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About
the Australian Terrier
Club of America
Established in 1958, the Australian Terrier Club of America (ATCA) serves
as the official AKC parent club of the Australian Terrier in the United
States.
Club
Objectives and Activities
The objectives
of the Club are:
(a) To
encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Australian
Terriers and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to
perfection.
(b) To
encourage the organization of independent local Australian Terrier Specialty
Clubs in those localities where there are sufficient fanciers of the
Breed to meet the requirements of the American Kennel Club.
(c) To
define precisely the standard of the true type of Australian Terrier
and to urge members and breeders to accept the Standard of the Breed
as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence
by which the Australian Terrier shall be judged.
(d) To
educate judges about the Standard of the Breed.
(e) To
do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the Breed
and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dogs shows, obedience
trials, agility trials, earthdog tests, and any other activities that
demonstrate the qualities of the Breed in a favorable light.
(f) To
provide educational programs and a forum for the exchange of information
among fanciers regarding the Australian Terrier.
(g) To
conduct specialty shows, sanctioned matches, obedience trials, rally
trials, tracking tests, agility trials, and earthdogs tests; and to
support entries under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel
Club.
BACK TO TOP
 ATCA
Officers and Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Michael
E. Palazzo
P.O
Box 271
Jarrettsville, MD 21084
Email: president@australianterrier.org
VICE-PRESIDENT
Susan K. Holsinger
11829
WCR 39
Fort Lupton, CO 80621
Email: vicepresident@australianterrier.org
RECORDING
SECRETARY
Debora T. Sharp
7840
Bell Road
Knoxville, TN 37938
Email: recsec@australianterrier.org
CORRESPONDING
SECRETARY
Carol M. Sazama
3044
McIntosh Drive
Longmont, CO 80503-1633
Email: info@australianterrier.org
TREASURER
Susan Bachman
16829
Pleasants Valley Road
Vacaville, CA 95688-9715
Email: treasurer@australianterrier.org
DELEGATE
TO THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Kim Occhiuti
5
Noon Hill Road
Medfield, MA 02052-3007
Email: akcdelegate@australianterrier.org
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS — CLASS OF 2007 | 2008
Michelle V. Bell
3426
Hollow Pond Road
Hayes, VA 23072-3012
Email: aussielvr@gmail.com
Ann
Roache
7945
Maverick Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80908-5075
Email: earoache@aol.com
Teresa
Schreeder
6829
Pleasants Valley Road
Vacaville, CA 95688-9715
Email: pete128@earthlink.net
Carol
Ann Stone
Route
1 Box 53A
Farmer City, IL 61842-9727
Email: quiltingqueen@wildblue.net
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS — CLASS OF 2008 | 2009
Kreg
Hill
255
N El Cielo Rd
Suite 140-274
Palm Springs, CA 92262-6910
Email: kreg@kreghill.com
Pamela
Levy
P.O
Box JJ
Aspen, CO 81612
Email:
pamelalevy@aol.com
Alexa
Samarotto
124
Islington Street
Staten Island, NY 10308
Email:
samabelaus@aol.com
Sherrill
Yates
2506
Glynnwood Drive
Bartlesville, OK 74006-6221
Email:
ssyates@hotmail.com
BACK TO TOP
ATCA
Committee Chairs and Appointments
AKC
GAZETTE COLUMNIST
Grace Cartwright
Email:
gcartwright@australianterrier.org
AUSSIE
STOREKEEPER
Susan M. Saulvester
Email:
atcastorekeeper@australianterrier.org
BREEDER
REFERRAL
Sandra Weigle
Email:
breederinfo@australianterrier.org
CALENDAR
Diane Suter
Email:
calendar@australianterrier.org
HEALTH
INFORMATION AND INITIATIVES
Michelle Bell and Teresa
Schreeder
Email:
health@australianterrier.org
HENDERSON
OBEDIENCE AWARDS | CHARMS
Barbera Curtis
Email:
Bcgreyrock@aol.com
HISTORIAN
Carol Sazama
Email:
info@australianterrier.org
JUDGES
EDUCATION
Carol Sazama
Email:
info@australianterrier.org
LEGISLATIVE
LIAISON
Sandra Lassen
Email:
acterrier@aol.com
MEDIA
CONTACTS — PRINT AND BROADCAST
Susan Bachman
6829
Pleasants Valley Road
Vacaville, CA 95688-9715
TEL: 707-451-8377
Email:
sbachman@australianterrier.org
Dr. Kerrie Bryan
3044
McIntosh Drive
Longmont, CO 80503-1633
TEL: 303-834-8230
Email:
kbryan@australianterrier.org
Alexa Samarotto
124
Islington Street
Staten Island, NY 10308-1617
TEL: 718-984-0939
Email:
asamarotto@australianterrier.org
MEMBERS
EDUCATION —2008
Michelle Bell
Email:
aussielvr@gmail.com
MEMBERS
EDUCATION —
2009
Nancy Mathews
Email:
ncarol@esva.net
MEMBERS
EDUCATION —
2010
Sue
Holsinger
Email:
All4dogs@aol.com
MEMBERSHIP
LIST, LABELS, AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Sharon Adams
Email:
sladams@earthlink.net
NATIONAL
SPECIALTY CHAIR — 2009
Grace Cartwright
Email:
gcartwright@australianterrier.org
NATIONAL
SPECIALTY CHAIR — 2010
Eva Campbell
Email:
evachristina_2000@yahoo.com
NATIONAL
SPECIALTY PLANNING COORDINATOR
Ida Ellen Weinstock
Email:
idaellen@australianterrier.org
NEWSLETTER
EDITOR
Darlene Evans
Email:
newsletter@australianterrier.org
PERFORMANCE
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Susan Saulvester
Email:
auster@mindspring.com
PERMANENT
TROPHY COORDINATOR —
2008
Teresa Schreeder
Email:
pete128@earthlink.net
PUBLIC
EDUCATION
Sherrill Yates
Email:
ssyates@hotmail.com
REGISTRY
OF MERIT (ROM)
Mike and Kendall Liga
Email:
mliga@aol.com
SUPPORTED
SHOW TROPHIES AND AOM
Nedra Adams
Email:
Momaussie@aol.com
WAYS
AND MEANS — 2008 AUCTION CHAIR
Pamela
Levy
Email:
pamelalevy@aol.com
WEBMASTER
Michael Palazzo
Email:
atcawebmaster@australianterrier.org
BACK TO TOP
ATCA
Constitution and Bylaws
CLUB
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I —
NAME AND OBJECTIVES
Section
1 - Name of the Club
The name of the
Club shall be "The Australian Terrier Club of America, Inc.", a non-profit
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
New Jersey.
Section 2 - The
Purpose of the Club
The objectives
of the Club shall be:
(a) To encourage
and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Australian Terriers
and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
(b)
To encourage the organization of independent local Australian Terrier
Specialty Clubs in those localities where there are sufficient fanciers
of the Breed to meet the requirements of the American Kennel Club.
(c) To define
precisely the standard of the true type of Australian Terrier and
to urge members and breeders to accept the Standard of the Breed
as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of
excellence by which the Australian Terrier shall be judged.
(d) To educate
judges about the Standard of the Breed.
(e)
To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the
Breed and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dogs shows,
obedience trials, agility trials, earthdog tests, and any other
activities that demonstrate the qualities of the Breed in a favorable
light.
(f) To provide
educational programs and a forum for the exchange of information
among fanciers regarding the Australian Terrier.
(g) To conduct
specialty shows, sanctioned matches, obedience trials, rally trials,
tracking tests, agility trials, and earthdogs tests; and to support
entries under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club.
Section 3 - Not
for Profit Status
The Club shall not
be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits or
remainder or residue from dues or donations to the Club shall inure
to the benefit of any member or individual.
Section 4 - By-Laws
The members of this
Club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such By-Laws as
may be required to carry out these objectives.
CLUB
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 1 — MEMBERSHIP
Section 1 - Eligibility
There
shall be five (5) types of membership open to persons who are in good
standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes
of this Club.
(a) Regular: Open
to those persons over 18 years of age who reside in the United States.
Regular Members enjoy all the privileges of the Club including the
right to vote and the right to hold office.
(b) Lifetime:
This status is conferred by a vote of the Board and announced at
the Annual Meeting. Candidates for Lifetime Membership must already
hold Regular Membership and reside in the United States. Nominations
for Lifetime Membership may be made in writing to the Recording
Secretary, giving the reason for this honor, at least six months
prior to the Annual Meeting. Basic qualifications for this type
of membership are making an important and lasting contribution to
the Club in a form other than holding office, such as long and varied
service to the Club. Lifetime Members pay no dues and enjoy all
the privileges of the Club including the right to vote and to hold
office.
(c) Junior: Open
to persons 10 through 17 years of age, who cannot vote or hold office.
Junior Members pay dues at a reduced rate from that of Regular Members
and may become Regular Members upon reaching their 18th birthday
and so notifying the Recording Secretary.
(d) Foreign: Open
to those persons 18 years of age and older who reside outside the
United States. Foreign Members enjoy all the privileges of the Club
except they may not vote or hold office and do not count in determining
a quorum. Non-U.S. residents who were members before the adoption
of this provision shall continue to enjoy voting privileges.
(e) Honorary:
Open to persons 18 years of age and older who are residents of the
United States. This Membership is for outstanding contributions
to the Australian Terrier Club or the canine world in general and
is elected by a majority vote of the Regular and Lifetime Members.
Honorary Members do not pay dues and they are not eligible to vote.
However, such members can maintain a Regular Membership if they
pay dues.
Section 2 - Dues
(a) Membership
dues shall be determined annually by majority vote of the Board
of Directors. Regular and Foreign Membership dues shall be set at
no more than one-hundred dollars ($100). Junior Membership dues
shall be set at a lower figure than that of Regular Membership.
The general membership shall be notified of any change in dues and
the basis for it by publication in the Club's newsletter or other
written notice by April 1st.
(b) A one-time
application and processing fee not to exceed ten dollars ($10.00)
shall be assessed all new members and shall be paid at the time
of application. The fee shall be the same for all types of memberships.
(c) Annual dues
shall be payable on or before the first day in July of each year.
Any applicant being accepted as a member ninety (90) days or less
before annual dues are paid will be credited for full payment for
the coming year. During the month of May, the Treasurer shall send
to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing year. No member
may vote or serve in office whose dues are not paid for the current
year.
(d) The Board
of Directors may establish membership surcharges for any member
whose mailing address lies outside the United States of America.
Such surcharges shall be established only on the basis of extra
charges incurred, or expected to be incurred, by the Club as a result
of mailing member correspondence and Club newsletters to areas beyond
the jurisdiction of the United States Post Office. Foreign address
surcharges shall be due and payable at the same time as the member's
dues.
(e) Annual renewal
of membership indicates that the member accepts and agrees to abide
by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Australian Terrier Club of
America, Inc. and the Club's current Code of Ethics and Breeder
Referral Listing Agreement, if applicable.
Section 3 - Election
to Membership
Each applicant for
membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors.
This form shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by this
Constitution and By-Laws, the Club's current Code of Ethics, and the
Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club. The application
shall carry the written endorsement of two members in good standing
who have been members not less than two years. At least one of the
sponsors must have known the applicant for a period of one year prior
to sponsorship. Each sponsor shall further indicate his/her endorsement
in the form of a letter recommending the applicant for membership.
Accompanying the application the prospective member shall submit the
initiation fee and dues payment for the current year as well as a
brief resume. Upon publication in the next edition of the newsletter,
applicants may be elected by ballot at any meeting of the Board of
Directors or by vote by mail. Affirmative votes of two-thirds (2/3)
of the Board of Directors shall be required to elect an applicant.
The sponsors of any applicant who fails to receive the two-thirds
(2/3) favorable vote of the Board may present his/her application
at the next Annual Meeting of the Club. A favorable secret vote of
seventy-five percent (75%) of the Regular and Lifetime Members present
will elect to membership. A rejected applicant may not reapply for
six months following such a vote of the Club. The due's payment shall
be returned to any rejected applicant, the processing fee shall remain
with the Club.
Section 4 - Objections
to Applications for Membership
Objections to a
membership application may be voiced within thirty (30) days after
receipt of the newsletter containing the name of the prospective applicant.
Such objection must be made in writing to the Recording Secretary.
Such application shall be tabled by the Board of Directors for investigation
and disposition. Following investigation, the Board will either vote
to accept the applicant or reject the application.
Section 5 - Privileges
of Membership
A member in good
standing
is
defined by these By-Laws as a member who has no delinquent debts to
the Club and who is in good standing with the American Kennel Club.
(For example, unpaid dues, unpaid trophy pledges, and unfulfilled
donations are considered debts to the Club). Members who have delinquent
debts other than dues shall be notified in writing and given thirty
(30) days to pay the debts. All Regular and Lifetime Members in good
standing shall at appropriate times have the privilege of voting and
serving as an Officer or Director. All types of members enjoy the
privileges of sponsoring membership applications, renewing memberships,
serving the Club on a committee, pledging trophies, and enjoying other
privileges as may be defined by the Board of Directors.
Section 6 - Termination
of Membership
Memberships may
be terminated:
(a) By Resignation:
Any member in good standing may resign from the Club upon written
notice to the Recording Secretary, but no member may resign when
in debt to the Club. Obligations other than dues are considered
a debt to the Club and must be paid in full prior to resignation
(b) By Lapsing:
A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated
if such member's dues remain unpaid sixty (60) days after the first
day of the fiscal year; however, the Board may grant an additional
sixty (60) days grace to such delinquent member in meritorious cases.
In no case may a person be entitled to vote at any Club meeting
whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting, or as of the
closing of the polls if a mail ballot. No member may hold office
whose dues are unpaid.
(c) By Expulsion:
A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article
VI of these Constitutions and By-Laws. There will be no reinstatement
or renewal of membership except as listed above.
ARTICLE II —
MEETINGS AND OFFICIAL CLUB NOTICES
Section 1 - Annual
Meeting
The Annual Meeting
of the Club shall be held in conjunction with a Club Specialty Show
at a place, date, and hour designated by the Board of Directors. Written
notice of the Annual Meeting shall be mailed by the Recording Secretary
to each member at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. The
quorum for the Annual Meeting shall be 10% of the Regular and Lifetime
Members in good standing. A majority vote of those present shall be
sufficient to conduct business unless otherwise specified in these
By-Laws.
Section 2 - Special
Club Meetings
Special Club Meetings
may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members
of the Board of Directors who are present at a meeting of the Board
or who vote by mail; and shall be called by the Recording Secretary
upon receipt of a written petition signed by ten percent (10%) of
the Regular and Lifetime Members of the Club who are in good standing.
Such meeting shall be held at such hour and place as may be designated
by the Board. Written notice of such meeting shall be mailed by the
Recording Secretary at least fourteen (14) days and not more than
thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall
state the purpose of the meeting and no other Club business may be
transacted. The quorum for such a meeting shall be ten percent (10%)
of the Regular and Lifetime Members in good standing. A majority vote
of those present or participating via teleconference shall be sufficient
to conduct business unless otherwise specified in these By-Laws.
Section 3 - Board
Meetings
(a) The Board
of Directors shall meet in person at least once each calendar year,
at a time and place to be designated by the President. Additional
Board meetings either in person or via teleconference may be called
by the President or by written majority of the Board, at a time
and place designated by them. Written notice of such Board meetings
shall be mailed to each Board Member by the Recording Secretary
at least fourteen (14) days and not more than thirty (30) days prior
to the meeting. Quorum shall be a minimum of five Board Members.
A majority vote of those Board Members present shall be sufficient
to conduct business unless otherwise specified in these By-Laws.
(b) The Board
of Directors may conduct its business by mail, fax, telephone conference
call, or any other means approved by the State of New Jersey, or
by polling the Board through the Recording Secretary. Items voted
upon in the above manner must be confirmed in writing within seven
(7) business days following the closing date of the vote, listing
the vote of each Board Member and the tally.
(c) There shall
be minutes taken for all types of meetings listed above.
(d) A simple majority
vote of the entire Board voting by mail, fax, teleconferencing or
other acceptable manner shall be required unless otherwise specified
in these By-Laws.
(e) Any Member
of the Board initiating a motion or resolution shall send a copy
of the motion, with a second, to the Recording Secretary.
Section 4 - Official
Club Notices
All Official Club
Notices must be sent via the US Postal Service. Other forms of notification,
including the use of email, are not approved.
ARTICLE III —
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 1 - Board
of Directors
The Board of Directors
shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary,
Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, and eight (8) other persons, all
of whom shall be Regular Members or Lifetime Members in good standing
who are residents of the United States. They shall be elected as provided
in Article IV or shall serve until their successors are elected, with
the exception of the retiring President, who shall serve as ex-officio
without voting privileges for one year following retirement. General
management of the Club's affairs shall be the responsibility of the
Board of Directors.
Section 2 - Terms
of Office
The President, Vice-President,
Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer shall be
elected for one year terms. The President, Vice- President, and each
Secretary shall serve no more than six (6) consecutive one year terms
and the Treasurer for no more than ten (10) consecutive one year terms.
The eight other Board Members shall serve for no more than three (3)
consecutive two-year terms with four such members being elected in
alternative years An Officer or Board Member who has served the maximum
number of consecutive terms shall be out of that office for one full
term before he is eligible to be re-nominated for that office.
Section 3 - Officers
The Club's Officers,
consisting of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary and
Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer shall serve in their respective
capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board
and its meetings.
(a) The President
shall preside at all meetings of the Club and the Board of Directors,
shall present the annual report to the Club at the end of the year,
in January, which shall be published in the next newsletter, and
shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant the office
of President in addition to those particularly specified in these
Constitutions and By-Laws. The President shall be an ex-officio
member of all Committees except the Nominating Committee.
(b) The Vice-President
shall preside in the absence of the President at any meeting. In
the event of death, incapacity, resignation or removal from office
of the President, the Vice-President shall succeed to the office
of President for the remainder of the term. The Vice-President shall
assist the President as directed by the President.
(c) The Recording
Secretary shall preside in the absence of the President and Vice-President
at any meeting and shall have custody of the Club's official Constitution
and By-Laws, shall record any and all amendments, shall keep minutes
of all Club and Board meetings, shall furnish copies of all minutes
within twenty-one (21) days to each Member of the Board, shall provide
unchanged minutes of the general Club meetings to the Editor of
the Newsletter for publication, shall furnish the decisions of the
Board to the Editor of the Newsletter for publication and shall
make available to individual Club members, upon request, the reasons
and voting record of Members of the Board when the Board has voted
down a motion and passed at a General Club Meeting. The Recording
Secretary shall maintain a log of all internal Club minutes, correspondence
and actions which shall be transferred to succeeding Recording Secretaries
and which shall become a permanent record retained by the Club.
The Recording Secretary shall handle elections, prepare and mail
all notices, ballots, petitions, and notify by mail all electees
of their election to office. Upon election of a new member, the
Recording Secretary shall send the member a written notice of his/her
election and a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws and a membership
roster. The Recording Secretary shall report any changes in the
membership and their addresses quarterly in the newsletter. The
Recording Secretary shall handle any and all other internal correspondence
as may be directed by the Board.
(d) The Corresponding
Secretary shall preside in the absence of the President, Vice-President,
and Recording Secretary. He/she shall keep and maintain adequate
records of all external Club correspondence. The Corresponding Secretary
shall handle communications with the American Kennel Club, all correspondence
with any other dog clubs including local Australian Terrier Clubs,
correspondence with any applicants to membership in the Club, requests
for information from the Club and the general public about the Breed,
and all other external correspondence as may be directed by the
Board or the President.
(e) The Treasurer
shall preside in the absence of the President, the Vice-President,
Recording Secretary or Corresponding Secretary at any meeting. The
Treasurer shall collect and receive all monies due or belonging
to the Club and pay all bills incurred by or for the Club. The Treasurer
shall open accounts in the name of the Club in a bank satisfactory
to the Board of Directors. The Club's books shall at all times be
open to inspection to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall
keep a roll of all members and their addresses and keep the Recording
Secretary currently posted. The Treasurer shall report to the board
quarterly the condition of the Club's finances and every item of
receipt or payment not before reported. The Treasurer shall at the
end of the fiscal year, June 30th, render an account of all monies
received and expended during the previous fiscal year. This report
shall be published in the newsletter. The Board of Directors shall
determine by Standing Rule the maximum amount of any single expenditure
payable by the Treasurer without prior approval of the Board. The
Treasurer's books shall be audited as deemed necessary by the Board
of Directors by an auditor or person designated by the Board. The
Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Board of Directors
shall determine.
Section 4 - Club
Credentials
Use
of the Club stationery, past or present, or logos and insignia of
the Australian Terrier Club of America, Inc. by any person other than
current Officers and Members of the Board of Directors, or anyone
specifically authorized by the Board of Directors, are prohibited.
Also, restricted is use of such stationery for any purpose other than
the official business of the Club.
Section 5 - AKC
Delegate
The Club shall have
a delegate to the American Kennel Club, Inc. Such Delegate shall be
elected for a one year term as provided in Article IV and shall serve
until his or her successor has been qualified and elected, unless
he or she has his or her appointment withdrawn by a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the Regular and Lifetime Membership. To be eligible to represent
the Club as Delegate to the American Kennel Club, the candidate shall
have been a member in good standing for a period of at least two years.
The Delegate shall serve as liaison between the Club and the American
Kennel Club and shall communicate all matters of interest and concern
to the Club's Board of Directors as soon as practical after each Delegate's
meeting of the American Kennel Club. A Delegate need not be a member
of the Board of Directors, and if he or she is not a member of the
Board; he or she shall be invited to attend the meetings of the Board
without a vote.
Section 6 - Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring
on the Board or among the Officers or AKC Delegate shall be filled
until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then-Members
of the Board within sixty (60) days; except that a vacancy on the
office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President
and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be
filled by a majority vote of all the then-Members of the Board as
above.
ARTICLE IV —
THE CLUB YEAR AND VOTING
Section 1 - Club
Year
The Club's fiscal
year shall begin on the 1st day of July and end on the 30th day of
June. The Club's official year shall begin on the 1st day of January,
when newly elected Officers and Directors assume their positions,
and shall continue through the next annual election and end on the
31st day of December. Each retiring Officer shall turn over to his
successor in office all properties and records relating to that office
by the 1st day of February.
Section 2 - Voting
At the Annual Meeting
or at a Special Meeting of the Club, voting shall be limited to the
Regular and Lifetime Members in good standing who are present at the
meeting, except that the annual election of Officers and Directors
and Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws and the Standard for
the Breed shall be decided by written ballot cast by mail. Voting
by proxy shall not be permitted. The Board of Directors may submit
other specific questions for decision of the Regular and Lifetime
Members by written ballot cast by mail.
Section 3 - Annual
Election
In
December, the Election of Officers and Directors and Delegate to the
American Kennel Club, who may, but need not be, a Director or Officer
of the Club, shall be conducted by secret ballot. To be valid, ballots
must be received and checked for eligibility by December 15th against
a current and updated membership list by an independent professional
firm or individual designated by the Board who is not a candidate
on the ballot. Ballots shall be counted by an independent professional
firm or by three inspectors of election who are members in good standing
and neither members of the current Board nor candidates on the ballot,
and who shall be chosen in advance by the Board or another person
or agency designated by the Board. The person receiving the largest
number of votes for each position shall be declared elected. If any
nominee, at the time of the election, is unable to serve for any reason,
such nominee shall not be elected, and the vacancy so created shall
be filled by the new Board of Directors in the manner provided by
Article III, Section 6. In the case of a tie vote, a run-off election
shall be conducted with ballots going to all those who were eligible
to vote in the earlier balloting.
Section 4 - Nominations
and Ballots
No person may be
a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated in accordance
with these By-Laws. A chairman for the Nominating Committee shall
be appointed by the President by April 1st and approved by the Board
of Directors by May 1st. The Chairman shall select two (2) committee
members from different areas of the United States, and two (2) alternates,
all members in good standing, no more that one (1) of whom may be
a member of the current Board of Directors by June 1st. The Board
shall approve the committee by June 30th. The Nominating Committee
may conduct its business by mail.
(a) The Nominating
Committee shall nominate, from among the eligible members of the
Club, one candidate for each office and for each vacant position
on the Board of Directors and a candidate for Delegate to the American
Kennel Club. The Chairman shall procure the written acceptance of
each nominee so chosen, along with a brief resume of his/her qualifications
for the position. The Committee shall consider geographical representation
of the membership on the Board to the extent that it is practicable
to do so. The Committee shall submit its slate of candidates to
the Recording Secretary by September 1st. The Recording Secretary
shall mail the list, including the full name of each candidate and
the name of the state in which he/she resides, as well as a brief
biographical resume prepared by each nominee, to each Regular and
Lifetime Member of the Club on or before September 20th, so that
additional nominations may be made if they so desire. Junior, Foreign
and Honorary Members are ineligible to hold office or in any way
participate in the election process.
(b) Additional
nominations of eligible members may be made by written petition
addressed to and received at the Recording Secretary's regular address
on or before October 31st. Such petitions must be signed by five
(5) members and accompanied by the written acceptance of each such
additional nominee signifying his/her willingness to be a candidate
and a brief resume of his/her qualifications for the office. Except
for the position of Delegate, no person shall be a candidate for
more than one position.
(c) If no valid
additional nominations are received by the Recording Secretary on
or before October 31st, the Nomination Committee's slate shall be
declared elected.
(d) If one or
more valid nominations are received by the Recording Secretary on
or before October 31st, he/she shall, on or before November 10th
mail to each Regular and Lifetime Member in good standing a ballot
listing all of the Nominees for each position in alphabetical order,
with the names of the states in which they reside and a brief resume,
together with a blank envelope and a return envelope marked "ballot"
addressed to the designated professional firm or individual designated
by the Board of Directors and bearing the name of the member to
which it was addressed. Neither Members of the current Board of
Directors or candidates on the ballot can receive the ballots. So
that the ballots may remain secret, each voter, after marking their
ballot shall seal it in the blank envelope, which shall in turn
be placed in the second envelope addressed to the designated professional
firm or individual designated by the board. The inspector of election
or designated professional firm or individual shall check the returns
against a list of members whose dues are paid for the current year
prior to the opening of the outer envelopes and removing the blank
envelopes, and shall certify the eligibility of the voters as well
as the results of the voting. All ballots must be received by December
15th and must be counted and the results reported to the Recording
Secretary by telephone and in writing within two (2) working days.
The Recording Secretary shall notify the electees of their election
immediately by mail. The election results will be announced in the
next Newsletter. Ballots shall be transferred to the Recording Secretary
within two weeks of the election, who shall retain said ballots
for six months.
(e) When one or
more valid nominations are received, the balance of the slate that
is unopposed shall be declared elected by the Recording Secretary
on November 1st.
(f) Nominations
cannot be made in any manner other than as provided above.
ARTICLE V —
COMMITTEES
Section 1 - Committee
Chairmen
Subject to approval
by the Board of Directors, the President may appoint any necessary
Committee Chairmen, standing or special, to advance the work of the
Club in such matters as, but not limited to, dog shows, obedience
trials, annual awards, special awards, Register of Merit, Newsletter
Editor, and other fields which may be well served by committees. Chairmen
of such Committees, after being approved by the Board, may select
their own Committee Members or subcommittees to work with them. Exceptions
to this include the Nominating Committee, By-Laws Committee, Auditing
Committee, and Standard Committee: These Committees shall be approved
in their entirety by the Board of Directors. Each Committee shall
report to the Board of Directors annually at the time of the Annual
Meeting and at any time as requested by the Board of Directors.
Section 2 - Committees
Subject to Board Authority
All
Committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board.
Any Committee appointment may be terminated by the majority vote of
the full Board for just cause, upon written notice to the appointee;
and the Board shall appoint successors to those persons whose service
has been terminated. A Committee appointee whose service has been
terminated shall, within thirty (30) days of his notification of his
termination, transmit all records to the person appointed to succeed
him.
Section 3 - Writing
for Publications Under ATCA's Name
No person may write
for publication under the name or authority of the Australian Terrier
Club of America, Inc. without prior Board approval.
ARTICLE VI —
DISCIPLINE
Section 1 - American
Kennel Club Suspension
Any member who is
suspended from the privileges of the American Kennel Club shall automatically
be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
Section 2 - Charges
Any member may prefer
charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the
best interests of the Club or the Breed. Written charges with specifications
must be filed in duplicate with the Recording Secretary together with
a deposit of fifty dollars ($50), which shall be forfeited if such
charges are not sustained by the Board of Directors. The Recording
Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each Member
of the Board and/or a Committee comprised of at least three Members
of the Board, or present them at a Board Meeting, and the Board shall
first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven,
might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the
Club or the Breed. If the Board considers that the charges do not
allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of
the Club or the Breed, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If
the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date
of a hearing by the Board not less than 3 weeks or more than six (6)
weeks thereafter. The Recording Secretary shall promptly send one
copy of the charges to the accused member by certified mail together
with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may
personally appear in his or her own defense and bring witnesses if
he or she wishes.
Section 3 - Board
Hearing
The Board of Directors
shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend
the hearing, but both the complainant and the defendant shall be treated
uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing
all the evidence and testimony presented by the complainant and defendant,
the Board may, by a majority vote of those present and voting, set
a penalty ranging from a letter of reprimand to a suspension of the
defendant from all privileges in the Club for not more than six (6)
months or until the next Annual Meeting, if that will occur after
six months. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may
also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. After
the Board has reached a decision; its findings shall be put in written
form and filed with the Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary,
in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the decision and penalty,
if any. Notice of official disciplinary action shall be published
in an official Club publication.
Section 4 - Expulsion
Expulsion of a Member
from the Club may be accomplished only at the Annual Meeting of the
Club following a hearing and upon the recommendation of the Board
or Committee as provided in Section 3 of this Article. The defendant
shall have the privilege of appearing in his or her own behalf though
no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read
the charges and the findings and recommendations, and shall invite
the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf. The Regular
and Lifetime Members present shall then vote by secret written ballot
on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds vote of those present and
voting at the Annual Meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If
expulsion is not so voted, the suspension shall stand.
ARTICLE VII —
AMENDMENTS
Section 1 - Proposing
Amendments
Amendments to the
Constitution and By-Laws or Standard for the Breed may be proposed
by the Board of Directors or by written petition, addressed to the
Recording Secretary signed by twenty percent (20%) of the Regular
and Lifetime Members in good standing. Amendments proposed by such
petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and
must be submitted to the members with the recommendations of the Board
by the Recording Secretary for vote within three (3) months of the
date when the petition was received by the Recording Secretary.
Section 2 - Voting
on Proposed Amendments
The Constitution
and By-Laws or Standard for the Breed may be amended at any time,
provided a copy of the proposed amendments has been mailed by the
Recording Secretary to each eligible Regular and Lifetime Member accompanied
by a ballot on which he/she indicates his choice for or against the
actions to be taken. The notice shall specify a date no less than
thirty (30) days after the date of the mailing by which date the ballots
must be returned to the Recording Secretary or other individual appointed
by the Board, to be counted. The favorable vote of two-thirds of the
Regular and Lifetime Members in good standing whose ballots are returned
within the time limit shall be required to effect
any such amendment.
Section 3 - Approval
by AKC Required
No
amendment to the Constitution and By-Laws (or to the Standard for
the Breed) that is adopted by the Club shall become effective until
it has been approved by the American Kennel Club.
ARTICLE VIII —
DISSOLUTION
Section 1- Termination
of a Member
The interest of
any Member in the property of the Club ceases with the termination
of membership.
Section 2 - Dissolution
of the Club
The Club may be
dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds
(2/3) of the Regular and Lifetime Members in good standing. In the
event of dissolution of the Club for any purpose other than for the
purpose of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or by
operation of law, none of the property of the Club, nor any proceeds
thereof, nor any assets of the Club shall be distributed to any members
of the Club, but after payment of the debts of the Club, its property
and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit
of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX —
ORDER OF MEETING
Section 1 - Meetings
of the Club
At the Meetings
of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature
of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows: · Roll Call · Minutes
of the Last Meeting · Report of the President · Report of the Recording
Secretary · Report of the Corresponding Secretary · Report of the
Treasurer · Reports of the Committees · Election of New Members ·
Unfinished Business · New Business · Adjournment Section 2 - Meetings
of the Board At the Meetings of the Board, the order of business,
unless otherwise directed by majority vote of those present, shall
be: · Reading of the Minutes of last meeting · Report of the Recording
Secretary · Report of the Corresponding Secretary · Reports of Committees
· Unfinished Business · Election of New Members · New Business · Adjournment
ARTICLE X —
AUTHORITY AND PROCEDURE
All meetings and
parliamentary procedures shall be conducted in accordance with the
latest edition of Robert's Rules of Order unless it is inconsistent
with these Constitution and By-Laws and written Policies and Procedures
of the Club, in which case the Constitution, By-Laws, and Policies
and Procedures shall take precedence.
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ATCA
Code of Ethics
Preamble
The purpose of this
Code of Ethics is to describe and set forth the ideals necessary to
advance and protect the interests of the Australian Terrier and the
members of the Australian Terrier Club of America. As the primary objective
of the members of the Club is to keep, breed and promote healthy, happy
Australian Terriers, true to their heritage and the standard, each member
is obliged to consider the welfare of the breed foremost in the course
of their proceedings as owners and fanciers. Whether engaged in activities
involving competition, breeding, or selling of Australian Terriers,
members are duty-bound at all times to refrain from any actions that
would be prejudicial to the best interests of either the breed or the
Club.
This Code of Ethics embodies the principles to which we subscribe as
a condition of membership in the Australian Terrier Club of America.
Membership is a privilege conferred by the Board of Directors, acting
on behalf of the membership, upon those individuals who meet and uphold
the high standards set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws and the
Code of Ethics. As members, we are individually charged with abiding
by this Code and expecting similar compliance from all other members.
Nothing in this Code of Ethics shall be construed to be in violation
of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Australian Terrier Club of America
or the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club. If any provision
of this Code of Ethics imposes a greater obligation and/or more stringent
course of action than the Constitution and Bylaws, it shall prevail.
Any individual who applies for membership will receive a copy of the
Code of Ethics and by signing, declare his or her acceptance of its
provisions in their entirety.
General Conduct
Read and be familiar
with the Australian Terrier Club of America Breed Standard as approved
by the American Kennel Club; support and abide by the Code of Ethics,
the Constitution and Bylaws of the Australian Terrier Club of America
and the rules of the American Kennel Club.
Conduct themselves
in a manner that reflects credit upon them, the breed, and the Club
by practicing and promoting responsible dog ownership whether at home,
while participating in dog events, or when traveling with their dog(s).
Accept responsibility
for educating the public about the breed and the importance of responsible
dog ownership. Honestly
represent the Australian Terrier by disclosing known health issues and
advising prospective owners of the breed's characteristics and suitability.
Refer the public to
either the Club's Breeder Referral liaison or the ATCA web site when
asked about the current/future availability of puppies and/or adult
dogs. No member shall knowingly refer the public to anyone who has violated
any of the principles set forth in this Code of Ethics.
Encourage and educate
new owners through constructive commentary and example.
Participate in the
efforts of the Australian Terrier Club of America to gather information
assessing the health and longevity of the breed.
Support activities
and programs sponsored by the Australian Terrier Club of America to
the best of their ability.
Take responsibility
for Australian Terriers that are impounded in humane societies, animal
shelters or rescue organizations as circumstances permit.
Responsibilities
of Owners
Put the welfare of
each of their dogs above personal gain, profit and/or personal convenience.
Assume responsibility
for proper feeding, provide clean and safe living conditions, maintenance,
socialization, exercise and training of all dogs in their care; retain
or house only the dogs for which they have adequate time, facilities
and resources. ·
Provide their dog(s)
with adequate health care and appropriate immunizations and/or serum
titer level tests.
Practice responsible
dog ownership by keeping their dog(s) safe and under control at all
times, being careful to observe local curb, leash and containment ordinances.
Consider permanently
identifying their dog(s) by tattoo or microchip implant.
Re-home their dog(s)
when necessary by making appropriate and responsible placements. At
no time shall a member dispose of an Australian Terrier at an animal
shelter, rescue facility, or through a secondary agent.
Responsibilities
of Exhibitors
Display good sportsmanship
at all dog events, both in and outside the ring, and treat all judges,
competitors, officials, and spectators with courtesy.
Conduct themselves
at all times in a manner that will reflect favorably on the breed and
the Australian Terrier Club of America.
Refrain from maligning
or misrepresenting other Club members or their dogs.
Make every effort
to prevent their dogs from injuring others or damaging another's property.
Exhibit Australian
Terriers that are conditioned and properly presented for competition.
In the interest of good sportsmanship, members will make every effort
to show entered exhibits on each day that they are scheduled to compete.
Responsibilities
of Breeders
Accept and acknowledge
that they have a lifetime responsibility to the breed, to those who
purchase their puppies, and to the dogs they produce. A breeder is defined
as an individual who allows the use of an Australian Terrier, whether
owned or leased, to sire or produce a litter of puppies.
Breed only to advance
and improve the breed.
Breed as closely as
possible to the Australian Terrier Club of America Breed Standard as
approved by the American Kennel Club. Any breeding will be undertaken
with the object of producing sound, healthy Australian Terriers of good
temperament and correct breed type.
Educate themselves
with regard to known health problems within the breed. Each member is
urged to use appropriate tests for screening breeding stock.
Disclose known health
defects/issues affecting the dog, its ancestors, or its offspring when
breeding or selling.
Repeat breeding between
a dog and bitch only if the breeding has produced no defect that compromises
the health and well-being of the offspring. If the dog or bitch produces
the same defect when bred to another partner, the member will refrain
from further use of this animal for breeding.
Use a written agreement
clearly stating the conditions and terms of any stud service, co-ownership,
or lease.
Protect the health
of the bitch and pups by providing a safe, sanitary environment, necessary
veterinary care and adequate puppy socialization.
Breed a bitch no sooner
than her second season.
Breed a bitch no more
than two out of three consecutive seasons, or more than twice in eighteen
months.
Safeguard bitches
under their care and supervision from accidental breeding.
Permanently identify
dogs of breeding age that are kept on their premises.
Keep accurate records
of all dogs and litters as required by the American Kennel Club.
Retain pups until
suitable placements are found.
Ascertain whether
any bitch brought to their stud will meet the requirements of this Code,
whether owned by a club member or not.
Allow use of their
stud to a bitch whose owner has the required knowledge and the necessary
facilities to whelp and care for the resulting litter, and will rear
and place them conscientiously in accordance with this Code.
Offer at stud only
dogs that are sound, healthy, of correct breed type, and free of communicable
diseases. It is recommended that the dog be at least one year of age.
Ensure that all advertising
of puppies, adults or stud service is factual and without misleading
representations.
Under no circumstances,
engage in the wholesale buying and/or selling of dogs or litters of
puppies. At no time shall a member sell to such places as catalog or
wholesale houses, electronic/virtual pet outlets, pet shops, pet dealers/distributors,
research laboratories or any speculative source of distribution. Members
shall not participate in the offering of puppies or dogs as prizes in
raffles, drawings, or contests of any sort, nor shall a member solicit
puppies or dogs for such purposes.
Australian Terrier
Placements
Conduct a comprehensive
interview of the prospective buyer/owner.
Place dogs with a
written contract signed by both parties, prior to the physical transfer
of the puppy or dog, which includes at minimum the following: a) The
puppy or dog's gender, color, date of birth, and AKC registered names
and numbers of sire and dam. b) The type of AKC registration. AKC Limited
Registration and/or a Spay/Neuter contract clause is strongly recommended
for dogs not purchased as show/breeding stock. c) The terms of any co-ownership,
if applicable. d) A statement that guarantees the health of the puppy
or dog at the time of delivery. e) A policy providing for the safe return
of a puppy or dog after an initial veterinary check. Buyers will be
encouraged to take puppies/dogs to the veterinarian of their choice
within one week after sale. Any reimbursements involved in returning
a dog will be stated. f) A policy for replacement or reimbursement in
case of death or significant health problems due to hereditary disease.
g) The breeder's statement of lifetime responsibility. The breeder will
be prepared to take back any dog or puppy of their breeding and will
assist in relocating the dog. h) Provision for valid, accurate documentation
to be conveyed (e.g. registration papers and pedigrees). AKC registration
papers may be withheld only by mutual consent in writing at the time
of sale. Registration papers shall not be sold independently of the
puppy/dog. i) Placement of puppies not sooner than eight (8) weeks of
age, with ten (10) weeks being the recommended minimum age.
Place puppies/dogs
with age-appropriate vaccinations or serum titer certificates as indicated.
Monitor placements
to ensure that puppies/dogs are receiving proper care.
Be available to their
puppy buyers for advice and counsel throughout the lifetime of the dog.
Club welfare and reputation
should be an important concern of all members and are expected to be
placed above monetary gain and individual prestige. Every effort should
be made by members to reconcile and settle differences within the Club
ranks and in accordance with the Club's Constitution and Bylaws.
Members are reminded
that pledging to a Code of Ethics entails a commitment to a high standard
of practice and that observing the spirit of the Code is as important
as adhering to its law. By signing below, the member agrees to abide
by the provisions of this Code of Ethics. Failure to comply may be considered
not in the best interest of the Australian Terrier Club of America or
the Australian Terrier, and could result in disciplinary action as provided
for in Article VI of the Club Bylaws.
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