USBCHA Rules

1. Every trial competitor (USBCHA members and non-members), trial host, trial official and judge has a responsibility to read and understand the USBCHA (“Association” or “HA”) rules and regulations before entering, conducting or officiating at an HA event. Failure to know these rules is not an acceptable excuse for failing to follow them. These rules are available on the HA website.

2. By entering a USBCHA trial, each competitor acknowledges that participation is a privilege and not a right. By paying membership dues, members accept all rules contained herein, and rules and/or policies adopted hereafter, by the Board of Directors (BOD). The Board of Directors shall have the authority to amend any rule(s) by majority vote.

3. USBCHA dues are payable on January 1. Any member who does not reinstate by January 1, and any member who has resigned by notifying the HA Secretary in writing, will automatically become a member in arrears and shall not be considered a “member in good standing.” Any Director may, at his discretion, receive payment for dues from a member. It will be the responsibility of the collector to forward monies to the HA office immediately.

4. Members must be in good standing to earn points towards participation in the USBCHA Open Finals and qualifying legs for the USBCHA Nursery Finals. To participate in the USBCHA National Finals, one must also be a member in good standing of the American Border Collie Association (ABCA).

5. By the act of paying HA membership dues or entry fees to HA sanctioned events, members/participants waive all claims against trial management and USBCHA for injuries sustained or property damaged at any HA sanctioned event. The HA assumes no responsibility for injury or damage to the person, property or animals of any owner, contestant or assistant at an HA sanctioned event.

6. All members shall receive a copy of minutes of all meetings, including all Board of Directors meetings, either by direct mail, e-mail, or publication on the HA website. Facsimile transactions and email communications are acceptable forms of communication, provided they can be confirmed by a “hard copy” (i.e., a printed copy of email or a return acknowledgment of received fax).

7. A member or non-member placed on suspension will not be permitted to compete in any trial or event sanctioned by the HA during the period of suspension. An event that allows suspended individuals to enter will not be eligible for USBCHA sanctioning.

8. Members may file a complaint, grievance or protest (see Part 4 for procedure).

9. For further rights, privileges and possible loss of privileges, see Part 4, Standards of Conduct, Protest/Complaint and Disciplinary Procedures.