Southwestern Regional Guidelines
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I – Name, Profit Status, Geographic Area, Division of United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA)
The name of this organization is the Southwestern Region (SWR) of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America, hereinafter referred to as "SWR" or the "Region."
The United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA) is:
- A non-profit, club-based organization whose objective is to “preserve the German Shepherd Dog in accordance with the breed standard as a working dog, to promote humane training methods for the working dog, and to support responsible dog ownership and breeding practices.”
- A member organization of the WUSV (Weltunion der Schaeferhundevereine – World Union of Shepherd Dog Clubs) and the VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen – Dog Society of Germany).
The Southwestern Region (SWR) is a non-profit regional division of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA). The region comprises USCA member clubs in the following geographic areas:
- Arizona
- Southern California (encompassing zip codes starting with 900-935)
- Southern Nevada (Clark County)
ARTICLE II – Compliance with USCA Bylaws, Conflicts
- The SWR shall comply with all USCA Bylaws. Where a conflict exists between USCA Bylaws and SWR Guidelines, the USCA Bylaws shall govern.
- All regional rules must be in compliance with the USCA Constitution and Bylaws and must be filed with the Secretary of USCA.
- Where a conflict exists between SWR Guidelines and local club bylaws on matters pertaining to SWR business (and not conflicting with USCA bylaws), the SWR Guidelines shall govern.
ARTICLE III – Purposes and Activities
As a regional division of USCA, the purposes of the SWR include:
- Preserving the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) according to the breed standard as a working dog.
- Promoting humane training methods for working dogs.
- Supporting responsible dog ownership and breeding practices.
- Promoting Schutzhund/IGP dog training.
- Establishing and promoting Breed Surveys and Conformation events under USCA.
- Developing, qualifying, and licensing local USCA clubs to conduct Schutzhund/IGP trials, breed evaluations, breed surveys, tracking tests, HGH herding trials, endurance tests, helper seminars, and educational programs.
- Encouraging the training of working dogs among youth.
The purpose of these Regional Guidelines is to provide fair and consistent governance of SWR activities, events, and club/member behavior for the benefit of all clubs and members. SWR activities include:
- Conducting the annual Regional Schutzhund/IGP Championship.
- Hosting the annual Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey.
- Holding the annual Regional meeting.
- Supporting SWR clubs in training dogs for Schutzhund/IGP degrees or titles recognized by the WUSV and FCI.
- Promoting Schutzhund/IGP and working dogs among youth and the community.
- Supporting the use of working dogs for search and rescue, police work, customs, guide dogs, scent work, and other roles.
ARTICLE IV – Regional Officers
Regional Officer Positions:
- Regional Director (RD)
- Assistant Regional Director (ARD)
- Regional Breed Warden (RBW)
- Regional Secretary (RS)
- Regional Treasurer (RT)
- Regional Training Director (RTD)
Descriptions of officer positions and duties can be found in the USCA Constitution and Bylaws and under “Regional Policy” in the USCA Rules and Regulations.
Terms of Office: Officers are elected every two (2) years in odd-numbered years.
ARTICLE V – Clubs, Membership, Voting, and Elections
Affiliate Clubs
- Considered apprentice clubs; they must complete qualifications before holding USCA events or voting on the Board of Directors.
- Lack of progress toward full status within two years prompts RD investigation.
Full Member Clubs
- Licensed by USCA to hold trials, evaluations, and other events.
- Must remain current with dues, host at least one sanctioned event annually, and avoid disciplinary actions.
Voting
- Full member clubs in good standing receive one (1) vote at the Regional meeting.
- Affiliated clubs may send a non-voting delegate.
- A quorum is 20% of full member clubs and at least three officers.
Email Ballot Process
- The RD may call for an email vote, allowing one week for ballot return.
- Results are counted by the RS and shared within one week.
Mail Balloting Procedure
- Refer to “Regional Policy” in the USCA Rules and Regulations.
Elections
- Candidates may be nominated by Delegates from full member clubs. Write-in votes are permitted.
- Terms are two years, elected in odd-numbered years.
- Midterm vacancies may be filled by RD appointments or elections as needed.
Annual Meeting
- Held during the Regional Championship. Clubs are notified 30 days in advance.
- “Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure” governs proceedings unless overridden by USCA Bylaws or Regional Guidelines.
Regional Meetings
- Additional regional meetings may be held quarterly, combining in-person and electronic formats for maximum participation.
Electronic Meetings
- Votes may be held through platforms like Zoom. The RS manages secret ballots if required.
ARTICLE VI – Regional Donation, Reimbursements, and Awards, Treasury, and Dues
Regional Reimbursements and Awards
- Annually, up to $1,000 may be provided to the host club to cover expenses for the Regional IGP Championship, Regional Breed Evaluation & Survey, and Regional Educational Seminar.
- Additionally, up to $500 may be allocated to the Regional Director (RD) and Regional Breed Warden (RBW) to offset travel expenses when representing the SW Region at the USCA National IGP Championship (for the RD) or the USA Sieger Show (for the RBW).
Treasury and Dues
- A Regional treasury is maintained, with dues assessed annually and collected alongside the National dues by the USCA Office.
- All regional funds are designated for approved commitments and activities within the region.
ARTICLE VII – Events
Club Events
- USCA-sanctioned events include trials, seminars, evaluations, and endurance tests.
- Clubs must receive event approval from the RD and provide 21-day notice to other clubs.
- Helpers and trial secretaries must be USCA members.
Southwestern Regional IGP Championship Policy
- Detailed guidelines for hosting, bidding, scheduling, and managing the IGP Championship.
Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation & Survey Policy
- Requirements for bidding, conflicting events, and selecting dates and judges for the Breed Evaluation & Survey.
Southwestern Universal Sieger Regulations
- Title recognition for dogs meeting specific performance and breed standards.
Regional Educational Seminars
- Regional Educational Seminars may be organized by the SWR to promote training, education, and knowledge-sharing within the region.
- These seminars are open to all USCA members and aim to enhance skills for trial helpers, handlers, and other participants.
- The seminars are not-for-profit and can be hosted alongside a regional event or as a standalone educational opportunity.
ARTICLE VIII – Amendments to Regional Guidelines
- Guidelines may be amended at the annual Regional meeting by a two-thirds vote.
- Written notice of proposed amendments must be sent 30 days in advance.
ARTICLE IX – Discipline
- The RD has authority to discipline clubs as outlined in the USCA Bylaws and Rules and Regulations.
Southwestern Regional IGP Championship Policy
Amended and Revised (Sep 2024)
(To be voted on @ 2025 Regional Meeting)
Section 1: Annual Championship
In accordance with USCA Rules and Regulations, the Southwestern Region shall conduct an annual Regional IGP Championship.
Section 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 proposed dates, judge, location for each phase, and pertinent details for evaluation. If multiple bids are submitted, a vote will be held to determine the winning bid. If no bids are presented, the Regional Director may establish a reasonable timeframe to seek host clubs, with a regional vote conducted afterward. This vote may be conducted by email ballot.
Section 3: Conflicting Events
No other USCA events within the region may be scheduled during the weekend of the Regional IGP Championship. This includes trials, breeding evaluations, breed surveys, or seminars.
Section 4: Championship Scheduling
The Regional Championship must be scheduled between January 1st and May 31st, considering temperature conditions and available tracking grounds in the SW Region.
Section 5: Event Venue
A stadium is recommended for the event. However, a club field may be used with approval from the Regional Training Director and a supporting vote from the Regional Board.
Section 6: Tracking Requirements
Tracking must occur on natural terrain and must be disclosed in the bid to host the event.
Section 7: Judge Selection
The judge(s) selected for the event will be recommended by the host club but must receive final approval from the Regional Board.
Section 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.
Section 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.
Application Process: The Regional Training Director will request helper applications 90 days before 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 worked at the SW Regional Championship, USCA Nationals, or USCA WDC within the last five years may be exempt from video submission.
Selection and Announcement: Helpers will be selected and announced by the Helper Committee at least 30 days prior to the entry deadline. The protection judge, along with the Helper Committee, will determine helper placement during a tryout before Draw Night, including assignments for IGP 1, 2, and alternates.
Rotation: It is recommended that helpers be rotated annually to ensure different SW Regional Helpers gain opportunities for skill advancement. Helpers must demonstrate safety, skill, and intensity commensurate with a Regional Championship event.
Section 10: Event Funding
The SW Region will support this event with a $1,000 donation. This funding may be used by the host club for various expenses, including stadium rental, helper reimbursement, and judges’ fees. The funds will be provided as seed money to cover initial costs.
Section 11: Host Club Responsibilities
The host club for the IGP3 Championship will:
- Provide flight times before the draw.
- Arrange flights so that competitors who go earliest for A (tracking) go latest for B/C (obedience/protection), and vice versa.
Section 12: Trophy Allocation
- The Regional Champion Trophy will be awarded to the highest-scoring IGP3 Handler/Dog team from the SW Region, provided they achieve a passing score.
- The Auslander Trophy will be awarded to the highest-scoring non-SW Handler/Dog team, provided they achieve a passing score.
Section 13: Final Review
The final review of the trial field setup and equipment must be approved by the Regional Training Director.
Section 14: Eligibility Requirements for Key Roles
The trial secretary, helpers, and tracklayers for Regional Championships must be USCA members in good standing.
Section 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.
SW Regional IGP Championship Trophy Allocation and Award Ceremony Guidelines
(To be voted on @ 2025 Regional Meeting)
This document outlines the structure for awarding trophies and conducting the award ceremony at the SW Regional IGP Championship. The aim is to celebrate the achievements of SW Region (SWR) competitors, aligning with regional preferences while ensuring fair recognition for all participants.
Trophy Allocation
Primary Trophies
- Regional Champion Trophy: Awarded to the highest-scoring SWR competitor on IGP3 level.
- IGP3 1st-5th Place Trophies: Open to all competitors; top SWR competitor separately acknowledged.
- High Obedience (Phase B): Open to all IGP3 competitors; awarded to the competitor with the top score, with special SWR recognition.
- High Protection (Phase C): Open to all IGP3 competitors; awarded to the competitor with the top score, with special SWR recognition.
- High Tracking (Phase A): Open to all IGP3 competitors; awarded to the competitor with the top score, with special SWR recognition.
- High IGP2 Trophy: Open to all competitors; awarded to the highest IGP2 score, with top SWR competitor separately recognized.
- High IGP1 Trophy: Open to all competitors; awarded to the highest IGP1 score, with top SWR competitor separately recognized.
- Top Club Trophy: Awarded to the SWR club with the top two passing scores, prioritizing IGP3. If no club has two IGP3 scores, IGP1 and IGP2 are considered.
Optional Trophies (Based on committee preferences and resources)
- High H.O.T. (Handler/Owner Trained): Open to all competitors; awarded to the highest-scoring dog trained by its handler/owner.
- High Breed Surveyed German Shepherd: Open to all competitors; awarded to the top-scoring surveyed German Shepherd Dog.
- High BHOT (Breeder/Handler/Owner Trained Dog): Open to all competitors; awarded to the top-scoring dog trained by its breeder, handler, and owner.
- Helpers' Choice (Female & Male Dog): Open to all competitors; selected by helpers.
- High Scoring Female Dog: Open to all competitors; awarded to the top-scoring female dog across all categories.
- High Scoring First-Time Handler: Open to all competitors; awarded to the top handler in their first Regional Championship.
- Sportsmanship Award: Open to all competitors; awarded based on peer or judge nominations for exceptional sportsmanship.
- High Scoring Youth Handler: Open to all competitors; awarded to the top handler under 18 years.
Award Ceremony Structure
1. SWR Champion Trophy: Start by presenting the Regional Champion Trophy to the top SWR IGP3 competitor.
2. SWR Distinctions: Announce the highest-placing SWR competitors in each phase/category (Tracking, Obedience, Protection), and any other applicable trophies.
3. General Awards (All Competitors): Present trophies open to all participants. If a non-SWR competitor wins, acknowledge the top SWR competitor verbally.
4. Special Recognitions: Present remaining and optional awards, with emphasis on the top SWR competitors where applicable.
Additional Recognition Methods
- Certificates: “Top SWR Competitor in [Category]” certificates.
- Rosettes/Medals: Distinctive awards for top SWR competitors.
- Scoreboard Highlights: Special markers for top SWR competitors.
- Podium Photos: Dedicated photo opportunities for top SWR teams.
- Online Mentions: Feature top SWR competitors on event platforms.
Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation & Breed Survey Policy
Amended and Revised (Sep 2024)
(To be voted on @ 2025 Regional Meeting)
Section 1: Host Bidding
Full-member regional clubs in good standing may bid to host the Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey for the following year at the annual regional meeting held in conjunction with the Regional IGP Championship.
Section 2: Practice Show Requirement
Any full-member regional club that has never hosted a USCA conformation show, or has not hosted one within the past eight years, must first conduct a practice conformation show before being eligible to host any club show or Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey.
Section 3: Conflicting Events
No other USCA events may be scheduled within the Region on the same weekend as the Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey.
Section 4: Selection of Dates
The date of the Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation is to be chosen by the Host Club and the Regional Breed Warden.
Section 5: Judge Selection
The judge(s) for the event shall be recommended by the Host Club and must receive final approval from the Regional Breed Warden.
Section 6: Helper Selection and Approval
Helpers for the Breed Survey should reside within the SW Region and possess the appropriate "Helper Classification" of club level or higher.
Section 7: Venue and Field Requirements
A stadium is recommended for the event; however, an adequately sized field may be used with approval from the Regional Breed Warden and a supporting vote from the Regional Executive Board.
Section 8: Financial Support
If the Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey is held in a stadium or a venue approved by the Regional Executive Board, the SW Region will provide financial support of up to $1,000.
Section 9: Final Event Review and Approval
The final review of all event materials, including flyers, entry forms, catalogs, setup, show grounds, helpers, judges, and equipment, must be conducted by the Regional Breed Warden.
Section 10: Annual Event Requirement
In accordance with the USCA Rules and Regulations, the SW Region shall hold an annual Breed Evaluation and Breed Survey for the German Shepherd Dog.
Section 11: Regional Sieger/Siegerin Designation
The designation of Regional Sieger and Siegerin can only be awarded to dogs from within the Southwestern Region.
Section 12: Southwestern Universal Sieger/Siegerin Designation
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 is designed to promote German Shepherd Dog breeding in the Southwestern Region of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA), emphasizing both physical qualities and character attributes as the foundation of the true German Shepherd Dog. The program closely follows the USCA (national) and WUSV (international) Universal Sieger rules and regulations.
Section 1: Title Recognition
The SWR will recognize and award a “Southwestern Universal Sieger” or “Southwestern Universal Siegerin (year)” title for German Shepherd Dogs.
Section 2: Eligibility Criteria
All German Shepherd Dogs owned by Southwestern Region residents who are USCA members in good standing are eligible for this title under the following conditions:
- The dog must have a WUSV-recognized pedigree.
- The dog must be breed surveyed.
- The dog must participate in both the Southwestern Regional Championship (IGP3) and the Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation (Working Class) within the same calendar year.
- The dog must receive at least a "G" rating in both the breed evaluation and protection phase of the Regional Championship (with a minimum of 80 points in protection).
Section 3: Title Awarding
The dog achieving the highest combined points across both events will be declared the “Southwestern Universal Sieger” or “Southwestern Universal Siegerin (year).”
Section 4: Point System
The following points will be awarded for Health, Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation, and Southwestern Regional Championship (Sections A-G):
- The maximum obtainable points are 600 (100 for health, 200 for breed evaluation, and 300 for championship performance).
- Only dogs scoring a minimum of 70 points in Sections A, B, D, E, and F, and 80 points in Section C are eligible for the breed ranking.
A. Regional Championship Performance IGP3 – Tracking Phase
Points earned range between 70-100.
B. Regional Championship Performance IGP3 – Obedience Phase
Points earned range between 70-100.
C. Regional Championship Performance IGP3 – Protection Phase
Points earned range between 80-100. A minimum of 80 points is required.
D. Health
HD and ED diagnostic results (from SV-recognized evaluation offices) contribute to the score:
- 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 = A, fast-normal = B, Noch Zugelassen = C
Dogs with lower results are not permitted.
E. Breed Evaluation Rating (Working Class)
The breed evaluation show section is divided by MALES and FEMALES, with each hair variety rated separately in their respective classes.
- The class winner earns 100 points; the second winner earns 98 points, with a two-point reduction for each subsequent placement.
F. Breed Valuation Rating (Working Class)
Breed valuation ratings and corresponding points:
- Excellent/Vorzüglich = 100 Points
- Very Good/Sehr Gut = 90 Points
- Good/Gut = 80 Points
- Sufficient/Genügend = 70 Points
- Insufficient/Ungenügend = 60 Points
- Unsatisfactory = 50 Points (Disqualification)
Only dogs with at least 70 points in Sections A-E and 80 points in Section C are eligible for show ranking.
G. American Bred Dogs
Dogs bred in America receive an additional 5 points added to their total score from Sections A-F.
Section 5: Tie Breaker Process
If a tie occurs, the following priority order will be used:
1. Points from the Southwestern Regional Championship performance.
2. Points from Section C (Protection Phase).
3. Points from Section B (Obedience Phase).
4. Points from Section A (Tracking Phase).
5. Points from Section D (Health).
6. Points from Section F (Conformation Rating/Show Rating).
Section 6: Title Recognition
The titles “Southwestern Universal Sieger” and “Universal Siegerin” hold significant value in the breeding community. Winners will be recognized in the March/April issue of the USCA magazine in the year following their award. The Regional Breed Warden is responsible for creating a one-page ad for the winner(s). The titleholders will receive their trophy at either the Southwestern Regional Championships or the Southwestern Regional Breed Evaluation, depending on which event concludes last within the calendar year.