GSMDCA Recognized Clubs Guidelines

Final: October 2004

Introduction

Definitions

Benefits of GSMDCA Recognition

• Listing of club and club contacts on the GSMDCA webpage.
• Priority over non-recognized clubs or individuals in hosting the annual GSMDCA National Specialty and three annual GSMDCA Regional Specialties. GSMDCA will sponsor a trophy at each National Specialty and each of the three Regional Specialties. GSMDCA will do its best to avoid scheduling conflicts between recognized club specialty shows and the GSMDCA national and regional specialties.
• GSMDCA sanctioning of specialties and supported entries. Clubs seeking GSMDCA approval of either a specialty show or supported entry must file completed paperwork with the Recognized Clubs Coordinator at least six weeks in advance of either the deadline established by the AKC-affiliated club hosting the show or, in the case of stand-alone specialties not held in conjunction with an AKC-affiliated host club, the AKC filing deadline. The recognized club is responsible for any and all fees levied by the AKC for late, incomplete or improper paperwork.
• Representation on the GSMDCA Recognized Clubs Committee. Each recognized club may recommend a liaison to represent the club on the Recognized Clubs Committee. The GSMDCA and the recognized club must agree on the appointment of the liaison to serve on the Recognized Club Committee. All Recognized Club Committee members must be GSMDCA members.
• The GSMDCA Corresponding Secretary will provide referrals to the recognized club in response to inquiries from individuals within the recognized club's geographic area.
• Calendar coordination. Clubs are encouraged to work together to coordinate events and submit scheduled events to the Recognized Clubs Coordinator. The calendar of events will be published on the GSMDCA Webpage. Should there be a calendar conflict for a GSMDCA sponsored event which would result in events competing for participants the club that has held a recurring event on the same weekend each year will take priority over a newer event. An older club will take priority over a newly recognized club and a regional club will take priority over a code of ethics club.
• The GSMDCA will provide to recognized clubs, on request, mailing labels of GSMDCA members for use in marketing recognized club events. In turn, recognized clubs will encourage members to join the GSMDCA.
• Inclusion in the regional club news section of the GSMDCA quarterly publication, The SENNtinel.
• One free full-page advertisement in two issues of the SENNtinel to announce specialty shows. Clubs may purchase up to two additional pages annually for specialty shows or GSMDCA approved working events at one-half the regular rate.
• Use of GSMDCA weight pull harnesses for sanctioned weight pulls.
• Insurance coverage for some events (contact the GSMDCA Treasurer for details). Recognized clubs are, however, encouraged to purchase insurance policies.
• The GSMDCA recording secretary will keep the Recognized Clubs Coordinator apprised of all motions or any issues affecting the recognized clubs.

Requirements for GSMDCA Recognition

• Be open to owners of Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs and, through associate memberships, those wishing to learn more about the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.
• Have elected officers (as opposed to appointed officers).
• Be in existence for at least one year; formation date to be considered the first recorded club meeting.
• Have bylaws that closely follow the intent of the GSMDCA bylaws (code of ethics clubs excepted).
• Chairs of GSMDCA sponsored events must be members in good standing with the GSMDCA.
• Use existing AKC and GSMDCA titles for dogs and not create additional titles.
• Support the GSMDCA health database by promoting survey completion amongst club members.

Procedures for GSMDCA Recognition

• Name of club and the primary geographic region represented.
• Contact information for the person filing the application.
• An up-to-date copy of the club's constitution and bylaws.
• Specify whether the club is planning to obtain AKC accreditation as a local specialty club.
• A current list of officers and board members with addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.
• A copy of the current membership list designating full and associate members.

GSMDCA Recognized Clubs Coordinator

• Chair the GSMDCA Recognized Clubs Committee.
• Maintain a roll of recognized clubs, along with their respective constitution and bylaws, membership roster, and elected officers and boards.
• Maintain a calendar of recurring events hosted by recognized clubs.
• Distribute a list of current GSMDCA committee chairs with contact information to recognized club liaisons on an annual basis.
• Make recommendations to the GSMDCA board of directors on all matters relative to recognized clubs including a calendar of events.