Why Join AWMA?
Becoming a member of the American Working Malinois Association (AWMA) is a great way to support our mission and help advance the working Belgian Malinois in the United States.
Membership Term:
AWMA membership runs from June 1 through May 31 each year. Renewal reminders are sent at the beginning of May.
Before You Contact Us:
If you have questions about joining or your current membership status, please refer to our Membership FAQ below, before reaching out to the Membership Chair.
Renewal notices may not have been received due to a change of address or illegible handwriting on the membership application. If you are not receiving your renewal notices, please contact the membership chair via e-mail to verify the reason why.
Memberships typically go out every 4-6 weeks but can go out faster or slower due to competitions or other life events. If you need your membership faster, there is a rush fee to rush the application in 2 weeks or less. This must be done electronically. We will try to accommodate as best we can — but please keep in mind this is a volunteer-based organization.
There is no pro-rating of dues and you will be required to pay full dues by May 31.
The AWMA is an organization devoted entirely to the working characteristics of the Belgian Malinois breed. We have low yearly membership dues and all the monies from membership dues help expand programs that directly benefit the working Belgian Malinois. For example, in addition to covering the general expenditures of running the organization, monies are donated every year to help the FCI team members, FMBB team members, the host club for the National IGP Championship, trophy sponsorships for other large competitions, etc. By joining the American Working Malinois Association you will be supporting the growth and recognition of the working Belgian Malinois in the United States.
Yes, membership applications and scorebook applications go to the Membership Chair. Simply put "pending" on your scorebook application that is submitted simultaneously with your membership application.
Yes, you will be required to provide your membership number on the entry form and we verify membership before your entry will be accepted. Again, do not wait until the last minute to obtain or renew your membership. The AWDF Championship is held in the spring and the date will vary.
Yes, all entrants to the AWMA National Championship MUST have a current membership prior to the close of entries. Entrants who wait until the last minute may not get their applications processed in time so please enter well in advance of the championships. The AWMA Championship is held every year between September/December so be sure to submit well in advance so there are no problems entering.
Membership with the American Working Malinois Association runs from June 1 to May 31, per the AWMA by-laws.
Renewal notices will be sent starting no later than May 1.
We welcome anyone interested in the working abilities of the Belgian Malinois, along with those who own other Belgian breeds. We also encourage anyone interested in participating in the sport of IGP, regardless of breed, to belong to the AWMA. If you have a breed that is not represented by a breed organization in the AWDF, you can get your scorebook through us and have your dog's breed listed on the scorebook. You can join the AWMA and help support the formation of a local club. Or you can join to show your support for an organization that believes in including everyone for the betterment of the sport.
Important Policies:
As of 2018, membership dues are not pro-rated.
For example, if you join mid-year, you will still need to pay the full membership fee again on June 1 of the next cycle.
Dues are non-refundable under all circumstances.
(Implemented in 2007)
Members are representatives of the AWMA and should strive to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner both on and off the competition field.
At any event, any handler who conducts him or herself in an unsportsmanlike manner or engages in any other actions that are contrary to the best interests of the AWMA is subject to disciplinary action.
At competitions and other events, handlers are responsible for their dog’s behavior during the entire event. They should not leave their dogs loose and unattended in hotels. If not confined to their vehicles or crates, dogs should be on lead and under direct control of their handlers at all times. Handlers should clean up after their dogs when staying at hotels and at competition areas.
It is inappropriate for members of the AWMA to transport their dogs under the guise of a service animal unless the dog truly is qualified to be a service dog and the handler requires the use of the dog in that capacity. Abusing the Air Carrier’s Access Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act constitutes fraud. Handlers who transport their dogs in this manner are subject to disciplinary action.
