and Jumpers classes shall be 10% greater than the SCT for the Standard Division. The gamble time in the Veterans Gamblers class shall be two seconds longer than the gamble time for the Standard Gamblers Division. The maximum course time shall remain the same as the Standard Division."

Section 3.2.2.1.1 Crediting Standard Division Points Toward Veterans Novice, Open and Elite Titles

Replace If a competitor wishes to transfer credit for points.
With:
A competitor may transfer credit for points.

Third line, change Veterans to Veterans.
Fourth line, capitalize division.

Section 3.3.2
Replace If a competitor wishes to transfer credit for points.
With:
A competitor may transfer credit for points

3rd line change Veterans to Veterans.

Replace Section 3.2.2.2 with:
3.3.3 Crediting Standard Division ATCH points toward a Veterans Division ATCH

A competitor may credit their Standard Division points towards Veterans Division points to earn an ATCH. Once the Elite title is earned in any one class, any additional points in that class in the Standard division or Veterans division may be credited towards the ATCH title. A request, in writing, must be submitted to the ASCA office requesting that the previously earned ATCH points in the Standard Division be credited towards the Veterans division ATCH points. Once the change in crediting points towards the Veterans Division has been done, the points can not be changed back.

Chapter 4

Section 4.2 Add the word Certification before Regular Agility in the title.

Section 4.3- Certification- Gamblers Class
In the first paragraph, insert the sentence:
"Each obstacle may be performed two times for points. "

So the paragraph reads as follows:

"The goal of the Gamblers Class is to test the course handling strategies of the handler and to test the distance control and directional control of the dog. The dogs ability to differentiate between obstacles may also be tested. The gamblers class has two distinct parts. The first part is a handlers strategy test in which the handler must maneuver the dog among the obstacles in any order that they choose to execute them. The dog earns points for each obstacle performed correctly. The handler must guide the dog through their course in an attempt to accumulate enough points for a qualifying round. Each obstacle may be performed two times for points.

Section 4.5 ASCA Agility Trial Champion (ATCH)

In the second sentence, replace the words In other words, if
With:
If

In item 1 of Section 4.5 add in one of the three divisions after Elite Level
In item 2 of Section 4.5 add in one of the three divisions after Elite Level
In item 3 of Section 4.5 add in one of the three divisions after Elite Level

Replace:

Outstanding Performance Agility Trial Champion (ATCH-OP) certificates (in Standard and Veterans Division) will be issued upon completion of earning a minimum of four hundred (400) points in Elite Regular Agility after earning an Elite Agility Certificate *plus* earning a minimum of two hundred (200) points in Elite Gamblers after earning an Elite Gamblers Certificate *plus* earning a minimum of two hundred (200) points in Elite Jumpers after earning an Elite Jumpers Certificate.

With:
Outstanding Performance Agility Trial Champion (ATCH-OP) certificates will be issued upon completion of earning a minimum of four hundred (400) points in Elite Regular Agility after earning an Elite Agility Certificate in one of the three divisions, *plus* earning a minimum of two hundred (200) points in Elite Gamblers after earning an Elite Gamblers Certificate in one of the three divisions, *plus* earning a minimum of two hundred (200) points in Elite Jumpers after earning an Elite Jumpers Certificate in one of the three divisions.

Replace the following:
Superior Performance Agility Trial Champion (ATCH-SP) certificates (in Standard, Junior Handlers, and Veterans Divisions) will be issued upon completion of earning a minimum of six hundred (600) points in Elite Regular Agility after earning an Elite Agility Certificate *plus* earning a minimum of three hundred (300) points in Elite Gamblers after earning an Elite Gamblers Certificate *plus* earning a minimum of three hundred (300) points in Elite Jumpers after earning an Elite Jumpers Certificate.

With:

Superior Performance Agility Trial Champion (ATCH-SP) certificates will be issued upon completion of earning a minimum of six hundred (600) points in Elite Regular Agility after earning an Elite Agility Certificate in one of the three divisions, *plus* earning a minimum of three hundred (300) points in Elite Gamblers after earning an Elite Gamblers Certificate in one of the three divisions, *plus* earning a minimum of three hundred (300) points in Elite Jumpers after earning an Elite Jumpers Certificate in one of the three divisions.

Section 4.6 Remove the word Agility after the word Regular in the first line and in the table. Fix the formatting of the numbers so the columns are even.

Section 4.7 Remove the word agility after the word Regular in both line one and in the table. Fix the formatting of the numbers so the columns are even.

Chapter 5 - Scoring

Section 5.1.1 Standard Course Time
Change the following sentence:
"The table below lists the recommended minimum SCT for the different levels."

To read:
The table below lists the recommended maximum YPS for the different levels and height groups."

Remove the following sentence:
A judge may, at their discretion, raise the SCT above these minimums, but it should never rise about the minimum SCT for the next higher level of competition."

Remove the sentence:
"Only in rare, extreme circumstances and only when the dog's safety is at risk should a judge set a SCT below the recommended minimum in the following table."

Replace the "Yards Per Second" table with the following table:

Yards Per Second
Novice
Small Medium Large
2.25 2.5 2.75

Open
Small Medium Large
2.75 3.0 3.25

Elite
Small Medium Large
3.25 3.5 3.75

Remove the following sentence:
"When the course distance is 160 yards or less, 5 seconds will be added to the SCT for the 8", 12" and 16" groups. When the course distance is over 160 yards, then 8 seconds will be added to the SCT for the 8", 12" and 16" groups. At all levels, if a table is used as a pause obstacle, then 5 seconds shall be added to the SCT."

Section 5.1.3 - Scoring Obstacle Faults

(D) MIssed Safety Zone

Change the following:
"The descent of the Dog Walk or Crossover"

To:
"The descent of the Dog Walk"

(E) Remove and Jumpers Classes from the title, so it now reads:

(E) Missed Weave Pole (one or more) 20 Faults (Regular Agility)

Replace the entire section with:
The goal of the weave pole obstacle is for the dog to weave in one continuous motion in the direction indicated by the judges course design.

If the dog misses a weave pole, they must begin again by re-entering the weave poles correctly at the beginning and weave in one continuous motion to the end of the set of the poles.

The dog shall be faulted for a failure to perform (20 faults) if, after a correct entry, the dog must make a backward motion in order to enter the next correct opening between two poles and the handler does not restart the dog at the beginning.

The weave poles must eventually be performed as one continuous unit from beginning to end or a failure to perform (20 faults) will be assessed.

(G) Onto and Off of the Table
Remove this section.

Section 5.2 Gamblers Class
Section 5.2.1 Course Time Gamblers Class
Replace the sentence:
The time given for the point accumulation period shall be forty (40) seconds for the 20/24 heights and forty five (45) seconds for the 8/16 heights.

With:
The time given for the point accumulation period shall be forty (40) seconds for the Large Dogs and forty five (45) seconds for the Small and Medium Dogs.

5.2.2 Course Obstacles During Initial Point Accumulation Time

In Table 1, change the abbreviation pts to points.

remove:
"(long set of weave poles may not be used at the Novice level)"

remove:
"The judge may assign one obstacle a seven (7) point value (a contact obstacle or long set of weave poles only), if they feel that the obstacle, because of its difficult placement on the course, should offer a special reward for the execution of that obstacle."

In Table 2, fix the Contact Obstacles line so that it is on one line and not on two.

Section 5.2.3 - Certification Requirements - Gamblers Class

3rd paragraph, remove the words "or the table" from the sentence:
Once a gamble sequence has been broken, then the judge shall say gamble ended and the handler shall not make any further attempts at any of the gamble obstacles, instead they shall go immediately to the finish markers or the table to stop the clock."

In the fourth paragraph, remove the sentence:
If the table is used as the last gamble obstacle, the table is counted as one of the obstacles."

In the fifth paragraph, change it to read:

"The following list indicates the gamble obstacles which are acceptable for the different levels.
Novice - Hurdles, tunnels, A-Frame
Open - Hurdles, Tunnels, Teeter-Totter, A-Frame, Short set of Weave Poles (5-6)
Elite - Hurdles, Tunnels, A-Frame, Teeter-Totter, Short or long line of weave poles (5-12)"

Section 5.3 Jumpers Class

5.3.1 Standard Course Time-Jumpers Class

Change the following sentence:
"The table below lists the recommended minimum SCT for the different levels of the jumpers class."

To read:
"The table below lists the recommended maximum YPS for the different levels and height groups of the jumpers class."

Remove the sentence:
"A judge may, at their discretion, raise the SCT above these minimums, but it should never rise above the minimum SCT for the next higher level of competition."

Change the following sentence:
Only in rare, extreme circumstances and only when the dogs safety is at risk, should a judge set a SCT below the recommended minimums in the following table:

to read:
Only in rare, extreme circumstances and only when the dogs safety is at risk, should a judge set the YPS below the recommended minimums in the following table:

Replace the Yards Per Second Table with the following Table:

Novice
Small Medium Large
2.50 2.75 3.0

Open
Small Medium Large
3.25 3.50 3.75

Elite
Small Medium Large
4.0 4.25 4.5

Remove the paragraph:
"When the course distance is 160 yards or less, 5 seconds will be added to the SCT for the 8", 12" and 16" groups. When the course distance is over 160 yards, then 8 seconds will be added to the SCT for the 8", 12" and 16" groups.

 

Directors voting:  Approve:  Unanimous.  Motion is approved.

98:05  CONFORMATION COMMITTEE - Judges Book
Motion by Davenport.
I move the following from the Conformation Committee

Motion by Glenda Stephenson, seconded by Denise Creelman

I would like to make the motion that a line be added to each page of the judges books, in the area regarding "time started and time finished" to read:
Number of dogs exhibited/judged: _____
         Number of excused entries: _____
                            Judges' Initials: _____
Yea: Peter Kontos, Wendy Summers, Denise Creelman, Liz Gibson, Kim Cochran, Rick Gann, Beth Peterson, Margi Floyd and Glenda Stephenson Non-Voting: Wendy Finsterwald

Directors voting:  Approve:  Aufox, Hellmeister, Davenport, Berryessa, Gray, Hollen and Stevens.  Disapprove:  DeChant.  Abstain:  Warren.  Motion is approved.

93:19  BOARD POLICIES - Nationals
Motion by Gray, seconded by Davenport.

I move after each Board meeting at Nationals the Board opens up a meeting, no longer than one hour, with the Membership present.  If no Members are present or no one has any concerns/issues/questions, the Board is dismissed.  If the Board feels one hour is not long enough, the Board may continue.

 

Comment:  Since we have many Members complain about the Board not being accessible, it might be a good idea to give them some time to address the Board.

Directors voting:  Approve:  Warren, Davenport, Gray and DeChant.  Disapprove:  Berryessa, Stevens, Hellmeister, Aufox and Hollen.  Motion is disapproved.

98:05 COMFORMATION COMMITTEE - AWARDS
Motion by Davenport.
I move the following Conformation Committee Motion:

1) Motion by Wendy Summers, seconded by Glenda Stephenson
"Any awards offered in intact Conformation classes must be correspondingly and equally offered in altered Conformation classes, with the exception of special awards listed in Section 6.6."

Yea: Peter Kontos, Wendy Summers, Liz Gibson, Kim Cochran, Rick Gann, Margi Floyd and Glenda Stephenson  Nay: Denise Creelman, Beth Peterson  Non-Voting: Wendy Finsterwald

Comment from Davenport:  The wording in this motion goes at the end of 6.5 where it describes what ribbons/prizes are required.

Directors voting:  Approve:  Aufox, Davenport, Warren, DeChant, Gray and Berryessa.  Disapprove:  Hollen and Stevens.  Abstain:  Hellmeister.  Motion is approved.

00:20  REGISTRY RULES - Sec. 1.1
Motion by Gray, seconded by Davenport.
 
I move to update Section 1.1 - Terminology of the registry rules for DNA-CP and DNA-VP dogs from:

DNA-CP - DNA- Certified Profiled - An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd that has been DNA profiled but at least one of whose parents have not been DNA-profiled.

 

DNA-VP - DNA- Verified Parentage - An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd whose parents have been DNA-profiled.

  to:

DNA-CP ­ DNA- Certified Profiled ­ An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd who has been DNA profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory but at least one of whose parents have not been DNA-profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory.

DNA-VP ­ DNA- Verified Parentage ­ An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd who has been DNA profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory and whose sire and dam have also been DNA-profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory.

Comment:  It needs to be spelled out in no uncertain terms that dogs need to be profiled by ASCA's contracted lab and not any other organization's lab in order to obtain a DNA-CP or DNA-VP.

I move to update Section 1.1 - Terminology of the registry rules for DNA-CP and DNA-VP dogs from:

DNA-CP - DNA- Certified Profiled - An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd that has been DNA profiled but at least one of whose parents have not been DNA-profiled.

DNA-VP - DNA- Verified Parentage - An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd whose parents have been DNA-profiled.

to:

DNA-CP - DNA- Certified Profiled - An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd who has been DNA profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory but at least one of whose parents have not been DNA-profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory.

Should be "in an ASCA approved Lab" above instead of contracted.

DNA-VP - DNA- Verified Parentage - An ASCA registered Australian Shepherd who has been DNA profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory and whose sire and dam have also been DNA-profiled in ASCA's contracted laboratory.

Should be "in an ASCA approved Lab" above instead of contracted.

Comment: It needs to be spelled out in no uncertain terms that dogs need to be profiled by ASCA's contracted lab and not any other organization's lab in order to obtain a DNA-CP or DNA-VP.

Directors voting:  Approve:  Aufox, Davenport, Hellmeister, Warren, Berryessa, DeChant, Gray and Hollen.  Disapprove:  Stevens.  Motion is approved.

98:27  WEBMASTER - Website
Motion by Hollen, seconded by Warren.

Directors voting:  Approve:  Aufox, Hellmeister, Davenport, Warren, DeChant, Gray and Hollen.  Disapprove:  Stevens.  Abstain:  Berryessa.  Motion is approved.

I move to take Maarten's enclosed suggestion and get this project in gear.

Date 12/31/2003                                                                                Estimate number 854

Name / Address                                                                                                        

Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc.

PO Box 3790

Bryan, TX 77805-3790

AgniTEK

505 University Dr. E. Suite 701

College Station, TX 77840

Project                                                           Qty                              Rate                Total

Website: ASCA.org                                          1                                  2,400.00          2,400.00T

Description

Website package includes dynamic ASP.NET pages with AgniTEK Blaze backend. Sections to include current outline, but can easily be modified from editor.

Package includes programming for search engine optimization, custom graphics generation (8 hrs.), and front page (universal) "theme" scripting. Additional interior page layouts may be extra but additional pages using the same theme can be created free of charge. Project also includes up to 2 hours of Blaze training (either onsite (n the BCS area) or by phone), 1 year domain name extension, and 1 year of web hosting. Site will be built in AgniTEK's Blaze content editor for easy, cost free changes. Project will take approximately 2 - 5 weeks.  Customer will provide all copy and stock photos where necessary. This quote covers the initial Blaze installation and configuration. Any additional database work will be quoted separately. Project not to exceed $2,400 plus tax. We accept half payment up front and the balance upon completion.

Subtotal                                                                                                                     $2,400.00

Sales Tax                                                                                                                      $198.00

Total                                                                                $2,598.00

From everyone at AgniTEK, we appreciate you giving us a chance to earn your business. We look forward to serving you.

Approved:

Approved Heather Hawkins to be an ASCA Approved Jr. Showmanship Judge.

Approved adding Liz Gibson to the Education Committee. 
Approved moving from Provisional to Approved Breeder Judge Lisa Cameron and
Gemini Sasson-Brickson