AKC Board Minutes
February 2003

The Board convened Saturday, February 8, 2003 at 11:35 a.m. after the meetings of the various Board Committees. All Directors were present as were the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Secretary.

The Board reviewed the January 2003 minutes. Upon motion made by Mr. Meriam and seconded by Dr. Battaglia, the minutes of the January 2003 meeting, copies of which were made available to all Directors, were adopted as revised (unanimously).

The Chairman, Mr. Menaker, discussed correspondence directed to him as Chairman. It included a letter from the Dog Show Judges Association of America, which raised the issue of AKC's enforcement of judging contracts. The matter was referred to the Board Operations and Planning Committee.

Mr. Menaker reported that AKC and the AKC Canine Health Foundation had agreed, in principle, to relocate the foundation to AKC's facilities in Raleigh, North Carolina. A letter of understanding to this effect has been signed.

The President, Mr. Cheauré, discussed personnel matters, the Internal Management Consulting Team, the 2002 AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship, Pet Insurance and Registration Reengineering.

Mr. Stevens gave a financial update. The unaudited annual 2002 results produced a net surplus of $453,000. This was $1.5 million below last year.

The individual registration figures for January 2003 are 64,738 versus 71,392 for January 2002.

The litter registration figures for January 2003 are 35,436 versus 35,359 for January 2002.

The Executive Secretary, Mr. Crowley, reported on donations to the AKC art collection made by Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Kalstone. They included a watercolor, "After the Hunt," by Henriette Ronner and eight 1642 Belgian etchings by Jan Fyt.

Dr. Davies, Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Marden, members of the Appeals Committee, left the meeting prior to the report on Judges Applications.

Mr. Hayes, staff, participated in the discussion on Judges Applications. Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED:

That the applications for the following New Breed judging applicants be accepted for the breeds indicated:

Mrs. Lia Benson	Samoyeds, JS-Limited
Ms. Barbara Binder	Borzois
Ms. Jacqueline Ann Harrington	Salukis
Ms. Linda L. Kelly	Vizslas, JS-Limited
Mr. Frank J. Martire	Irish Setters
Mr. Paul F. Ross	Jack Russell Terriers
Mrs. Darlene Young	Doberman Pinschers

That the applications for the following Approved Breed judging applicants be accepted for the breeds indicated:

Mr. Gary M. Bassett	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes
Mr. Alberto Berrios	Balance of Working Group (Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, German Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, Komondorok, Kuvaszok, Portuguese Water Dogs, St. Bernards, Standard Schnauzers), Basenjis, Borzois, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Whippets
Mrs. Patricia L. Brenner	Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Whippets
Mrs. Eleanor (Lee) F. Brown	Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Mrs. Barbara Burns	Brittanys, Labrador Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Vizslas, Weimaraners
Mrs. Linda Churchill	Briards, Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Mrs. Catherine O. Cooper	Bernese Mountain Dogs, Boxers
Mrs. Cathy De La Garza	Alaskan Malamutes, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies
Dr. Joanne B. (Jodi) Engel	Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Borzois, Dachshunds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds
Dr. Bernard L. Esporite	Beagles, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, American Eskimo Dogs, Boston Terriers, Finnish Spitz, French Bulldogs, Löwchen
Mrs. Sondra Joy Esporite	Beagles, Chihuahuas, Miniature Pinschers, Papillons. Pomeranians, Chinese Shar-Pei, Finnish Spitz, Löwchen
Mrs. Irma S. Fertl	Alaskan Malamutes, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Pyrenees, Portuguese Water Dogs, Samoyeds, Finnish Spitz
Mr. Philip Freilich	Cairn Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers
Mr. Josef Hedl	Boxers, Bullmastiffs
Mr. Charles L. Olvis	Brittanys, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Gordon Setters, Vizslas, Beagles, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Petits Bassets Griffons Vendéens, Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Col. Joe B. Purkhiser	Balance of Working Group (Akitas, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bullmastiffs, German Pinschers, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Kuvaszok, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, St. Bernards)
Mr. John Ramirez	Balance of Working Group (Akitas, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, German Pinschers, Giant Schnauzers, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Komondorok, Siberian Huskies, Standard Schnauzers)
Mrs. Knowlton A. Reynders	Airedale Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Welsh Terriers
Mrs. Joan P. Scott	Balance of Non-Sporting Group (American Eskimo Dogs, Bichons Frises, Finnish Spitz, Shiba Inu), Akitas, Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Samoyeds
Mrs. Wanda V. Spediacci	Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, English Toy Spaniels, Havanese, Japanese Chin, Pomeranians, Toy Fox Terriers
Mr. Daniel Wheatcroft	Collies
Mrs. Melanie D. Williams	Australian Cattle Dogs, Bearded Collies, Border Collies

That the application for the following Approved Breed judging applicant, after reevaluation, be approved for the following:

Dr. Ralph J. Graff

Akitas, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Mastiffs

That the following named persons, who have completed five group assignments in the first Variety Group, be approved to judge Best in Show:
Mrs. Catherine Bell (Knoxville, TN)
Mrs. Judith V. Daniels (Acton, CA)
Mrs. Bettyann P. Hale (Waxhaw, NC)
Mr. Richard W. Powell (Bainbridge, PA)
Mr. Robert L. Vandiver (Simpsonville, SC)

That the following Junior Showmanship applications be approved:

Ms. Stephanie Anderson (South Sioux City, NE)
Mr. James Pesce (Sinclairville, NY)

That the following Provisional Obedience and Tracking judging applications be approved:

Ms. Ginny Conway Variable Surface Tracking
Mrs. Lois C. Eid Novice
Mrs. Anne Hershey Tracking Dog

Upon motion made and seconded, it was VOTED that the following Visiting Judges be approved for assignments at shows as indicated:

Mr. Rafael Malo Alcrudo (Spain) - Newtown Kennel Club - 8/23/03

Mr. Jaime Ganoza (Peru) - Afghan Hound Club of Greater Chicago - 6/8/03

Mr. Daniel Gilmour (England) - Columbia Terrier Association of Maryland - 4/18/03

Mrs. Margaret Grant (United Kingdom) - Miami Valley Labrador Retriever Club - 5/9-10/03

Mr. Hans-Ulrich Haberli (Switzerland) - Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of Southern California - 10/17-18/03

Mr. Adrian Landarte (Uruguay) - Chester Valley Kennel Club - 5/10/03

Dr. Djordje Tesic (Hungary) - Afghan Hound Club of Northern New Jersey - 5/2/03; Delaware Water Gap Kennel Club, 5/5/03

Ms. Myriam Vermeire (Belgium) - Newtown Kennel Club - 8/23/03

Following completion of the report on Judges Applications, Dr. Davies, Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Marden returned to the meeting.

Dr. Davies gave the report of the Appeals Committee. The Board VOTED to approve the Appeals Committee's recommendations and to:

deny the appeal submitted by Janet Wilcox to a denial of additional breeds.

deny the appeal of Robert E. Clyde to a suspension of his judging privileges for a violation of Chapter 7, Section 1 of the Rules Applying to Dog Shows. Mr. Clyde was fined $500 and his judging privileges are suspended for one year, effective March 10, 2003, with reinstatement contingent upon proof that he is no longer in violation of this rule and payment of the fine.

Mr. Slay, staff, participated in the portion of the meeting dealing with disciplinary actions.

There was a report on the actions taken by the AKC staff during the month of January 2003 on the cancellation of litters and individual registrations.

During the month of January, the registrations of 24 litters were cancelled: all because of DNA Parentage Evaluation.

The cancellation of the 24 litters resulted in the cancellation of 22 registered dogs and rendered 31 dogs, members of these litters, ineligible for registration.

The Board considered a request for reinstatement submitted by Lauren Ogburn (Jacksonville, FL). Ms. Ogburn was suspended for two years, effective February 8, 2002, and fined $2000 for showing a spayed bitch. The $2000 fine has been paid and Ms. Ogburn has requested that she be reinstated earlier than February 8, 2004. It was VOTED to reinstate Ms. Ogburn's privileges, effective February 8, 2003.

The following actions taken by the AKC Management Disciplinary Committee were reported:

Melissa Nunnink (Tallahassee, FL) was suspended by the Tallahassee Dog Obedience Club for conduct at its event on December 15, 2002. Ms. Nunnink was charged with refusal to follow the judge's directions when he told her to leave the ring. The AKC Management Disciplinary Committee acted to suspend Ms. Nunnink from all event privileges for a period of 45 days, effective December 15, 2002, and imposed a $150.00 fine.

Kathi Fry (Escondido, CA) was suspended by the Kennel Club of Palm Springs for conduct at their event on December 15, 2002. Ms. Fry was charged with failure to properly control a dog at an event in that, although her dog was on a leash, it nipped another exhibitor. The AKC Management Disciplinary Committee acted to issue a public reprimand and imposed a $200.00 fine.

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of ten years, effective February 8, 2003 and imposed a $2000 fine each for having refused to permit an inspection of records and practices, as provided by Chapter 4, Section 7 of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline:

Elaine Bearden (La Belle, MO) - Multiple Breeds
Bobbie Bearden (La Belle, MO) - Multiple Breeds
Michael Bratschi (McKenney, VA) - Multiple Breeds
Martha Limkemann Campbell (Trebtib, MO) - Multiple Breeds
Heather Fox (Canton, MO) - Dachshund and Boxer
Teresa Fox (Canton, MO) - Dachshund and Boxer
Ronnie Fox II (Canton, MO) - Dachshund and Boxer
Ronnie Fox III (Canton, MO) - Dachshund and Boxer
Terisita Hughes (Tarpon Spgs, FL) - Pomeranian
Daisy Hunziker (Angelton, TX) - Poodle
Patricia Johnson (Hartland, WI) - Multiple Breeds
Gayle Mcatee (Laverne, OK) - Multiple Breeds
Mrs. Edwin Shultz (Rutledge, MO) - Multiple Breeds
Misty Smith (Simms, TX) - Multiple Breeds
John Turner (Milan, NM) - Poodle

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended the following individuals from all AKC privileges for a period of two years, effective February 8, 2003, and imposed a $2000 fine each for having refused to permit an inspection of records and practices, as provided by Chapter 4, Section 7 of the Rules Applying to Registration and Discipline:

Dorothy Perkins (Houston, MO) - Multiple Breeds
Misty Perkins (Houston, MO) - Multiple Breeds
Richard Perkins III (Houston, MO) - Multiple Breeds

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Barbara Forst (Booneville, AR) from all AKC registration privileges for a period of three (3) months, effective February 8, 2003, and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, two litter registration applications which she knew, or should have known, did not contain the personal signature of the sire owner and no POA form was on file. (Pomeranian)

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Lynette Steidell (San Marcos, CA) from all AKC registration privileges for a period of three (3) months, effective February 8, 2003, and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, litter registration applications which she had signed on the behalf of the co-litter owner without filing a properly completed POA form. (Shetland Sheepdog)

The AKC's Management Disciplinary Committee has suspended Melanie Szegedi (Kensington, OH) from all AKC privileges for a period of six (6) months, effective February 8, 2003, and imposed a $500 fine for having submitted, or caused to be submitted, two litter registration applications which she knew, or should have known, contained false certifications. (Chihuahua)

It was moved by Dr. Davies, seconded by Dr. Battaglia and VOTED (unanimously) to approve the Delegate credentials of the following persons, whose credentials have been published in two consecutive issues of the GAZETTE:

Thomas Delaney, Saugerties, NY
to represent Mid-Hudson Kennel Association, Inc.

Robin Sayko, Colts Neck, NJ
to represent Bayshore Companion Dog Club, Inc.

Zane Smith, Earlville, NY
to represent Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, Inc.

Mr. Goodman reported that the Delegate credentials of the following persons are to be published in the March and April 2003 issues of the GAZETTE:

David L. Gilstrap, Chattanooga, TN
to represent Chattanooga Kennel Club

Robin J. Greenslade, Salem, NH
to represent Giant Schnauzer Club of America, Inc.

Diana Haywood, Pittstown, NJ
to represent American Manchester Terrier Club

The Board considered an appeal from the Border Collie Club of Greater Los Angeles to the denial of Parent Club consent for a May 22, 2003 Specialty Show by the Border Collie Society of America. The basis of the denial was the judge selected by the local club. Following a motion by Ms. Scully, seconded by Mr. Marden, it was VOTED (unanimously) to grant the appeal and to approve the May 22 show.

There was a discussion on the all-breed club educational compliance requirements. Following a motion by Ms. Scully, seconded by Mr. Marden, it was VOTED (affirmative, Dr. Davies, Dr. Garvin, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Goodman, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Marden, Dr. Mays, Mr. Menaker, Mr. Merriam, Mrs. Schaefer, Ms. Scully, Mrs. Strand; opposed, Dr. Battaglia) to include Agility Trials and dog show tours, in which a knowledgeable guide explains to the general public how dog shows are conducted, in the activities that would enable an all-breed club to meet its educational requirements.

Based upon a request from the English Setter Association of America, the Board considered a proposed amendment to the Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Pointing Breeds to create an English Setter National Championship Stake. Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Ms. Scully, it was VOTED (unanimously) to add a new Section 27 to Chapter 14 as follows:

Amendment to "Field Trial Standard Procedure for Pointing Breeds"
Ch. 14, (new) Section 27

Add New Section 27, to Chapter 14 to read as follows:
A National Championship Stake for English Setters may be held not more than once in any calendar year, and shall be for dogs over 6 months of age and registered with the AKC, which by reason of wins previously made qualify under regulations and procedures submitted by the Parent Club for the breed and approved by the AKC Board of Directors. The stake shall be held by the Parent Club, which shall file an application for permission to run it under the regulations and procedures approved in advance by The American Kennel Club. Such qualifications, regulations and procedures, which apply to the running of the championship, shall be published in the premium list. The winner of this stake shall be credited with championship points in accord with the schedule for Field Championships, and shall be entitled to be designated "National English Setter Field Champion of 20_ _."

The above amendment will be read at the March 2003 Delegates meeting for a vote in June 2003, with a proposed effective date of March 1, 2004.

The Board considered a request from the English Springer Field Trial Association to modify the requirements that an individual would have to meet to gun at Spaniel trials. Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Mr. Kelly, it was VOTED (unanimously), effective July 1, 2003, to delete the italicized portion of Chapter 6, Section 4 of the Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Spaniels and to substitute the following:

Revision to "Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Spaniels"
Ch. 6, Section 4
Revise Chapter 6, Section 4 (italicized portion)

Effective July 1, 2003 all Gun Captains for AKC Field Trials must be "Graduates" of the ESSFTA Field Trial Gunning Program. Graduates will be listed with the ESSFTA Field Vice President. The Graduates will have attended and participated in an official ESSFTA Field Trial Gunning Seminar, and observed by an ESSFTA seminar leader. The Graduate will have a history of experience gunning in AKC English Springer Spaniel trials, and have passed these requirements to the satisfaction of the ESSFTA Gun Captains Review Board.

The Board considered a proposed amendment to the Regulations for AKC Hunting Tests for Pointing Breeds as requested by the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America. Following a motion by Mr. Marden, seconded by Mr. Gladstone, it was VOTED (unanimously), effective June 2, 2003, to adopt the following amendments:

Revision to "Regulations for AKC Hunting Test for Pointing Breeds"
Ch. 2, Sections 3 & 4
Revise Chapter 2, Section 3. Senior Hunter Title (SR)
Paragraph 1:
In order to be recorded as a Senior Hunter, a dog must be registered in the AKC Stud Book, and must have a record of having acquired Qualifying scores in the Senior Hunting Test at five (5) AKC-licensed or member club Hunting Tests, or, in the case of a dog that has been recorded by AKC as a Junior Hunter, that dog will be recorded as a Senior Hunter after having acquired Qualifying scores in the Senior Hunting Test at four (4) AKC-licensed or member club Hunting Tests. Except that a German Wirehaired Pointer shall not be recorded a Senior Hunter unless it has also been certified by two of the approved judges to have passed a Water Test at a licensed or member field trial or hunting test held by a Specialty Club for German Wirehaired Pointers or Weimaraners.

Revise Chapter 2, Section 4. Master Hunter Title (MH)
Paragraph 1:
In order to be recorded as a Master Hunter, a dog must be registered in the AKC Stud Book and must have a record of having acquired Qualifying scores in the Master Hunting Test at six (6) AKC-licensed or member club Hunting Tests, or, in the case of a dog that has been recorded by AKC as a Senior Hunter, that dog will be recorded as a Master Hunter after having acquired Qualifying scores in the Master Hunting Test at five (5) AKC-licensed or member club Hunting Tests. Except that a German Wirehaired Pointer shall not be recorded as a Master Hunter unless it has been certified by two of the approved judges to have passed a Water Test at a licensed or member field trial or hunting test held by a Specialty Club for German Wirehaired Pointers or Weimaraners.

Revise Chapter 2,
Add to the end of Chapter 2, Section 4
WATER TEST
If a German Wirehaired Pointer, or Weimaraner club wishes to hold a Water Test in conjunction with its licensed or member field trial or hunting test, request for approval of the Water Test must be included on the date application for the event. If approved, the Water Test must be specified on the questionnaire form and announced in the premium list. The Water Test shall be judged by two of the Judges of the field trial or hunting test. The dog shall retrieve a dead game bird from water after a swim of about 20 yards to the bird. The handler shall stand six (6) feet from the water, and the dog must demonstrate its willingness to enter the water, to swim, and to retrieve, at the direction of its handler without being touched or intimidated. Style shall not be considered. The dogs shall not be placed, but shall either pass or fail. The Judges shall certify on the judging sheets the particulars of each dog that passed the test.

The committee also considered proposed amendments to the Retriever Hunting Test Regulations to provide for splitting the Master and Senior level tests and an amendment to the Irish Setter National and National Amateur Championship qualifications to require a microchip implant.

Mr. Merriam gave the report for the Board Business Committee.

The Business Committee discussed the recording fee and media license policy.

Dr. Battaglia gave the report for the Board Operations and Planning Committee.

The Board considered Parent Club requests for a number of registered kennel names. Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Mr. Kelly, it was VOTED (unanimously) to retire the following kennel names:

Artra (Ruth and Art Benhoff) - Cocker Spaniels
Brentcliffe (Mrs. William Wimer III) - Harriers
Faunbrook (Margaret E. Thomforde) - Shetland Sheepdogs
Katie J (Ralph J. and Mae K. Freeman) - Shetland Sheepdogs
Mazelaine (John and Mazie Wagner) - Boxers
Meadow Ridge (Dona E. Hausman) - Shetland Sheepdogs
Pixie Dell (A. Raymond and Marie Miller) - Shetland Sheepdogs

The Board considered an amendment to the AKC Bylaws submitted by the Battle Creek Kennel Club, which would permit the scheduling of the fourth quarterly Delegates meeting in December or January. Following a motion by Dr. Battaglia, seconded by Dr. Davies, it was VOTED (unanimously) to amend Article XVIII, Section 1 of the AKC Bylaws to read as follows:

Article XVIII, Section 1: The annual meeting of the AKC shall be the regular meeting held in March. There shall also be regular quarterly meetings of the AKC held in June, September, and one in either December or January. The exact date, time and location of all meetings shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

The above amendment is to be read at the March 2003 Delegates meeting, for a vote in June.

Following a motion by Dr. Garvin, seconded by Mrs. Schaefer, it was VOTED (unanimously) to adopt the following Policy and Guidelines governing fitness to judge:

FITNESS TO JUDGE
AKC will and must comply with The American Disabilities Act and strive to provide an opportunity for disabled judges to participate in the sport and will allow judges to use a cane, crutch, wheelchair, or other equipment or accommodation that does not inhibit their ability to evaluate the dogs without disturbance or fundamentally alter the nature of the sport.

A. The maneuverability to negotiate a ring both indoors and outdoors.
i. A judge is required to move around the ring in order to examine the dog from
all required without requiring the exhibitor to reposition the dog to
accommodate a judge.

ii. A judge must have sufficient maneuverability when necessary to be able to avoid physical contact with a dog that may be attempting to attack.

iii. A judge is required to perform in a variety of weather and terrain conditions such as: indoor/outdoor rings, rain, muddy/uneven surfaces, hot or cold weather, concrete floors.

B. The flexibility to examine all parts of a dog's anatomy and be capable of measuring or weighing a dog, and examining a dog on the table or ramp, where appropriate.

i. A judge must have the flexibility to examine each entry in an appropriate manner with attention to disqualifications and key points of the breed.

C. The dexterity to judge at a sufficient speed to adhere to the schedule of the show-giving clubs and to AKC policy at the minimum prescribed rate.

D. Normal vision (correctable by eyeglasses or contact lenses)

i. An AKC judge should be able to demonstrate visual acuity of at least 20/60 with appropriate correction in the better eye in order to appropriately visually assess the conformation of show dogs in competition.

E. The capability of completing all the necessary paperwork

i. A judge is required to properly complete all necessary paperwork related to a disqualification, as well as verbally communicate the reasons to the exhibitor.

ii. A judge is solely responsible for marking, completing the cover and returning the judge's book to the Superintendent's desk.

FITNESS TO JUDGE
PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST - INTERNAL GUIDELINES

Procedures for Handling Situations of Judges unable to perform Judging Responsibilities.
If it appears that a judge is unable to perform in any venue his/her judging responsibilities that Department will investigate the situation. Working within normal Department guidelines, additional information relative to the situation is gathered.

1. If the matter requires inquiry beyond the ability and resources of the relevant Department or Division, the situation will be referred to the President with a request for permission to obtain assistance from outside the Department or Division.
2. If the President concurs, direction will be given as to which other departments or employees are to assist and the extent of their involvement.
3. A complete review will be conducted to ascertain the facts and ramifications of the situation to determine if the judge is adhering to established judging criteria.
4. If it is determined that action is warranted, the judge will be contacted in writing and, if possible, in person to discuss the situation. It should be suggested, if warranted, to the judge that he/she elects to take emeritus status, take a leave of absence or retire, as appropriate under the circumstances.
5. If the judge declines to accept the suggestion, Staff shall present to the Board a full report with a recommendation for removal of judging privileges.
6. If the Board concurs with Staff's recommendation, the judge will be notified in writing of the Board's action. The judge will have 30 days from the date of the Board's letter to file an appeal.
7. If an appeal is filed, the Director will schedule a meeting with the Appeals Committee. The judge may: 1) attend in person or via conference call for a 30 minute presentation; or 2) make a written appeal with pertinent information. After review, the Appeals Committee may concur with or amend the Staff recommendation. Any recommendation by the Appeals Committee requires the approval of the full Board.
8. The judge will be notified in writing of the Board's decision.
9. Any resignation or change to emeritus status will be published in the Gazette.

In order to implement these procedures the following criteria need to be met:

1. The judge's background will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as outlined in the aforesaid Procedures.
2. When we receive a report that a judge is unable to perform his/her duties and is not following established judging criteria he/she will be designated for special observation by the Field Staff.
3. On the next three assignments, at least two separate members of the field staff will evaluate the judge's performance using the attached Performance Checklist. If it can be determined that the judge is unable to perform his/her judging responsibilities, a Staff member will have a personal meeting with the judge to ascertain if the condition is temporary or permanent.
4. If the condition is permanent, the Staff will recommend to the judge that he/she consider resignation or accept emeritus status.
5. If the judge advises the condition is temporary, when we receive two substantiated additional negative reports on his/her performance, the Staff may again recommend resignation or emeritus status.
6. If the option to resign or accept emeritus status is refused by the judge, Staff will prepare a memo with documentation, recommending to the Board that withdrawal of judging privileges is in order.
7. Staff may recommend that the judge be asked to obtain a physician's written opinion that the judge is capable of judging and that the judge is not endangering himself/herself by judging.

The committee also discussed the Judging Approval system, kennel name policy, and the fee for Open Registration.

Mrs. Strand gave the report for the Board Public Affairs and Public Relations Committee.

Following a motion by Mrs. Strand, seconded by Mr. Marden, it was VOTED (unanimously) to declare September 17, The American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Day. AKC clubs will be contacted concerning events they could sponsor in their communities that highlight an aspect of Responsible Dog Ownership.

The committee also discussed the disclaimer statement that appears on some AKC informational material, the Corporate ID Guidelines Program, and legislative updates.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, and upon motion made
and seconded, it was VOTED: To adjourn at 1:40 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2003.

Adjourned

Attest:

James P. Crowley
Executive Secretary