This is a reminder from the USA Helper Committee regarding the proper use of Helpers in all authorized USA Events.

 

There has been some confusion regarding the level of helpers to work events etc.

 

1. All Helpers working a USA Event must be current USA Members and have a Helper Book with a "Classification" noted in the book of "Basic" or higher.

 

2. "Entry" Level Helper may not work events. These are Helpers that are USA Members and have purchased a book, but not attended and passed a seminar/classification.

 

3. "Basic" Level Helpers may only work club level events (not regional championships or nationals)

 

4. "Club" Level Helpers may work club level events and be considered for selection at regional level events.

 

5. "Regional" Level Helpers may work club and regional events and be considered for national events.

 

6. "Teaching" Helpers may teach  as well as work any level of event that they are selected to work.

 

In the event that a club does not have a "classified" helper available to work an event they should contact the Helper Program Director to request a special circumstances waiver to allow the event to proceed.

 

It is the Trial Secretary  and secondly it is the Judges job to verify that the Helper is properly "Classified" to work the event.

 

It is also the Helpers responsibility to know what level event they are allowed to work.

 

Failure to follow the Program rules may lead to unsportsmanlike conduct charges, revocation of the Helpers book or charges against the club.

 

The goal and mission of the helper Program is to improve the quality , education and performance of Trial Helper work at all levels of events. Our committee is here to help and we will support Helpers and Clubs in any way to promote the proper progress of the scheduled event.

Thanks for your continued support of the Helper Program

 

Nathaniel Roque

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    As of November 1, 2007, at USA-sponsored national, regional and club events (performance trials, breed shows, breed surveys, herding trials) there shall be no aggressive training devices (i.e., prong collars, electric collars, etc.) carried by the handler or worn by the dog at any time after the official start of the event within 100 yards of the boundaries of the event stadium/trial field and/or tracking fields as designated by the hosting club. The only collar or tracking harness allowed will be as stipulated in the USA Rulebook or by USA.
    Failure to observe this restriction will result in punitive action: Immediate disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct from the event and possible expulsion from the event site, if deemed necessary. This enforcement shall be the sole responsibility of the judge(s) at the event.
    The official start of a national or regional event is defined as the first official day of any phase of competition and ends with the event’s closing ceremonies.
    The same 100-yard rule will be in effect at club events from the beginning to the end of competition each day.
    During the training/practice phase at all USA-sponsored national, regional, and club events (performance trials, breed shows, breed surveys, herding trials), aggressive training devices will be allowed at the event stadium/trial field and/or tracking fields before the official start of the event, but may not be used there or at any other location to a degree that they could be construed as abusive in any way. This also covers any type of abusive training or behavior inflicted with any type of device or actions, which could be demonstrated by demeanor that shows the dog is under undue stress other than that which comes from normal trialing.
    The training aspect of events such as training seminars of any kind will be the responsibility of the hosting club, and that responsibility must not be taken lightly.

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E-Ballot #20-07 (USA Policy on Training Devices/Methods)
Motion by Nathaniel Roque, seconded by Randall Hoadley, to adopt the following USA policy:

The United Schutzhund Clubs of America promotes safe and humane training methods for dogs. All types of "training devices" or "methods" are accepted by USA when used in a safe and humane manner, and may be used in training and practice up until the official start of a USA event.

 The official start of a USA national event is defined as the “draw,” and the official start of a USA regional or club event is defined as the first day of competition.

In some instances, with prior notification in the event flier, practice time for the event may not be provided and/or training devices used while on the event site may be restricted to the type of chain collar allowed in a trial. If a lead is used in that case, it may only be attached to the dead ring of the collar.

Any USA member who demonstrates unsafe and/or inhumane treatment of a dog during training or practice may be disciplined by USA if another USA member files a complaint of "unsportsmanlike conduct" with the Board of Inquiry and the complaint is found to be valid.

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Hello sport dog enthusiasts,
I would personally like to start by thanking all of the helpers that submitted resumes for consideration, as well as our selection committee.  

The AWDF selection committee, consisting of Nathaniel Roque, Randy Theen, and Mark Przybylski have selected the following helpers to do the helper work at our upcoming championship:

• James Akin-Otiko
• Jim Laubmeier
• Lotus Perkins
• John Bohanek 

Final positions will be assigned on Thursday, March 29, as noted on the schedule for our championship event.

Thank you for all the hard work,

President AWDF