Clubs

Why Join a Local Club?

Being part of an AWMA club provides access to:

• 🏋️ Structured IGP training sessions

• 🎯 Trial preparation and coaching from experienced handlers

• 🤝 A local community that shares your passion for working Malinois

• 🗓️ Club-hosted events, workshops, and trial hosting opportunities

• 🐾 Mentorship for new handlers and first-time competitors

How to Find a Club

Use our interactive map or search tool to locate clubs by:

• State or region

• Trial discipline

• Contact availability

• Whether they’re accepting new members

Can’t Find a Club Nearby? Start One.

No local club in your area? AWMA encourages passionate handlers to form new clubs and grow the sport. We offer guidance, documentation, and mentoring to help you build a recognized and successful working dog club from the ground up.

What Makes an AWMA Club Special?

All AWMA-affiliated clubs are:

• Officially recognized under AWMA bylaws

• Eligible to host sanctioned trials

• Led by members who uphold the AWMA Code of Ethics

• Part of a national and international working dog network

For Club Leaders

Already running a club? Update your club’s profile, contact info, and trial listings through the Club Admin Portal. (Coming soon)

Welcome to the American Working Malinois Association!

We’re excited to welcome you to our expanding network of clubs dedicated to advancing the Belgian Malinois and working dog sports—specifically IGP.

If you’re starting a new club or renewing an existing one, please use the link above to begin the application process.

How to Form a New Full Member AWMA Club

1. Your club must have 3 or more current AWMA members. 2 members can be a part of a family membership. Submit a complete list of club members and club officers.

2. Submit a set of the Club’s Constitution and Bylaws.

3. Submit a statement describing the club members’ experience hosting IGP trials.

4. Submit a letter of recommendation from your Regional Director or another Executive Board member.

5. Submit a letter demonstrating satisfactory performance in the training of dogs in the Utility Dog sports.

6. Submit one of the two options below:

   • Conduct a practice trial, which was judged by a member who has been approved by the Board of Directors and is not a member of the club. A completed set of score sheets or other documentation demonstrating satisfactory conduct by the club from this practice trial must be submitted to the AWMA Secretary.

   OR

   • Submit a letter demonstrating prior experience in conducting Utility Dog sport trials sanctioned by other recognized organizations.

7. Pay the annual club dues when you submit your application. Applications with all required documentation can be submitted here

How to be Promoted From an AWMA Affiliate Club to Full Member Club

1. As an affiliate club, you are considered an apprentice club and must complete a program of qualification before you can hold any AWMA-sanctioned event or become a full member club. Work with your Regional Director or another Executive Board member to ensure you have completed this program of qualification.

   • Program of qualification options are:

     • Conduct a practice trial, which was judged by a member who has been approved by the Executive Board and is not a member of the club. Submit a completed set of score sheets or other documentation demonstrating satisfactory performance by the club from this practice trial to the AWMA Secretary.

     OR

     • Conduct a Utility Dog Sport trial sanctioned by another AWDF organization and submit a completed set of score sheets or other documentation demonstrating satisfactory performance by the club. This documentation must be submitted to the AWMA Secretary.

2. Your club must have 3 or more current AWMA members. 2 members can be a part of a family membership. Submit a complete list of club members, their addresses, and a list of club officers.

3. Submit a statement signed by two club officers guaranteeing observance of the AWMA Constitution, Bylaws, and ordinances.

4. Submit a set of the Club's Constitution and Bylaws with your application.

5. Submit a letter of recommendation from your Regional Director or another Executive Board member.

6. Pay your annual club dues when you submit your application. Applications with all required documentation can be submitted here

NOTE:  AS OF 2019, THE CLUB RENEWAL DATE CHANGES FROM JANUARY 1 TO JULY 1. Clubs that are new or renewed in 2018 will have an automatic 6 month extension (from January 1 to July 1 2019) in their membership. Notifications for renewals will go out prior to July 1.  There will also be no pro-rating of dues for joining part way throught the year; all renewals will be for the full year's amount.If you would like to pay for your club dues via PayPal, please use the button below. Please note that due to the cost associated with using PayPal, an additional fee of $2.50 is charged. This fee is NOT required if paying via a check, it only applies to those using PayPal.