Standing Rules
DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA, INC., STANDING RULES & POLICIES
(Date after the standing rule indicates where in the minutes it can be found.
B=Board adopted M=Membership adopted)
Absolute is a competition held for the winners of all regular classes at an AKC licensed or member dachshund field trial. It may be awarded at any field trial that offers both Open All Age and Field Champion stakes. The running procedure for Absolute shall be at the discretion of the field trial committee and shall be specified in the premium list. Bitches that are in season, as determined by the field trial committee, are ineligible for Absolute if there are any male class winners competing. Absolute may be withheld for lack of merit but not for lack of competition. The AKC criteria for eligibility to judge is defined in “Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Dachshunds”, Chapter 5, and shall be applied to the selection of judges for Absolute. The judges for Absolute may either be advertised in the premium list or selected the day of the trial by the field trial committee. (10/2017) (B)
TREASURER
Tax auditing: DCA will use a non-member CPA to do the taxes annually. (02/08/97) (B)
Expenditures: Any expenditure over $25.00 must have the original receipt turned for reimbursement. The Archivist is an exception. (02/08/97) (B)
Show revenue: Beginning with the year 2004 all revenue received from the show superintendent or show secretary from the DCA National Specialty be sent directly to the DCA treasurer. (11/02/03) (B)
Sponsorship money: All sponsorship money from the DCA National Specialty is to be paid directly to the DCA treasurer; DCA’s percentage will be used exclusively for show expenses. (03/14/04) (B)
Check signatures: The DCA President is authorized to sign checks if the Treasurer is unable to sign the checks. (10/14/17) (B)
Ways and Means: Net proceeds from the DCA Ways and Means will go to DCA Health and Welfare. (1/27/19) (B)
SECRETARIES
Minutes: The Recording Secretary is to mail the board meeting minutes electronically to all board members. Board members will review the minutes and return any corrections to the Secretary within a three (3) week period. Approval requires 100% response without changes from board members. If there are no corrections with 100% response, the minutes will be published pending approval. Any correction will nullify the minutes’ being printed as pending approval. (1/18/03) (B)
Breeder Complaint from non-DCA Member: If the DCA Breeder Referral Chair receives a complaint about a DCA-member breeder from a non-DCA member, the corresponding secretary will notify the breeder there was a complaint made. (04/09/15) (B)
Mailings: DCA may use a professional mailing service for all Membership mailings. (04/27/97) (B)
BREEDER REFERRAL
Phone line: DCA pays for installation and maintains a separate phone line for the Breeder Referral Chairperson. (04/27/97) (B)
Club contacts: The Breeder Referral Chair will give inquirers the name of the local club contact and the names of DCA members in the same geographical area who have requested to be on the referral list. Members must specify the variety of puppies they breed. (1/31/98) (B)
NEWSLETTER
Versatility winner: Owners of dachshunds receiving a versatility title from DCA will be given a free, one-time page of advertising in the DCA Newsletter for the dog that received the title. (07/01/01) (B)
Memorials: Memorials for DCA members (full page ad) will be charged 50% of the cost of an ad placed in the DCA Newsletter. (01/27/19) (B)
Editorials will be free of charge. (06/17/00) (B)
Newsletter Cover: The qualification for a DCA Newsletter cover shall include a dog that achieves an AKC Triple Championship OR becomes a 7-Way titled dog. The 7-Way titled dog is defined as achieving the following: (1) Mandatory – Bench Championship, Field Championship and titles in Earth Dog, Obedience, and Agility and (2) Two of the following: Titles in Rally, Trick Dog, Scent Work, Tracking and/or CAT. (1/26/19) (B)
AKC Lifetime Achievement: Any DCA member who has been nominated or selected for an AKC Lifetime Achievement Award will be listed on the DCA Website and in the DCA Newsletter. (10/27/12) (B)
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Chair of this committee will have served on the Board for at least one year before being assigned this duty. (10/25/14) (B)
The biographical profiles of the individuals who are nominated must accompany the signed letter of acceptance of each candidate. (2/9/02) (B)
In submitting a biography, it is required that the candidate state all current dog clubs / dog organizations to which he or she belongs and any office held in such club / organization. The words required to state this are not included in the specified word limit. (5/19/11) (B)
JUDGES’ MENTORING PROGRAM
The Judges Education Committee is responsible for designating parent club approved mentors. It shall develop a form as the first step in the process for a member to become a parent club approved mentor. The minimum requirements to be a mentor are:
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Bred and exhibited dachshunds for at least ten years.
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If a judge, you must have been in regular status for dachshunds for at least ten years.
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Attend a Judges Education Seminar at the National Specialty within the past three years.
The completed form should be sent with the applicant’s resume to the Judges Education Coordinator. The Judges Education Committee may wish to interview candidates at the next National Specialty. Based on the applicant’s experience and possible interview, the Committee will either accept or reject the applicant as a mentor.
LOCAL SPECIALTY CLUB JUDGES
DCA will not give approval to breeders who are not AKC licensed or AKC approved visiting judges to judge local dachshund club specialties. (5/18/22) (B).
Any club hosting a DCA event who receives a fine from AKC for filing late, will be fined by DCA the amount of the fine AKC imposes plus $50.00 for a first offense, $100.00 for a second offence and after a third offense the offending club will be fined $150.00 and privileges will be revoked to hold future DCA events until the club obtains DCA Board approval to hold a DCA event. (10/25/2014) (B)
OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
DCA will offer an annual Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. The award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition for:
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Making a difference in the sport of purebred dachshunds
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Embodying the AKC Code of Sportsmanship
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Being an active and valued member of DCA
DCA’s Outstanding Sportsmanship Award is based on these principles and additional criteria that the DCA Outstanding Sportsmanship Award current committee believes are important for creating and maintaining a strong culture of good sportsmanship within the dachshund community.
Presentation of an annual DCA Outstanding Sportsmanship Award trophy in conjunction with the AKC Sportsmanship Award medallion at the DCA Annual Awards Banquet shall be solely at DCA’s discretion.
To nominate a DCA member for this award, members in good standing will submit essays explaining why this person should be considered. Criteria for this award has been duplicated from the AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. Ballots, criteria, and where to submit a nomination will be posted on the DCA website. Award will be presented at the National Specialty Annual Banquet Dinner. (B) (Sept 2021)
TOP PRODUCERS MERIT PROGRAMS
REGISTER OF MERIT ( R.O.M.)
Dogs: Sire at least ten (10) champion get.
Bitches: Produce at least four (4) champions.
REGISTER OF MERIT EXCELLENT (R.O.M.X.)
Dogs: Sire at least ten (10) champion get. At least two (2) of these champions have achieved one (1) of the qualitative requirements.
Bitches: Produce at least four (4) champions. At least one (1) of these champions have achieved one (1) of the qualitative requirements.
REGISTER OF MERIT OUTSTANDING (R.O.M.O.)
Dogs: Sire at least twenty (20) champion get. At least four (4) of these champions have achieved one (1) of the qualitative requirements.
Bitches: Produce at least eight (8) champions. At least two (2) of these champions have achieved one (1) of the qualitative requirements.
QUANTITATIVE REQUIREMENTS
Champions are considered to be A.K.C. confirmed conformation, field, and obedience titles. An individual dog may only count as one champion, even if a multiple title holder.
Group 1 at an A.K.C. All-Breed Show
BOV, BOB, or BOS to Breed at a Specialty Show
WD, WB, BOV, BOS at DCA Host Specialty Show
WD, WB, BOV, BOS, Select Dog or Select Bitch, Award of Merit at a DCA National Specialty Show
Absolute Winner of a field trial
High in Trial at an AKC All-Breed Obedience Trial
MERITORIOUS PRODUCERS OF THE PAST
Hall of Fame recognition will be given to any dog born before 1991 and not in the ROM program which meets the criteria set by the ROM program. All get must have finished their championship title prior to the inception of the ROM program. The criteria are dogs must have 10 Champion get and bitches must have 4 Champion get. The program will be called “Meritorious Producers of the Past.” A list of these dogs, including the owner(s) name(s) will be published in The Newsletter annually. 10/27/2012 (B)
DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA MERIT AWARDS PROGRAM
The DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA recognizes the dogs, breeders, and owner/handlers for outstanding performance in a calendar year at the Annual Dinner.
To receive a plaque for TOP TEN recognition the owner (the first name listed on the dog’s registration) NOT co-owner, must be a DCA member at the time the dog qualifies for the award. A certificate of recognition will be given to the #1 dachshund if the owner is not a DCA member.
The following will receive plaques for their awards:
NATIONAL SPECIALTY: Breeders of the BEST OF VARIETY winners at the National Specialty who meet the membership requirements.
CONFORMATION: #1 dog or #1 bitch for EACH coat. Certificates will be presented to the #1 through #10 dogs.
OBEDIENCE: #1 Obedience Dog. Certificates will be presented to the #1 through #10 dogs.
FIELD TRIAL: #1 Field Trial Dog. Certificates will be presented to the #1 through #10 dogs.
AGILITY: #1 Agility Dog. Certificates will be presented to the #1 through #10 dogs.
JUNIOR HANDLER: #1 Junior Handler. Certificates will be presented to the #1 through #10 Juniors.
TOP PRODUCER: #1 Stud Dog and #1 Brood Bitch for EACH coat. Certificates will be presented to the other dogs and bitches who meet the criteria.
OWNER/HANDLER: #1 Owner/Handler in EACH coat. Certificates will be presented to the #1 through #10 Owner/Handlers.
DCA VERSATILITY: Each Versatility Dog and Bitch who meet the ownership criteria.
In the event of a tie, duplicate awards will be presented. (For example: A tie for second place, duplicate awards for 2nd place, no award for 3rd place, next award is for 4th place.)
CONFORMATION: AKC supplies point tabulation. The dog that wins BEST OF OPPOSITE SEX points is also included. This tabulation is also supplied by AKC.
OBEDIENCE TRIALS: TOP TEN OBEDIENCE is based on the First and Foremost points a dog earns in a calendar year, with a certain number of points being credited for each qualifying score earned. The more times a dog earns qualifying scores, the more points the dog accumulates. Dogs in Open and Utility will earn these points every time they qualify; dogs in Novice will only accumulate points toward the DCA OBEDIENCE TOP TEN for 60 days after they earn their COMPANION DOG title. Qualifying scores in non-regular and optional titling classes do not earn any TOP TEN Points; only scores in Novice, Open and Utility count toward the DCA OBEDIENCE TOP TEN.
Score: First and Foremost Points:
170 – 174.5 1
175 – 179.5 2
180 – 184.5 3
185 – 189.5 4
190 – 194.5 5
195 – 198.5 6
199 – 199.5 7
200 8
AGILITY TOP TEN: The more times a dog earns qualifying scores, the more points the dog accumulates. The number of points earned depends on the dog’s score, the level of the class in which the score was earned, and whether the dog is running in standard height classes or preferred classes. Since dogs get both extra time and a lower jump height in the latter, making it easier for the dog to qualify, preferred scores do not receive as many points toward the DCA AGILITY TOP TEN as scores from standard height classes.
Regular Height (including FAST) Class Scoring
Novice Regular Score x 80%
Open Regular Score x 90%
Excellent Regular Score x 100%
Preferred (including FAST) Class Scoring
Novice Preferred (Score x 80%) x 75%
Open Preferred (Score x 90%) x 75%
Excellent Preferred (Score x 100%) x 75%
FIELD TRIAL TOP TEN: DCA Membership requirements for FIELD TRIAL TOP TEN Awards will be in accordance with current policy as determined by the DCA Board for DCA Merit Award programs. Only those points earned for placements in the Field Champion stakes at AKC licensed or member trials will count toward the DCA FIELD TRIAL MERIT AWARDS. Points are tabulated using Delany System + 1 for first through fourth place, based on the number of starters. In the case of ties, dogs will receive the same place award, with the next place(s) being skipped. A minimum of two placements in Field Champion stakes during the award year are required to earn an award.
BEST JUNIOR HANDLERS: The TOP TEN JUNIOR HANDLERS will be determined by the number of JUNIORS defeated at the shows. AKC tabulations will be used to calculate the standings of the JUNIORS.
TOP PRODUCERS: The TOP PRODUCERS, dog and bitch, will be determined by the total number of get to earn their Conformation Championships within the year. AKC tabulations will determine the new Conformation Champions of record. Males who produce five Conformation Champions and Females who produce Conformation Champions are included.
OWNER-HANDLED SYSTEM: The TOP TEN OWNER-HANDLERS will be determined by AKC tabulations.
All Awards are based on tabulations from January 1ST through December 31ST.
AWARD STATISTICS
Eligibility: Every dachshund is eligible to receive a Top Ten Award Certificate regardless of DCA membership.
Plaque: The number one position in each top ten award categories will receive a plaque for Top Ten recognition or Versatility, providing the first owner listed on the dog’s registration is a DCA member at the time the dog qualifies for the award. A Certificate of Recognition will be given to the #1 dachshund if the owner is not a DCA member. (1/18/2003) (B)
Method of tabulation:
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Top Producers: The Top Producer, dog and bitch, will be determined by the total number of get to earn a conformation championship within the award calendar year. The AKC Awards will be used to determine the new champions of record.
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Conformation Top Ten: Winners will be calculated using the AKC dogs-defeated points statistics. 3/27/07 (B)
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Obedience tabulation: The Schuman ranking system for computing obedience merit points for all dachshunds that compete in obedience events will be used. The DCA system differs from the Schuman only in that the DCA system includes scores earned in Novice. Novice scores, however, are counted in the DCA system only if they are earned within 60 days of completion of the Novice title. The Schuman system, as it is used by “Front and Finish,” includes scores only from Open and Utility as these are the more difficult classes. Using the Schuman system, each time a dog competes and earns a qualifying score (170+) it accumulates points. The better the performance, the more points the dog earns. The system reflects the quality of the work a dog and handler do in the ring without regard to placements, high-in-trial or high-combined standings. The point system follows:
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170 – 174.5 1 Point
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175 – 179.5 2 Points
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180 – 184.5 3 Points
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185 – 189.5 4 Points
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190 – 194.5 5 Points
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195 – 197.5 6 Points
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198 – 199.5 7 Points
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200- 8 Points
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Field Trial Top Ten: DCA Membership requirements for Awards will be in accordance with current policy as determined by the DCA Board for DCA Merit Award Programs. Only those points earned for placements in the Field Champion stakes at AKC licensed or member trials will count towards the DCA FIELD TRIAL MERIT AWARDS. Points are tabulated using the Delaney System + 1 for first through fourth places, based upon the number of starters. In the case of ties, dogs will receive the same place award, with the next place(s) being skipped. A minimum of two placements in Field Champion stakes during the award year are required to earn an award. (7/1/2001) (B) Effective for the 2002 Award Year.
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Best Junior Handler: The Best Junior Handler will be determined by the number of juniors defeated at each show. The AKC awards will be used to calculate the standings of the Juniors. (10/22/09) (B)
AKC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Any DCA member who has been nominated or selected for an AKC Lifetime Achievement Award will be listed on the DCA Website and in the DCA Newsletter. (10/27/12) (B)
TROPHY BUY BACK PLAN
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Awards (plaques and medallions) in good condition may be purchased from DCA members or their estates at the members’ requests.
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Awards are received by the DCA Trophy Chair, who will confirm the condition and log the trophy into inventory and prepare a receipt to be sent to the member.
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Awards are purchased from members at 75% of their current purchase price from vendors. (11/17) (B)
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Chair will notify DCA Treasurer of receipt of awards and request a check to be sent in the appropriate amount directly to the member.
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Purchased awards will not be identified with the name or kennel name of the original winner but may include the name of the dog that initially won the award. (01/27/18) (B)
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Purchased awards will be distributed to specialty clubs in the same manner as donated and new awards. (Awards Program Manual) (B)
CHALLENGE TROPHIES
Guidelines for the Handling of Memorial Challenge Trophies (6/2009) (B)
In accordance with AKC rules, trophies are presented through DCA, Inc., by its members memorializing dachshunds and their devotees. New challenge trophies will be accepted only for those awards that do not currently have challenge trophies. Trophies may be offered in memory of deceased persons or dogs only. Persons to be honored must have been members in good standing of DCA. Those dachshunds so honored should have been bred and/or owned by DCA members. The dog’s achievements must include at least one of the following and be authenticated by the DCA Archivist or the presenter and be accepted by the Challenge Trophy Committee:
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DCA National Specialty Conformation Best of Variety, Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Variety, Winners Dog or Bitch, Award of Merit, Select Dog or Bitch (10/14/17)
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Winner of Non-Regular Class Inter Variety Stud Dog, Brood Bitch, or Competitive Veteran at the National Specialty
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DCA Top Producers, ROM, ROMO, ROMX
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DCA National Obedience High in Trial
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Field Trial Open Dog, Open Bitch or Absolute Winner at the National Field Trial
Proposals to donate trophies must be sent to the DCA Challenge Trophy Chair for approval by the Challenge Trophy Committee. If the proposal meets all criteria of these guidelines, the committee may approve it.
It is agreed by both DCA, Inc., and the presenter that the following shall apply:
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The challenge trophy shall be offered only at the DCA National Specialty;
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The challenge trophy shall be offered for retirement into permanent possession;
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Identical ownership and co-ownership shall be required for retirement;
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Three (3) wins, not necessarily with the same dog nor at consecutive shows, shall be required for retirement of the trophy;
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Any DCA, Inc., members or non-members may retire a trophy by meeting the requirements outlined in these qualifications:
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When a retirement is claimed, the trophy will be maintained by DCA, Inc., until the verification process can be completed;
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Upon determination that the trophy has indeed been retired according to the DCA requirements, it can either be held for formal presentation at the next awards dinner or be shipped to the first listed owner at DCA’s expense;
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Any DCA member who retires a DCA challenge trophy should have the first right to replace it or re-donate the existing trophy; for re-donation of the existing trophy, only the name of the presenter would change, not the dedication of the trophy; (10/14/17)
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To offer a new trophy the following year, the person(s) retiring and donating a trophy must declare so to the DCA Challenge Trophy Committee within two (2) months of retirement; they then have an additional two (2) months to provide photos of the piece and inscription details for committee approval;
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For purposes of a future retirement, the tabulation of the three wins will begin with the year of the re-donation of a trophy and not include any prior wins.
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Only one trophy for each accepted category will be accepted in a single year.
Making a Trophy Donation Proposal
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Challenge trophy proposals may be made by any DCA member, group of members, or any dachshund specialty club.
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Proposals shall include the name and support the merits of the individual or dachshund to be memorialized according to the eligibility requirements listed in Item I A.
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The proposal shall contain a complete and detailed description of the sterling silver trophy proposed, including size and other description or history of the piece.
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Photographs of the proposed trophy must be submitted with the proposal. These should include a clear picture of any manufacturer’s marks or sterling silver marks.
Challenge Trophy Maintenance
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Once a trophy is donated to DCA, future engraving, polishing, and repairs will be the responsibility of DCA.
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All trophies donated in 2000 and beyond will have display stands created that enhance the piece without changing the integrity of its original purpose.
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DCA will ship all trophies to and from the National Specialty and shall store them between shows.
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Any trophies damaged or lost in transit will be repaired or replaced in like kind by DCA.
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All maintenance, storage, shipping, and replacement will be the responsibility of the Challenge Trophy Committee.
OBEDIENCE AWARDS
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Trophy Plan Language change: THE DACHSHUND CLUB OF AMERICA INC, further offers a Gold- Plated Dachshund pin for each Dachshund attaining a Qualifying Score in Regular, Alternative, and Optional Titling Classes. (1/23/16) (B)
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If a dog competes in more than one class, only the highest score achieved by the dog will be considered so that the same dog cannot be awarded both the Highest Scoring Dog and Second Highest Scoring Dog. (10/18) (B)
JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP
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Junior Showmanship shall be offered at no entry fee at all DCA annual specialty shows and regional specialties. (6/3/99) (M)
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A junior who shows a dachshund at Westminster or AKC International Championship shows and who is a DCA member or whose parent or guardian is a DCA member may receive a stipend of $300.00 from DCA. (10/14/17) (B)
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A Junior seeking a stipend for showing at Westminster or the AKC International Championship show is required to apply through the junior Committee Chair along with proof of participation. 01/27/18) (B)
NATIONAL SPECIALTY
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The Show Chair or DCA Liaison has the authority to sign the hotel contract. (10/30/99) (B)
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DCA President and the Show Chair of the National shall not exhibit at the National. (7/3/99) (M)
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No booth which conflicts with the official sponsor of DCA will be allowed at the DCA Nationals. (4/10/05) (B)
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Vendors from host shows will be permitted to remain during the DCA national specialty. (4/05) (B)
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The Show Chair will have a marked national show catalog sent to the DCA Archivist within one month of the conclusion of the National Specialties. (10-27-13) (B)
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Sweepstakes judges shall not exhibit at the DCA conformation, obedience, or any other event that is concurrently held during the three days of the National Specialty Show. (2/2002) (B)
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No elected DCA National Specialty conformation judge shall be allowed to judge at any DCA National performance events occurring during the same National. This motion takes affect beginning in 2017. (10/24/2015) (B)
RAFFLE
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The raffle chair will develop and send generic letter requesting a monetary donation for the DCA raffle to every dachshund club. (10/25/2014) (B)
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Each club that donates will be published in the DCA Judging Program. Amounts donated will not be published. (10/25/2014) (B)
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A fluid list of vendors, merchants and artists will be kept. This list may be used to purchase raffle items reflecting the quality we strive for in our breed. This list will be up-dated by the current raffle chair as to individual vendors, merchants, and artists no longer in existence or new ones which become available. (10/25/2014) (B)
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The guidelines, template letters, and lists of vendors, merchants and artists that may be contacted will be kept in a file which will be passed on to the next raffle chair. (10/25/2014) (B)
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A budget of $1,000 will be used to purchase items for the raffle. (10/14/17) (B)
CONFORMATION JUDGE SELECTION
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Breed judge nomination cards are sent each year with the annual dues notice. By February 1 of the following year, the nominations are sent to the Corresponding Secretary, who prepares the ballots.
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Every voting member of DCA will have the opportunity to vote for our national specialty judges, by variety, once a ballot with the top nominees is presented to the membership. Each member will receive a ballot by U.S. mail; publication of a ballot in the DCA Newsletter constitutes receiving a ballot by mail. Every voting member is entitled to vote for up to three (3) conformation judges – one (1) vote per variety. Voting for more than one (1) nominee per variety and casting more than three (3) votes total will disqualify an entire ballot.
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The ballot will provide instructions on returning the ballot to the DCA Recording Secretary or other official designated by the Board of Directors. Once the ballots have been counted, if there is a tie vote in any variety, a second ballot will be sent to the membership. (05/25/17) (M)
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Breed judge nomination cards will be sent each year with the annual dues notice. By February 1 of the following year, the nominations will be sent to the corresponding secretary, who prepares the ballots. (01/27/19) (B)
JUDGE SELECTION FOR NATIONAL OBEDIENCE JUDGES
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The Companion Events Committee will work with the host club, if requested, in finding local obedience judges to judge the Obedience portion of the DCA Nationals. (04/04) (B)
NATIONAL FIELD TRIAL JUDGES
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Each year, four judges will be hired to officiate at the DCA National Field Trial through the process described below:
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A nomination form will be included in the annual DCA dues notice mailing. This form will provide the deadline and directions for submitting nominations. Only persons who have judged 10 or more dachshund field trials prior to nomination are eligible to judge the National Field Trial.
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No judge may officiate at the National Field Trial two years in a row.
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Each DCA member may nominate one AKC approved dachshund field trial judge per National Field Trial. Prior to submitting a nomination, members must verify both the eligibility of their nominee as well as the nominee’s willingness to judge if selected by the membership.
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Compensation for National Field Trial judges is determined by the DCA Board and may be adjusted periodically. Only those nominees who affirm their acceptance of the compensation mandated by current policy and agree to the following restrictions will be included on the ballot submitted to the membership.
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No dog owned or co-owned by a National Field Trial judge or any member of their household may be entered in any stake at the National Field Trial.
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A National Field Trial judge cannot handle a dog in any stake at the National Field Trial.
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Once the nomination period has closed, a ballot will be prepared listing the names of the National Field Trial judge nominees, the voting deadline, and the designated teller. The membership will then be notified via email that the ballot is available at the Members Only section of the DCA website.
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Members will print the ballot, select up to four judges, and mail their completed ballot to the chosen teller to be received by the posted deadline. The teller will validate each ballot, tabulate the results, and send the final tally of votes to the DCA Corresponding Secretary for contract preparation and the National Field Trial Chairman for judging assignments. (10-24-2015) (B)
NATIONAL EARTHDOG TEST JUDGES
Each year, up to four judges will be hired to officiate at the DCA National Earthdog Test through the process described below:
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A nomination form will be included in the annual DCA dues notice mailing. This form will provide the deadline and directions for submitting nominations. Only persons who are approved to judge all levels (Introduction to Quarry through Master Earthdog) prior to nomination are eligible. No judge may officiate at the National Earthdog Test two years in a row.
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Each DCA member may nominate one AKC approved Earthdog judge per National Earthdog Test. Prior to submitting a nomination, members must verify both the eligibility of their nominee as well as the nominee’s willingness to judge if selected by the membership.
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Compensation for National Earthdog Test judges is determined by the DCA Board and may be adjusted periodically. Only those nominees who affirm their acceptance of the compensation mandated by current policy will be included on the ballot submitted to the membership.
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Once the nomination period has closed, a ballot will be prepared listing the names of the National Earthdog Test judge nominees, the voting deadline and the designated teller. The membership will then be notified via email that the ballot is available at the Members Only section of the DCA website.
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Members will print the ballot, select up to four judges, and mail their completed ballot to the appointed teller to be received by the posted deadline. The teller will validate each ballot, tabulate the results, and send the final tally of votes to the DCA Corresponding Secretary for contract preparation and to the National Earthdog Test Chairman for judging assignments. (10/24/2015) (B)
NATIONAL SPECIALTY CONFORMATION JUDGES
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Quarantine: DCA judges may not judge any variety of dachshunds within a one thousand (1,000) mile radius of the national show site for six (6) months prior to their DCA National Specialty assignment.
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Exhibiting: It is the policy of DCA that no judge at any specialty show held in conjunction with the DCA annual National Specialty Show may exhibit or hold any ownership interest in any dachshund shown at any of the related specialty events.
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Transportation: Reimbursement will be for actual transportation expenses to the show location. Transportation reimbursement shall be for automobile mileage or airfare, but not both.
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Automobile: Automobile mileage expenses shall be paid at the current IRS deductible reimbursement rate per mile, but no reimbursement shall be provided for any transportation expenses that exceed the cost of roundtrip coach airfare for one person to the event location. The maximum mileage reimbursement is USD $800.00 (eight hundred US dollars). (B 07/08/23)
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Airfare: DCA reimburses airfares at the lowest available advance purchase, commercial, roundtrip, economy class airfare from the judge’s departure city to the authorized destination site. The maximum airfare reimbursement is USD $800.00 (eight hundred US dollars). (B 07/08/23)
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Hotel: Hotel reimbursements are at the single room rate. If the assignment is for one (1) day, the judge will be reimbursed for two (2) nights lodging. If the assignment is for two (2) days, the judge will be reimbursed for three (3) nights lodging.
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Meals: Judges will be reimbursed for meals based on the number of days they judge. For each day of judging, a judge will be reimbursed one dinner the night before their assignment and one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner on the day of their assignment. The maximum daily meal reimbursement will not exceed USD $60.00.
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DCA Annual Awards Dinner: The Judge and his/her spouse will be DCA’s invited guest at the DCA Annual Awards Dinner.
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Receipts are required for all expenses of $25.00 USD or higher.
NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES JUDGES
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Exhibiting: DCA Sweepstakes judges at the DCA National Specialty show may not exhibit or hold any ownership interest in any dachshund shown at any of the related National Specialty events.
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Hotel: Hotel reimbursements are at the single room rate. If the assignment is for one (1) day, the judge will be reimbursed for two (2) nights lodging.
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Meals: DCA Sweepstake judges will be reimbursed for meals based on the number of days they judge. For each day of judging, a Sweepstakes judge will be reimbursed one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner. The maximum daily meal reimbursement will not exceed USD $60.00.
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DCA Annual Dinner: The Sweepstakes Judge will be DCA’s invited guest at the DCA Annual Dinner.
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Receipts are required for all expenses of U.S. $25.00 or more.
NATIONAL FIELD TRIAL JUDGES
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DCA National Field Trial judges are elected annually by the DCA membership. All DCA National Field Trial judges must have judged a minimum of ten (10) dachshund field trials prior to their nomination to judge.
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All DCA National Field Trial judges must be members of DCA in good standing. Persons judging at the DCA National Field Trial shall not exhibit in any stake at the DCA National Field Trial. No dog owned or co-owned by a DCA National Field Trial judge, or any member of their household, may be entered in any stake at the DCA National Field Trial.
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Persons may not judge at the DCA National Field Trial two (2) years in a row.
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DCA National Field Trial judges’ compensation is determined by the DCA Board and may be adjusted periodically. Currently the judge will receive one night’s lodging for each day of judging and will be reimbursed up to USD $300.00 for actual travel and meal expenses – receipts required. The judge and his/her spouse will be DCA’s invited guest at either the DCA Performance Dinner or the Annual Awards Dinner. It is up to the judge to choose which dinner they want to attend compensated by DCA, but not both.
NATIONAL EARTHDOG JUDGES
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DCA National Earthdog judges are elected annually by the DCA membership. All DCA National Earthdog judges must be approved by the AKC to judge through Master Earthdog prior to their nomination to judge.
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All DCA National Earthdog judges must be members of DCA in good standing.
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Persons may not judge at the DCA National Earthdog Test two (2) years in a row.
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DCA National Earthdog judges’ compensation is determined by the DCA Board and may be adjusted periodically. DCA National Earthdog judges receive a flat fee of USD $300.00 for their assignment whether they judge one or more classes at the DCA National Earthdog Test. The judge and his/her spouse will be DCA’s invited guest at either the DCA Performance Dinner or the Annual Awards Dinner. It is up to the judge to choose which dinner they want to attend compensated by DCA.
NATIONAL OBEDIENCE AND RALLY JUDGES
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The DCA Board decided that the Host Club is in the best position to identify and secure judges for the DCA National Obedience and Rally Trials. The judges should be persons known and recommended by the local club as judges favorable to our breed.
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If the Host Club does not offer Obedience and/or Rally Trials, the DCA Companion Event Committee or DCA Board members should be used as resources to identify potential judges.
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Ideally, the judges will be from the same area where the National Obedience and Rally Trials will be held to avoid or minimize travel expense. It is acceptable, when possible, to hire the same judges used by the Host Club by switching their assignments for DCA. For example, the Host Club Obedience judge could judge the DCA Rally trial and the Host Club Rally judge could judge the DCA Obedience trial.
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Most obedience and rally judges have set fees. DCA entrusts the local club to hire obedience and rally judges for reasonable and customary fees for their area. If the judge will have travel expenses, the local club should follow DCA policies for conformation judges:
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Reimbursement will be for actual transportation expenses to the show location. Transportation reimbursement shall be for automobile mileage or airfare, but not both.
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Automobile mileage expenses shall be paid at the current IRS deductible reimbursement rate per mile, but no reimbursement shall be provided for any transportation expenses that exceed the cost of roundtrip coach airfare for one person to the event location. The maximum mileage reimbursement is USD $500.00 (five hundred US dollars).
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DCA reimburses airfares at the lowest available advance purchase, commercial, roundtrip, economy class airfare from the judge’s departure city to the authorized destination site. The maximum airfare reimbursement is USD $500.00 (five hundred US dollars).
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Hotel reimbursements are at the single room rate. If the assignment is for one (1) day, the judge will be reimbursed for two (2) nights lodging. If the assignment is for two (2) days, the judge will be reimbursed for three (3) nights lodging.
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Judges will be reimbursed for meals based on the number of days they judge. For each day of judging, a judge will be reimbursed one dinner the night before their assignment and one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner on the day of their assignment. The maximum daily meal reimbursement will not exceed USD $60.00.
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DCA Annual Awards Banquet: The Judge and his/her spouse will be DCA’s invited guest at the DCA Annual Awards Dinner.
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Receipts are required for all expenses of USD $25.00 or higher. DCA does not pay for movies, bar tabs, guests’ meals, telephone calls, gratuities, kennel help, dog boarding, house sitting, dry cleaning or rental cars.
NATIONAL TRACKING JUDGES
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The policies for hiring and compensating the DCA National Tracking Judges is the same as for the National Obedience and Rally Judges.
NATIONAL AGILITY JUDGE
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The policies for hiring and compensating the DCA National Agility Judge is the same as for the National Obedience and Rally Judges.