Governing Bodies - in showing and working - Page 1

Some topics go on and on. . . but I was just wondering for the USA, who are the governing bodies that oversee the correctness in the showing (conformation and working) of our dogs? When a site is listed in the catalogue, has this site been approved by anyone? Are there any codes of conduct or requirements of the hosting clubs? At the last club, a Regional, I understood that there were only 3 members active in the club. But a Regional show was held. . . I am sorry to dampen the message board in not being a positive player but I just need to know some basics in what is expected of me as an exhibitor and of the club and of the judges. Is there somewhere where one can find some sort of rules and regulations which all should follow. . .

There are 4 organizations which control show and working rules in the US: the GSDCA (which must follow AKC rules), the GSDCA-WDA which follows all SV rules, the USCA which basically follows SV rules with certain modifications and the DVG-America which does not have shows because it is an all breed club, but does sanction trials. Depending on the affiliation of the club at which you are showing, those will be the rules governing the show or trial. SV rules can be found in the SV Taschenkalendar among other places. There is a translation of the working rules put out by the USCA and also the DVG There are very basic codes of conduct which revolve around the concept of good sportsmanship. Basically, the judge can remove a participant from a show or trial and if the behavior is bad enough, that individual can be banned from trialing or showing for a period of time or even permanently. I know of no rule which says that there must be a certain number of active members before a show or trial can be held. There are a certain number of members necessary to have a club. But members of other clubs can always help with a show or trial. Lastly, you write that you "just need to know some basics in what is expected of me as an exhibitor" Not very much, just sportsmanlike behavior. If you have any questions, the show secretary or trial secretary should be able to answer them.