Field Spaniel Society of America - Standing Rules

Standing Rules (Dated August 2020)

STANDING RULES—SECTION 1

Rules pertaining to Bylaws

Article 1: Membership:

Section 3: Dues:

Approval to reduce the cost of a Junior Membership from $20 annually to $5.

1/13/10

Dues notices will include an additional line to offer members the option of including a contribution to the National Specialty General Trophy Fund with their annual renewal payment. 12/14/11

 

Section 4: Election to Membership:

The membership application will be amended to include in the agreement section the following:

I certify that I am currently in good standing with the American Kennel Club.

The membership application will be amended to include the question:

Why do you want to join the FSSA? 7/98 

Section 5: Communication:

Only one copy of mailings, such as the newsletter, shall be sent to a single address. 89

Telephone numbers shall be included on membership lists. 7/86

Membership lists must have the date of issue listed. 7/98

Article II: Meetings: 

Section 3: Board Meetings

Section 4: Board Business

Board discussion shall be required for all business items before a vote is taken.A numbering system shall be implemented for approved motions, whereby motions are numbered by year and then consecutively. #89-6 Board Meeting minutes will be distributed to the membership via email distribution. They may appear in the club newsletter at the request of the editor. They will also be available on the FSSA website in the members only section. 6/2020 Board liability insurance will be purchased annually. 98/7

Article III—Directors and Officers

Section 4: Club Credentials

Club Logo

The club logo shall be that drawn by artist Shawne Gamroth and shall appear prominently whenever possible on all items of club business.    The club logo may be used on items for sale in conjunction with the National Specialty. 01/9

Using the Name of FSSA

No business may be carried out in the name of FSSA without prior approval of the Board, with the exception of the Officers, Board Members and Committee Chairs performing the functions for which they were established and approved. 9/94

Article IV—Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections

 Section 3: Election

Elections 

The newsletter shall publish the total number of ballots sent, the total number of ballots returned and the number of votes for each Officer and Director candidate. 6/05

Article V—Committees

Listing of Appointed Positions and Committees

  • National Specialty Liaison
  • AKC Delegate
  • Breeder Referral
  • Breeder Education
  • Judges’ Education Chair
  • Health Chair
  • Historian
  • Hunt/Working Test Chair
  • Membership Chair
  • Stationer
  • Rescue Chair
  • Newsletter Editor
  • Annual Awards Chair
  • AKC Gazette Columnist
  • Archivist
  • Parliamentarian-on request of the Board 4/4/06
  • Yearbook Editor
  • Librarian (6/03)
  • Trophy Curator-4/4/06
  • Legislative Chair -4/4/06
  • Web Site Chair -4/4/06
  • Bylaws Chair
  • Illustrated Standard Chair
  • Award Pins
  • Meet the Breeds Coordinator/Chair -8/4/10
  • Performance Chair

Committees and Appointments

Annual reports will be requested from all committee chairpersons prior to the annual meeting.

Club committees shall be appointed for two year terms. 96/9

All Committee Chair descriptions will be posted on the club website. 6/2020

 National Specialty Committees

The Chair is appointed as the location for the National Specialty is approved by the Board and serves until completion of the event. The Chair shall select his/her own committee and will maintain contact with the board of directors.

Breeder Referral Committee:

A disclaimer shall be added to information sent out by Breeder Referral as follows:   Please note that we are only including a listing of available puppies and not making any recommendations. As responsible pet buyers, it is expected that youresearch the breeder and make an informed decision before proceeding with any purchases.

94/11

An additional disclaimer shall be added to information sent out by Breeder Referral as follows:

CHIC is not a health clearance. It is a research database. Dogs with CHIC numbers are members of that database

Breed Standard Committee

When needed, the Board will re-establish a Breed Standard Committee with identified credentials for appointees to the committee and specified task of the committee.1/96, 2/96, 5/05  

AKC Delegate

Reimbursement for expenses related to attending AKC meetings is increased to $250 per meeting, and not to exceed $1,000 per year. 4/04

Gazette Columnist

Separate appointments for Newsletter Editor, Yearbook Editor and Gazette Columnist. 4/96  

Health Committee

All health issues (OFA, CERF, Health Data Base and so forth) shall be combined into one committee. 1/95 Any researched or controlled study health information discovered by the FSSA will be shared with the FSS. 1/02 FSSA shall create and finance a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) through the Canine Health Foundation. 3/14/06

Club Membership in CHF approved. 4/7/10

Hunt Test/Field Work Committee

The working certificate rules and regulations shall be accepted as printed. Members may continue to use forms and rules of other clubs so long as they encompass all of the FSSA criteria.9/93  

Library

FSSA Lending Library funded and approved. 6/03  

Meet the Breeds Coordinator

Approval of Meet the Breeds Coordinator as a new position. 8/4/10

National Specialty Show Chair

The National Specialty Show Chair will be responsible to the FSSA Board. 8/97

 Performance Chair:

Position of agility chair, tracking chair, and obedience chair will be consolidated into one position of Performance Chair. 11/7/12

 Rescue Committee and Program

A Breed Rescue Committee shall be established. 2/93 The Rescue Program is approved. 6/95

Treasury

The annual audit be conducted by 2 Directors, and a designated member from the general membership and will be facilitated by the previous treasurer. All books and bank statements for each account will be forwarded electronically to the Directors, designated member and the facilitator by the end of January. A written report will be presented to the board by the facilitator by the end of March.7/22 Invoices received that total within each budgeted amount shall be paid automatically; those over budget must have Board approval of the overage. The Treasurer shall be bonded for $50,000. 2/28/06 Reimbursements will be made with proper documentation.2/94

 Funds from any FSSA sponsored event must either be returned to the treasurer or placed into a separate account to which the treasurer has access, this is to include PayPal. 5/16/12 and 8/16/17

 A designated officer of the FSSA, appointed by the board, will be designated as an alternate signatory on all accounts that the Field Spaniel Society of America, Inc. holds including, but not limited to, checking accounts, savings accounts, and Certificates of Deposit with the designatedBank, in case that the Treasurer become incapacitated or is unable to serve. 2/22/17

 The FSSA has received from the IRS approval as a non-profit 501(c)(7) tax exempt entity, retroactively to 2010. 9/13/17

 Budgets for each year will be presented at January Board Meetings. 1/17/18

The FSSA will hold one year operating expenses within the checking account and one year held in reserve in the Money Market account as standing operating procedure. 12/19/18

All financial contracts for any event hosted by the FSSA must be signed by an officer of the club and then forwarded to the Corresponding Secretary to be shared with the Board of Directors. 6/2020

 Trophy Chair

The trophies held for and offered by FSSA will be maintained by a Trophy Curator. This position will be appointed by the Board of Directors, just as a Committee Chair, on a two year basis.2002-11

Yearbook Editor

Maintain separate appointments for Newsletter Editor, Yearbook Editor and Gazette Columnist.4/96 Individuals submitting an ad for a dog not fully owned assume full responsibility for the contents of that ad. The FSSA, Yearbook Editor, Newsletter Editor, printer and Web Master assume no liability for the content of such ads, including, but not limited to, disputes among breeders/owners/co-owners. #39-4/18/06

 Web Site

FSSA board of directors to appoint Web Master as terms arise.

STANDING RULES—Section II

Rules adopted for club governance

Publications

Publication Policies

The following are guidelines for submitting advertisements and/or any print material for publication in any published material that is primarily documents created for purposes of FSSA, whether in electronic or printed form:

The editor(s) reserve the right to request alteration of, or in the event that alteration is not possible, removal of any material from advertisements or articles which, in their judgment, may be offensive to other advertisers or detracts from the level of quality of the publication(s) as a whole. Errors of fact shall be corrected by the Editor(s) when known, but it is the ultimate responsibility of the advertiser or author for any errors of fact that are made, and neither the editor(s) nor FSSA assumes any responsibility for uncorrected errors of fact, typographic or other errors, or permission to reproduce images of dogs or people, including copyrighted photographic works.

No superlatives shall be accepted in individual advertisements with written documentation as proof of the superlative.

Product advertising shall be accepted for inclusion in the pages at the back of the publication(s), whether or not it appears in combination with other advertising material.

Page design and photographic presentation, inclusive of cropping, shall be at the discretion of the editor(s). Requests from advertisers shall be honored in as much as possible, but are not guaranteed.

Disclaimer - the following disclaimer will be printed in all FSSA publications:

All copy on advertisement pages is as supplied by advertisers. Where known, errors of fact have been corrected. Advertisers are solely responsible for their advertisements, and neither FSSA, the printer, nor the Editor(s) assume responsibility for uncorrected errors of fact, typographic or other errors, or permission to reproduce images of dogs or people, including copyrighted photographic works.

Copyright

Owners of copyright for works in fixed form, including photos, written material, cartoons and web content, shall be credited. Those who submit such work are responsible for obtaining permission for use in publications. 6/03

 Documentation:

All approved documents must contain an approval date. 9/11/13

 Historic Photos:

For copyright purposes, photos over 25 years of age become public domain and specific permission for tasteful use is not required.

Reprints

No material in any FSSA publication shall be reprinted without the written permission of the editor(s) in consultation with the Board of Directors.

Publication Pricing Policy

All FSSA publications will cost an additional 25% to non-member purchasers.

Advertisements from non-members shall be accepted at the higher rate. This is applicable to advertisements for dogs wholly owned by non-members, even if members submit such advertisements.

#37-4/11/06

Health Information in the Public Domain

Format for the display of public domain health clearance information in individual advertisements shall be at the discretion of the editor(s). Public domain health information includes OFA, CERF and CHIC numbers. Other information which will be deemed as public will include items such as copies of laboratory reports sent for the express purpose of inclusion in the publication(s).

Web Site

Web site material for uploading to the FSSA web site will be in the possession of the FSSA President, the Web Chair and the Web Master.5/00 The only FSSA web site that is allowed is the official FSSA web site.4/02 FSSA web site allows links to member web sites as long as the private web site is about dogs or personal kennels and not a consumer business.4/04

FSSA website should include the Breeder of Merit award to the breeders who have earned this credential from the AKC. 7/5/12

Yearbook

Yearbook covers, both outside and inside of the front and back covers will not be sold as paid advertising. Page Placements for the Yearbook: all listings will be published alphabetically according to the following rules:KENNEL NAME of the dog UNLESS the person paying for and submitting the ad requests the dog to be listed with dogs in their kennel name section. If not specified, ad shall be placed with those of the person paying for and submitting the ad.KENNEL AFFIXES will be alphabetized regardless of whether the kennel affix is used as a prefix or suffix.6/03

Newsletter

The board will set an annual budget for the newsletter, and that all factors relating to the cost to be forwarded to the Treasurer for approval prior to publication. 6/2020

All articles sent to the Editor shall be signed or have a “submitted by.” In unusual circumstances, the Editor has the right to print articles without a signature, if there is a valid reason for doing so.4/94 The newsletter shall be published quarterly.4 & 5/97

AKC Breeder of Merit Program

Breeders receiving this designation from AKC should receive recognition by our club. It was decided that such breeders should notify the Corresponding Secretary when they receive this designation and the Corresponding Secretary will send updated listings to the newsletter Editor for publication. 11/17/10

Illustrated Standard

Approval of explanative wording for Illustrated Standard 8/28/07

Calendar

Approval for creation of a calendar of FSSA deadlines for the year’s club business. This calendar will be published on the club’s website. 2/6/07, 6/2020

Use of Ramp for Conformation Judging

Our breed to be included on the list of ramp breeds at judges’ discretion. 8/4/10

Licensed Events During Specialties

If a local specialty is held in conjunction with a national specialty, other licensed events held during that period should be sponsored by the national specialty committee and not the committee for the local specialty or other local club events.  A local club whose members are sponsoring the national specialty should be able to hold non-licensed events, fun days, goofy dress contests, whatever, provided that they coordinate those events with the national specialty committee. 8/7/07

 LOCAL FIELD SPANIEL CLUBS

The FSSA will support AKC Licensed Local Clubs in their pursuit of license and in sponsoring AKC events, public education events fun matches and trials and other activities.

Events

  1. No event is to be approved during the week of or weekend following a National Specialty unless that event can be held concurrently with the National Specialty.
  2. That no event be approved during the weekend before a National Specialty or during the weekend following the last supported entries, field, agility, obedience or rally trials, judge’s education events, breeder education events, etc.
  3. That there be the following exception for AKC licensed Local Clubs which have held that event for two consecutive years on the same corresponding date. The board may approve the event in spite of conflict 1 or 2.
  4. In the event of the above the board shall encourage National Specialty proposals that do not conflict with AKC Local Club’s licensed event or promote holding the events concurrently.
  5. That no two AKC Local Club events be approved on the same corresponding weekend within 500 miles of each other.

Financial

  1. FSSA and AKC licensed Local Clubs are separate and independent financial entities.
  2. AKC licensed Local Clubs bear no financial responsibility to FSSA, nor does FSSA bear any financial responsibility to them.
  3. That expenses for national specialty events and other events sponsored by the FSSA, including seed money, shall be paid by the FSSA and proceeds of national events shall belong to FSSA. Expenses for AKC Licensed Local Club events, including seed money, shall be paid by them and proceeds shall belong to them.  This includes events sponsored by AKC licensed Local Clubs and those sponsored by unlicensed FSSA member clubs under the FSSA license.
  4. In the event that the national specialty or other national event is held concurrently with an event sponsored by an AKC Licensed Local club, an event committee of FSSA members should serve as an ad hoc event committee for the national event. Separate accounting for the event should be kept by the event committee.
  5. In the event that a national event is held concurrently with an event sponsored by an FSSA member club, any fundraiser for the events must be clearly designated as a national fundraiser or as a fundraiser for the AKC Licensed Local club event. Should the FSSA and AKC Licensed Local club run a joint fundraiser, the FSSA board and the board of the AKC Licensed Local club must decide in advance how the proceeds will be divided or spent.

FSSA CONCURRENT/INDEPENDENT SPECIALTIES

The Board has approved the addition of Concurrent/ Independent Specialties outside the constraints of the approved AKC License Local clubs (Fox River Field Spaniel Club and Mid-Atlantic Field Spaniel club). These specialties will be not be part of the FSSA National events.

There will be a maximum of 3 concurrent/independent Specialties in a year with American Spaniel Flushing Show being one of the three. Each specialty will be considered on a case by case basis.  The board will consider geographical location when approving these Specialties. The specialty dates will honor a 2-week moratorium before and after the FSSA National Specialty.    The host groups for the concurrent/independent specialties will be responsible for all cost including but not limited to awards and judges. 8/2020

 

STANDING RULES—Section III

Rules Pertaining to National Specialty

National Specialty Show Chair:

The National Specialty Show Chair is the person who hires the judges for the show and is ineligible to exhibit or have a dog that is owned or co-owned exhibited at the show.General Meeting 5/99

National Specialty Coordinator

The National Specialty Coordinator is chair of a committee that is responsible for the efficient production of the National Specialty each year.General Meeting 5/99 The National Specialty Show Chair will report to the National Specialty Coordinator.General Meeting 5/99

The position of Show Chair and the position of National Specialty Treasurer can not be held by the same person.  5/16/12

 Financial

The allotted amount for seed money for a National Specialty will be $2500.00 10/9/18

The FSSA treasurer will be the treasurer of each National and a National Account will be opened upon approval of a National Bid. 11/20/19

Fundraising for a National may not begin until the current year National has been completed. 6/2020

Rotation

Nationals remain in East-Central-West -1/15/14

Classes Offered

All National Specialties shall include a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test and/or Therapy Dog Certification if possible.

Trophies and Awards

The FSSA will award BOB, BOS, High in Trial, High Triple Q, and High in Agility Trial trophies at a National Specialty be equal in quality and funded by the FSSA. 1/2020

FSSA is to provide $500.00 for the top 5 trophies (BIS, BOS, HIT, HTQ, HAT) in addition to the designated $2500.00 seed money for a National Specialty 1/2020

Rosettes shall be given for all placements at the National, as well as for qualifying scores in obedience. 7/98

High Combined in both Obedience and Rally will receive a large rosette. 1/2020

At all National Specialties Judge’s Awards of Merit ribbons will be given subject to AKC rules and regulations.3/94 Special trophies can be designated “for members only” at the FSSA National Specialty Show.5/97 Trophies and other items related to the National Specialty shall be sent to the National Show Chair prior to the National Specialty Show. 5/97  The trophies held for and offered by FSSA will be maintained in a manner consistent with the FSSA Challenge Trophy Policy and Procedure.2004-04

 Judge Selection Process

JUDGE SELECTION PROCESS February 2013

On a biennial basis, prior to December 1st, an updated list of AKC approved Field Spaniel judges eligible to judge the National scheduled for the year under selection, shall be mailed to each current voting member of the FSSA, either by inclusion of all material with the newsletter or by separate mailing by December 1st, along with a nomination ballot. Such mailing shall be prepared by the corresponding secretary and submitted to the newsletter editor by the corresponding secretary or mailed out directly to the membership by the corresponding secretary prior to the December 1st deadline. The list of 10 judges resulting from one vote will be utilized for two consecutive Nationals in order of voter preference, with the show chair for the second National contacting the judge(s) in order of voter preference, removing the judge who was hired for the prior year.

A current membership list shall be simultaneously sent by the corresponding secretary to a neutral party or notary approved by the Board, to be used for ballot verification. A 3 neutral party or notary shall be designated by the Board on an annual basis to serve as vote tabulator. The neutral party will receive and deliver voting results to the corresponding secretary. The corresponding secretary will share the results with the board and the show chair. All ballots and results shall be forwarded to the corresponding secretary by the neutral party after tabulation. The neutral party shall have no affiliation with FSSA or any authorized FSSA local club.

Upon receipt of the list of eligible judges and ballots, each current member may nominate up to three (3) judges, with no judge receiving more than one (1) nomination.

Said nominations shall be returned in an envelope with a return address, to the neutral party by January 15th. The ballot shall include the phrase “All ballots must be postmarked by January 15. Any ballot with a later postmark shall not be counted.”

The ballot shall also include the phrase “when selecting judges, you may select up to three (3) judges in no particular order of preference.”

The neutral party shall tabulate all of the returned ballots that were received in a timely manner within fourteen (14) days after the initial response period has expired. No ballots shall be counted that are received with a postmark later than January 15.

Upon tabulation of the ballots as described above, the neutral party shall create a list of the top ten (10) judges selected by the membership in accordance with the number of votes each judge received, together with the exact tabulation figures for each of the ten (10), and shall notify the  FSSA corresponding secretary of the results by overnight delivery to arrive no later than February 1st . All ties shall be settled by random draw by the neutral party.

All ballots shall be returned to the FSSA corresponding secretary and said ballots shall be retained for a period not less than three (3) years.

The FSSA corresponding secretary shall verify the voting results, and upon confirmation of the same, the FSSA corresponding secretary shall notify the membership of these results immediately via the FSSA member list and the next newsletter issue.

The show chair shall use the list of ten (10) judges to select the judge in order of voter preference. The show chair shall contact the first selected judge with a written offer to judge the National. A copy of the offer is to be sent simultaneously to the FSSA corresponding secretary. In order to deviate from the order of voter preference, the show chair shall be required to have Board approval.

If the first selected judge does not respond within thirty (30) days, or is unable to accept the offer to judge, the next selected judge on the list shall be contacted by the show chair utilizing the same criteria as above in each instance, until a nominated judge accepts the offer to judge the National. In the event that a selected judge does not accept the judging assignment or is unable to accept the offer to judge, that judges name shall return to the list in the same order placement as if the judge was never contacted.

Upon acceptance of a judging assignment, the assignment shall be confirmed in writing by the show chair and a contract shall be sent by the FSSA corresponding secretary in the name of the show chair to the selected judge.

The selected judge shall not accept any field spaniel judging assignments 6 months prior to the specialty judging assignment. In the event the judge is under a previous executed contract to judge field spaniels, they shall attempt to withdraw themselves from the assignment.

In the event that a judge cancels more than 5 days prior to the show, or is otherwise unable to perform a judging assignment, the next selected judge on the list shall be contacted by the show chair by the same procedure as described above. If time permits, the same written notification procedure shall be utilized as described above.

In the event of a cancellation of an advertised judge within five (5) days of the scheduled specialty event, the show chair shall substitute a qualified judge in his/her place, and shall notify the change to FSSA president and to the board. No notice need be sent to those exhibitors who have entered dogs under the advertised judge. The show committee will be responsible for having a notice posted in a prominent place within the show grounds as soon after the show grounds open as is practical, informing exhibitors of the change in judges. An exhibitor who has entered a dog under an advertised judge who is being replaced may withdraw such entry and shall have the entry fee refunded, provided notice of such withdrawal is given to the superintendent or show secretary prior to the start of the judging, as per AKC regulations.

No person shall be hired to judge a national specialty if that person has judged a national specialty for the FSSA within the past ten (10) years prior to the year of the upcoming national specialty. The names of judges who have judged any Field Spaniel national specialty within ten (10) years prior to the year of the upcoming national specialty shall be deleted or their ineligibility otherwise clearly indicated on the list of eligible judges sent to the membership 3/20/13

 

 STANDING RULES—Section IV

Rules Pertaining Perpetual Trophies and Club Awards

PERPETUAL TROPHIES

FSSA, through the generosity of its friends and supporters offers the following Perpetual Trophies at its Annual Awards Banquet.

R.H. SQUIER’S BREEDER’S TROPHY

Offered to the Breeder of the Best of Breed at the FSSA National Specialty Show. It is a silver plated loving cup on a multi-tiered wood base. The name of each winning dog and breeder will be engraved on a plate to be attached to the base. 88-09

The vote of the membership at the recent General Meeting (9/11) to award a commemorative to the winning breeder of the Squier Trophy was duly noted by the Board. 11/9/11

 LYDEMOOR PERPETUAL TROPHY

Offered to the owner or co-owners of Best of Breed at the FSSA National Specialty Show. This award was donated by Don and Margaret Nicholls, Lydemoor Field Spaniels, Bristol, England. First offered at the 1992 National Specialty, it is a silverplated 16” oval burgundy tray (value $120). Commemorative plaque is provided. 96-05

TOMMY PERPETUAL TROPHY

Offered for the Top Junior Handler handling a Field Spaniel in Junior Showmanship. The “Tommy” trophy was donated by Calico Field Spaniels, in memory of the consummate juniors dog, “Tommy,” CH Calico’s Pinball Wizard UD, who was loved and shown by Jesse Wolkenheim. The display walnut plaque, engraved each year with the winning junior’s name, is offered for the Junior Handler defeating the most juniors when eaning Best Junior Handler or when placing in a Junior Showmanship class at a given show handling a Field Spaniel as published in AKC Awards for calendar year of January 1 through December 31. The Junior Handler need not be a member of FSSA. Commemorative plaque is provided. 96-11

MAYDENE PERPETUAL TROPHY

Offered for the Field Spaniel an overseas visitor would “most like to take home with him or her.” Donated by Phyllis Goodwin in 1995, Maydene Field Spaniels, England, it is a silver plated loving cup trophy on walnut base, to be awarded by an overseas Field Spaniel fancier exhibitor/visitor attending the FSSA National Specialty show on a basis of observation at the specialty event. It is to be a “fun trophy.” The name of the winner is to be kept secret until announced during the awards presentations. The name of the winner and year are engraved on a plate on the trophy base each year that the trophy is awarded. As the trophy offer requires award by an overseas visitor, there may be years in which the trophy is not awarded. In the event that there is more one eligible “visitor,” the National Specialty Show Committee shall choose from among the visitors to adjudicate the trophy.  Commemorative plaque is provided. 1995

CYNDIE AND MALLORIE AGILITY TROPHY

This trophy, for the year’s top agility Field Spaniel, was submitted on behalf of the following donors: Karen Balinski and Jay Gardiner, Richard and Margaret Beck, Les and Donna Casselberry, Rachal and Scott Sager and John and Shirley Sherman. The donors wish to memorialize the late “Mallorie,” CH Calico’s Stuck On You, CDX, OA, NAJ, HOF and  the late “Cyndie,” CH Catera’s She’s Like The Wind, NAJ, CGC. It is a silver-plated champagne cooler on a walnut base, engraved with the year, name of the winning dog and dog’s owner(s). The winner will be determined by Top Agility Field Spaniel as published in Front & Finish for the calendar year.  At least one co-owner of the winning dog must be a club member. Since FSSA already offers awards plaques for this honor, no commemoratives are offered.   #66-9/25/07

Cyndie and Mallorie Agility Award this award be based upon the AKC Top Agility rankings each year since Front and Finish no longer posts Agility results. 5/23/18

CH WICKSFORD’S A TOUCH OF MAGIC AND CH WICKSFORD’S LILLIBET BRACE TROPHY

Best Brace National Perpetual Trophy

June and George O’Neil and Lori Carver offer this trophy to honor and memorialize the first Field Spaniel Brace to be awarded Best Brace in Show at an all-breed show. The trophy will consist of an oval 10 inch silver dish to be mounted on a base.  It is to be awarded at the National Specialty Banquet. At this time, no commemoratives will be offered.  1/15/08

MITTINA TROPHY This trophy, while not associated with the FSSA is included with the Perpetual Trophies. This trophy was established by Mrs. Jones, in honor of the Field Spaniel winning Best of Breed each year at the American Flushing Spaniel Show. The trophy has multi-tiered wood bases with an elaborate silver bowl on top and has engraved plates for each winning dog and the owners. Commemorative plaque is provided.

 CHALLENGE TROPHIES

CLARA CHALLENGE TROPHY

Clara Challenge Trophy offered for the owner or co-owners of the Highest Scoring Dog in Regular Classes at the FSSA National Specialty Show. The Clara Trophy is a 10” Silver Revere bowl on a walnut base (value $135), donated by Becki Jo and Frank Wolkenheim, Calico, in memory of Ch Squier’s Clara Barton UD. The name of the winner, class, qualifying score and the year in which the award was made will be engraved on a plate on the trophy base. A commemorative will be provided by Becki Jo Hirschy.

Retired in 1994. Re-donated for continued award with same stipulations by Becki Jo and Frank Wolkenheim, Calico Field Spaniels.

Retired in 1998. Re-donated for continued award with same stipulations by Becki Jo Wolkenheim, Calico Field Spaniels.

Retired in 2002. Re-donated for continued award with same stipulations by Becki Jo Wolkenheim, Calico Field Spaniels

Retired 2008. Re-donated for continue award by Becki-Jo Hirschy

Retired 2016. Re-donated for continue award by Becki-Jo Hirschy.

TROPHIES NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR AWARD

Squier Best of Breed Challenge Trophy

First offered in 1999. Retired by Arlene Cohen in 2004.

Wicksford BOS Challenge Trophy

First offered in 1992. Retired by Karin Cartwright in 2001.

Pin Oak Challenge Trophy for Breeder of National Specialty BOB

First offered in 1992. Retired by Dottie Slattery in 1998.

Gunhill Memorial Challenge Trophy for Best Bred By Exhibitor

First offered in 2002. Retired by Nichole Dooley- Bunch 2016

Darcy Challenge Trophy for Best Opposite Sex at a National Specialty.

First Offered in 2002. Retired by Danielle Brewer 2012

 Jackee Challenge Trophy for the owner of Best of Breed at the National Specialty.

First Offered in 2002. Retired by Nichole Dooley- Bunch in 2016

Mitzenheim Trophy for the breeder of Best Oppostite Sex at the National Specialty.

First offered in 2015. Retired by Nichole Dooley-Bunch 2019

Safekeeping Guidelines for Perpetual and Challenge Trophies

The Safe Keeping Rule- All Perpetual Trophies and Challenge Trophies offered at the FSSA National shall be kept by a Trophy Curator. This is to assure that the trophies are maintained in a manner befitting the integrity of the Awards.

The Trophy Curator will have to follow certain guidelines, which are approved by the FSSA Board, to insure that integrity. 3/28/00

The Trophy Curator responsibilities also include the National Specialty Wooden Rosette Place markers and any other tangible assets associated with the National Specialty that the Board of Directors deems lucrative and difficult to replace.

All trophies should be photographed upon receipt to document their condition when taken into possession.

These photographs, along with any correspondence regarding these trophies should be kept on file with the trophies for future Trophy Curators.

All Trophies must be kept in a sturdy, rigid, non-porous, rodent-proof, storage container with lid. This container must be able to keep the contents dry and dust free. Containers that are stackable are preferable.  They should also be light-weight enough to make them easily transportable. These are the Permanent Shipping Containers as called for in the FSSA Standing Rules.

The containers must be marked “Property of the F.S.S.A.” and contain an inventory of which trophies are packed in that box attached to the inside of the lid.

All trophies should be stored in these containers, wrapped in cotton cloth and/or tissue paper and then padded with polyurethane foam, air-pillows and/or bubble wrap. Foam packing “peanuts” are not acceptable, as they have been known to melt. Printed Newspaper is also not acceptable as the ink may damage the trophies.

These trophies, in their storage containers, must be kept in a climate-controlled building when not on display at the National Specialty. They must be shipped or hand-delivered prior to the National Specialty and, if shipped, must be sent insured by the shipping service.

These trophies must be updated by the Trophy Curator with the winner’s information and receipts forwarded to the FSSA Treasurer for reimbursement. The engraving is the responsibility of the Trophy Curator to ensure the accuracy of the information and the consistency of size and font of the engraving. 4/18/06

National Specialty Perpetual Trophy Policies and Procedures

Procedure:
1) A Donor(s) may submit a written request to the FSSA Board to be allowed to donate a Perpetual Trophy for the Field Spaniel Society of America Awards Banquet. A Donor(s) must be a member(s) in good standing of the FSSA for a minimum of one year. A Donor may elect to have commemorative trophies awarded to the winners, but this is NOT required. If a Donor chooses to have commemorative trophies awarded, then those trophies would also be Donor funded as listed in #3 below.

2) The Officers and Board of Directors of the Field Spaniel Society of America may also vote (by simple majority of those present) to establish and offer a Perpetual Trophy, within the stated policies. Any Perpetual Trophy initiated by the FSSA Board, would purchase the trophy out of the club treasury. Any commemoratives would have to be decided upon separately and also funded through the club treasury.

3) This request should be based on the policies listed below and should include:

A- The Name of the Trophy (ex. The Darcy Trophy, The Gunhill Trophy)
B- The Award for which it is being donated (ex. Top Obedience Dog, Top Hunting Dog,etc)
C- A photo or complete description of the proposed Trophy, including value. The prize must be ofwood or metal (i.e.: unbreakable) and easily shippable. Recommended trophies are plaques, silver trays or serving pieces.  2019

D-All prizes should include a manner to which winners may be permanently identified. This can be done with (but not limited to) brackets on the trophy plaque, on a separate plaque, on the trophy base or on a trophy stand.
E- The name of the donor(s) and who the trophy is ‘In Honor Of’ or ‘In Memory Of’ (if applicable, as set forth in the Trophy Policy).
F- The conditions in which to earn the award. (ie: To be the #1 Show Dog of the year based on the Canine Chronicle Breed point system for the calendar)

G- The sum of $100 for the purchase of keeper trophies for the winners to retain permanently to commemorate their win, should the donor choose to elect to have commemoratives made available. These commemorative trophies would be purchased by the Trophy Curator.

4) These requests may be submitted at any time during the calendar year.

5) Any request approved by the Board, will be forwarded in a timely manner to
the Trophy Curator for inclusion in the record.

6) The donor must then forward the Perpetual Trophy itself to the Trophy
Curator, either by insured shipping service (ex. UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS), or by
hand-carried delivery.

7) The Trophy Curator must photograph the trophy for the record and create a record file of winners. They must create the official wording of the trophy description based on the information provided by the Donor(s) so that it is consistent with all other trophies.

8) Any request not approved by the Board will have a letter of explanation written to the Donor(s).

9) More than one trophy may be donated for an award but, it is not encouraged.

10) Special requests may be made (special stipulations to the conditions of winning the award outright). These special requests would have to be reviewed annually by the Trophy Curator and, should it be found that these special requests create concern for the integrity of the Perpetual Trophy or the award it is being presented for, then a recommendation to the Board will be made to no longer continue with the Special Request.

11) When a current Perpetual Trophy’s plates are filled a replacement plaque will be used instead of another trophy. This is to ensure the safety of this and future trophies in storage and shipping. 10/18/17

Policy:

1) Perpetual trophies must notbe presented on the grounds of the National Specialty. Per American Kennel Club rules and regulations, trophies to be presented in the show ring may be offered only for outright award, even though such award may stipulate conditions as to the win (such as for Challenge trophies).

2) Must be in good taste and trophies for such as “lowest scoring” or “last place” are not acceptable.

3) May not be offered in honor of a living person or dog, with the following exceptions:

A- A trophy may be offered that is In Honor Of and uses a Person’s and/or Dog’s name- so long as the honored person and their immediate family will not compete for the trophy, or the owners of the honored dog agree that the dog will not compete to win the trophy (per letter from James Crowley of AKC to the FSSA, 1986).
B- Trophies may be offered In Memory Of a deceased person or dog/s.

3/28/00

ANNUAL AWARDS

Annual Awards Policy as Amended 6/06

Purpose:  The FSSA has a comprehensive award program that is a benefit of membership in the club. There are five categories of recognition:

  1. Annual Award Certificates and Plaques
  2. Service Dog of the Year Award
  3. Panchibo Award Pins
  4. Register of Merit Recognition Program
  5. Hall of Fame Recognition Program

Annual Award Certificates & Plaques

FSSA members who earn an AKC conformation or performance title with their Field Spaniel are awarded a certificate of achievement annually. These certificates are issued based on the titles published in the AKC titles database and there is no need for individual application for this award.   Certificates are also issued for Field Spaniels who earn a WD or WDX in the FSSA working dog program. One certificate is issued per dog. Where there is a tie among FSSA members for Top Breeder, one certificate is issued per breeder. Additional certificates for co-owners may be purchased.

One certificate per title issued per dog to the primary owner of record. 12/14

Plaques are issued for specific AKC titling achievements to include:  Obedience Trial Champion, Rally Champion, Master Hunter, Champion Tracker, Master Agility Champion, and Scent Work  Detective Dog.  One plaque is issued per dog. Additional plaques for co-owners may be purchased. 8/2020

Award plaques are engraved with the registered name of the dog, inclusive of AKC titles.  WD/WDX designations earned through the FSSA working dog program will also be listed if known at the time of engraving. Dogs who have earned the HOF or ROM designation through the FSSA awards program will also have HOF and/or ROM listed if this designation is known at the time of engraving. Only one ROM will be listed, regardless of how many ROM designations a dog has earned in different categories.

Certificates and plaques are issued for the following achievements within a calendar year, January 1stthrough December 31st.  These awards are issued based on the titles published in the AKC titles database and there is no need for individual application for this award.  Plaques are awarded to the “top” in each of the following categories; engraving parameters as described previously apply. Additional plaques for co-owners may be purchased.

For the purpose of annual awards calculation, only the primary breeder of record will be credited with each of a dog’s titles earned. This will prevent one dog from being credited to multiple breeders in a single year. This policy is in line with AKC’s handling of multiple breeders/owners in distributing their awards. This is also consistent with how all other FSSA awards are given to the primary owner of record. 12/14

  • Top Breeder – Champions
  • Top Breeder – All AKC Titles
  • Top Sire – Champions
  • Top Sire – All AKC Titles
  • Top Dam – Champions
  • Top Dam – All AKC Titles
  • Top Show Dog – All Breed, based on one point earned for every dog defeated when gaining a group placement.  Certificates are granted for dogs placing in the Top Ten for the breed in all breed competition.  The listing of these dogs is obtained from AKC.
  • Top Show Dog – Within Breed, based on one point earned for every dog defeated when earning Best of Breed. Certificates are granted for dogs placing in the Top Ten for the breed for within breed competition. The listing of these dogs is obtained from AKC.
  • Top Obedience Dog – Delaney System, based on one point earned for every dog defeated when earning an obedience trial placement; rankings are published by Front & Finish Magazine. Certificates are granted for dogs placing in the Top Ten for the breed
  • Top Obedience Dog – First & Foremost System, based on a point scale with points earned according to obedience class score; rankings are published by Front & Finish Magazine. Certificates are granted for dogs placing in the Top Ten for the breed
  • Top Agility Dog – based on rankings published by AKC. Certificates are granted for dogs placing in the Top Ten for the breed
  • Top Junior Handler – based on rankings published by www.BestJunior.com. Certificates are granted for juniors placing in the Top Ten while showing a Field Spaniel.

 

New Titles & Annual Awards and Statistics

Titles

Approval to add a club title of Master Hunting Dog Excellent (MHDX). 3/21/06

Approval of Breed’s Hunt Description to be sent to AKC 11/1/06 Working Dog Instinct Test approved. 2/12/09 Outstanding Sportsmanship Award

This award is presented annually to a person who deserves special recognition for having made a difference in the sport of purebred dogs, embodies the AKC Code of Sportsmanship and has been an active and valued member of the club. Only FSSA members in good standing are eligible for this award. Directions for procedure for nomination and selection are located on the FSSA website. The board makes the final decision and the winner will be announced at the National Specialty Banquet at which time the award medallion will be presented.

Versatility Championship award plaque added.

The timing of the distribution of awards is generally during the annual banquet of the FSSA held in conjunction with the annual national specialty show except in those years in which the timing of the specialty means that earlier distribution is preferable. During these years, a petition for earlier mailing of the awards may be made to the Board of Directors at the discretion of the Awards Chairperson and the awards are subsequently mailed if such distribution is approved. 12/9/09

Field Spaniel Service Dog of the Year Award

The purpose of this award is to recognize and encourage Field Spaniels and their owners who are involved in service work.  This is an annual award that will be presented at the club's awards banquet.  The award will be a plaque or other suitable object upon which the name of the dog earning the award and the year shall be inscribed.  The award will be given to the owner of the dog.

This award was created through the generosity of Nancy Redmon, who is responsible for supplying the commemoratives.

Rules for Award:

  1. Service dog means a living Field Spaniel, or Field Spaniel who died during the year of nomination, who works, or has worked in one of the following areas: therapy dog, special companion to the disabled, search & rescue, hearing dog, in special functions for police or fire organizations, or similar service-to-mankind endeavors.
  2. Nominations for this award shall be made by any FSSA member.  The owner of the dog need not be a member of the FSSA.
  3. Nominations shall include the name of the dog, the name and mailing address of the dog's owner, name and address of the person nominating the dog, the name of the breeder, a photo of the dog, and a description of the service activity performed by the dog.  Descriptive information shall be limited to one double spaced 8.5 x 11 letter size page. Nominations shall be sent to the FSSA Corresponding Secretary.  Sender of the nomination material shall be responsible for confirming its timely receipt by the Secretary.
  4. Nominations shall be made from January 1 through February 28 for the prior calendar year.  The Secretary shall place an announcement of the application process in the FSSA newsletter in a timely fashion.
  5. Nominations and related information shall be sent to the FSSA Board of Directors who shall vote by secret ballot, solely upon the written information provided, and without discussion of the merit of any of the nominations.  Should only one nomination be made, that nominee automatically becomes the award winner, and no vote shall be required. Should there be a tied vote, the vote shall be held again with consideration given only to those nominees tied by vote for the award.  Should a second vote again result in a tie, and there are only two nominees under consideration, both nominees shall be declared the "Field Spaniel Service Dog of the Year."
  6. A dog may earn this award only once.
  7. The award winner shall be announced during the annual awards banquet of the club, with a reading of the nomination information of the dog so awarded.  The owner of the dog need not be present.  The award and a congratulatory letter shall be mailed to the recipient as soon as is practical following the announcement of the award.
  1. The nomination information submitted about the award winning dog and the photo shall be published in the FSSA newsletter following the presentation of the award.

*Mailing address for year Submissions to the FSSA Corresponding Secretary is:

Contact info for current Corresponding Secretary

FSSA “Panchibo” Award Pin

FSSA members who earn an AKC conformation or performance title with their Field Spaniel are awarded an appropriately colored “Panchibo” pin. Each title is recognized by the color of the conformation and/or performance area in which the title was achieved. Titles earned at the highest level of each conformation or performance area have a separate delineation for pin color.  One pin is issued per dog.  Duplicate Panchibo pins may be purchased from FSSA for $5.00 (includes S&H).  Panchibo Pins must be applied for by the owner of the dog using a current Panchibo Pin application form, which is available on the FSSA website

The timing of the distribution of awards is generally during the annual banquet of the FSSA held in conjunction with the annual national specialty show except in those years in which the timing of the specialty means that earlier distribution is preferable. During these years, a petition for earlier mailing of the awards may be made to the Board of Directors at the discretion of the Panchibo Pin Chairperson and the awards are subsequently mailed if such distribution is approved.

Annual Statistics

Policy

Statistics are tabulated annually for the period of January 1 through December 31 for the following:

Top Ten – all breed conformation competition

Top Ten – within breed conformation competition

Top Breeder; Top Stud Dog, Top Brood Bitch: Champions of Record; All Titles-including all AKC performance title designations available to Field Spaniels;               Top Junior Handler;

Top Ten Field Spaniels in Agility Competition;

Top Ten Field Spaniels in Obedience Competition: Delaney System; Shuman System.

Procedure

Top Ten – All breed conformation competition is as published by AKC “Top Dogs” report for the appropriate year. If necessary, this report will be purchased with FSSA funds and is generally available in February to March for the prior competition year. A certificate is awarded for each dog at the annual awards banquet.

Top Ten – Within breed conformation is as published by AKC “Top Dogs” report for the appropriate year. If necessary, this report will be purchased with FSSA funds and is generally available in February to March for the prior competition year. A certificate is awarded for each dog at the annual awards banquet.

Top Breeder, Top Stud Dog, Top Brood Bitch is as published by the annual title listing from AKC, which includes breeder of record, sire, dam of each dog earning an AKC title for the reported year. This report will be purchased with FSSA funds and is generally available in February to March for the prior competition year. The breeder of record, sire, or dam listed the most times, whether singly or in combination, will be declared the “Top” for the competition year. Separate tabulations are maintained for: 1) Champions of Record, and 2) All AKC titles earned. Where dogs earn more than one title, all titles are counted toward the total. Where there is a die, all breeders, sires, dams will be declared as “Top) for the competition year. A certificate is awarded for each dog and each individual at the annual awards banquet.

Note:  Top Breeder, Top Stud Dog, Top Brood Bitch report is available though the free monthly electronic subscription given to FSSA by AKC. The Historian is listed as the subscriber.

Top Junior Handler with a Field Spaniel statistics are as published by Canine Chronicle, www.caninechroncile.com . An engraved plaque is awarded to the junior handler at the annual awards banquet and the junior’s name and year of win is engraved on the perpetual “Tommy Trophy” offered through FSSA.

Top Ten Agility – this system is calculated on the basis of scores in agility competition published annually through Front & Finish Dog Trainer’s News, with publication in July or August for the prior competition year.

Top Ten Delaney System Obedience – this system is calculated on the basis of number of dogs defeated when earning a placement in an obedience class or going High In Trial published annually through Front & Finish Dog Trainer’s News, with publication in July or August for the prior competition year.

Top Ten Shuman System Obedience – this system is calculated on the basis of scores in Open A, Open B and Utility A or Utility B competition. Scores are awarded points ranging from 1 for a 170 to 10 for a 200, published annually through Front & Finish Dog Trainer’s News, with publication in July or August for the prior competition year. 4/4/06   

Register of Merit Recognition Program

The Register of Merit Recognition Program, ROM, is designed to provide recognition to those Field Spaniels who have achieved a level of excellence in a specific area. The ROM award is a certificate indicating the achievement. Additional certificates for co-owners may be purchased.

There are 10 ROM areas of achievement based on the achievements of the individual dog.

ROM-S Show

ROM- P Producer

ROM-F Field work/Hunting

ROM-O Obedience

ROM-R Rally

ROM-T Tracking

ROM-A Agility

ROM-AM Agility Master

ROM-SW Scent Work

ROM-E Eventing

ROM awards must be applied for by the owner of the dog using a current ROM application form, which is available on the FSSA website. Awards are distributed once per year although application for an award may be made at any time during the year.  The timing of the distribution of awards is generally during the annual banquet of FSSA held in conjunction with the annual national specialty show except in those years in which the timing of the specialty means that earlier distribution is preferable.  During these years, a petition for earlier mailing of the awards may be made to the Board of Directors at the discretion of the Awards Chairperson and the awards are subsequently mailed if such distribution is approved. New ROM criteria approved.1/2020

Hall of Fame Recognition Program

The Hall of Fame Recognition Program, HOF, is designed to recognize those Field Spaniels who have achieved a high level of excellence in multiple areas of achievement. The areas of achievement are based upon the ROM system. The HOF award is a plaque indicating the achievement. Additional plaques for co-owners may be purchased.

HOF awards must be applied for by the owner of the dog using a current HOF application form. Awards are distributed once per year although application for an award may be made at any time during the year.  The timing of the distribution of awards is generally during the annual banquet of FSSA held in conjunction with the annual national specialty show except in those years in which the timing of the specialty means that earlier distribution is preferable.  During these years, a petition for earlier mailing of the awards may be made to the Board of Directors at the discretion of the Awards Chairperson and the awards are subsequently mailed if such distribution is approved. New HOF criteria approved.1/2020

STANDING RULES—Section VI

Rules Pertaining to the FSSA Junior Handler Program

 

Purpose of the Junior Handler Program: 

The primary purpose of a program for Junior Members is to encourage and expand younger generations’ ongoing interest in Field Spaniels, and thereby to help to ensure the future preservation and welfare of our breed.

  • To provide for the FSSA a comprehensive set of programs that encourage Junior Handlers to compete with their Field Spaniels in various activities
  • Includes the funding and oversight of the FSSA Junior Programs, with continued administration by the FSSA Board of Directors.
  • To promote educational challenges that encourage each junior to become well-rounded in their knowledge of our breed in particular and dogs in general.

Priorities: 

  1. Establish separate funding for FSSA Junior programs
  2. Committee will suggest recommended funding to the FSSA Board and then the treasurer would be responsible for the technical aspects within the FSSA account.
  3. Increase junior programs to include more kids (i.e., performance, kids in different geographic areas)
  4. Challenge each junior to expand their breed knowledge into new areas
  5. Encourage cooperative relationships among the Junior Handlers
  6. Provide a section on the FSSA website devoted to past and future juniors as well as promoting our juniors proposals and or funding.  This section will also be where the forms for each program will be available for download.

Funding

FSSA Fund specific to Junior Handlers will be managed by the FSSA treasurer.

  1. Junior Handler Fund will be listed on the FSSA membership renewal statement each year for voluntary donations with membership renewal.
  2. Fund FSSA award for Top Junior (www.caninechronicle.com) 1/1-12-31. Annual perpetual award and smaller keepsake awarded. Rossette to be awarded and funded by FSSA.
  1. $1000 from the General Fund will be put into the Juniors’ Fund yearly, with a cap at $3000 in a 3 year span. 4/19/17
  2. The General Fund pays one $500 stipend for a Junior to attend either Westminster or the National Dog Show (formerly Eukanuba). There is no limit on any additional number of stipends for this purpose to come from the Juniors Fund 4/19/17

Program

  1. Westminster Incentive Program to include AKC National Championship
  2. Westminster stipend junior program to include an alternative option of attendance at the AKC National Championship Show, for Junior Handlers who qualify and choose to attend AKC National Championship instead of Westminster.The qualifications for each event vary and the junior could choose which event they prefer to attend if they were to qualify for both.
  3. AKC National Championship set requirements fulfilled (currently 5 open class wins with competition present)
  4. Juniors must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or equivalent for the two semesters completed immediately prior to the closing of entries. GPA must be verified by an official school transcript or home school information sent in and received by AKC prior to the entry form being sent to the junior.
  5. Qualifying wins must be obtained while showing a Field Spaniel.
  6. Juniors must be FSSA members to apply for this incentive.
  7. A Field Spaniel must be entered and shown in juniors at this event.
  8. Bitches in season clause (juniors cannot show bitches in season).

The funding structure for this program allows for one junior per year to be funded by the FSSA ($500) general fund, however funding for additional juniors may be approved by the FSSA board as the General Fund permits.  If the funding for additional juniors is available in the designated juniors fund this may be funded directly without board intervention or additional approval.

Junior is responsible for filling out the application and submitting it to a committee member before November 15thto be approved.  The application consists of a minimum 250 words essay about what I have learned from participating in dog shows.

  • Post Show “Experience Essay” – minimum 500 word essay about the experience of competing at the AKC National Championship Show, to be publicized by FSSA.

FSSA Top Junior Handler in Performance Events

  • New recognition (perpetual trophy and smaller keepsake trophy) to be awarded to the Junior Handler with the most qualifying performances in AKC Hunting, Agility, Obedience, Rally or Tracking with their Field Spaniel
  • Juniors will be required to submit a summary of their achievements, to be verified with AKC, and will include AKC sanctioned events only
  • Funding to be provided from the Junior Handler Fund.
  • Funding of a rosette to be provided from the General Fund.

FSSA Total Junior Program

  • New multi-year program designed to encourage well-rounded juniors who will have some exposure to all aspects of the fancy – showmanship, performance, volunteer service to the FSSA, volunteer service to benefit dogs in general, knowledge of a history or health topic, and breeding/whelping.
  • Requires an application from the Junior documenting each of the requirements. Verification will be required.
  • Requires a Junior Membership of the FSSA.
  • Program will accept 2008 and 2009 accomplishments for Junior Members who became active in Field Spaniels prior to the inception of this program.
  • Juniors must complete all areas in order to qualify for this award:
    • Accomplishments in Junior Showmanship – provide documentation of 2 wins in Open class with a Field Spaniel, over the course of at least 2 years. This totals 4 wins in 2 years. Wins are allowed to extend beyond a 2-year period of time, but no wins prior to 2007 will be accepted. This should accommodate all active junior handlers who could “age out” prior to completing the requirements.
    • One performance title (Hunt, Tracking, Agility, Obedience or Rally) where all qualifications were met by a registered Junior Handler.  Must be verifiable by AKC records).  Does not require the dog to reside with the junior, but preferred. There is no monitoring system by AKC in place for this at the moment, but we would consider reviewing this in the future.
    • Assist with 2 litters of puppies from 2 different breeders at different developmental stages.  Field Spaniels are preferred, but can substitute another breed.  Types of qualifying activities could include helping with whelp, caring for neonates, weaning young puppies, socialization, being present at a structural evaluation or present at formal temperament testing.
    • Project of the Junior’s choosing that includes research on a breed historical or health issue.  Result of project must be publicized by FSSA  or displayed at a National Specialty.
    • Volunteer six (6) hours at a Field Spaniel sponsored event, such as a National, a local specialty, a Supported Entry or a Meet the Breeds. Alternatives must be preapproved by the Juniors Committee.
    • Volunteer six (6) hours at an all-breed event that benefits dogs in general or provides public education (Rescue or welfare organizations, Meet the Breed events, etc) Alternative hours than described must be approved by the committee.
  • First award to be distributed no earlier than 2010.  Funding out of the Junior Handler Fund, once it is established.
  • Inclusion on FSSA’s official “Total Junior List” (similar to Hall of Fame or ROM) and small commemorative plaque. 3/10/10

Juniors will be encouraged to work in any Meet the Breeds booth run by the club. 4/15