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AWMA

Policies & Procedures

AWMA Policies and Procedures

The American Working Malinois Association (AWMA) is committed to fostering a community of integrity, sportsmanship, and transparency. This section provides members, clubs, and the public with access to key policies and procedures that guide the operations and activities of the organization.

Here you will find official guidelines on topics such as:

  • Membership expectations

  • Financial policies

  • Event participation requirements

  • Reimbursement procedures

  • Code of conduct

  • Competition eligibility

These policies are established and maintained to ensure consistent standards and to promote the best interests of the AWMA and the sport of working Malinois. Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines and refer to them as needed.

As updates or clarifications are made, this page will reflect the most current versions of all active policies and procedures.

For questions regarding any policy, or if further guidance is needed, please contact the AWMA Secretary.

Qualification to Hold Office

As of August 27, 2007, all officers and candidates for office (including directors at large) that will sit on the Executive Board of AWMA be required to have titled a dog at the IPO 1, MR 1 or FR 1 level.

Responsibilities of Regional Directors

  1. Adhere to all requirements in Article IX of the by‐laws.

  2. Be a liaison to the executive board for all AWMA members and clubs in their region.

  3. Oversee trials in the region.

    • Receive trial requests and approve the date (Article IX, section 3 of the by‐laws)

    • Submit requests to Director of Judges for approval of the judges (ArticleIX, section3 of the by‐laws)

    • Submit trial listings for inclusion on the website. Assist as needed in the establishment and organization of a regional trial.

    • Participate as appropriate as a judge for affiliation trials.

  4. Function as the point person for local clubs

    • Seek and approve submissions for new clubs, including information on whether the club should be admitted as a full member club (recruiting and assisting new clubs as per Article IX, section 3 and approvals as per Article V, Section1, a, vi and Article V, Section 1, c, ii and iv of the by‐laws)

    • Submit new club applications to the executive board for a vote (see above by‐laws sections)

    • Communicate with each club in the region that they are responsible for submitting their membership list to the secretary by Sept. 1 of each year

    • Communicate with local clubs about the importance of having a representative at the national meeting to (1) ensur ea quorum and(2)to ensure that their voice is heard.

    • Act as point of contact for presentation of letters at annual meeting for clubs that submit a waiver for holding the annual event (approval of waivers is by the Executive Board, of which the regional director is a member; Article V, section 1, v.)

    • Monitor affiliate club progress toward admission as a full club (Article V, section 4)

  5. If AWDF Championship is in their region, over see the organization of a Malinois get together one evening of the trial.

Yes. The AWMA Board reviews policies periodically and may update them to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with organizational goals and current best practices.

Policies are proposed by AWMA leadership or members and are subject to approval by the AWMA Board of Directors or membership vote, as required by the organization’s bylaws.

When a policy is updated, the latest version will be posted here. Significant updates may also be announced to members via official AWMA communications.

Our policies and procedures establish clear, consistent standards to guide the operations of the AWMA, promote sportsmanship, and ensure fairness and transparency across all levels of membership and competition.

Policies address:

  • Membership expectations and conduct

  • Event entry and participation requirements

  • Financial reimbursement procedures

  • Eligibility for championship representation

  • Support for delegates and team members

  • Other operational guidelines established by the AWMA Board

The most current policies are posted on this page. As updates are approved by the AWMA Board or membership, this page will reflect the latest version.

If you need clarification about a policy or how it applies to a specific situation, please contact the AWMA Secretary.

AWMA policies apply to all members, officers, clubs, and participants representing the AWMA at sanctioned events — both nationally and internationally.