Downloadable PDF Version of the Standing Rules

Downloadable PDF Version of the Constitution and Bylaws

American Bullmastiff Association Standing Rules

Standing Rules-General Information

The Standing Rules of the American Bullmastiff Association are what used to be termed, albeit incorrectly, the Board Policies. Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, defines them as “….rules 1) which are related to the details of the administration of a society rather than to parliamentary procedure, and 2) which can be adopted or changed upon the same conditions as any ordinary act of the society.” “Standing Rules generally are not adopted at the time a society is organized, but individually if and when the need arises…” A standing rule can be adopted by a majority vote at any business meeting without previous notice. Although such a rule remains in effect until rescinded or amended, it does not bind future sessions if a majority desires to suspend it temporarily for the duration of a particular session.” Simply put, standing rules are the governing rules for the Association.

The standing rules found here are a compilation of those policies in the former Policy Manual which still have relevance to the Association, as well as new rules adopted by the 1992-1993 ABA Board of Directors. The purpose of these rules is for guidance and delineation of responsibilities of the Officers and Board committees between meetings of the Board of Directors. Standing rules may be rescinded or permanently amended by a two thirds vote of the Board.

Board of Directors

Mailed votes must be received by the Secretary within a three week time limit in order to be counted. The “yes”, “no”, “abstention” and “non-voting” on all motions, are to be reported by name and published in the following Newsletter.

The Association shall maintain $1,000,000 General Liability Insurance.

The geographical area of the Association shall be divided into the Eastern, Mid-Western, Southwest and Southeast regions. The Annual Meeting/National Specialty and the Semi-Annual Meeting shall not be held in the same region in the same calendar year.

The Board of Directors shall establish advertisement cost for the Bulletin advertisement by majority vote at the first regular Board meeting after the Annual Meeting.

The American Bullmastiff Association is an association of individual members; therefore, the Board of Directors has no jurisdiction or responsibility for the action or non-action of a regional club. However, the Board may withhold approval for Association sponsored events to be hosted by a regional club as the Board deems necessary

It is the policy of the Board of Directors to equitably rotate the approval to host Association sponsored regional events among regional clubs, in the Association’s specialty areas, if more than one regional club exists in that specialty area.

The ABA is the sole national representative of the breed. Any correspondence regarding ABA business from ABA members to the Board, its committees and any or all of the members thereof, that contains defamatory, personally insulting and/or rude uncivil material will be returned to the sender and considered not received.

A file copy shall be sent to the Secretary of all correspondence received or sent in the name of the Association by Board members.

President

Decisions and/or actions of the President, between meetings of the Board of Directors, may be rescinded or overruled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors.

The President shall have responsibility for the general oversight and supervision of the

Association and Board committees between meetings of the Board of Directors.

The President shall have the authority to order the disbursement of up to $200.00 of Association funds, for operation of the Association, between meetings of the Board of Directors.

The President will be provided sufficient space, in each Newsletter for a “President’s Message” to the general membership.

The President is authorized to hire, at his/her discretion, the services of a registered parliamentarian for use at the Semi-Annual or Annual Meetings of the Association. The President is authorized to consult a registered parliamentarian when needed.

First Vice-President

The First Vice-President shall have the authority and responsibilities of the office of the President when:

1. a) A situation arises that requires an immediate decision and the President is unable to be contacted.
2. b) When instructed by the President, that is; in situations where the President is going to be beyond the reach of normal situations, or in case of illness, etc.

Second Vice President

The Second Vice-President shall have the authority to exercise the office of First Vice-President when:

1. a) A situation arises that requires an immediate decision and neither the President or First Vice- President can be contacted.
2. b) When instructed by the President or First Vice-President.

The Second Vice-President is an ex-officio member of the National Specialty committees.

Secretary

The Secretary will receive notification by members of change of addresses. The Secretary will notify the Board, the Bulletin Editor, the Membership Chairperson, the Treasurer, the Newsletter Editor, as well as the individual responsible for making mailing labels.

The Secretary will arrange, with the telephone company for Board conference calls. The conference call shall be billed to the phone number of the ABA Treasurer.

The Secretary is a signatory of all bank accounts of savings instruments of the Association funds maintained by the Association Treasurer. The Secretary shall be bonded in the same amount as the Treasurer.

The Secretary shall immediately inform the President of receipt of all correspondence.

The Secretary shall be reimbursed for legitimate telephone and FAX expenses incurred conducting Association business. The Secretary should maximize the use of written correspondence and minimize telephone communications.

All records and correspondence of the Association, particularly minutes, Treasurer’s reports and membership lists shall be retained for a period of five years by the Secretary. As each year’s file reaches the sixth year of age, the Secretary shall transfer that file to the Archives for permanent storage.

The Secretary shall send appropriate news releases, that is; election of officers, specialty shows, etc., to the dog press, such as; Dog News and Canine Chronicle.

The Secretary shall prepare and send to the Board an agenda, along with committee reports, prior to each Board meeting. The Secretary shall send each committee Chairperson a reminder postcard requiring the committee to report of its activities so that the report may be made to the Board at the Board meeting.

The Secretary shall prepare and forward to the Newsletter Editor a copy of the minutes of the Board meeting and pertinent committee reports.

The Secretary shall contact nominees for office and/or judging assignments for their qualifications and shall forward such to the Newsletter Editor for publication prior to their election.

The Secretary shall send each non-independent regional club the standing rule pertaining to “Guidelines for the approval and processing of requests for Association sponsored sweepstakes, supported shows and regional specialties”. All revisions to this standing rule will be promptly transmitted to each non-independent regional club.

In the case of regional and national specialties, the Secretary shall be responsible for forwarding all paperwork and providing letters of approval to the proper individuals. These duties are specified in the above-mentioned standing rule. The Secretary will send copies of all applications for specialties, sweepstakes and supported entries to the President and Chair of the event.

The Secretary shall inform non-independent regional clubs of any Board action concerning them as soon after the Board action as possible.

The Secretary shall furnish committee chairpersons any Standing Rule that pertains to the operations of that committee as soon after the Board action as possible.

The Secretary shall be responsible for answering all general Association correspondence. The Secretary shall send each new Association member a letter of welcome as well as a copy of the ABA constitution.

The Secretary shall be responsible for preparing ballots and for counting all ballots except for those of the election of officers.

The Secretary shall be responsible for informing the American Kennel Club of any changes in officers, committee chairs, and constitutional amendments and also for obtaining the proper approvals. The Secretary shall also be responsible for updating the ABA constitution to include the amendments as approved.

The Secretary shall serve as the ABA delegate to the American Dog Owners Association. The Secretary shall send each individual nominated to the Board of Directors a “Meet the Candidate” form to be completed and returned. The Secretary shall send the completed forms to the Newsletter Editor for inclusion in the August Newsletter. Each nominee shall also be sent a copy of the Standing Rules.

The Secretary shall be entitled to a $200.00 advance.

The Secretary shall send Board members absent from annual and semi-annual meetings information covered at those meetings.

The Secretary shall annually reapportion the geographical areas before the selection of the nominating committee.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be bonded in the amount of $50,000.00.

The Treasurer shall only establish Association accounts in federally insured financial institutions.

The Treasurer shall prepare financial statements reflecting the state of the Association funds for inclusion in the Secretary’s agenda and committee reports furnished to the Board prior to Board meetings.

The Treasurer will deposit and remit funds, as directed by majority vote of the Board of Directors, within thirty days of receipt.

The Treasurer shall purchase one set of photographs from the show photographer at all national specialties. The photographs shall be forwarded to the Archives for permanent record.

The Treasurer shall purchase the video, if available, of each national specialty. The video shall be forwarded to the Archives for permanent record.

The Treasurer shall levy a $10.00 service charge per returned check.

The Treasurer shall pay for sufficient hazard insurance for all National specialty challenge trophies.

The Treasurer shall send the annual dues notice to the Newsletter Editor to be included in the August newsletter. The Treasurer shall provide the Membership Chair with a list of paid members by November 1 of each year. Upon receipt, the Membership Chair will send out the final dues notice to those individuals who have not renewed. The final membership list will be received by the Membership chair no later than December 5 of each year.

Those currently in debt to the Association will be notified in writing by returned receipt requested and asked to respond within 10 days by certified check/money order, or proof that the debt has been settled. After written notification, any person remaining in debt to the Association will be denied participation in American Bullmastiff Association events until the debt has been satisfied. (rev.4/2012)

Dues are established at $45.00 for joint membership, $35.00 for a single membership, $20.00 for a senior membership (65 years of age and older) and $20.00 for junior membership. Overseas members shall be charged an additional $10.00 to cover mailing fees.

Committees

All Committees

Committees shall report their progress and activities to the Secretary by the requested dates. Committees shall file an annual financial activities report unless required by the committee’s standing rule to file more often.

Committees shall contact the President for advice if needed.

The general membership may form a committee of the Whole during Annual or Semi-Annual meetings, as provided for in Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised and nominate and elect the nomination committee at the Semi-Annual meeting as provided for in the Association’s constitution. The assembly at either of these meetings may direct the staffing of such committee. Such committee is a committee of the Board and subject to the Board’s direction and/or dismissal. The Board of Directors shall not abnegate its responsibility under the constitution and Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, to form and manage Association committees.

The AKC Gazette Bullmastiff Column Editor

The AKC Gazette Bullmastiff Column Editor is chosen by the ABA Board to represent our breed because of recognized expertise in bullmastiffs and in communicating topics of interest to the fancy. It is a rare opportunity to discuss important issues and share valuable experience with other fanciers, judges, and influential individuals. The Column Editor is given permission by the Board to exercise discretion in developing and accepting material for publication. A Board liaison will work with the Editor in order to ensure that the Board is apprised of upcoming articles and of plans for the column. Many people outside the club, and even outside the breed, will read the column, so topics should be chosen and articles should be written with the entire audience in mind.

The Breed Column Editor serves as the official liaison between ABA and the AKC Gazette, while representing the bullmastiff breed to the rest of the fancy. It is understood that, when discussing a potentially controversial topic, the Editor will be fair and objective and will avoid club politics, promotion of individuals or factions, or complaints about any individuals (judges, handlers, exhibitors, or dogs). As the AKC Gazette discourages reports on National Specialties, the Column Editor will leave coverage of this important ABA Event to other publications.

The Column Editor will work to avoid duplication and so will not include any information specific to ABA members that will be published in the ABA Newsletter or Bulletin, but will take advantage of the opportunity to best mentor and educate the readership on the wider bullmastiff breed issues. No ABA publication or ABA sponsored piece of writing shall include any opinion on veterinary matters by a non-veterinarian without a serious disclaimer. The Column Editor will recommend that readers consult with professional veterinary authorities when appropriate. When using a guest columnist, the Column Editor will provide a statement signed by the guest columnist acknowledging that the article was written for the column. This “permission to publish” statement can be a simple, brief email sent directly from the guest writer to the Column Editor. When using a guest columnist, the Column Editor will provide a very brief introduction to the writer at the beginning and a “thank you” at the end of the column.

Since many ABA members do not subscribe to the AKC Gazette, the ABA Bulletin Editor is encouraged to use the previously published Gazette breed columns in each of its publications in order that the ABA membership benefit from all available information on the breed. The column should therefore be provided to the Bulletin Editor in a timely and regular fashion. The Bulletin Editor must request written permission from the Gazette Column Editor in order to reprint a column, providing the title of the column and date of publication. When published in the Bulletin a notation that permission was provided as requested by AKC should be printed with the name of the column and the date of publication. If a publication other than the ABA Bulletin or Newsletter would like to reprint the column, permission must be obtained from the Column Editor and the publication must print an acknowledgement of the article’s source (AKC Gazette, month and year of issue).

The AKC Gazette Column Editor must adhere to deadlines. Because of the printing arrangements of AKC, columns not received by the deadline may not be published in the

designated issue. If an unexpected emergency arises, the Bullmastiff Breed Column Editor will email the AKC Gazette Editor as soon as possible. The Column Editor is encouraged to have an “inventory column” on file with the AKC to be used if the column is delayed. (CLC 11/17)

Archives-Storage and Cataloging

The Archives committee shall maintain and protect Association property entrusted to it.

The Archives committee is authorized to rent a safety deposit box should the committee deem it necessary. The Treasurer shall be a signatory on any safety deposit box.

The Archives committee is authorized to retain $50.00 for committee expenses. Notice of expenditures shall be forwarded to the Treasurer for reimbursement.

Awards Committee

The Awards committee shall use the Canine Chronicle breed points system for conformation awards. The Awards committee shall use the American Kennel Club Awards publication to identify champions for the Top Producer awards.

Awards will be presented at the Current Years Nationals, for the preceding calendar year, January 1 through December 31st.

The Awards committee shall use the Association Obedience Point System for obedience awards. Nominations for Heroism Awards must be made to the Board of Directors. The Awards committee shall select from its membership, an Obedience Recorder to average and weight the scores according to the Association System.

The Obedience Awards point system:

The top three obedience scores will be determined by the ABA Obedience System. The three top scores for each competitor are averaged in each regular class (Novice, Open and Utility). Scores shall be weighted by class with one point being added to the Open average, and 2 ½ points being added to the Utility average. To be eligible for the awards, the owner must be an Association member and must send their top three scores for AKC Obedience Trials for the Year (January 1 through December 31) including the name of the show, date and class to the Obedience Recorder.

The Obedience Recorder shall issue a call for scores in an appropriate issue of the Newsletter. Award plaques or certificates shall be presented to the owner with whom the bullmastiff lives. When a bullmastiff earns an award in more than one category, only one plaque shall be used. The Awards committee shall procure an estimate of costs and make an application to the Board for approval prior to committing to the purchase.

The Agility Awards Point System:

Awards are made to the bullmastiff/owner teams earning the top five highest point totals based on agility scores and placements. To be eligible for the awards, the owner must be an ABA member and the agility award application must be completed and submitted to the awards chairperson. Points are earned for qualifying scores attained for the year (January 1 through December 31) with additional points awarded for placements.

Point schedule for agility scores and placements:

Points by Class Level Standard and JWW (Regular & Preferred)
Score	Novice	Open		Excellent
85 – 89	3	6		9
90 – 94	5	8		11
95 – 99	7	10		13
100	9	12		15
Additional Points for Placement in Class Standard and JWW (Regular & Preferred)
Placement			Points
First Place			4
Second Place			3
Third Place			2
Fourth Place			1

The Association offers the following awards:

•     Owner(s) of Best in Show winner
•     Breeder(s) of Best in Show winner
•     Top Ten Breed Point Bullmastiffs
•     Top Ten All Breed Point Bullmastiffs
•       All Time Top Producing Sire (plaque first year, certificate for subsequent wins)
•       All Time Top Producing Dam (plaque first year, certificate for subsequent wins)
•     Sire of the Year (#1 top producing dog)
•     Dam of the Year (#1 top producing bitch)
•     Top Producing Sires (5 or more Champion get)
•     Top Producing Dams (3 or more Champion get)
•     Owner(s) of High in Trial winner
•     Breeder(s) of High in Trial winner
•     Top Five Obedience Point Bullmastiffs
•     Top Five Agility Point Bullmastiffs
•     Top Five Rally Obedience Point Bullmastiffs
•     Obedience Trial Perfect Score
•     Companion Dog Excellent Title
•     Utility Title
•     Tracking Dog Title
•     Tracking Dog Excellent Title
•     Top Owner Handler (most best of breed wins by owner-handler — the award is decided by “most  best of  breed wins by owner-handler” and that any wins when the dog is shown by a handler other than the owner will be discounted in calculating wins)
•     Top Winning Dog (breed points)
•     Top Winning Bitch (breed points)
•      Dual Title Holder (awarded to dogs who have earned two titles in separate events, which include:  agility, conformation, obedience (rally obedience titles are obedience titles), and tracking)
• Triple Title Holder (awarded to dogs who have earned three titles in separate events, which include: Agility, conformation, obedience (rally obedience titles are obedience titles), and tracking)
•  Top Five Junior Handlers (to be eligible, the junior handler or one of the junior handler’s parents must be a member of the Association  and handle a bullmastiff in junior handling competition)

Applications for junior handling, obedience and agility awards are to be submitted by the owner to the Awards committee Chair.

Applications for awards will be included in the February, April and June Newsletters. Certificate of Appreciation for service to the breed or the Association must be approved by the Board of Directors and signed by two of its members, normally the President and Secretary. Member’s Certificates shall be awarded at the Annual Awards dinner by the President. (07/07 LAW)

Bulletin -General Policies and Procedures

1. The Chairperson of the Bulletin committee, also termed the Bulletin Editor, and all other members of the Bulletin committee, shall serve until replaced by majority vote of the Board of Directors. All decisions regarding the Bulletin, its committee staff, its contents, publication and distribution will be decided by the ABA Board Of Directors.

2. This volunteer position of Bulletin Editor should be filled by someone with desktop publishing ability and equipment if possible, and all efforts should be made to save on expenses.

3. The Board may designate one of its officers/directors as a liaison to the Bulletin Editor. This Board designated liaison shall work cooperatively with the Editor and manage all communication between the Editor and Board. Additionally, the liaison should reasonably support the Editor in finding solutions to any existing or potential problems.

4. The Board of Directors shall review (with input provided by the Editor) and set all advertising, photo return, and subscription rates and policies at the first Board meeting of the calendar year and any revised rates or policies shall be published in the subsequent Summer issue and shall be effective with the subsequent Winter issue.

5. Advertisements of dogs, stud services, etc. of Bullmastiffs from non-members of the Association shall be excluded.

6. Reference to the Association Handbook or Illustrated Standard in advertisements of Bullmastiffs is prohibited.

7. Payment must accompany advertisements. No charge accounts are to be allowed.

8. ABA members in good standing may submit for any AKC or CKC All-Breed Best In Show win (All Breed BIS wins from any other country require Board approval) one photo per dog in the next printing of the Bulletin following the win. Text included will be dog’s name, date, kennel club, breed judge’s name, group judge’s name, BIS judge’s name, owner’s name(s), breeder’s name(s), and handler’s name. If multiple BIS wins are obtained before the next printing of the Bulletin, text for all wins will be included, but only one photo. Any additional BIS wins obtained after the previous printing of the Bulletin will be accepted according to the rules stated above.

9. ABA approved events shall be provided a 1/2 page ad free of charge if the Editor has this space available. If a 1/2 page is not available or the regional club wishes to purchase a full page or more of advertising, they will receive a 50% discount off the regular breeder advertising rates.

10.  Board of Directors shall share with and seek input from Editor on any proposed changes that will affect the Bulletin.

11. Editor shall be reimbursed all reasonable out of pocket expenses associated with the production of the Bulletin and/or its mailing list Any unusual expenses should be discussed first and before committed to by the Editor and with the Board designated liaison or Board of Directors.

12. Editor and each Bulletin committee volunteer shall receive one free page of advertising per Bulletin issue (excludes front cover, back cover, or any other premium positioning). (07/07 LAW)

Bulletin Editor Requirements

1. Editor shall, at his/her discretion, solicit volunteers for the Bulletin committee and to help with Bulletin functions as designated by the Editor. It is recommended by the Board of Directors that a minimum of two volunteers assist the Editor with Bulletin responsibilities. The Editor shall clearly define and assign all roles and responsibilities between him/herself and their committee, in writing. The Editor shall be responsible for all functions, whether performed by him/herself or a committee volunteer.
2. Editor maintains a December 1st April 1st and August 1st deadline. Every effort should be made to mail on or as close as possible to the 15th of each specified month.
3. Editor shall maintain an advertising deadline schedule based on a mailing date of the 15th of each specified month and builds in allowances for minimal organizational, technological, personal or other events which may create unanticipated delays.
4. Editor shall obtain estimates from not less than three printing establishments at least once every two years. Editor should obtain estimates from printers in varied geographic regions. Estimates, along with commentary from Editor with pros and cons related to printers and/or their quotes should be sent to the Board designated liaison or Board of Directors. The Board designated liaison or Board of Directors and Editor shall determine which printer to utilize, using their best judgment based on pricing, turnaround time, quality, and level of interest from printer, so that the overall intent of having the Bulletin be a “no-cost” endeavor to the ABA is maintained.
5. Editor maintains relationships with printer and Letter-shop, including setting up scheduling and verifying proofs, printing, mailing.
6. Editor maintains an 8 1/2″ x 11″ format with 80 lb. coated text stock for inside pages with one color printing, 100 lb. coated (one side) cover stock for cover, four color printing on coated side, one color on inside cover. Binding discretionary based on number of pages.
7. Editor maintains bulk mail postal rates.
8. Editor shall send a written report two weeks before the printing of each issue of the Bulletin to the Board designated liaison or Board of Directors, summarizing the status and current schedule of the Bulletin in creation. Any potential delays or other problems should be conveyed immediately and without waiting for the next report.
9. Editor may request reasonable cash advances for out of pocket expenses (request should be made to the Board designated liaison or Treasurer). Actual expenses, along with copies of receipts, (minus advances) should be submitted on the appropriate “request for payment” form and mailed or faxed to the Treasurer (along with the Board designated liaison, if applicable). The Treasurer shall reimburse Editor no later than 15 days of receipt of the request.
10.  Editor shall send all 3rd party invoices via mail or fax to the Treasurer (along with the Board designated liaison, if applicable). The Treasurer shall send payments by invoice due date along with copies of the invoices directly to 3 rd part The Treasurer shall also notify, via email, the Editor (along with the Board designated liaison, if applicable) of the check numbers, payment dates, and amounts.
11. Editor shall forward all Bulletin revenue to the Treasurer at least once monthly. Editor shall maintain an accounting of all revenue on “reconciliation of revenue” form and mail or fax to the Treasurer (along with the Board designated liaison, if applicable) when all receipts for a Bulletin issue have been received.
12. Editor shall request ABA membership mailing list and total member count from membership chair two weeks prior to submission to printer (it should be expected that membership chair will provide mailing list via e-mail within two weeks from requested date).
13. Editor shall print no more than 100 copies more than the ABA membership mailing list.
14. Editor shall place advertisements in the Bulletin at his/her artistic discretion while using good judgment and maintaining fairness to all advert Whenever feasible, ads should be placed in the order they are received.
15. Any special, unusual, out of the ordinary requests that require more than the “typical” amount of Editor’s time per page are at the discretion of the Editor to reject or charge accordingly, with the advertiser’s approval. Editor shall use good judgment related to making a reasonable effort to satisfy advertiser.
16. Editor places ad in each issue offering additional single copies, subscriptions, and back issues for sale.
17. Editor offers full-page advertisers the opportunity to purchase additional Bulletins at a discount of 50% off the regular single copy price.
18. Editor offers the front cover of each December issue as advertising space to that year’s ABA National Specialty best of breed winner for the price set by the Board of Direct The front cover shall not be offered as advertising space in any April or August issue of the Bulletin nor shall it be offered in the December issue to promote any Bullmastiff other than the ABA National Specialty best of breed winner as stated above.
19. Editor regularly solicits both breeder and commercial ads via e-mail or phone c Editor shall consult with the Board designated liaison or Board of Directors should there be any question as to suitability of the advertising.
20. Editor regularly solicits from all regional Bullmastiff clubs, both sanctioned and unsanctioned, Bullmastiff event dates, reports, and contact information and prints free of charge in “Club Reports” or “Regional Clubs” sections of each issue.
21. Editor regularly solicits and prints free of charge regional and national specialty results and critiques in the first issue following the event, where practicable.
22. Editor solicits and prints free of charge in each issue all new champion, obedience, tracking, and agility titles from AKC AWARDS. New champions and new obedience, tracking, and agility titlist advertisements shall be accepted at one half the regular price on a one-time per dog basis. Photographs shall become the property of the ABA Archives. The above statements shall be listed on the Publisher’s page of each Bulletin.
23. Editor solicits at his/her discretion, photograph and story of either a noteworthy Bullmastiff deceased not less than 5 years, noteworthy artwork, or other noteworthy story and prints photograph on front cover along with story text on inside page only if an advertiser has not already committed/paid for the front cover space. Editor shall consult with the Board designated liaison or Board of Directors should there be any question as to suitability of the Bullmastiff, artwork, or story selected.
24. Editor regularly solicits and prints articles/features at the rate of no more than one page per 5 pages of paid advertisements. Articles/features are chosen at the discretion of the Editor. Editor shall consult with their Board designated liaison or Board of Directors should there be any question as to the suitability of any article/feature selected. No article/feature shall include any opinion on veterinary matters by a non-veterinarian without a serious disclaimer.
25. Additionally, the Health and Research Committee is encouraged to submit an article       in each Bulletin issue. The Board designated liaison or Board of Directors, not the             Editor, will approve any Health and Research committee articles prior to publication.
26.  Editor shall send copies of each Bulletin issue as follows: one copy to the American      Kennel Club library, one copy to each foreign Bullmastiff club, three copies to the          ABA Archives.
27.  Editor shall send all extra copies of each Bulletin issue to the Rescue chairperson to be sold in the future as a set of 3 issues (1 year sets) or to be sold as single copies to generate income for the ABA or Rescue.
28. Editor shall return photo(s) mailed first class and within two weeks of date issue is printed (7/07 LAW)

Guidelines for ABA Ad Hoc Committee Disciplinary Hearing

CONFIDENTIALITY: As a member of an ABA Ad Hoc Committee appointed to serve at a disciplinary hearing of charges against another member, you are required to treat these proceedings , information and documents with the utmost confidentiality and discretion. These matters are considered to be held in “executive session” and are not to be discussed with, shared with, distributed to, nor allowed to come into the possession or knowledge of anyone other than the listed members of this Ad Hoc Committee, the Board appointed parliamentarian of record, and the ABA Board through the Secretary. Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (p.644) under which this Association is governed, requires that the introduction and consideration of all resolutions leading up to a possible trial be held in the strictest secrecy to protect both the rights of the Association and the accused. The names of the committee members will not be divulged, except to those mentioned above prior to the actual hearing date. If you are contacted by anyone other than those individuals, please notify the Board, through the Secretary immediately.

Charges have been filed with the American Bullmastiff Association in accordance with Chapter VI, Section 2. The Board reviewed and discussed these charges and after consultation with two registered parliamentarians, voted to entertain jurisdiction and to refer the matter to an Ad Hoc Committee for a full hearing (trial). After the hearing, this same Committee will decide the outcome and if necessary, will assess any penalties according to Chapter VI, Section 3 & 4 of the By-Laws. This Guide is to assist you in the procedures to be followed during the hearing, in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, the AKC Rules, and the ABA Constitution and By-Laws, which hold precedence over both of the former authorities.

You will receive the following materials:

• The Constitution and By-Laws of the ABA
• The charges to be discussed with their specifications
• List of Ad Hoc Committee Members with phone, fax, email addresses
• Pertinent ABA Standing Rules
• AKC Rule Books (if available)
• The AKC video on misconduct at an AKC event also is available through the Secretary
•  Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised is the parliamentary authority used to govern the workings of the Association but only in the absence of such instruction in the ABA Constitution and By-Laws.

Please secure a copy of this particular book at your local library or University for reference. If you cannot do so, please contact the Secretary, and a copy will be provided for your use. The Secretary will provide the name of the Parliamentarian who will assist and advise on parliamentary matters during the hearing, however, if you have any parliamentary questions prior to the hearing, please submit them to the Secretary.

Before The Hearing:

Contact other members of the committee to determine (1) a Chairman who will serve as moderator for the hearing, and (2) a Secretary who will take minutes of the proceedings. The Committee must (3) decide whether to permit “counsel” to attend the hearing. (a conference call is permitted but at individual expense) It is preferable to so notify both the accuser and the accused at least a week in advance of the hearing date if possible through the ABA Secretary. The ABA By-Laws state “The….Committee shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard” Additionally, Robert’s Rules, p. 652 state, “Defense counsel can be attorney(s) or not, but must be members of the society unless the trial body by vote agrees to permit attorney(s) who are not member(s) to act in this capacity” Although permitted, outside counsel is normally not recommended in such matters.

At The Hearing:

The Chairman calls the hearing to order and reminds all present that the hearing is in executive session and bears an obligation of secrecy. Those present should only include the members of the Ad Hoc Committee, the parliamentarian, the complainant and the accused. (And counsel for both the complainant and the accused if so allowed by previous vote of the Committee) Witnesses are to be present only when giving testimony and are to be called individually. (Any tape recordings and/or notes used to facilitate the recording of the Minutes or in the deliberations of the Committee must be surrendered to the Secretary immediately at the conclusion of the hearing for destruction. Neither the one who brings the charges nor the accused are permitted to make recordings of any kind)

The Committee secretary reads the preliminary motions relating to the charges and asks if the accused has received a copy of the charges, the notice of the hearing, the notice pertaining to counsel, and then introduces the members of the Ad Hoc Committee.

The Chairman directs the secretary to read the charges and the specifications.

The Chairman asks the accused how he pleads, GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY, to each of the specifications and finally to the charge itself.

If the plea is GUILTY, there is no need for a trial and, after a brief statement of facts from both sides, the Committee proceeds to the penalty to be assessed under the By-Laws of the ABA, Chapter VI, Sections 3 & 4.

If the plea is NOT GUILTY, the Hearing (trial) begins as the Chairman explains the steps and calls for each one in order. Until the completion of the closing arguments, no one is permitted to speak except the Committee, the complainant, and the defense; and they must address the chair except when questioning witnesses. Cross -examination re-direct-examination and re- cross-examination of witnesses is permitted and the witnesses may be called for further testimony if needed. (See RRO, p. 653)

1. Opening statements with the complainant first and accused second.
2. Testimony of the witnesses supporting the charge Witnesses are to appear individually, must be cautioned as to confidentiality, and should leave the hearing room upon completing their testimony. Those needed for further testimony should be so advised and asked to remain in the waiting area until dismissed.
3. Testimony of the witnesses for the defen Same rules apply.
4. Rebuttal witnesses on both sides, first for the charges and then for the accused.
5. Closing arguments for both sides.
6. The Chairman asks the accused, the complainant, and any witnesses to leave the room so deliberation may begin. “A trial by the society cannot legally establish the guilt of the accused, as understood in a court of law; it can only establish his guilt as affecting the society’s judgment of his fitness for membership. Ordinarily it is impossible for the society to obtain legal proof of facts in disciplinary cases. To get at the truth under the conditions of such a trial, hearsay evidence has to be admissible, and judgment as to the best interests of the society may have to be based on it. Witnesses are not sworn. The persons with first hand knowledge may be nonmembers, who probably will decline to testify…Even members may be reluctant to give testimony against the accused”. (see RRO, p. 645) “A member who votes “guilty” should be morally convinced of the existence of this guilt on the basis of evidence heard” (see RRO, p. 655)

7. Penalty deliberation, if guilty of any or all charges and specification See ABA By-Laws, Article VI, Section 3 & 4.
8. Committee writes their findings and gives to the Association Secretary. “Confer with the parliamentarian about proper language and format” ….”Its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary” (Article VI, Section 3, paragraph 2)
9. Secretary notifies “all parties of the decision and penalty, if any”. (Ibid)
10. If Expulsion is recommended, at the next Annual Meeting: “The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting The President shall read the charges and the findings and recommendation, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his own behalf. A two thirds vote of those present and voting at the Annual Meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If the expulsion is not so voted, the suspension shall stand” (Article VI, Section 4)

Government/Public Relations Committee

The ABA Government/Club Relations Committee was created in order to address a need of the membership to be informed and involved in legislative issues.  The committee shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board and ABA By-Laws as it functions.  Its primary purposes will be to keep the membership informed via newsletter, email correspondence, and website regarding pending local and national legislation; to suggest to the board current legislation for the ABA to endorse/oppose and then to draft letters of endorsement/opposition to the appropriate legislative bodies/legislators; to educate the membership regarding how to respond to unfavorable legislation and encourage favorable legislation in their communities; to encourage the membership to educate the public on the bullmastiff breed; and to maintain a correspondence with the other breed clubs and AKC on pertinent legislative issues. (7/07 LAW)

Futurity Standing Rules – Effective March 1st, 2020

 Futurity is an event held in conjunction with the National Specialty. It is similar to a puppy sweepstakes except the nomination process is open only to breeders and co-breeders, all of which must be members in good standing with the American Bullmastiff Association (ABA). The Futurity puppy owner(s) and/or co-owner(s) must also be members in good standing with the ABA by the date of the applicable National Specialty OR be published applicants for membership in the ABA Newsletter prior to the sixth month birthday of the nominated puppy. Futurity entries must be handled by the owner, co-owner, a member of the owner or co-owner’s family, the breeder, or an amateur handler. Professional handlers, as defined by the Association, are permitted to handle Futurity entries only if they are the owner/co-owner, or the breeder/co-breeder of the Futurity entry provided they are also an ABA member in good standing.

 The purpose of the Futurity event is to encourage and reward Bullmastiff breeders. By carefully planning one’s breeding program, a breeder is given the opportunity to show, in competition, the quality of animal he or she produces and to be financially rewarded for his or her efforts.

Futurity guidelines are as follows:

1. Nomination
2. Litters whelped on or after March 1, 2020 and on or before February 28, 2021 are eligible for nomination. The exception would be a leap year, when nominations must be submitted prior to February 29th. The Litter Nomination must be postmarked or electronically received prior to the litter being whelped. To nominate a litter, the Litter Nomination Form or ABA Website Litter Nomination Form must be completed in full, signed by the breeder and/or co-breeder and sent to the Futurity Chair by postal mail or email. A check or money order, payable to the ABA for $50, must be sent to the Futurity Chair and must be postmarked prior to the litter being whelped. It is also permissible to pay the $50 litter nomination fee via PayPal at abafuturity@gmail.com and must be received prior to the litter being whelped. Foreign registered dogs may sire or whelp an eligible litter providing the breeder and co-breeder are ABA members in good standing. With dual sired litters, the sire must be identified no later than the puppy’s six-month birthday.

NOTE: ABA National Specialty dates are subject to change. In the event that a litter is eligible for two (2) National Futurity entries (current year and/or following year), the breeder of the litter must select which National Specialty they would like to enter on the Litter Nomination Form at the time of submission. All decisions are final. The litter will only be eligible for one (1) Futurity entry at a National Specialty. If a puppy is past its’ 18-month birthday at a National Specialty due to the National Specialty being held later in the fall, that puppy will still be eligible for Futurity competition and will be entered in the 18 month and over class as specified in the premium list.

1. For individual puppy nominations, the Individual Puppy Nomination Form, Less Than 3 Months or ABA Website Individual Puppy Nomination Less Than 3 Months Form must be completed in full and mailed/postmarked or emailed to the Futurity Chair prior to the puppy(s) reaching 3 months of age. If the AKC Litter Registration Number or the AKC Registration Number is not available, there must be documentation as to why and when it will be submitted. The Registration Number must be received by the Futurity Chair immediately upon receipt, and no later than thirty (30) days prior to the puppy’s 6-month birthday. A check or money order, payable to the ABA for $15 for each individual nominated puppy, must be sent to the Futurity Chair and must be postmarked prior to the puppy(s) reaching 3 months of age. It is also permissible to pay the $15 individual nominated puppy fee(s) via PayPal at abafuturity@gmail.com and must be received prior to the puppy(s) reaching 3 months of age. The decision to continue an individual puppy’s nomination is that of the breeder and/or co- breeder of record.
2. The last step in the Futurity nomination process is to submit, per individual puppy, the Individual Puppy Nomination Form, Less Than 6-Months or ABA Website Individual Puppy Nomination Less Than 6-Months Form. Either submission must be completed in full and mailed/postmarked or emailed to the Futurity Chair prior to the puppy(s) reaching 6 months of age. A nomination received without an AKC Registration Number will not be accepted. A check or money order, payable to the ABA for $10 for each individual nominated puppy, must be sent to the Futurity Chair and must be postmarked prior to the puppy(s) reaching 6 months of age. It is also permissible to pay the $10 individual nominated puppy fee(s) via PayPal at abafuturity@gmail.com and must be received prior to the puppy(s) reaching 6 months of age.

Note: The Futurity guidelines and link to forms will be included in two newsletters per year by the Futurity Chair. Additional copies are available from the Futurity Chair, at each National Specialty and on the ABA website. The Futurity Chair will accept faxed or electronically transmitted copies of the nomination forms. Check or money order for faxed entry(s) or electronically transmitted copies must be postmarked by the required, applicable due date of each nomination, otherwise the entry(s) will be considered null and void.

The responsibility of meeting all deadlines is (are) the breeder or co-breeder of record and not the puppy owner(s) or the Futurity Chair. No reminders of any kind will be sent.

2. Processing

 Upon receipt of a nomination form, the Futurity Chair will review the form for completeness. If any issues arise, the Futurity Chair will notify the breeder or co-breeder of record immediately. The Futurity Chair will send the nominating breeder or co-breeder an acknowledgement of the nomination received. The Futurity Chair will forward checks received to the Treasurer within 30 days. Breeders and co-breeders of record are encouraged to keep and maintain copies of the nomination form(s), checks and acknowledgements for their personal records.

3. Exhibition

 Divided by sex and by age. The classes are as follows:

• 6 to 9 months;
• 9 to 12 months;
• 12 to 15 months;
• 15 to 18 months;
• 18 months and over (when applicable)

The winner of these classes will then compete for Best Bitch in Futurity and Best Dog in Futurity.

4. Winnings

 The Futurity funds will be split as follows:

• Forty-five percent (45%) will be divided among the 10 first place winners in each age group.
• Twenty percent (20%) will be given to both the Best Bitch in Futurity and Best Dog in Futurity.
• Fifteen percent (15%) will be retained by the ABA to cover reasonable Futurity expenses including those incurred from superintendent and/or administrative fees.

Given the unusual occasion that the 15% holdback from the accumulated annual Futurity funds is not adequate to cover “reasonable expenses” directly associated with the Futurity, the Board may approve an additional amount to be withheld. The additional amount would be withdrawn from the accumulated annual funds before the winnings are allocated.

If there is no entry in a class, then those funds shall be allocated pro rata amongst the remaining classes and to Best Bitch in Futurity and Best Dog in Futurity. These funds will not be allocated to the ABA holdback.

 All winnings go to the breeder and/or co-breeder of record.

The Futurity Chair will remain indifferent and impartial to any differences over winnings between breeder and/or co-breeder and the owner.

5. Fees

The breeder and/or co-breeder are solely responsible for the payment of any nominating fees without exception. All fees paid are non-refundable regardless of the circumstances. Overpayment at any nomination level will not be granted a refund unless it exceeds $20.00. Nomination fees are not transferable from one litter to another, nor from one Bullmastiff to another. If the dam of the litter nominated is not pregnant or the fees are postmarked after the date of whelp/birth, the entry will be considered null and void.

6. Futurity Entries

 The Futurity class is considered a second entry in addition to a regular class for the National Specialty. Under the “Additional Class” section of the entry form, enter “Futurity” along with the proper age category. A dog may not be shown in a non-regular class without entry in a regular class. The entry fee for Futurity is paid from annual Futurity funds so no fee is required from the breeder/owner to the National Specialty superintendent. Therefore, no additional entry fee for Futurity is required.

The Futurity Chair will be responsible for verifying an accurate listing of dogs entered for each class and will crosscheck with the superintendent a listing of eligible puppies prior to the publication of the National Specialty catalog. The superintendent will be directed to provide the registrant the information regarding any entrant ineligibility. If the entrant protests the discrepancy, the entrant shall notify the Futurity Chair within 48 hours of receipt of the notification of the discrepancy. The Futurity Chair will refer to the ABA board for a ruling on the discrepancy. This ruling will be considered final.

7. Judges

Judges are to be nominated and elected by the ABA membership. The qualifications are: must have owned Bullmastiffs for at least ten (10) years, have bred four (4) Bullmastiff litters and bred ten (10) Bullmastiff champions. Judges expenses will be covered as defined in the National Specialty Standing Rules. (LAW 05/07)

Working Dog Committee

The Working Dog Committee shall always be subject to the final authority of the American Bullmastiff Association Board and ABA By-Laws as it functions. The Working Dog Award Program was developed to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of bullmastiffs competing in a variety of canine sports activities. The Working Dog (WD) committee shall provide information on the WD program and WD activities to the ABA membership. The WD committee shallrecommend updates to the ABA Board to keep the program aligned with current titling opportunities. The WD committee shall work with the general Awards Chair as appropriate regarding the yearly obedience, agility, rally, tracking and drafting awards.

The WD committee shall include a notice for application submission anddeadline in an appropriate issue of the ABA newsletter. Applications for WD awards are to be submitted by the owner to a designated WD committee member. WD award plaques shall be presented at the National to the owner with whom the bullmastiff lives. Awards are available only to American Bullmastiff Association members in good standing.

Awards are presented in two main categories: Working Dog Versatility and Working Dog Performance.

Working Dog Versatility (WDV) awards recognize bullmastiffs that successfully attain titles in several of the following categories: obedience, agility, tracking, rally, miscellaneous (herding/carting), conformation, and temperament. (08/07 LAW)

Register of Merit Committee

The Register Of Merit was created to honor the bullmastiffs who have contributed with progeny to the breed.  It is meant to be of historical importance as well as current for our times. The ROM Committee shall always be subject to the final authority of the ABA Board and ABA By Laws as it functions The ROM is set up on a point system. A base of different dogs needs to be met first. The base consists of five conformation champions for dogs and 3 conformation champions for bitches. Once that is achieved, points are calculated by also counting ABA approved AKC working titles achieved contributing a point for each title achieved.

Working titles that are honored are meant to reflect the nature of the original bullmastiff.  It is a working dog and the core working titles that reflect merit are:  Agility, Obedience, and Tracking.  Within Obedience, the Graduate Novice title will not count and within Rally, the Rally Novice level will not count. Those titles which are currently recognized by AKC and should not count toward ROM are: Drafting, Flyball, and Herding. Any other titles included must reflect a new and unique canine skill not reflected in the three areas mentioned above.  Skills endogenous to other groups, such as Drafting, Flyball, and Herding, are not considered original skills for this breed.

When Agility points are tabulated, a dog may earn credit for only one jump height, whether or not the dog has titled at different heights within the same level of Agility.

Titles which include grouping of earned titles such as versatility or working dog awards do not constitute a unique title and will not be considered in calculating ROM points.

The ROM Committee will continue to present to the AB Board any new AKC titles for possible inclusion in the merit system. The Committee’s recommendations are to be guided by whether a skill is new and unique to the true nature of the bullmastiff, but the ultimate decision rests with the ABA Board.

There are to be 4 levels determined by the following points

	Dogs	Bitches
Copper	6	4

Bronze	12	8
Silver	18	12
Gold	24	18

ABA membership is not required to be honored but one must be an ABA member in good standing to receive a medallion free from ABA for the level achieved. Membership status of the breeder(s) and owner(s) will be noted in the ROM Record.

One free medallion is given to the ABA member in this order:

•     Person with whom the dog resides (if not ABA member then see 2)
•     Person who is a co-owner (if not ABA member then see 3)
•     Person who is the breeder of record. (if not ABA member then see below)
•     Any other ABA members or non ABA member associated with the dog being awarded will have the opportunity to purchase a medallion. This is limited to owners, co-owners, breeders and co-breeders only. The fee for this is set by the ROM committee.

The awards are to be calculated for 12 months. Because ABA National Specialties may be held in September or October, ROM awards will now be calculated for the year beginning on August 1 of one year and ending with July 31 of the next, so that the ROM Committee will have adequate time in which to gather records and process information. The ROM Committee is responsible for calculating and creating records for the previous year’s worth of information within a year of awards being achieved.

A certificate will be presented and awarded at each ABA National Specialty. Medallions will not be mailed until all information needed to complete the ROM data on the dog is received by one of the ROM committee members. This is to include information on all get and on conformation and working titles attained.

The goal of the ROM is to preserve the history of the breed. The committee’s primary charge is the digitization of the complete ROM record. The immediate goal is to create a source for the public to obtain and view the recently attained ROM awards.  With Board approval: 1) The medium of choice will be determined by the ROM Committee, It may be hard copy or digital; 2) the price of this data is to be set by the ROM Committee; and 3) The ROM Committee may include additional information to the ROM record (this may include but is not limited to specialty winners and best in show bullmastiffs.) (01/09 LAW)

The ABA Board charges the ABA ROM Committee to strive to make the Register of Merit as complete and accurate a record as possible, so that no information will be excluded. We feel that to do otherwise would be misleading and not in the best interest of the breed.

However, any individual owner wishing to remove the complete records of their dog from the ABA ROM database and any not yet published ROM records may do so for any reason, provided that they make the request in writing, with all co-owners copied on the request. It is not necessary for all co-owners to agree and the American Bullmastiff Association will not mediate any disputes between owners with regard to ABA ROM records. (LAN 10/09)

Health & Research Committee

The Health & Research Committee Chair shall be appointed by the American Bullmastiff Association Board and shall always be subject to the final authority of the ABA Board and By- Laws as it functions.  Membership to the Health and Research committee shall be by appointment of the Chair and/or Co-chair, with Board approval. The responsibilities of the Health and Research committee are to include: reviewing and recommending research studies to be funded by the ABA; raising funds to support studies relating to the health of the bullmastiff breed; reporting to the membership; via the Newsletter and Bulletin, the progress of studies funded and matters of interest relating to the health of our breed; recommending health and research related educational opportunities for National and regional events; and organizing and implementing sample collections at National and regional events. All H & R fundraising efforts will be approved by the ABA Board with profits to be reported and forwarded to the ABA Treasurer. (LAW 09/07)

Information

The Information Chairperson is to rent a post office box.

Judges and judging applicants who request breed information are to be given the current ABA Handbook.

The Information Chairperson shall mail information at no cost in response to puppy inquiries and breed information. The Information Chairperson shall send the standard, current breeders list, rescue, pamphlet information flyer and resource list.

No personal opinions or recommendations may be expressed.

Judges Education

1. The Judges Education committee shall be a standing committee of the Board consisting of three to six members. Members serve at the Board’s discretion.

2. Members must be in good standing with the ABA, have owned bullmastiffs for at least ten years, have bred four bullmastiff litters and have bred ten bullmastiff champions. Members should also have exhibiting experience as well. In lieu of breeding experience, on the recommendation of the JEC Committee, a member with a 10 year involvement who has exhibited outstanding knowledge of the breed and dedication to the club, and has otherwise demonstrated that they would be instrumental in furthering the goals of the committee, will also be considered by the Board.   The committee should have good geographic representation to allow for the planning of and the participation in sanctioned breed seminars..

3. The Chairperson shall be appointed by the Board. He/she shall also be the Association’s Judges Education coordinator. The Secretary shall notify the AKC as soon as possible if there is a change in the Chairperson.

4. All material developed by the Judges Education committee is subject to Board approval. The Chairperson shall make quarterly reports to the Board regarding the committee’s work, that is; the number of seminars held, judging inquiries, etc. These reports will also be published in the Association Newsletter to update members as to the committee’s work.

5. The Judges Education Chairperson is responsible for contacting the AKC for the names of prospective judging applicants and when a sanctioned seminar is scheduled, notifying the AKC to obtain a free listing in their education section.

6. The committee shall prepare and present to the Board a packet of breed information to be sent to prospective judges. This packet will include the standard, information on breed history, shows with major bullmastiff entries, the ABA mentor list and a listing of sanctioned seminars.

7. The committee will also develop a breed seminar format so that uniform information can be disseminated throughout the country. The committee will also designate qualified mentors (see#2) to assist with education efforts, particularly at national specialties. Every effort should also be made to increase prospective judge’s attendance at national specialties.

8. The Judges Education Chairperson shall survey all AKC approved Bullmastiff judges via the most economical means in every even numbered year to ascertain whether or not they wish to receive the Bulletin.

9. The Judges Education Chairperson shall maintain mailing list and mail free of charge each issue via bulk mail postage rates to all AKC approved Bullmastiff judges who have stated they wish to receive the Bulletin. (rev. 11/09 LN)

Membership Committee

The Chairperson of the ABA Membership Committee will work with the ABA Treasurer to process membership applications and renewal applications during the annual renewal period and during the course of the association year. The ABA Treasurer will serve as the liaison between the Membership Committee and the ABA Board of Directors. Applications and renewals will be received by the Treasurer and once payment is processed, the forms will be forwarded to the Membership Chairperson.

The Membership committee shall abide by these Board approved guidelines for processing applications in conjunction with the Treasurer. Any changes to the membership application form and renewal form must be approved by the Board. Committee expenditures shall be forwarded to the Treasurer for reimbursement.

New members will receive notification of their membership in the ABA from the Membership Committee along with other information as approved by the Board.

The Membership Chairperson shall prepare and maintain a current membership list. This list shall be sent to the ABA Newsletter Editor for publication annually.  According the ABA By Laws, all applicants for membership will be published in the newsletter, as will the names of those who have been accepted for membership, so the Membership Chairperson will submit current lists to the ABA Newsletter Editor prior to the publication of the Newsletter.

The Membership Chairperson shall prepare and furnish a current mailing list in a timely manner upon request of the President, Secretary, Bulletin Editor, Archives Editor and Newsletter Editor. The Secretary will request mailing labels for other committee’s legitimate needs.

The Membership Chairperson shall, upon notice by the Secretary, notify the sponsors of a prospective applicant whose application has been contested. The sponsors may then have the option to continue with the process or withdraw their names as sponsors of the proposed applicant. The sponsors are to be notified prior to the applicant’s notification of contestation.

The Chairperson of the Membership Committee will oversee the roles of the Regional Membership Representatives (Membership Committee) as outlined herein and as further assigned by the Board. The Chairperson will notify the Board of resignations or changes in the status of members, so that the committee consists of representatives as determined by the Board in cooperation with the Membership Committee.  Representatives are currently in place from the following regions: East, Midwest, Northwest, South, Southwest, and West.

Regional Membership Representatives will aid the Membership Chair in duties defined by the Board, including: 1) serving as contacts for new applicants within their regions; 2) gathering membership information and keeping names, phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses current; 3) helping with phone or email renewal reminders for those members in their region as necessary.

The American Bullmastiff Association is a private club and has the right to accept or reject a membership application at its discretion for what it considers cause. (LAW 6/08)

National Specialty

All proceeds from fundraising at National Specialties, whether the income be from sales of items or from specific events, will go directly to the National Specialty treasury and not to separate committees. Monies for specific ABA programs and committees will be allocated by the ABA Board once the bills for the National Specialty are paid, the ABA treasurer is in receipt of the profits, and the books are closed on the event.

The National Specialty is the annual showcase for the Association and the breed. While it is desirable for the National Specialty to be self-supporting, it is not to be regarded as a source of income for the Association.

Challenge trophies shall not be accepted unless approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

The Treasurer shall procure and maintain sufficient insurance to cover damage or loss of all challenge trophies.

The National Specialty activities and the Annual meeting are hosted by the American Bullmastiff Association. The Board of Directors shall appoint, by majority vote, a National Specialty Chairperson. The National Specialty Chairperson may appoint committee persons as Chairs of sub-committees such as: hospitality/judges transportation, trophies, chief steward, grounds, obedience, annual meeting, awards dinner, concessions, special events, etc.

ABA members who receive two verified complaints regarding damage to show sites, hotels or grounds shall be subject to disciplinary action as provided by Article VI of the By Laws.

The National Specialty Chairperson shall cooperate with the Judges Education Committee in scheduling Judges Education events.

The Second Vice-President of the Board of Directors is an ex-officio member of all National Specialty Committees.

The National Specialty judges of the puppy and veterans sweepstakes. The futurity and the regular and non-regular conformation classes shall be nominated by the general membership three years prior to the National Specialty. The resume of the nominees shall be obtained by the Secretary for publication in the Newsletter prior to balloting. Election of these judges will be by ballot of Association members. Members may nominate only one judge per category. All nominees for Sweepstakes and Futurity judges for National Specialties will be required to confirm in writing that if elected they will be available to fulfill the judging assignment.

The obedience and agility judges shall be selected by the National Specialty Committee subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.

To assist the Bulletin Editor, the Board of Directors may direct the National Specialty Chairperson to provide the complete show reports including placings and pictures of the winners to the Editor for inclusion in the Bulletin National Specialty report.

The Association will offer to pay travel expenses for Futurity and Sweepstakes National Specialty judges. Effective 2014, the re-reimbursement for travel expenses for the Futurity and Sweepstakes National Specialty judges is capped at $150.00. (rev. 2/2011)

The National Specialty Committee shall recognize the need for the exhibitors to maintain confidence in the judging. Therefore, committee members in direct contact with the judge before judging is completed, that is; hospitality/judges transportation shall not be eligible to enter or show dogs owned or co-owned by these members. No officer, director or show committee member who has a dog entered or plans to handle a dog in this show shall introduce himself to the judge until judging is completed.

The Board of Directors considers the definition of a professional handler, for purposes of sweepstakes and futurity as: anyone who has solicited dogs to handle for remuneration or advertised themselves as professional handlers. Such individuals are eligible to handle only dogs bred by, owned, or co-owned by such individual in the sweepstakes and/or futurity.

The show committee is responsible for all items connected with National Specialty and Annual Meeting/Awards Banquet, excepting those items retained by the Board of Directors and listed in these Standing Rules.

The show committee shall pay lodging for all National Specialty judges.

The ABA shall pay travel expenses and judging fees of conformation, obedience and agility National Specialty judges.

The show committee shall inquire of the regular and non-regular conformation class judge and obedience judge as to whether or not they desire the committee to make travel arrangements including the payment of travel costs. The show committee shall make every attempt to contain costs should the judge accept this arrangement.

The show committee shall arrange local transportation for all judges and issue a complimentary invitation to the awards banquet for the judge and his/her spouse at least four weeks prior to the banquet.

The show committee shall procure a meeting room at the host hotel for the use of the Board of Directors for the duration of the National Specialty.

Any complimentary bedroom or suite offered by the host hotel shall be for the use of one of the judges.

The show committee shall make every attempt to ensure that the judging experience of the Association’s National Specialty is an enjoyable experience for the judge.

A final financial report listing sources of income and expenditures along with any monetary balance shall be forwarded to the Treasurer within ninety days after the National Specialty.

The show committee shall furnish all judges with a complimentary copy video of their classes as a keepsake. The breed, futurity and sweepstakes judges shall each receive a complimentary video of their assignments. A complimentary copy of the entire National Specialty shall be sent to the Archives Chairperson for a permanent record of the proceedings.

The National Specialty judges of the puppy and veterans sweepstakes, the futurity classes and the regular and non-regular conformation classes shall not be eligible to again judge any of these same categories for a period of ten years, however; they may judge any other category after a period of five years.

Prior to Board Approval of a National Specialty the following items must be completed by the prospective show chairmen:

1. Selection of a site with a tentative rate plan to include number of nights, rates, deposits required, ballroom fees, number of dogs allowed per room, estimated dinner costs, available RV parking, dog walking areas, receiving fees, storage fees, cleaning fees, number of comp rooms to be issued and any miscellaneous fees not included in the above
2. Who will be the show superintendent and what is their fee schedule
3. A list of the committee chairs that are willing to serve in those positions
4. A tentative budget compiling all of the above information Although not listed above some arrangements will be necessary to hold a low cost dinner in conjunction with the art auction and raffle for Friday evening.

Below are guidelines passed by the ABA Board of Directors at the November, 1990 meeting:

1. The site should incorporate both comfort and safety for dogs and exhibitors.
2. The cost of the National Specialty should not present a hardship to members of the ABA Reasonable rates should be negotiated with the hotels.
3. Each National Specialty should include an educational seminar or demonstration along with regular classes, sweepstakes and obedience
4. The inclusion of other events such as the banquet, parades, hospitality, auction,costume contest, dances, flyball, etc., should be left to the discretion of the Chairperson and show committee.
5. Individuals or clubs interested in hosting a National Specialty should investigate future show sites well in advance of ABA Board approval. Agreements can be made with hotels contingent upon ABA Board approval. This would enable us to secure a site well in advance of the show date.
6. Timely invitations should be extended to all judges to attend our Awards Dinner when they agree to accept judging and critique responsibilities.
7. Meals, rooms and transportation to and from the airport should be provided to all judges including sweepstakes, futurity, obedience and junior showmanship.
8. The Awards Chairperson or his/her designee is responsible for the presentation of the awards at the banquet.
9. The Show Chairperson should contact local shows and ask that bullmastiff classes be relinquished.
10. The National Specialty should be held in a location, which will promote maximum participation, by all ABA members. (LAW)

National Specialty: Open To All Comers

The following trophy listing, unless otherwise noted, is offered through the American Bullmastiff Association, Inc., for competition at its National Specialty show. The winner is to hold the trophy until the next National Specialty show. For permanent possession, this trophy must be won three times by the same owner, not necessarily with the same dog nor at consecutive shows. Should the trophy require engraving, it is the responsibility of the winner to do so.

The following trophies are only allowed to be offered at the National Specialty and listed in the premium list and catalog. These trophies are open to all. These trophies may be presented inside the ring at the completion of competition or at the Awards Banquet. Should the trophy require engraving, it is the responsibility of the winner to do so:

The Anniversary Challenge Trophy–for best of breed, donated by the Association consisting of an 11 piece pewter Annapolis tea service, valued at approximately $650.00

The Le Tasyll Trophy—for best of breed, consisting of a silver rose bowl on a wooden pedestal.

The Ch. Twit Lees Rajah Award—for best of breed, consisting of a silver loving cup on a wooden base.

Best of Breed Medallion—donated by Ed Schwartz.

The Rouge Trophy—for best of opposite sex, donated by Mrs. J.H. Daniell-Jenkins, Kennel of the Rouge, consisting of a large silver bowl on a walnut base with shields.

The Colom Challenge Trophy—for winners bitch, donated by Peter & Mary Cox, Colom Bullmastiffs, England, consisting of a bronze statue of a bullmastiff bitch.

The Ch. Pitman’s Gentleman Jim Memorial Trophy—for best of breed, donated by Mr. & Mrs. James Leeson, Pitman’s Bullmastiffs, England, consisting of a cold cast bronze statue of a bullmastiff dog on a walnut base.

The Victoria DaVila Trophy—for best of breed, donated by Ed Schwartz, to be held in the possession of the trophy steward until the retirement of the Anniversary Challenge Trophy.

The following trophies are only to be offered at the National Specialty and are permitted to be in the premium list and catalog. They are NOT allowed to be presented inside the ring. These trophies must be presented outside the ring. Should the trophy require engraving, it is the responsibility of the winner to do so.

The Ch. Tauralan Vic Torious Trophy—for first place in the stud dog class, donated by Jim & Carol Beans, Tauralan Bullmastiffs, consisting of a copper bowl on a wood base.

The Fairview Trophies—for first place in each veteran dog class, donated by Ed & Marti Robbins, Fairview Bullmastiffs, consisting of a turned cypress wood vase on a wood base.

The Fairview Trophies—for first place in each veteran bitch class, donated by Ed & Marti Robbins, Fairview Bullmastiffs, consisting of a turned cypress wood vase on a wood base.

The Kismet Challenge Trophy—for best in sweepstakes, donated by Vic Zeoli, Kismet Bullmastiffs, in memory of Ch. Kismet Kadin Taboo, consisting of a gold loving cup on a wooden trophy base.

The Lombardy Trophy—for best in sweepstakes, consisting of a cast bronze bullmastiff on a marble pedestal.

The Allstar Trophy—for winners bitch, donated by Mimi Einstein, Allstar Bullmastiffs, consisting of a Dannyquest’s Mother’s Pride (Bullmastiff Bitch with Puppies) for Winners Bitch.

The Cerberus Challenge Trophy—for highest scoring dog in the regular classes in obedience, donated by Bob & Lynn Spohr, Bastion Bullmastiffs, in memory of Ch. Nutiket Cerberus, consisting of a silver bowl on a wooden base. Offered through the American Bullmastiff Association, Inc., for competition at its National Specialty show, the winner is to hold the trophy until the next National Specialty show. For permanent possession, this trophy must be won three times by the same owner, not necessarily with the same dog nor at consecutive shows. This trophy may be presented inside the ring, however; it should be presented at the dinner or awards ceremony at the time the other awards are given.

National Specialty: Open To Association Members Only

The following trophies are only allowed to be offered at the National Specialty and presented in the premium list and catalog. These trophies are presented in accordance to the American Kennel Club publication, “Rules Applying to REGISTRATION and DOG SHOWS”, amended October 1, 1992, with regards to trophies, please note Chapter 8, Section 10, page 33 and Chapter 8, Section 11, page 34, and are open to Association members in good standing only. Winners are responsible for the engraving of their dog’s name on the trophy, should engraving be needed. These trophies must be presented outside the ring at the completion of competition. The following trophies will be present for viewing and for photographs at the National Specialty, but will be awarded at the annual dinner and/or awards ceremony. These trophies are as follows:

The Scyldocga Trophy—for first place, bred by exhibitor bitch, donated by Russell & Helma Weeks, Nutiket Bullmastiffs, Reg’d., in memory of Karl Prescott, Scyldocga Bullmastiffs, consisting of a bronze plaque on a wood base.

The Shastid’s Freehold Challenge Trophy—for best in bred by exhibitor classes, donated by Jack Shastid and the artist, Anna Burke Harris, consisting of a limited edition life-size bullmastiff head, valued at $750.00.

A cold cast bronze bullmastiff on a pillow—for breeder of best of breed, donated by Jack Shastid, Shastid’s Freehold & Geraldine M. Roach, Ladybug Bullmastiffs. Offered through the American Bullmastiff Association, Inc., for competition at it’s National Specialty show. Each breeder’s winner is to hold the trophy until the next National Specialty show. For permanent possession, this trophy must be won three times by the same breeder, not necessarily with the same dog nor at consecutive shows.

Challenge trophies are to be retired when won three times by the same owner, not necessarily with the same dog.

National Specialty Sweepstakes Rules

The following are uniform rules for National Specialty sweepstakes, entry fee and division of prize money.

The entry fee will be at the discretion of the show committee. The show committee may, at it’s discretion, take up to 25% off the top to help defray expenses. Remaining prize money will be distributed as follows:

• Best in Sweepstakes—10%
• Best of Opposite Sex to Best in Sweepstakes—5%
• The remaining prize money shall be distributed evenly among the classes with each classes prize money distributed evenly among the classes with each classes prize money distributed as follows:
• 1st place—50%
• 2nd place—25%
• 3rd place—10%

Classes shall be divided by sex as follows:

• 6-9 months
• 9-12 months
• 12-15 months
• 15-18 months

After all of the classes have been judged, the first place winners in each class shall compete for best in sweepstakes and best of opposite sex to best in sweepstakes. Sweepstakes entries must be handled by the owner, co-owner, a member of the owner or co-owner’s family, the breeder or an amateur handler. Professional handlers, as defined by the Association, are permitted to handle sweepstakes entries only if they are the owner, co-owner, a member of the owner’s family or the breeder of the sweepstakes entry.

The veteran sweepstakes classes at the National Specialty shall be divided by sex as follows:

• 6 years & under 7 years of age
• 7 years & under 8 years of age
• 8 years & under 9 years of age
• 9 years of age and over

The veteran classes at the National Specialty shall be divided by sex as follows:

• 6-8 years
• 8-10 years
• 10 years and over

The National Specialty committee shall, at least four weeks prior to the specialty, request that judges do a written critique of the bullmastiffs they judge.

The National Specialty committee shall have the use of one page, front and back, in each issue of the Newsletter for the purposes of solicitation and/or advertisement of the next specialty.

National Specialty and Semi-Annual Meeting Rotation

Pursuant to changes in our By-Laws and the addition of two regions (Northeast and Northwest) we have added two more regions to both the National Specialty rotation and semi-annual meeting schedule. The following rotation schedules for the National Specialty and Semi-annual meetings will equitably space at least 3-4 yrs. between events (National or Semi Annual) for each club/region in the years ahead. The hope is that all regions will be included in the rotation. Hosting a National Specialty or a Semi-Annual Meeting should be viewed as an opportunity to showcase regions and to involve ABA regional clubs and members. This rotation will continue so long as members and ABA regional clubs in the regions identified choose to volunteer and to bring ABA events to their regions. Regional club Boards interested in hosting ABA Semi-Annual Meetings should note for planning purposes that our ABA Semi-Annual Meetings must be held no later than May 31^st of the calendar year, in accordance with our ABA By-Laws. Should no volunteers be forthcoming in the regions identified in the rotation, other viable proposals from other volunteers will always be entertained by the ABA Board, as the shows must go on!

National

Specialty& Annual Meeting            Semi-Annual Meeting

2019-MW                                                                   2019-NW

2020-SE                                                                    2020-SW

2021-E                                                                       2021-NE

2022-NW                                                                   2022-W

2023-SW                                                                   2023-MW

2024-NE                                                                    2024-SE

2025-W                                                                      2025-E

CLC 02/18

Rescue

The Rescue fund is established to rescue Bullmastiffs in imminent bodily damage or death and/or Bullmastiffs left helpless through the neglect or death of the owner. The Rescue service shall not be used as a simple placement service.

The Rescue committee shall establish a separate Rescue account in a bank convenient for operations. The ABA Treasurer shall be a signatory on the account along with the committee chairperson. The committee chairperson may designate a deputy chairperson as a signatory provided notification is proved to the Board secretary.

The Rescue committee shall maintain records indicating the source of all income, Bullmastiffs rescued and placed, cost per individual rescued and placed, and any other expenditures.

The Board secretary and Board treasurer shall be furnished a report indicating committee and fund activity at least two weeks before each regular Board meeting.

All changes made to the Standing Rules shall be dated and initialed by the current secretary.Changes have been made to these standing rules by the Board of Directors, terms 92-93. 93-94, 94- 95, 95-96, 01-02, 03-04, 04-05, 05-06, 06-07, 07-08, 08-09,17-18.

The ABA Constitution and Bylaws

Constitution

Name and Objectives

Section 1. The Name of the Association shall be: The American Bullmastiff Association, Inc.

Section 2. The Objectives of the Association shall be:

a) to do all possible to bring the natural qualities of purebred Bullmastiffs to perfection;
b) to encourage the organization of local Bullmastiff Specialty Clubs, in those localities where there are sufficient fanciers of the breed to meet the requirements of The American Kennel Club;
c) 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 Bullmastiffs shall be judged;
d) to conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows, supported entries, agility, obedience, rally, and tracking trials under the rules and regulations of The American Kennel Club.

Section 3. The Association shall not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.

Section 4. The members of the Association shall adopt and from time to time revise such By Laws as may be required to carry out these objectives.

By Laws

Article I
Membership

Section 1. ELIGIBILITY. Membership is open to all persons who are in good standing with The American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of the Association. There shall be five types of membership, as follows:
a) Regular Membership – Open to those 18 years of age and over.
b) Junior Membership – Open to those under 18 years of age and over 9 years of age. Junior membership carries no voting privileges and shall not be considered when determining a quorum.
c) Joint Membership – Husband or wife, or two persons constituting the same household.
d) Senior Membership – Persons who are 65-years-of-age or older, single/joint.                                      e) Lifetime Membership – Open to those persons who have 30 years of cumulative
membership in the ABA. Lifetime members may elect to forego payment of annual
dues, but are entitled to full membership privileges and, as such, may vote and hold
office.

Section 2. DUES. Dues shall be payable on or before the first day of November in the amount to
be specified for the coming fiscal year by the Board of Directors. Dues shall not exceed $50.00
for a single membership, $60.00 for a joint membership and $40.00 for a junior membership
per year. Senior memberships shall be discounted, as approved by the Board. Lifetime
membership applicants shall have the option to forego annual renewal fees and retain full
membership privileges if their application for Lifetime Membership status is approved. New
members who join after March 31st, shall pay only half the specified yearly dues. Husband and
wife, or two persons constituting the same household, will be admitted for the amount
specified for joint membership or half the amount for those joining after March 31st. Each
member of a joint membership shall have individual voting privileges. No members may vote
whose dues are not paid for the current year. During the month of August, the Treasurer shall
ensure that a renewal notice is included for all members in the August ABA Newsletter,
reflecting the yearly dues as directed by the Board of Directors. The renewal notice shall be
prominently displayed on the first page in the newsletter, so that all members have notice of
dues owed in advance of thirty days prior to the deadline for dues payment. The Treasurer will
ensure that renewal forms and applications are always available online. A surcharge may be
imposed by the Board on overseas memberships, not to exceed $35.00 annually to cover
additional mailing costs.

Section 3. ELECTION TO MEMBERSHIP. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as
approved by the Board of Directors and which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide
by these Constitution and By Laws and the rules and regulations of The American Kennel Club.
The application shall state the name, address, phone, and email address of the applicant(s) and
it shall carry the endorsements of two members in good standing who have been members of
the Association for at least one year. Accompanying the application, the prospective members
shall submit dues payment for the current year.

The names and information provided on each application shall be included in the first ABA
Newsletter published after receipt of the application. If no objection to the application is
received by the Corresponding Secretary within three weeks of publication of the Newsletter,
the applicant is considered elected to membership in the Association. If a valid objection to a
membership application is received within the twenty-one (21) day period by the
Corresponding Secretary, the application will be referred to an ad hoc committee chaired by
the Chairman of the Membership Committee and three additional members chosen by the
Board of Directors, including the Regional Representative of the Membership Committee in the area where the applicant is from. The report of the ad hoc committee shall be forwarded to the
Board for their decision. Said decision must be rendered within 120 days of receipt of the
application by the Corresponding Secretary.

An application which has received a negative vote by the Board may be presented by one of the
applicant’s endorsers at any meeting of the Association, and the Association may elect such
applicant by a favorable vote of 75% of the members present.

Any applicant who has been rejected by the Board and/or the general membership may not
reapply for membership within 12 months of said rejection.

Section 4. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP. Membership may be terminated:

a) By Resignation: Any member in good standing may resign from the Association upon
written notice to the Corresponding Secretary, but no member may resign when in debt
to the Association. Dues obligations are considered a debt to the Association and they
become incurred on the first day of each fiscal year.
b) By Lapsing: A membership will be considered lapsed and automatically terminated if
such member’s dues remain unremitted 60 days after the first day of the fiscal year.
Dues will be considered remitted providing they are postmarked within the allotted
time. The Board may grant an additional 90 days of grace to such delinquent members
in meritorious cases. In no case may any person be entitled to vote at any Association
meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.
c) By Expulsion: A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VI of
these By Laws.

Section 5. INITIATION FEE. Each new member shall pay an initiation fee not in excess of $20.00
per individual member. This fee, in addition to the dues for the current year or half year, shall
accompany each membership application. The term “new member” shall include former
members re-applying for membership whose membership was terminated either by resignation
or lapsing.

Article II
Meetings

Section 1. ANNUAL MEETINGS AND SEMI-ANNUAL MEETINGS. The Annual Meeting of the
Association shall be held in the months of September or October in conjunction with the
Associations Specialty Show, if possible at a place, date and hour designated by the Board
of Directors. E-mail notification for Association meetings may be utilized in accordance with the
American Kennel Club policy. E-mail Notification for Board Meetings and General Club
Meetings and other Club Notices as contained within the Association Standing Rules, such that members may sign revocable authorizations agreeing to this method of communication.
Written or e-mail notice of the Annual Meeting and additional General Meetings shall be
mailed by the Corresponding Secretary at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting. In
addition to the Annual Meeting, a Semi-Annual Meeting shall be held no later than May 31st of
the calendar year at a place, date and hour designated by the Board of Directors. The quorum
for such meetings shall be 10% of the members in attendance in good standing.

Section 2 SPECIAL ASSOCIATION MEETINGS. Special Association meetings may be called by the
President or by a majority of the Board of Directors who are present at a meeting of the Board
or who vote by mail or e-mail, and shall be called by the Corresponding Secretary upon receipt
of a petition signed by 10% of the members of the Association who are in good standing. Such
meeting shall be held at such place, date and hour as may be designated by the Board of
Directors. Written notice of such meeting shall be mailed or e-mailed by the Corresponding
Secretary to each member at least 14 days and no more than 30 days prior to the date of the
meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other
Association business may be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 10% of
the members in attendance in good standing.

Section 3. BOARD MEETINGS. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held no less than
quarterly. The first meeting of the Board shall be held immediately following the Annual
Meeting. The Officers and Directors of the Association Board shall agree to adhere to the
American Kennel Club Policies. E-mail Notification for Board Meetings and General Club
Meetings and other Club Notices and E-mail Communication for use by Parent Club
Board of Directors, as included in the Association Standing Rules. With the exception of the
Board meetings scheduled for the annual and semi-annual meetings, Board meetings may be
held via conference telephone call. Other meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at
such place, and hour as are designated by the President or by a majority of the entire Board.
Written notice of each such meeting shall be mailed or e-mailed by the Corresponding
Secretary at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such a
meeting shall be four members of the Board present, but any action taken at a meeting at
which less than a majority of the Board is present shall be subject to ratification by mail or email
vote of the absent members, to provide a vote by the majority of the Board. Such mail or
e-mail votes, to be valid, must be received by the Recording Secretary not later than twenty one
(21) days after the mailing date of the vote request.

Section 4. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS.

a) The Board of Directors may conduct its business in person, by mail, phone, and e-mail
through the Secretaries.
b) One or more members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a
meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear
each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in
person at a meeting. Items voted upon by telephone conference call, mail, e-mail or fax
must be confirmed in writing by the Recording Secretary within seven days.

Article III

Directors and Officers

Section 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the President,
First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary,
Treasurer, Director Place One, Director Place Two, Director Place Three, Director Place Four and
Director Place Five, all of whom shall be members in good standing who are residents of the
United States. The Board of Directors and the AKC Delegate shall be elected to serve two-year
terms at the Association’s Annual Meeting and shall serve until the beginning of the new fiscal
year, as provided in ARTICLE IV. No person shall serve more than one consecutive two year
term in the office of President. General management of the Association affairs shall be
entrusted to the Board of Directors. The President, First Vice President, Corresponding
Secretary, Director Place Two, Director Place Four (along with the AKC Delegate who is not a
member of the Board) shall be elected in alternate years which end in even numbers. The
Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Director Place One and Director Place
Three, and Director Place Five shall be elected in alternate years which end in odd numbers.

ELIGIBILITY. No person may be elected to the Board of Directors or Delegate to The American
Kennel Club who has not been a member of the Association in good standing for at least three
years. Only one person from an individual household may be nominated to serve on the Board
of Directors at any one time. Board members shall be residents of the United States of America.
No person shall hold more than one position at any one time on the Board of Directors.

Section 2. OFFICERS. The Associations’ Officers consisting of President, First Vice-President,
Second Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve
in their respective capacities both with regard to the Association and its meeting and the Board
and its meetings.

Duties of the Board of Directors:

a) The PRESIDENT shall preside at all meetings of the Association and shall have the duties
and powers appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly
specified in these By Laws.
b) The FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the
President in case of the President’s death, absence, or incapacity;
c) The SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT shall be an ex officio member of every National
Committee, taking a leadership role in contract negotiations with host hotels and
ensuring that National Committee members have the advantage of past experience and
expertise in organizing and planning the events.
d) The CORRESPONDING SECRETARY shall have charge of the correspondence, notify
members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify
Officers and Directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the
Association and their addresses as administered and updated by the Membership
Committee and carry out other duties as are prescribed in these By Laws;
e) The RECORDING SECRETARY shall keep a record of all meetings of the Association and of
the Board and of all votes taken at meetings, during conference-call meetings, by mail,
by email,_ and of all matters which a record shall be ordered by the Association.
f) The TREASURER shall collect and receive all monies due or belonging to the Association.
He shall deposit same in a bank approved by the Board, in the name of the Association.
His books shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Board, and he shall report to
them at every meeting the condition of the Association’s finances and every item of
receipt or payment not before reported; and at the Annual Meeting he shall render an
account of all monies received and expended during the previous year. His report shall
be mailed to the membership in the Association newsletter together with the notice of
the Annual meeting. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Board of
Directors shall determine. The books of the Association shall be reviewed at least once each year by an outside auditor approved by the Board at Association expense.

Section 3. VACANCIES. Any vacancy occurring on the Board among the Officers during the year
shall be filled until the next meeting by a majority vote of all the members of the Board except
that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the First Vice President,
and the resulting vacancy in the office of First Vice-President shall be filled automatically by the
Second Vice-President, and the resulting vacancy in the office of Second Vice- President shall be
filled by the Board.

Article IV

The Association Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections

Section 1. ASSOCIATION YEAR. The Association’s fiscal year shall begin on the first day of
November and end on the thirty-first day of October. The Associations’ official year shall begin when the elected Officers and Directors take office. The elected Officers and Directors shall
take office on the first day of November and each retiring Officer shall turn over to his
successor in office all properties and records relating to the office within 30 days of the new
Officers and Directors taking office.

Section 2. VOTING
a) At the Annual Meeting or at a General Meeting, or at a Special Meeting of the
Association, voting shall be limited to those members in good standing who are present
at the meeting, except for the Annual Election of Officers, Directors, and Delegate to
The American Kennel Club and amendments to the Constitution and By Laws and the
Standard to the Breed which shall be decided by written ballots cast by mail; voting by
proxy will not be permitted. The Board may decide to submit other specific questions
for decision of the members by written ballot cast by mail.
b) The Association may use the Preferential Voting System for the selection of its National
Specialty, and Sweepstakes and Sweepstakes Judges.

Section 3. ANNUAL ELECTION. At the Annual Meeting for the Election of officers, Directors and
Delegate to The American Kennel Club, who may, but need not be a Director or Officer of the
Association, the vote shall be conducted by secret ballot. The ballots shall be counted prior to
the Annual Meeting by an independent agency designated for that purpose which will be
selected by the Board. The results of the balloting so obtained shall be delivered in a sealed
envelope marked “Election Results: to the Chairman of the Nominating Committee” in care of
the Secretary AT LEAST FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO THE ANNUAL MEETING with a copy of such results
kept on file with the independent designated agency for a period of one year.

The person receiving the largest number of votes in each position shall be declared elected. If
any nominee, at the time of the meeting 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 in Article III, Section 3.

4. NOMINEES AND BALLOTS. No person may be a candidate in an Association election who has
not been nominated in accordance with these By Laws. A nominating Committee shall be
chosen by the membership at the Semi-Annual Meeting in the following manner: Nominations
for this committee shall be accepted from the floor. Nominees shall accept their nominations
either in person or in writing. The Committee shall then be elected from among these nominees
by a majority vote of the members present and voting. The person receiving the highest
number of votes shall be declared the Chairman. The committee shall consist of seven members from different areas of the USA, and two alternates, all members in good standing, no
more than one of whom shall be a member of the Board of Directors. The Nominating
Committee slate shall reflect a majority vote of the committee.

a) The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the eligible members of the
Association, one candidate for President, First Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary,
Director Place Two, Director Place Four and AKC Delegate in years ending with even
numbers. The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the eligible members
of the Association, one candidate each for Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary,
Treasurer, Director Place One, Director Place Three, and Director Place Five in years
ending with odd numbers and shall procure the written acceptance of each nominee so
chosen. The Committee shall consider geographic representation of the membership on
the Board. The Committee shall publish the list in the June edition of the Newsletter,
including the full name of each candidate and the name of the state in which he/she
resides, to each member of the Association on or before July1st so that additional
nominations may be made by the members if they so desire.
b) Additional nominations of eligible members may be made by written petition to the
Corresponding Secretary and received at his regular address on or before August 1st,
signed by fifteen (15) members and accompanied by the written acceptance of each
such additional candidate. Except for the position of Delegate, no person shall be a
candidate for more than one (1) position, and the additional nominees which are
provided for herein may be chosen from only among those members who have not
accepted a nomination from the Nominating Committee .
c) If no valid nominations are received by the Corresponding Secretary on or before August
1st, the Nominating Committee slate shall be declared elected by the President at the
time of the Annual Meeting, and no balloting will be required.
d) If one or more valid nominations are received by the Corresponding Secretary on or
before August 1st, he shall, at least forty days (40) prior to the Annual Meeting mail to
each member in good standing a ballot listing all the nominees for each position in
alphabetical order with the name of the state in which they reside, together with a
blank envelope and a return envelope addressed to the independent designated agency
marked ‘BALLOT’ and bearing the name of the member to whom it was sent. So that the
ballot shall remain secret, each voter after marking his ballot shall seal it in the blank
envelope which, in turn, shall be placed in the second envelope and addressed to the
independent designated agency. The Treasurer shall provide said agency with a list of
members in good standing against which the returns shall be checked prior to opening
the outer envelope and removing the blank envelope, and shall certify the eligibility of
the voters. The results of the voting shall be announced at the Annual Meeting by the
Chairman of the Nominating Committee or his designated agent. To be valid, ballots must be received by the independent designated agency at least ten (10) prior to the
Annual Meeting.
e) Nominations cannot be made at the Annual Meeting or in any manner other than as
provided above.

Article V
Committees

Section 1. The Board may each year, appoint standing committees to advance the work of the
Association in such matters as Specialty Shows, Obedience Trials, Annual Awards, Membership,
Official Magazine, Archives, Health and Research, Finance, Newsletter, Rescue, Government
and Club Relations, Disaster Preparedness, and other fields which may well be served by
committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board.
Special committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it on particular projects.
Section 2. Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full
membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee, and the Board may appoint
successors to those persons whose services have been terminated.

Article VI
Discipline

Section 1. AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB SUSPENSION. Any member who is suspended from any of
the privileges of The American Kennel Club shall be suspended from the privileges of the
Association for a like period.

Section 2. CHARGES. Any member may prefer charges against another member for alleged
misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Association or the breed. Written charges
with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Corresponding Secretary together with a
deposit of $50.00 which shall be forfeited following a hearing if such charges are not sustained
by the Board or the Disciplinary Committee appointed by the Board. The Corresponding
Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present
them at a Board Meeting, and the Board shall first consider whether the alleged charges if
proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Association or breed. If
the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the
best interest of the Association or the breed, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction of the
charges. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date of a hearing of the
Disciplinary Committee not less than three weeks or more than six weeks thereafter. The Disciplinary Committee may be composed of at least three Board members or, alternatively,
may be appointed by the Board at the beginning of each administration, from among the
membership, and composed of at least three Association members in good standing. The
Corresponding Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member
by registered mail, together with a notice of a hearing and an assurance that the defendant
may personally appear in his own defense and bring witnesses if he wishes.

Section 3. BOARD HEARINGS. The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether
counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated
uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained by the Disciplinary Committee after
hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board
after reviewing the findings and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee and after due
deliberation as to action, may, by a majority vote of those present, suspend the defendant from
all privileges of the Association for not more than six months from the date of the hearing, or
until the next meeting, if that will occur after six months. And, if it deems the punishment
insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such
case, suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his fellow members at
the ensuing Association meeting which considers the recommendation of the Board or
Committee. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its finding shall be put in
written form and filed with the Recording Secretary. The Corresponding Secretary, in turn shall
notify each of the parties of the decision and penalty, if any.

Section 4. EXPULSION. Expulsion of a member from the Association may be accomplished only
at the Annual Meeting of the Association 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 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 own behalf. A two-thirds vote of those present and voting
at the Annual Meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If the expulsion is not so voted, the
suspension shall stand.

Article VII
Amendments

Section 1. Amendments to the Constitution and By Laws, and the Standard for the Breed may
be proposed by the Board of Directors or written petition addressed to the Corresponding
Secretary signed by 20% of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such
petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted by the
Corresponding Secretary to the membership for a vote within three months of the date when
the petition was received by the Corresponding Secretary.

Section 2. The Constitution and By Laws and the Standard for the Breed may be amended at
any time provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed by the Corresponding
Secretary to each member in good standing on the date of the mailing, accompanied by a ballot
on which he may indicate his choice for or against the action to be taken. The notice shall
specify a date not less than 30 days after the date of this mailing, by which date ballots must be
returned to the Corresponding to be counted. The favorable vote of two-thirds of the members
in good standing who return valid ballots within the time limit shall be required to effect such
amendment.

Section 3. No Amendments to the Constitution and By Laws and the Standard for the Breed by
the Association shall become effective until it has been approved by the Board of Directors of
The American Kennel Club.

Article VIII
Dissolution

Section 1. The American Bullmastiff Association, Inc. may be dissolved at any time by written
consent of not less than two-thirds of the members in good standing. In the event of the
dissolution of the Association other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or
involuntary or by operation of the law, none of the property of the Association nor any
proceeds thereof nor any assets of the Association shall be distributed to the members of the
Association, but after payment of the debts of the Association its property and assets shall be
given to the charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.

Article IX
Order of Business

Section 1. The Meetings of the Association; the order of business as far as the character and
nature of the meeting may permit shall be as follows:
1. Roll Call
2. Minutes of the Last Meeting
3. Report of the President
4. Reports of the Secretaries
5. Report of the Treasurer
6. Report of the Committees
7. Election of New Members
8. New Business
9. Election of Officers and Board (Annual Meeting)
10. Adjournment

Section 2. At meetings of the Board; the Order of Business, unless otherwise directed by a
majority vote of those present shall be as follows:
1. Reading of the Minutes of the Last Meeting
2. Report of the President
3. Reports of the Secretaries
4. Report of the Treasurer
5. Reports of the Committees
6. Unfinished Business
7. Election of New Members
8. New Business
9. Adjournment

Section 3. Subject to this Constitution and these By Laws, all procedures of the Association shall
be governed by the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

The American Bullmastiff Association, Inc. Copyright © 1997 – 2012. The American Bullmastiff Association Inc. All rights reserved. Revised 2008.