United Schutzhund Clubs of America 2012 General Board Meeting Minutes November 1, Nashville, TN President Lyle Roetemeyer called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM November 1,2012. Roll call was made with 192 delegates present. The first order of business was to approve the minutes of the 2010, and 2011 General Board Meeting(s). President Roetemeyer reiterated no quorum was present at the at the 2011 meeting to approve the 2010 minutes. • The minutes of the General Board meetings of November 4 2010, and November 3,2011 were approved by acclimation Officer’s Reports President’s Report by Lyle Roetemeyer President Roetemeyer suggested a moment of silence in memory of our colleague Butch England who was recently deceased. Empathy was shown for our East Coast Clubs and members recently overcome by Hurricane Sandy. Appreciation was extended to Cumberland Valley Schutzhund Club members, and USCA members who worked to make this a successful National event. President Roetemeyer explained that the 2011 meeting tapes had just arrived, after review, it was noted that there were a lot of missing details of the meeting. The Executive Board did go into executive session with 12 members present to discuss business. It was noted that during the last decade of this administration costs have continued to be cut, funds were utilized to develop, build, and implement new ideas and programs. An official letter was received from the SV documenting that 11 of our judges have passed their probationary period. President Roetemeyer reported his attendance at the WUSV meeting in September, at Ulm, Germany. He noted that the USCA has gained huge support over the years. Our 2012 WUSV Team traveled to Steyr, Austria. The AWDF Team members competed at the FCI IPO Championship in Hungary. The WUSV declaration packet was tabled from 2011 meeting. During that period, new proposals were received; President Roetemeyer suggested it be discussed in Old Business. President Roetemeyer noted that new office space is necessary; our lease is up for renewal in 2 years. It was suggested that actual permanent space be considered. In closing, the President thanked everyone who supported his efforts to lead the organization for the past decade. Vice President’s Report by Craig Groh Vice President Craig Groh thanked Lyle and Debbie Roetemeyer, Cumberland Valley Schutzhund Club, and the volunteers for helping the USCA host this National event. He reported his activities assisting the President to alleviate his demanding role. These activities included: • Representing USCA at various functions and meetings • GEC committee • Youth Committee • AWDF Board Representative • Treasurer of the Schutzhund USA Youth Scholarship Fund • Website development Craig finished his report by stating it was an honor and a privilege to serve as Vice President for the past four years. Interim Secretary’s Report by Marsh Asbury Marsha Asbury reported that during her tenure 22 executive board ballots were processed. She acknowledged the efforts made by the executive board running the daily business of USCA, and thanked everyone for their patience and support. Treasurer’s Report by Sean O’Kane Sean O’Kane reported the revenues for 2012 fiscal year was $548,459 with operating expenses of $443,983. After taxes and other expenses, USCA had a net income, after taxes, of $102,122. With the dues increase, USCA increased assets to $290,887 from last year’s year-end report $189,109. This is an increase of $101,778. Prior to the meeting, each club received the Years Ended (June 2012 and 2011) Financial Statement(s). Sean noted the fiscal years 2005-2012, with increase of net assets from $131,676 to $290,887, demonstrated a total increase of $159,211. Director of Judges Report by Nathaniel Roque • USCA Judges College consists of a total of 29 members • 20 licensed Trial / Performance Judges • 16 are active (2 are probationary) • 3 on personal or medical leave • 1 in suspension • 3 licensed and active breed masters/ judges • 8 apprentice judges • 5 have actively started apprenticeships • 1 apprentice will complete requirements at this championship USCA did not host a Judges College in 2012, to effectively use the budget. The next USCA Judges College is planned for January 2013. This meeting will correlate with the announced RH rule changes and the FCI Judges meeting. This meeting is tentatively scheduled in Las Vegas. The main focus for the 2013 college is to address the inconsistencies and changes reported in trial rules, to conduct a 2013 RH Seminar, and to obtain approval from Walter Hoffman, SV RH Chairman, on licensing our remaining USCA Judges to award the RH title. USCA has scheduled more than 277 events to date. USCA has continued to host more events than twice the total number of all AWDF member clubs combined. Nathaniel encouraged everyone to continue working with the membership, clubs and office to maintain growth and leadership status, as the finest and largest working dog organization in the United States. The immediate goals for the Director of Judges: 1. Publish a new BH written test within the next 3 weeks 2. Resume work on the USCA rulebook, create a member - judge committee to proof read, anticipate Rule Book presented to the EB for approval by late January 3. Conduct the 2013 USCA Judges College, obtain RH certification for the USCA Judges 4. Implement a formal and complete USCA Judges Code of Ethics 5. Update the Judges program to include teaching criteria, judges memorial award Nathaniel spoke in favor of issuing a permanent Judges License for USCA Probationary Judge Warren Jones based on successful completion of his walk along at the 2012 National. Warren successfully completed all requirements last year. Under New Business Nathaniel will announce the 2012 Judges College Memorial Award recipient. In closing, he thanked the Judges College for their continued support, and efforts. National Breed Warden Report by Tim Burke 2012 USCA Sieger Show • Hosted by O. G. Indianapolis and the Sieger Show Committee, held in Indianapolis, Indiana • 352 Entries • USCA Judge Johannes Grewe, females • SV Judge Frank Goldlust, males • USCA Judge Nathaniel Roque, performance • Helpers, Don Yelle and Lionel Madden • The show netted a profit of approximately $24,000. The last four shows have netted over $50,000 Winners of 2012 Sieger Show • USCA Sieger: Odin com Mittelwest II • USCA Siegerin: Putzi von der Dunieschenke • USCA Long Coat Sieger: Bosco vom Bardouille Haus • USCA Universal Sieger: Vandal vom Mittelwest Hosting a USCA National event is a challenge, and requires much help. Special recognition and thanks was extended to Mary Dygert who works all year coordinating the event, USCA office staff Pam, Debbie, and Jodie. Jorry Hendricks-Rhodes who secures the venues and hotels. Nathaniel was commended for his admirable work judging the protection, and noted that each year the dogs have improved. Tim reminded everyone that the SV just implemented at the 2011 Sieger Show, a 5-point system, similar to the 10-point system that USCA has been evaluating by for the last 3 years. 2013 USCA Sieger Show is scheduled May 17-19 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. SV Judge Rudiger Mai will judge males. This is Herr Mai’s last year as an SV judge. The goal of the show committee is to rotate the venues in order for all members have opportunities to enter and attend. In 2014, we have a contract with Purina Farms in St. Louis. For 2015, we have had discussions with several venues in Las Vegas. In 2016, the plan is to host in Eastern US. USCA and WDA sent a combined Team to the WUSV Universal Sieger Show held in Slovenia. Kevin Nance, Thomas Payne, Kris Taylor, and Katharina Oster represented USCA. The Team performed outstandingly taking five of the first thirteen positions. The 2013 competition will be held in Belgium. Tim Burke and Lyle Roetemeyer attended the WUSV meeting, and reported: • 86 member clubs • Each delegate was required to pay 25Euros to attend • Karl Krug received the von Stephanitz Award • Henning Setzer reported on 14 VA females • Rudiger Mai reported on 14 VA Males • 2013 WUSV IPO Championship – No Report • 2014 WUSV IPO Championship • 2015 Championship to be hosted in Finland, last weekend of September • Sieger Show to be hosted in Kassel, Aug 30 to Sept 1, meeting Sept 2 • 2016 WUSV World IPO Championship will not be hosted by South Korea • WUSV meeting held after the World Championships in Steyr, Austria. Approximately 50 representatives present • Dan Yee, GSDCA/WDA reported on World Championship to be held in Philadelphia – WDA staff observed the event staff working in Austria for experience – The date of the World Championship is October 16-20, 2013 – for tracking it is a one hour drive, and will be on cut grass – 129 rooms are blocked at unnamed hotel – The website will be up “soon” In closing, Tim reported his concerns with breed legislation across the United States. We continue to see spay and neuter legislation enacted throughout the US and continue to see State and local governments push for this legislation driven by special interest groups. We must all be involved in this fight. Contact your local politicians and educate them, become an advocate for our breed and sport. AWDF President’s Report by Al Govednik The AWDF currently has 17 member clubs, and 1 guest member club in the federation. A USCA club, OG Landshark, hosted the 2012 AWDF Championship. Al thanked Nate Harves for hosting the event, Judges Piere Walstrum, Igor Lenvarsky, Siem Kwak and Alfred Haupaur. Winning the event was, John Soares. Followed by Team members: Dave Kroyer, Mark Natinsky, Frans Slaman, and Gabor Szilasi. Al congratulated the USCA Team for winning the competition, and Tracy Stowers who won the IPO-FH Competition.