AWMA | President's Letter

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President's Letter

Glenn Stephenson

September 18, 2005

Our president Michael Ellis has resigned due to personal commitments and the board has asked me to step in as interim president. I would like to thank Michael on behalf of AWMA for stepping in and taking on the responsibility when we needed him and I look forward to his continued support as time permits. I want to thank the board for their confidence in me.

I'm sure that most of you are very concerned about what is going on with the Nationals and the lack of information that has been available. I have been in contact with the Atlanta Working Dogs Club discussing some of the encountered problems and we are updating the AWMA web site with the latest information. The basics for the trial are all worked out and barring a hurricane it should be a successful event. Many people that are going to be there have been in contact with me and it promises to be very well supported.

There has been increased activity on our discussion board recently that is very encouraging to see, please continue to utilize it for question, suggestions and criticism. I have heard from many people intending to start clubs, there is no better time then now. Please stop procrastinating and form your club today, help make AWMA stronger. If you need help with this contact any board member for help. We have also had support in our judges program with one new judge applicant and two apprentice applicants. Clubs and a strong judges program will be the backbone of our success so please start your clubs and apply to the judges program, today.

There was an AWDF meeting today and these are the highlights

The AWDF will host the 2011 FCI world Championships! It may seem like a long time but it will be here before we know it. I'm sure the AWDF will need our support and we should start planning now for our level of involvement and what we can offer as an organization. The host city is up for bid but I'm sure east coast cities near major international airports will be the first considerations.

Very important information for everyone planning on competing in the 2006 AWDF championship in Alabama: individual entries will not be accepted. Entries will only be accepted from the breed organizations as a package to the host club. We will advertise contact information on our website, as well as deadlines for entries as soon as the host club provides us with the required information. We will have a designated person responsible for putting this all together for you.

For those of you who have those great tracking FH Malinois, FCI is pushing for greater American support of their FCI/FH championships.

Some FCI rule clarifications. There has been a lot of talk about the size of dumbbells—it is not so much the size, but the weight that is important. The size dimensions that were published are meant as a guide only. We have all heard about changing the long bite. At this point it is only talk and no one is even taking responsibility for starting the talk...it is not imminent.

There was a short discussion at the FCI meeting about acceptance of Campagne. Al Govednik, AWDF president, made it clear at this meeting that AWDF would support Campagne in this country.

DVG America has voiced their intention to join AWDF in 2006 adding the strength of their 1200 members!

Both the dog and the handler must have residency in the country of the team they represent in a world championship.

America has had over three thousand teams compete in SchH/IPO events last year!

Al Govednik continued to campaign for full FCI recognition at the FCI meeting and has made significant progress. He has done an excellent job of representing us to the FCI and deserves our thanks and respect.

Glenn Stephenson
AWMA President/DOJ

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