Scorebook FAQ
Obtaining a scorebook for a breed other than a Malinois?
If your breed has a breed club that is a member of AWDF, (Boxer, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Doberman and others) we are still able to issue you a scorebook, however it will be issued as a “mixed breed”. If you would instead like your dog to be listed as a purebred, please get a score book through one of the AWDF member clubs,
If you’re breed is not listed on there (Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Standard Poodle and others) we will issue your scorebook as a purebred with their relevant pedigree information.
Do I Need a New Scorebook if I Have a USCA Scorebook?
If your dog has a USCA scorebook with titles earned prior to January 1, 2019, you are eligible for a scorebook transfer. If the titles were earned after this date, they are not FCI-recognized and cannot be moved into an FCI scorebook. You can still request a scorebook transfer, but the titles will be void and you will need to earn them again.
To transfer a scorebook from USCA to AWMA, you must send your USCA scorebook to the Membership Chair. They will make copies of the title pages and put them in your new AWMA scorebook. Because, per the FCI rules and with the exception of DVG, there is only one valid scorebook allowed per dog, your USCA scorebook will not be returned to you. If you would like it returned, you may ask the Membership Chair. Please note that all returned USCA scorebooks will be void.
Currently, all FCI-recognized scorebooks, including AWMA books, are valid for USCA trials. However, USCA scorebooks are not valid for any FCI-recognized trials, including those held by AWMA.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Membership Chair.
AWDF Scorebook Policy
Effective January 1, 2019: Scorebooks must be acquired from the dog’s specific AWDF member breed club or an all-breed sporting club (Mondioring, LV/DVG, AHBA) to specify the breed in the scorebook. Otherwise the breed ID will be listed as MIX BREED. Procedures established by the individual member organizations for documenting the breed of the dog must be followed. If there is no breed club for a specific breed of dog, any AWDF member breed or sport club can issue a scorebook to that dog provided that proof of registration with an FCI recognized organization is provided. This means (for example) that after January 1, 2019, a Rottweiler must obtain their scorebook from USRC, LV/DVG, USMRA or AHBA to have the dog listed as a Rottweiler. If the scorebook is issued by AWMA, UDC, etc. it would be listed as a mix. Scorebooks issued before January 1, 2019 can continue to be used; there is no need to obtain a new book.
Which scorebooks are accepted at AWDF sanctioned events?
Any official AWDF or DVG scorebook is accepted at all AWDF events (logo is on outside cover and AWDF tracking number is on first page) as are any FCI scorebooks. An AWDF scorebook plus a DVG book can both be presented at a trial. Check the AWDF website for information on the acceptance of USCA and GSDCA scorebooks.
Which scorebooks are NOT accepted at AWDF sanctioned events?
It depends on which event you want to enter. Confirm entry requirements by contacting the trial secretary of the event. USCA scorebooks issued past October 1, 2019 are not accepted.
Do I need an AWMA scorebook to enter an AWMA club trial?
No. You can enter with any official AWDF scorebook, DVG scorebook, or FCI member organization scorebook.
What do I need to apply for my AWDF scorebook from AWMA?
You need a copy of registration papers, proof of current AWMA membership, the application fee, and a complete application. If transferring from another scorebook you will need to send the scorebook to the AWMA scorebook coordinator for a scorebook transfer. If your Malinois is not registered with an FCI recognized organization, you can apply via the working privilege listing process. Note that you can apply for a scorebook for your other breeds of dogs through the AWMA and have the breed of the dog listed provided that you have proof of registration through an FCI recognized organization and there is no AWDF breed club for that dog. If there is an AWDF breed club for your dog, you can still get an AWMA scorebook but the dog will be listed as a mix.
Can I switch from my old scorebook to an AWMA AWDF scorebook?
Yes, but there is no need to do so if your scorebook was issued by an FCI recognized organization or AWDF member club. Only one scorebook per dog is needed. However, if you wish to transfer to an AWMA scorebook, you will fill out a normal application and mail your existing scorebook to the AWMA scorebook coordinator. The existing pages will be copied from the old scorebook into the new one. If your scorebook was issued by a foreign organization, check with the AWMA scorebook coordinator to see if it can be accepted. Contact the AWMA scorebook coordinator regarding where to send your scorebook. Please note that original scorebooks are not returned to the handler unless specifically requested.
How do I make sure my dog is listed as a Belgian Malinois in the scorebook?
If you obtain your scorebook from the AWMA and you have a Belgian Malinois and provide the proper registry information, your dog will be listed as a Belgian Malinois. Sport organizations such as USMRA and DVG use their own criteria to determine the breed of a dog. ANY FCI Registration is accepted.
If I do not have AKC or FCI registration papers for my dog, how can I still have my dog listed as Belgian Malinois?
The AWMA has a special application for dogs without FCI-recognized registrations (e.g., UKC is not FCI-recognized). This application also allows the recognition of dogs without papers, but that have the appearance of a Belgian Malinois. If the application is accepted, the dog will be listed as Belgian Malinois, but the scorebook will indicate the non-AKC and non-FCI status. Note that if you acquire FCI recognized registration after the scorebook has been issued with a WPL, you can submit the scorebook and registration papers to the AWMA scorebook chairperson and the information will be added to your existing scorebook.
Does it matter if I do not have the FCI recognized registration listed in the scorebook?
You will be able to enter most AWDF club events, but some national events require AKC / FCI recognized registration. Check with the host club trial secretary for qualifications specific to these events. The dog must be FCI registered to enter the FCI Worlds and the FMBB.
What if my dog is AKC/FCI registered and there is no breed club in AWDF? Will my dog be listed as "mix" or will the breed be listed?
The breed will be listed in this case.
What scorebook do I need to enter the AWMA IGP National Championship?
In July 2011, the board voted to allow all FCI registered Belgian Shepherd Dogs with an AWDF recognized scorebook to enter, along with any dog that has an AWMA issued AWDF scorebook that lists the dog as a Belgian Malinois, regardless of whether it is FCI registered or not. For more information see Policies and Procedures and Working Privilege Listing for scorebooks.
How is ownership of the dog documented in the scorebook?
The owner of the dog as stated on registration is written on the last page of the scorebook, even if it differs from owner submitted on the scorebook application. Once there's proof of the transfer of registration, the owner can write the new information on the next line provided in the scorebook. It is not necessary to send the scorebook to the AWMA to make this revision. We do request that you send a copy of the updated registration as proof of ownership to our AWMA scorebook chair so it can be filed with the original application. Note: The person in possession of the scorebook cannot add or change information on the front page of the scorebook. This requires submission to the AWMA along with the appropriate documentation. Information on the pages where titles are recorded cannot be added or changed by anyone other than the judge/hosting organization since these are official records of performance.
What if I want to enter a trial next week and I do not have a scorebook?
You have a few options. You can arrange with the AWMA scorebook coordinator to rush order a scorebook with a rush fee, but you will need to express mail or scan and email all paperwork. Check with the membership scorebook coordinator on their ability to meet your timeline. AWMA will allow you to post a bond for your scorebook. You must make arrangements with the host club secretary before the trial. The club will then have to send all paperwork to the secretary so your scorebook can be issued. It is best to avoid this issue and order your scorebook as soon as you have your dog and registration.
If your breed has a breed club that is a member of AWDF, (Boxer, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Doberman and others) we are still able to issue you a scorebook, however it will be issued as a “mixed breed”. If you would instead like your dog to be listed as a purebred, please get a score book through one of the AWDF member clubs,
If you’re breed is not listed on there (Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Standard Poodle and others) we will issue your scorebook as a purebred with their relevant pedigree information.
Do I Need a New Scorebook if I Have a USCA Scorebook?
If your dog has a USCA scorebook with titles earned prior to January 1, 2019, you are eligible for a scorebook transfer. If the titles were earned after this date, they are not FCI-recognized and cannot be moved into an FCI scorebook. You can still request a scorebook transfer, but the titles will be void and you will need to earn them again.
To transfer a scorebook from USCA to AWMA, you must send your USCA scorebook to the Membership Chair. They will make copies of the title pages and put them in your new AWMA scorebook. Because, per the FCI rules and with the exception of DVG, there is only one valid scorebook allowed per dog, your USCA scorebook will not be returned to you. If you would like it returned, you may ask the Membership Chair. Please note that all returned USCA scorebooks will be void.
Currently, all FCI-recognized scorebooks, including AWMA books, are valid for USCA trials. However, USCA scorebooks are not valid for any FCI-recognized trials, including those held by AWMA.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Membership Chair.
AWDF Scorebook Policy
Effective January 1, 2019: Scorebooks must be acquired from the dog’s specific AWDF member breed club or an all-breed sporting club (Mondioring, LV/DVG, AHBA) to specify the breed in the scorebook. Otherwise the breed ID will be listed as MIX BREED. Procedures established by the individual member organizations for documenting the breed of the dog must be followed. If there is no breed club for a specific breed of dog, any AWDF member breed or sport club can issue a scorebook to that dog provided that proof of registration with an FCI recognized organization is provided. This means (for example) that after January 1, 2019, a Rottweiler must obtain their scorebook from USRC, LV/DVG, USMRA or AHBA to have the dog listed as a Rottweiler. If the scorebook is issued by AWMA, UDC, etc. it would be listed as a mix. Scorebooks issued before January 1, 2019 can continue to be used; there is no need to obtain a new book.
Which scorebooks are accepted at AWDF sanctioned events?
Any official AWDF or DVG scorebook is accepted at all AWDF events (logo is on outside cover and AWDF tracking number is on first page) as are any FCI scorebooks. An AWDF scorebook plus a DVG book can both be presented at a trial. Check the AWDF website for information on the acceptance of USCA and GSDCA scorebooks.
Which scorebooks are NOT accepted at AWDF sanctioned events?
It depends on which event you want to enter. Confirm entry requirements by contacting the trial secretary of the event. USCA scorebooks issued past October 1, 2019 are not accepted.
Do I need an AWMA scorebook to enter an AWMA club trial?
No. You can enter with any official AWDF scorebook, DVG scorebook, or FCI member organization scorebook.
What do I need to apply for my AWDF scorebook from AWMA?
You need a copy of registration papers, proof of current AWMA membership, the application fee, and a complete application. If transferring from another scorebook you will need to send the scorebook to the AWMA scorebook coordinator for a scorebook transfer. If your Malinois is not registered with an FCI recognized organization, you can apply via the working privilege listing process. Note that you can apply for a scorebook for your other breeds of dogs through the AWMA and have the breed of the dog listed provided that you have proof of registration through an FCI recognized organization and there is no AWDF breed club for that dog. If there is an AWDF breed club for your dog, you can still get an AWMA scorebook but the dog will be listed as a mix.
Can I switch from my old scorebook to an AWMA AWDF scorebook?
Yes, but there is no need to do so if your scorebook was issued by an FCI recognized organization or AWDF member club. Only one scorebook per dog is needed. However, if you wish to transfer to an AWMA scorebook, you will fill out a normal application and mail your existing scorebook to the AWMA scorebook coordinator. The existing pages will be copied from the old scorebook into the new one. If your scorebook was issued by a foreign organization, check with the AWMA scorebook coordinator to see if it can be accepted. Contact the AWMA scorebook coordinator regarding where to send your scorebook. Please note that original scorebooks are not returned to the handler unless specifically requested.
How do I make sure my dog is listed as a Belgian Malinois in the scorebook?
If you obtain your scorebook from the AWMA and you have a Belgian Malinois and provide the proper registry information, your dog will be listed as a Belgian Malinois. Sport organizations such as USMRA and DVG use their own criteria to determine the breed of a dog. ANY FCI Registration is accepted.
If I do not have AKC or FCI registration papers for my dog, how can I still have my dog listed as Belgian Malinois?
The AWMA has a special application for dogs without FCI-recognized registrations (e.g., UKC is not FCI-recognized). This application also allows the recognition of dogs without papers, but that have the appearance of a Belgian Malinois. If the application is accepted, the dog will be listed as Belgian Malinois, but the scorebook will indicate the non-AKC and non-FCI status. Note that if you acquire FCI recognized registration after the scorebook has been issued with a WPL, you can submit the scorebook and registration papers to the AWMA scorebook chairperson and the information will be added to your existing scorebook.
Does it matter if I do not have the FCI recognized registration listed in the scorebook?
You will be able to enter most AWDF club events, but some national events require AKC / FCI recognized registration. Check with the host club trial secretary for qualifications specific to these events. The dog must be FCI registered to enter the FCI Worlds and the FMBB.
What if my dog is AKC/FCI registered and there is no breed club in AWDF? Will my dog be listed as "mix" or will the breed be listed?
The breed will be listed in this case.
What scorebook do I need to enter the AWMA IGP National Championship?
In July 2011, the board voted to allow all FCI registered Belgian Shepherd Dogs with an AWDF recognized scorebook to enter, along with any dog that has an AWMA issued AWDF scorebook that lists the dog as a Belgian Malinois, regardless of whether it is FCI registered or not. For more information see Policies and Procedures and Working Privilege Listing for scorebooks.
How is ownership of the dog documented in the scorebook?
The owner of the dog as stated on registration is written on the last page of the scorebook, even if it differs from owner submitted on the scorebook application. Once there's proof of the transfer of registration, the owner can write the new information on the next line provided in the scorebook. It is not necessary to send the scorebook to the AWMA to make this revision. We do request that you send a copy of the updated registration as proof of ownership to our AWMA scorebook chair so it can be filed with the original application. Note: The person in possession of the scorebook cannot add or change information on the front page of the scorebook. This requires submission to the AWMA along with the appropriate documentation. Information on the pages where titles are recorded cannot be added or changed by anyone other than the judge/hosting organization since these are official records of performance.
What if I want to enter a trial next week and I do not have a scorebook?
You have a few options. You can arrange with the AWMA scorebook coordinator to rush order a scorebook with a rush fee, but you will need to express mail or scan and email all paperwork. Check with the membership scorebook coordinator on their ability to meet your timeline. AWMA will allow you to post a bond for your scorebook. You must make arrangements with the host club secretary before the trial. The club will then have to send all paperwork to the secretary so your scorebook can be issued. It is best to avoid this issue and order your scorebook as soon as you have your dog and registration.