How to Change the ASFA Running Rules
By Tom Golcher
ASFA's procedures for changing rules requires due diligence by the REC (Rules Evaluation Committee) to minimize unintended consequences and avoid conflicts with existing rules or constitution requirements. The rule change process may seem daunting, but it is doable. And although there is no fast-track, changes are made to the Running Rules every year.
Change in ASFA often starts with people who run their dogs and identify something that, in their opinion, could be improved. There are three basic tracks to choose from for making ASFA Rule Changes:
- BoD to REC Track
- RD-REC-ACoD Track
- ACoD Floor Track
RD-REC-ACoD Track
RecommendedThe RD-REC-ACoD Track is the fastest and most reliable way to handle rule change proposals. Using this track, the person or club initiating the proposal works with their ASFA Club and their RD (Regional Director) to put it together. The RD takes the proposal to the other ASFA clubs within the RD's Region to gain support and approval.
If the proposal passes a vote in the region, the RD then sends the proposal with changes suggested by the region's clubs to the REC for evaluation. The REC then evaluates the proposal and sends it to the ACoD for an up-or-down vote. If the proposal succeeds, it will go into effect on August 1st of the same year.
ACoD Floor Track
Most commonly usedThe ACoD Floor Track starts with a proposal that makes its way to or starts with an ACoD Delegate. That ACoD Delegate brings the proposal to the floor of the ACoD for discussion and a vote. Sometimes the wording for the proposal is made up on the fly and good changes can be voted down due to poor wordsmithing.
If the proposal fails on the ACoD floor, the supporters may drop it, request the ACoD send it to the REC to improve the wording, or reintroduce it at a future ACoD.
If the proposal passes, it will be sent by the ACoD to the REC for evaluation and possible improvement of the wording. It then comes before the next ACoD (one year later) for discussion and another up-or-down vote.
Note: A failed first vote adds at least one year to the process. Poor wording at the floor stage is the most common cause of avoidable delays.
BoD to REC Track
The ASFA Board of Directors may also send proposals directly to the REC for evaluation and submission to a future ACoD. The BoD can receive ideas for proposals from board members or from submissions sent to the Corresponding Secretary by exhibitors — including those who may not be members of an ASFA Club.
Non-club members may submit ideas to the Corresponding Secretary, who can bring them to the BoD's attention.
Process Flow Diagram
All three tracks converge at the Rules Evaluation Committee before going to the ACoD for a final vote.
Member / Club
Has an idea for a rule change
ASFA Board of Directors
Proposal from BoD or Corresponding Secretary
ACoD Delegate
Brings proposal to ACoD floor
Regional Director
Gathers region support & votes
Goes directly to REC ↓
ACoD Floor Vote
First up-or-down vote
Region approves
Dropped or reintroduced at future ACoD
Sent to REC for review
Rules Evaluation Committee
Discussion · Wordsmithing · Conflict check · Prepare recommendation for ACoD
Annual Convention of Delegates
Final up-or-down vote by ACoD delegates
Fails
Proposal is dropped or may be reworked and resubmitted
Passes
Takes effect August 1st of that year
Official References
For the complete ASFA rule change provisions, refer to the following official documents:
ASFA Running Rules
Appendix — General Information on ASFA Policies and Procedures
Revising the Running Rules, Sections 1–10