There are several advantages. Club dues are less than nearly any other organization. You may use any accepted FCI or AWDF member club judge at your trials. You may use an event like a training seminar to substitute for your annual requirement for a trial without losing your full club status. We welcome all competitors with a current AWDF membership - they are not charged additional fees and all competitor's scores will be posted regardless of the handler's affiliation. If you use an AWMA judge you are entitled to a $100 rebate from the organization.
Yes. As an AWMA member you may enter any other AWDF member club’s trials with your AWMA scorebook and membership. There are restrictions by some clubs for membership in their organization to enter their regional or national events.
Yes. Membership is required to obtain an AWMA issued scorebook.
If you are a member of the AWMA you may obtain a scorebook for your dog regardless of breed. If there is an AWDF member organization for your breed, you should get your dog’s scorebook from that organization. It can be obtained from the AWMA but the dog will be listed as a mix. If there is no AWDF breed club for your dog, the dog’s breed will be listed in an AWMA scorebook provided that you submit proof of FCI recognized registration. More information on Scorebooks
Yes if you are an AWMA member and purchase your scorebook through the AWMA. There is an application form for a Working Privilege Listing on the scorebook page on the website. You will be asked to provide clear photographs of your dog and other information. If your dog resembles a Malinois it will be listed as such on your scorebook. More information on Scorebooks
As per FCI rules, there is one scorebook per dog and that scorebook from an FCI recognized organization must be accepted at all AWDF member club trials. You do not need a scorebook issued by the AWMA to enter an AWMA trial. You may present a DVG scorebook along with another FCI recognized scorebook at a trial.
Yes. The AWDF requires that entry in any AWDF member club’s trial requires current membership in an AWDF member organization.
No, enter "pending" in the member number field on the scorebook application and we will get the process started. And you can do both electronically, including payment, from the website. More information on Scorebooks
Yes! The American Working Malinois Association, the American Belgian Malinois Club and the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America have collaborated to create a program where working titles can be recorded on your dog's AKC pedigree. As per restrictions from the AKC, only AKC registered Belgian Malinois and Belgian Sheepdogs are eligible to record titles through this program, and titles must have been earned at an AWMA event. At present, titles that can be recorded are BH, IGP 1-3 and IPO1-3. The titles must have been earned since 2000. See the section on recording a title on this website.
No. Because the scorebook goes with the dog, it may have been issued by an organization different than the current membership of the handler. The only exception is that DVG requires that membership in their organization remains valid to use their scorebook. If the membership lapses that scorebook is no longer valid.
From our policies and procedures: Entering the AWMA National IGP Championship - All FCI registered Belgian Shepherd Dogs with an AWDF recognized scorebook will be allowed to enter, along with any dog that has an AWMA issued AWDF scorebook that lists the dog as a Belgian Malinois, regardless of whether it is FCI registered or not. Handlers must be current and valid members of the AWMA (as approved July 20, 2011). This means that we allow all Belgian Shepherds (including Belgian Sheepdogs, Tervurens, and Laekenois) with an FCI recognized registration to enter if they meet the above qualifications. If these dogs place in the top 4, they are eligible to represent the AWMA at the FMBB IGP Championship. Non-registered Malinois with an AWMA WPL listing/scorebook can enter, but they are not eligible to compete at the FMBB as per their requirements of FCI recognized registration. We will also allow entry by competitors from other countries who meet the above qualifications, but they would not be eligible for the FMBB as per requirements by the FMBB for residency in the country of sponsorship. More information can be found in Policy and Procedures - FMBB.
AWMA clubs are open to all breeds. You need three AWMA members (they do not need to own Malinois) to form a club and a set of by-laws. The application can be for a full member club if you have experience hosting trials and there is no requirement for an affiliation trial. Contact your Regional Director for their approval and send the application to the AWMA secretary for review.
From our policies and procedures: "Competitors who do not present a scorebook prior to the beginning of the trial (temperament test or beginning of the first phase) will be required to post a $50 refundable scorebook bond. The bond will be refunded upon presentation of the scorebook, which must be within 48 hours of the completion of the trial. If no scorebook is presented within the allotted time frame, the $50 is forfeit, and the AWMA will issue a scorebook in the dog’s name listing the dog as a mix and showing the trial results, which will be mailed to the handler. " Also note that only AWMA members may post a scorebook bond for entry into an AWMA trial. In other words, if the competitor presents a membership card from any other AWDF member club as part of their entry, they cannot post a scorebook bond. This is because the AWMA cannot issue a scorebook to someone who is not an AWMA member. This competitor would not be able to enter the trial because they do not have a scorebook (and cannot post a bond). Scorebook bonds are not a good solution for not ordering your scorebook prior to the trial. In these circumstances, the scorebook must be issued, then sent to the AWMA secretary for entry of the scores, forwarded to the judge for their signature, and finally sent back to the handler. Save the rush fees scorebook bond - avoid this hassle and inconvenience to everyone! Plan ahead and order your dog's scorebook well in advance. As soon as you have determined that you think you may want to enter a trial some day in the future, order your scorebook and keep it in a safe place. Then be sure to take it with you to the trial so you are not in the situation of having to post a bond.
A preface to this answer is that the AWMA believes strongly in collaboration and minimizing redundancy. This is why we do not have a breed registry (the FCI will only recognize AKC registrations from the US) and why we do not focus on conformation (the focus of the AKC breed clubs within the AKC). This allows us to focus on preserving the working ability of the Belgian Malinois through IGP.
AWDF - The AWMA is a full voting member in the AWDF. This allows us to share authorized judges, have our titles recognized by the other AWDF clubs, and send AWMA members to the AWDF IGP and FH Championships. Placement at AWDF qualifier is the avenue to competition at the FCI World Championships.
FMBB - The FMBB is the world federation for Belgian Shepherd Dogs. The AWMA is a member of the FMBB, and as such, sends teams to the FMBB Championships. IGP competitors can be any Belgian breed (selection criteria for the team are on the website). We assist the Belgian community in the US in selecting an agility team. The Mondio team is selected in cooperation with the United States Mondioring Association (USMRA) because they are responsible for Mondio in the US.
AKC/ABMC/BSCA - The AWMA has cordial and cooperative relationships with the American Belgian Malinois Club and the Belgian Sheepdog Club of America, leading to agreements through the AKC for the listing of AWMA event-earned titles on AKC pedigrees. Because the AWMA does not provide agility events, eligible breed club members can declare for the AWMA FMBB agility team. A member of the BSCA or ABMC could be on the AWMA FMBB teams but would need to be an AWMA member because that is part of the declaration requirements.
AWMA clubs issue titles listed in the AWMA Rule Book found elsewhere on this website. Each club will list the titles they will offer under their trial announcement.
In the upper right corner of an AWDF member club issued scorebook you'll find at least two numbers. One is the AWDF number and the other is the number written in by the issuing club. You should use the number that was issued by the club that sent you the scorebook.
Anyone can enter an AWMA trial if the dog has a valid FCI recognized scorebook, and if the handler is in good standing with a current membership in an AWDF recognized organization (see AWDF member clubs on the AWDF website). Titles earned in AWMA trials will be recognized by all AWDF member organizations (and internationally) with the exception of titles used for breed surveys in other breed organizations. If you are planning to use titles earned at an AWMA trial for a breed survey it is best to check with that organization to determine if titles will be accepted.
The AWMA is responsible for ensuring that the Malinois has a voice in the sport and that there is a platform for representing the breed at the national and international level. It is the only organization that is devoted to the breed. If you support the Belgian Malinois as a working breed, you should belong to the AWMA. If you compete with a Malinois in the sport of IGP, you should belong to the AWMA. If you plan on competing at the national or international level with a Malinois, you should belong to the AWMA. If you breed Malinois that are destined for sport homes, you should belong to the AWMA and encourage your puppy buyers to do so as well.
Membership FAQs
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.
Scorebook FAQs
Effective January 1, 2019: Scorebooks must be acquired from the dog’s specific AWDF member breed club or an all-breed sporting club (Mondioring, LV/DVG, AHBA) to specify the breed in the scorebook. Otherwise the breed ID will be listed as MIX BREED. Procedures established by the individual member organizations for documenting the breed of the dog must be followed. If there is no breed club for a specific breed of dog, any AWDF member breed or sport club can issue a scorebook to that dog provided that proof of registration with an FCI recognized organization is provided. This means (for example) that after January 1, 2019, a Rottweiler must obtain their scorebook from USRC, LV/DVG, USMRA or AHBA to have the dog listed as a Rottweiler. If the scorebook is issued by AWMA, UDC, etc. it would be listed as a mix. Scorebooks issued before January 1, 2019 can continue to be used; there is no need to obtain a new book.
Yes, but there is no need to do so if your scorebook was issued by an FCI recognized organization or AWDF member club. Only one scorebook per dog is needed. However, if you wish to transfer to an AWMA scorebook, you will fill out a normal application and mail your existing scorebook to the AWMA scorebook coordinator. The existing pages will be copied from the old scorebook into the new one. If your scorebook was issued by a foreign organization, check with the AWMA scorebook coordinator to see if it can be accepted. Contact the AWMA scorebook coordinator regarding where to send your scorebook. Please note that original scorebooks are not returned to the handler unless specifically requested.
If your dog has a USCA scorebook with titles earned prior to January 1, 2019, you are eligible for a scorebook transfer. If the titles were earned after this date, they are not FCI-recognized and cannot be moved into an FCI scorebook. You can still request a scorebook transfer, but the titles will be void and you will need to earn them again.
To transfer a scorebook from USCA to AWMA, you must send your USCA scorebook to the Membership Chair. They will make copies of the title pages and put them in your new AWMA scorebook. Because, per the FCI rules and with the exception of DVG, there is only one valid scorebook allowed per dog, your USCA scorebook will not be returned to you. If you would like it returned, you may ask the Membership Chair. Please note that all returned USCA scorebooks will be void.
Currently, all FCI-recognized scorebooks, including AWMA books, are valid for USCA trials. However, USCA scorebooks are not valid for any FCI-recognized trials, including those held by AWMA.
If you have any further questions, please contact the Membership Chair.
No. You can enter with any official AWDF scorebook, DVG scorebook, or FCI member organization scorebook.
You will be able to enter most AWDF club events, but some national events require AKC / FCI recognized registration. Check with the host club trial secretary for qualifications specific to these events. The dog must be FCI registered to enter the FCI Worlds and the FMBB.
What if my dog is AKC/FCI registered and there is no breed club in AWDF? Will my dog be listed as "mix" or will the breed be listed?
The breed will be listed in this case.
If you obtain your scorebook from the AWMA and you have a Belgian Malinois and provide the proper registry information, your dog will be listed as a Belgian Malinois. Sport organizations such as USMRA and DVG use their own criteria to determine the breed of a dog. ANY FCI Registration is accepted.
The owner of the dog as stated on registration is written on the last page of the scorebook, even if it differs from owner submitted on the scorebook application. Once there's proof of the transfer of registration, the owner can write the new information on the next line provided in the scorebook. It is not necessary to send the scorebook to the AWMA to make this revision. We do request that you send a copy of the updated registration as proof of ownership to our AWMA scorebook chair so it can be filed with the original application. Note: The person in possession of the scorebook cannot add or change information on the front page of the scorebook. This requires submission to the AWMA along with the appropriate documentation. Information on the pages where titles are recorded cannot be added or changed by anyone other than the judge/hosting organization since these are official records of performance.
The AWMA has a special application for dogs without FCI-recognized registrations (e.g., UKC is not FCI-recognized). This application also allows the recognition of dogs without papers, but that have the appearance of a Belgian Malinois. If the application is accepted, the dog will be listed as Belgian Malinois, but the scorebook will indicate the non-AKC and non-FCI status. Note that if you acquire FCI recognized registration after the scorebook has been issued with a WPL, you can submit the scorebook and registration papers to the AWMA scorebook chairperson and the information will be added to your existing scorebook.
If your breed has a breed club that is a member of AWDF, (Boxer, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Doberman and others) we are still able to issue you a scorebook, however it will be issued as a “mixed breed”. If you would instead like your dog to be listed as a purebred, please get a score book through one of the AWDF member clubs.
If you’re breed is not listed on there (Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Standard Poodle and others) we will issue your scorebook as a purebred with their relevant pedigree information.
You need a copy of registration papers, proof of current AWMA membership, the application fee, and a complete application. If transferring from another scorebook you will need to send the scorebook to the AWMA scorebook coordinator for a scorebook transfer. If your Malinois is not registered with an FCI recognized organization, you can apply via the working privilege listing process. Note that you can apply for a scorebook for your other breeds of dogs through the AWMA and have the breed of the dog listed provided that you have proof of registration through an FCI recognized organization and there is no AWDF breed club for that dog. If there is an AWDF breed club for your dog, you can still get an AWMA scorebook but the dog will be listed as a mix.
You have a few options. You can arrange with the AWMA scorebook coordinator to rush order a scorebook with a rush fee, but you will need to express mail or scan and email all paperwork. Check with the membership scorebook coordinator on their ability to meet your timeline. AWMA will allow you to post a bond for your scorebook. You must make arrangements with the host club secretary before the trial. The club will then have to send all paperwork to the secretary so your scorebook can be issued. It is best to avoid this issue and order your scorebook as soon as you have your dog and registration.
In July 2011, the board voted to allow all FCI registered Belgian Shepherd Dogs with an AWDF recognized scorebook to enter, along with any dog that has an AWMA issued AWDF scorebook that lists the dog as a Belgian Malinois, regardless of whether it is FCI registered or not. For more information see Policies and Procedures and Working Privilege Listing for scorebooks.
Any official AWDF or DVG scorebook is accepted at all AWDF events (logo is on outside cover and AWDF tracking number is on first page) as are any FCI scorebooks. An AWDF scorebook plus a DVG book can both be presented at a trial. Check the AWDF website for information on the acceptance of USCA and GSDCA scorebooks.
It depends on which event you want to enter. Confirm entry requirements by contacting the trial secretary of the event. USCA scorebooks issued past October 1, 2019 are not accepted.