Southwestern Regional Guidelines (updated on September 5, 2024) to be presented for approval at the 2025 Annual SW Regional Meeting
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I – NAME, PROFIT STATUS, GEOGRAPHIC AREA, DIVISION OF UNITED SCHUTZHUND CLUBS OF AMERICA (USCA)
ARTICLE II – COMPLIANCE WITH USCA BYLAWS, CONFLICTS
ARTICLE III – PURPOSES AND ACTIVITIES
ARTICLE IV – REGIONAL OFFICERS
ARTICLE V – CLUBS, MEMBERSHIP, VOTING AND ELECTIONS
ARTICLE VI – REGIONAL DONATION, REIMBURSEMENTS AND AWARDS, TREASURY AND DUES
ARTICLE VII – EVENTS
ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS TO REGIONAL GUIDELINES
ARTICLE IX – DISCIPLINE
ARTICLE I – Name, Profit Status, Geographic Area, Division of United
Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA)
ARTICLE II – Compliance with USCA Bylaws, Conflicts
ARTICLE III – Purposes and Activities
Consistent with and as a regional division of USCA, the purposes of the SWR are to:
The purpose of these Regional Guidelines is to provide fair and consistence governance of SWR activities, events, and club and member behavior for the benefit of all SWR clubs and members. To achieve its purposes, SWR activities include but are not necessarily limited to the following:
ARTICLE IV – Regional Officers
Descriptions of Regional Officer positions and duties can be found in the USCA Constitution and Bylaws, and under “Regional Policy” in the USCA Rules and Regulations. Further descriptions of the Regional Training Director can be found in USCA’s Helper Program.
Terms of Office: In accordance with the USCA Constitution and Bylaws, regional officer positions are elected every two (2) years in odd-numbered years.
Regional Director (RD): The Regional Director is the regional representative for the SWR to USCA and is responsible for conducting the business of the SWR, including but not limited to:
- Assisting in the development of new clubs in the Region
- Approving trial dates for all clubs in the Region
- Approving and ensuring the processing of Event Authorization Forms (EAFs)
- Representing the SWR to USCA as a member of the Executive Board, including but not limited to voting on matters before the USCA as outlined in the USCA Constitution and Bylaws, and USCA’s approved Regional Policy
- Ensuring adherence to USCA Bylaws and objectives of USCA by all member clubs within the region, and ensuring that SWR is in good standing with USCA
- Acting as an ExOfficio member of all regional committees
- Calling and chairing regional meetings
Assistant Regional Director (ARD): Assistant Regional Directors will assist the Regional Director and learn the duties of the Regional Director’s office. In the event the RD resigns or is incapacitated the ARD shall assume the position of RD for the remainder of the term. If the RD is unable to attend a meeting of either Board of Directors, the ARD may attend in his/her place and shall have a vote on either Board.
Regional Breed Warden (RBW): As described in the USCA Constitution and Bylaws, the RBW will assist the club chosen within their respective region to host the Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey and also serve there as the Chairperson. Additional duties of the RBW include:
- Promoting the development of breed wardens and microchippers in his/her region
- Supervising and training local breed wardens, who report directly to the RBW
- Dispensing and collecting breed paperwork and developing regional breeding statistics
- Keeping regional reports of all breeding activity in the region and presenting results and recommendations at the regional meetings
- Attending and assisting with the USCA Sieger Show
Regional Secretary (RS): The RS is to take the official minutes of all regional meetings and assist the Regional Director with the distribution of minutes and any other information deemed necessary by the RD. The RS will be responsible for implementing a training program for trial secretaries. The RS will also establish a log of those members that have been approved as qualified trial secretaries for each club within their respective region.
Regional Treasurer (RT): The RT will be held accountable for the Regional Treasury and disburse funds for training programs and other regional needs as defined in the Regional Policy.
Regional Training Director (RTD): The RTD is responsible for promoting proper and safe training for trial helpers, training helpers and handlers throughout their region by the use of required educational seminars and organized fun matches. The RTD shall not advertise their office for personal or professional gain. Additional duties of the RTD include but are not limited to:
- Receiving direction from the National Helper Committee with regard to the required educational Teaching Helper Program
- Working directly with the National Youth Director to help implement all youth training programs on a regional and local level
- Establishing a line of communication to assist new clubs and their Training Directors
- Serving as Regional Liaison to the Helper Program director
- Soliciting Regional clubs and the Region’s members to determine the needs of regionally- sponsored Educational Seminars
- Administering (1) regionally-sponsored Educational Seminar each year
ARTICLE V – Clubs, Membership, Voting and Elections
Affiliate clubs
Full Member Clubs
Voting
Email Ballot Process for the Region
Mail Balloting Procedure
The full procedure for mail balloting can be found under “Regional Policy” in the USCA Rules and Regulations.
Elections
Annual Meeting
Regional Meetings
In addition to the Annual meeting for officer elections, the SWR Board may arrange additional regional meetings throughout the year. These meetings will ideally combine in-person and electronic formats to maximize participation. The goal of these meetings is to provide a quarterly forum for discussing the ongoing implementation of regional event plans, addressing any concerns, voting on necessary matters, and fostering community learning and collaboration. The Regional Board will announce these meetings with at least 30 days' notice and strongly encourages attendance from all clubs. Business and voting can only take place if a quorum is met, as specified in the “Voting” section. It is recommended that these meetings be held in person, with electronic access available whenever possible, ensuring that ALL delegates have the opportunity to vote, regardless of their method of participation.
Electronic Meetings
a. Voting may also be done through Electronic Media Platforms when meetings are being hosted in this manner (such as GoToMeeting, Zoom or other electronic platforms). If the issue to be voted on is to be done by “secret” ballot, the Secretary can identify in advance how s/he will conduct that vote. If the business to be conducted is typically a public vote, that may be conducted directly on the media at the time of the meeting and does not require an email ballot. (RM – 8/2021)
b.
Further information on elections can be found under “Regional Policy” in the USCA Rules and
Regulations.
ARTICLE VI – Regional Donation, Reimbursements and Awards, Treasury
and Dues
Regional Reimbursements and Awards
Treasury and Dues
The SWR shall establish a Regional treasury.
ARTICLE VII – Events
Club Events
Regional IGP Championship
1. Annual Championship
In accordance with USCA Rules and Regulations, the Southwestern Region shall conduct an annual Regional IGP Championship.
2. Bidding to Host the Championship
Full-member regional clubs in good standing may bid to host the Regional IGP Championship for the following year at the annual regional meeting held in conjunction with the Regional IGP Championship. Bids must be submitted in writing and include the proposed dates, judge, location for each phase, and any other pertinent information to assist member clubs in evaluating the bids. If multiple bids are submitted, a vote will be held at the regional meeting to determine the winning bid. If no bids are presented, the Regional Director may establish a reasonable timeframe to seek host clubs for the event. A regional vote will be conducted at the end of this period, which may be done via email ballot.
3. Conflicting Events
No other USCA events may be scheduled within our Region during the weekend of the Regional IGP Championship. This includes trials, breeding evaluations, breed surveys, or seminars.
4. Championship Scheduling
The Regional Championship must be scheduled between January 1st and May 31st, taking into account temperature conditions and available tracking grounds in the SW Region.
5. Event Venue
While a stadium is recommended for the event, a club field may be used with the approval of the Regional Training Director and a supporting vote from the Regional Board.
6. Tracking Requirements
Tracking must occur on natural terrain and must be disclosed in the bid to host the event.
7. Judges Selection
The judge(s) selected for the event will be recommended by the host club but must receive final approval from the Regional Board.
8. Minimum Entry Requirements
The event must accommodate a minimum entry of 24 dogs for a one-judge, two-day event. It is recommended that the Championship event have no entry limit; if necessary, two or more judges should be scheduled, extending the event to three days.
9. Trial Helpers
• Trial helpers for this event should reside within the SW Region and possess the appropriate “Helper Classification” to work at a Regional Championship. If no qualified helpers apply, the Helper Committee - comprising the Regional Director, Regional Training Director, Host Club representative, and Assistant Regional Director - may seek helpers from outside the region.
• The Regional Training Director will request helper applications 90 days prior to the trial. Applications should include an unedited IGP3 routine (may include multiple videos), a bio, and the last five trial pages scanned from the helper book. Helpers who have previously worked at the SW Regional Championship, USCA Nationals, or USCA WDC within the last five years may be exempt from submitting a video for evaluation. Helper applications will close six weeks before the close of entries.
• The helpers will be selected and announced by the Helper Committee at least 30 days prior to the entry deadline. The Helper Committee will communicate their decisions regarding the selection of the four helpers. The protection judge, along with the Helper Committee, will determine the placement of the helpers during a tryout prior to Draw Night. Placement will consist of two IGP 3 helpers - one for the front half and one for the back half. The judge will also designate one helper for the IGP 1 and 2 and select one alternate.
• It is recommended that helpers be rotated annually to ensure that different SW Regional Helpers gain opportunities to advance their experience and skills. Above all, helpers selected for the Championship must demonstrate safety, skill, and intensity commensurate with a Regional Championship event.
10. Event Funding
The SW Region will support this event with a donation of $1,000.00. This funding may be used by the Host Club for various expenses, including stadium rental, helper reimbursement, judges’ fees, etc. These funds will be provided to the club as “seed money” to cover initial costs.
11. Host Club Responsibilities
The host club for the IGP 3 Championship will:
• a. Provide flight times prior to the draw.
• b. Organize the flights so that competitors who go earliest for A (tracking) go latest for B/C (obedience/protection), and vice versa.
12. Final Review
The final review of the trial field setup and equipment must be approved by the Regional Training Director.
13. Trophy Allocation
• Only the top-placing IGP3 level Handler/Dog team from the SWR will be eligible to receive the Regional Champion Trophy.
• Handler/Dog teams from outside the SW region will only be eligible for the Auslander Trophy regardless of relative trial score placement.
14. Eligibility Requirements for Key Roles
The trial secretary, helpers, and tracklayers for Regional Championships must be USCA members in good standing.
15. Additional Details
Further details of the Regional IGP Championship can be found under “Regional Policy” and “Trial Procedures” in the USCA Rules and Regulations.
Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey
1. Full-member regional clubs in good standing may bid to host the Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey for the following year at the annual regional meeting held in conjunction with the Regional IGP Championship. Bids must be submitted in writing and include the proposed dates, judge, location, and any other pertinent information to assist member clubs in evaluating the bids. If multiple bids are submitted, a vote will be held at the regional meeting to determine the winning bid. If no bids are presented, the Regional Director may establish a reasonable timeframe to seek host clubs for the event. A regional vote will be conducted at the end of this period, which may be done via email ballot.
2. Any full member regional club who has never hosted a USCA conformation show or who has not hosted a conformation show and breed survey within the past 8 years from the date of their planned show must first do a practice conformation show before being able to host any club show or Regional breed Evaluation and a Breed Survey. The event must be organized and run like an actual breed evaluation and breed survey with all the necessary paperwork, a minimum of 10 dogs (rev 3/2019@regional meeting) shall be entered, etc.. The Regional Breed Warden, Regional Director or USCA Conformation Judge appointed by the Regional Director should officiate the practice show so that the club can be evaluated as to its understanding and ability of hosting the actual event and they are the ones who give the go ahead to set up an actual event.
3. Conflicting Events. No other USCA events may be scheduled within our Region for the weekend of the Regional breed Evaluation and Breed Survey. An exception may be granted for a trial or seminar to be held in conjunction with the Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey.
4. The date of the Regional Breed Evaluation is to be chosen by the Host Club and the Regional Breed Warden.
5. The Judge or Judges selected for the event will be recommended by the Host Club but must receive final approval from the Regional Breed Warden.
6. The Helpers for the Breed Survey should reside within the SW Region and possess the correct “Helper Classification” of club or above. Helpers for this event will be recommended by the Host Club but must receive final approval from the Helper Committee- comprising the Regional Director, Regional Training Director, Host Club representative, and Assistant Regional Director. Helpers must be available for a practice session for all dogs that are being Breed Surveyed. At all times helpers selected for the Breed Survey must display the safety, skill, and intensity indicative of a Regional Breed Survey.
7. A stadium is recommended for the event, but in lieu of a stadium an adequate size field may be used with the approval of the Regional Breed Warden and supported by a vote of the Regional Executive Board.
8. If the Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey is held in a stadium or a venue approved by the Regional Board, the SW region will support this event with a $1,000.00. This money may be used by the Host Club as they see fit, ie. stadium rental, helper reimbursement, judge’s fees etc. These monies will be paid to the club as ‘seed money’ to assist with upfront costs.
9. Final review of the flyers, entry forms, catalogs, set up, show grounds, helpers, judges, equipment and all other aspects of the Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey must be approved by the Regional Breed Warden. The Regional Breed Warden will assist the Host Club of the Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey and serve as the Event Chairperson.
10. In accordance with the USCA Rules and Regulations, the SWR shall hold an annual Breeding Evaluation and Breed Survey for the German Shepherd Dog.
11. The designation of Regional Sieger and Siegerin can only be awarded to dogs from within the Southwestern Region. A dog from outside the region may still take V1 placement and first place, but only the highest-placing dog and bitch from within the region may receive the award and designation of “Regional Sieger/Siegerin”.
12. The designation of Southwestern Universal Sieger and Siegerin can only be awarded to dogs from within the Southwestern Region.
Southwestern Universal Sieger Regulations
(Approved@2024 SWR Meeting)
This program has been designed to promote the German Shepherd Dog breeding in the Southwestern Region of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), addressing both physical qualities as well as character attributes as the foundation of the true German Shepherd Dog. This program closely follows the USCA (national) and the WUSV (international) Universal Sieger rules & regulation.
1. The SWR Region will recognize and award a “Southwestern Universal Sieger, or Southwestern Universal Siegerin (year)” as a title for German Shepherd Dog.
2. All German Shepherd Dogs owned by a resident of the Southwestern Region who are members in good standing of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America are eligible to receive this title under the following conditions:
- The dog must have a WUSV recognized pedigree.
- The dog must be breed surveyed.
- The dog must be shown at the Southwestern Regional Championship
(for IGP3) and in the Southwestern Regional Breeding Evaluation (in the Working Class) in the same calendar year.
- The dog must be pronounced and at least G at the Southwestern Regional Breeding Evaluation.
- The dog must be pronounced with a minimum of 80 points in protection and at least G score overall at the Southwestern Regional Championship.
3. The dog receiving the highest number of points combined in both events will be declared as the Southwestern Universal Sieger or Southwestern Universal Siegerin (year).
4. The following points will be awarded for Health, the Southwestern Regional Breeding Evaluation, and the Southwestern Regional Championship (sections A-G):
The maximum points to be obtained are 600 (100 for health, 200 for breed evaluation, 300 for regional championship performance). Only dogs who scored at least 70 points in sections A, B, D, E, & F and 80 points in section C can take part in the breed ranking.
A. Regional Championship Performance IGP3
-Tracking Phase
-Points earned between 70-100
B. Regional Championship Performance IGP3
- Obedience Phase
- Points earned between 70-100
C. Regional Championship Performance IGP3
- Protection Phase
- Points earned between 80-100
- Must earn minimum 80 points in protection
D. Health
-The results of the HD and ED diagnostics (only accepted from SV
recognized evaluation offices) shall be included in the rating list.
* HD: A/ED: A = 100 Points
* HD: A/ED: B or HD: B/ED: A = 95 Points
* HD: B/ED: B = 90 Points
* HD: A/ED: C or HD: C/ED: A = 80 Points
* HD: B/ED: C or HD: C/ED: B = 75 Points
* HD C/ED: C = 70 Points
* a-normal = 8, fast-normal = B, Noch Zugelassen = C
- Dogs who obtained lower results are not permitted.
E. Breed Evaluation Rating Working Class
- The show section shall be rated according to the classes and be divided by MALES and FEMALES. Both hair varieties are presented and rated in their respective classes. The breed show is held according to the requirements of the GHKL working dog classes (WUSV Breeding Program).
- The class winner shall be awarded 100 Points, the second winner 98 Points, etc. (with a downgrading of two points for each of the next following ranking).
F. Breed Evaluation Rating Working Class
- In addition, breed valuations are offered. The ranking is carried out as follows:
* Excellent/Vorzuglich = 100 Points
* Very good/Sehr gut = 90 Points
* Good/Gut = 80 Points
* Sufficient/Genugend = 70 Points
* Insufficient/Ungenugend = 60 Points
* Unsatisfactory = 50 Points Disqualification
- Only dogs who scored at least 70 points in Section A to E and 80 points in section C can take part in the show ranking.
5. American Bred Dogs
- Those dogs bred in America will have 5 points added to their total earned in Sections A-F.
If there is a tie breaker necessary, the points received from the performance in the Southwestern Regional Championship will dominate the other points. If an additional tie breaker is necessary, the points received from C, Southwestern Regionals Performance (protection phase) will dominate. If an additional tie breaker is necessary, the points received from B. Southwestern Regionals Performance (obedience phase) will dominate. If an additional tie breaker is necessary, the points received from A. Southwestern Regionals Performance (tracking phase) will dominate. If an additional tie breaker is necessary, the points received from D. Health will dominate. If an additional tie breaker is necessary, the points received from F. Conformation Rating, show rating will dominate. The Southwestern Universal Sieger and Siegerin (year) are important titles for our breeding. The Southwestern Universal Sieger and Universal Siegerin will be recognized in the March/April issues of the USCA magazine within the following year of winning the award. The Regional Breed Warden is responsible for creating a one-page ad for the winner(s). The Southwestern Universal Sieger and Universal Siegerin will receive a trophy at the award of the Southwestern Regional Championships or Southwestern Regional Breeding Evaluation, whichever event concludes the other within the same calendar year.
Regional Educational Seminars
a. Regional Educational Seminars may be held in conjunction with a regional event or as a free- standing event.
b. The SWR Board has the capacity to spend up to $1000 (one thousand dollars) for this event.
c. The Regional Educational Seminar must be a not-for-profit event, and must be offered to all USCA members to participate.
Further details on the Regional Educational Seminar may be found under “Regional Policy” in the
USCA Rules and Regulations.
ARTICLE VIII – Amendments to Regional Guidelines
a. The proposed changes must be specific.
b. If amendments to specific articles of these Regional Guidelines are proposed in compliance with this provision in Article VIII.3, further amendments may be made from the floor of the Regional meeting for that respective article.
ARTICLE IX – Discipline
1. The Regional Director has the authority to discipline a club as outlined in the USCA Bylaws and USCA Rules and Regulations. This may include withholding or withdrawing Event Authorizations for clubs not in compliance with USCA Bylaws or rules, and dropping a full member club to affiliate status.
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