Amend By Laws 15.2.2.4.1 and 15.2.2.4.2 (HHP Breed Committee Eligibility) - Gilmore

Rationale:

Presently, to qualify to run for a position on a pedigreed breed section committee, a member can have bred 2 litters of a breed (with no time limit on this qualification). The logic being someone that has committed to produce 2 litters has shown sufficient commitment to the breed and thus the showing requirement does not have to be met.
There is no equivalent qualification for someone to run for the HHP Breed Section Committee. This excludes individuals that have perhaps extensive experience showing in the class, but have not necessarily shown in the class recently.
This change will allow committed Household Pet [Cat] exhibitors to continue to be eligible to run for the committee.

Advantages of the Proposal

• Allows those with extensive HHP experience, but not currently showing, to now stand for election
• Still allows those actively showing HHPs to stand for election (requirement unchanged)

Disadvantages of the Proposal

• The LA [Lifetime Achievement Award] provisions would primarily apply to North American members, since few in other regions can earn LAs [Lifetime Achievement Awards] in HHP classes

Amend By Laws 15.2.2.4.1 and 15.2.2.4.2

15.2.2 Qualifications for Election to a Breed/Breed Group Committee. Candidates for election to a Breed/Breed Group Committee shall provide documentation of having met the following requirements for election:

15.2.2.1 Have met the eligibility requirement(s) to vote in any TICA election (See ByLaws 113.1).

15.2.2.2 Have met the requirements for Breed/Breed Group Section membership (See By-Laws 14.1)

15.2.2.3 Have paid TICA membership dues for the 3 years of the applicable term.

15.2.2.4 Have a TICA Registered Cattery (except for the HHP Breed Committee).

Change 1

Current version: 15.2.2.4.1 Have bred and registered with TICA a minimum of two litters of the appropriate breed (except for the HHP Breed Committee) Or

New version: 15.2.2.4.1 Have bred and registered with TICA a minimum of two litters of the appropriate breed (for a Championship Breed Committee) OR have shown a minimum of two Household Pets [Cats] that have each gained a Lifetime Achievement award (for HHP Breed Committee) Or 

Change 2

Current version: 15.2.2.4.2 Have owned and shown a cat of the appropriate breed in a minimum of five shows within the three show seasons immediately preceding the election. (Note: Applicants for Household Pet [Cat] Breed Committee(s) must meet this requirement to qualify for breed committee election.)

New version: 15.2.2.4.2 Have owned and shown a cat of the appropriate breed/class in a minimum of five shows within the three show seasons immediately preceding the election.

Amend Bylaw 113.1 and Show Rule 23.6.3 (Suspension List)

Rationale

TICA has currently only one Suspension List published on the TREND where are listed debtors but also who has been penalized for reasons other than bad debts. Besides, that list also includes who has been permanently suspended. This proposal aims to remove the reference to a “Temporary Suspension List”,  something that currently doesn’t exist, but keeping the concept of “temporary suspension” for the purpose of the corresponding set of Standing Rules.

Advantages of the Proposal

Aligns the rules with how the Suspension List is published

Removes any reference to a non-existent "Temporary Suspension List"

Disadvantages of the Proposal

Standing Rule 1026.3 implies that suspensions are only generated through bad debts, but these also occur through disciplinary action not involving bad debts.

Amend Bylaw Bylaw 113.1

Current version: 113.1 Qualification to Vote. Each member in good standing, one whose dues are paid and who has no outstanding indebtedness to TICA or to any TICA club, and who is not/was not on the Temporary Suspension List on the qualifying date, who was a member in good standing 6 months prior to the first day of the month in which a ballot is to be mailed, shall be eligible to vote

Proposed version: 113.1 Qualification to Vote. Each member in good standing, one whose dues are paid and who has no outstanding indebtedness to TICA or to any TICA club, and who is not/was not on the Suspension List on the qualifying date, who was a member in good standing 6 months prior to the first day of the month in which a ballot is to be mailed, shall be eligible to vote

Amend Show Rule 23.6.3

Current version: 23.6.3 Exhibitor's name is on club or TICA Temporary or Permanent Suspension List

Proposed version: 23.6.3 Exhibitor's name is on club or TICA Suspension List

If the above changes are approved by the membership, amend the following Standing Rules:

Amend Standing Rule 1019.2:

Current version: 1019.2 The following shall be included in every issue of the TICA Trend:
Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of Board Members,
Judges and Judge Trainees
Temporary Suspension List
Late Judges Books
Disciplinary Actions
Dates/Locations of Annual/Winter/Spring Meetings

Proposed version: 1019.2 The following shall be included in every issue of the TICA Trend:
Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of Board Members,
Judges and Judge Trainees
Suspension List
Late Judges Books
Disciplinary Actions
Dates/Locations of Annual/Winter/Spring Meetings

Amend Standing Rule 1026.3

Current version: 1026.3 Suspension List.
1026.3.1 Temporary Suspension List. A list of those persons who are temporarily ineligible to receive TICA services shall be published in the TICA TREND.
1026.3.2 If the debt remains unpaid 30 days after notification by the Executive Office, and the debt is not disputed, the Debtor or Responsible Party’s name(s) shall be included in the “Temporary Suspension” list published in the TICA TREND automatically

Proposed version: 1026.3 Suspension List.
1026.3.1 Temporary Suspension List. A list of those persons who are temporarily ineligible to receive TICA services shall be published in the TICA TREND.
1026.3.2 If the debt remains unpaid 30 days after notification by the Executive Office, and the debt is not disputed, the Debtor or Responsible Party’s name(s) shall be included in the "Suspension List" published in the TICA TREND automatically

Amend Standing Rule 1026.8.1

Current version: 1026.8.1 In the event that the entity is no longer in existence or the entity or person to whom a debt is owed cannot be located, payment of the debt may be made directly to TICA. The payer shall then be removed from the Temporary Suspension List. If the funds are claimed by the entity or person to whom they are owed within 1 year of receipt of those funds by TICA, TICA shall pay the funds to that claimant. TICA is under no obligation to segregate any such monies at any time and may deposit any monies paid pursuant to this section into the general account.

Proposed version: 1026.8.1 In the event that the entity is no longer in existence or the entity or person to whom a debt is owed cannot be located, payment of the debt may be made directly to TICA. The payer shall then be removed from the Suspension List. If the funds are claimed by the entity or person to whom they are owed within 1 year of receipt of those funds by TICA, TICA shall pay the funds to that claimant. TICA is under no obligation to segregate any such monies at any time and may deposit any monies paid pursuant to this section into the general account.

Add Show Rule 21.76 and amend 24.2, 24.3 (Placeholders)

Rationale

Many clubs now permit Placeholders as a way of getting entries (and fees) for a show well in advance of the closing date. This allows exhibitors to defer the choice of which cat(s) to enter until a later date, whilst still taking advantage of any “early bird” pricing offers.

However, our rules do not mention Placeholders and it needs to be clarified that entering a Placeholder is considered an entry and that (in particular) Show Rule 24.3 applies.

Note: This proposal covers only entry procedures to a show and does not affect how a cat is
shown. This proposal, if passed, does not need to wait until the start of the next show year.

Advantages of the Proposal

• Clearly defines placeholders and when further details must be supplied.
• Refund circumstances are unchanged, but have been reformatted for clarity
• Clarifies that placeholders are treated as an entry to the show, and failure to provide all details by the required deadline is not a valid reason for a refund.

Disadvantages of the Proposal

• None identified

Add Show Rule 21.76

21.76 Placeholder An entry for a show for which the sponsoring club allows deferment of the identification of specific information for a show entry until aspecified deadline but is otherwise subject to the provisions of Article Four - Entry Procedures.

Amend Show Rule 24.2

24.2 Upon entering a cat or kitten in any TICA show, the registered owner is responsible for furnishing the correct information, including, but not limited to, registered name, registration number (if known), birthdate, age on the opening date of the show, sire, dam, breeder, owner, lessee (if applicable), region of residence of owner/lessee, and the proper competitive classification.

[Add] 24.2.1 If permitted by the sponsoring club, an entry to a show may be made in the form of a Placeholder, allowing all identifying details of the entry to be supplied by a deadline, as defined by the club. If a deadline is not specified, the deadline shall be the official closing date of the show.

24.3 Entry Fees Each entry shall be accompanied by the published fee. No entry fee or related charges will be returned except for failure on the part of the sponsoring club to hold a "Vetted" show as advertised, or if there is a change in the advertised judges, date, location and/or format of the show as set forth in Show Rule 24.3.1. In such cases, the club shall refund the total amount if requested by the Exhibitor within 10 calendar days.

24.3.1 A sponsoring club must, at least 10 days prior to the advertised closing date of a show, announce and make known to any exhibitor who inquires, who the contracted and confirmed judges are. Any exhibitor who has previously entered the show shall be notified of any change in judges and may withdraw his entries and have entry and related fees returned, within 10 calendar days, if requested before the advertised closing date of the show.

24.3.2 The total amount of fees shall be refunded to all exhibitors in case any show is canceled.

[Add] 24.3.1 Refunds of Entry Fees. Entry fees or related charges will only be refunded as follows.

24.3.1.1 The sponsoring club fails to hold a "Vetted" show as advertised

24.3.1.2 There is a change in the advertised judges, date, location and/or format of the show. A sponsoring club must, at least 10 days prior to the advertised closing date of a show, announce and make known to any exhibitor who inquires, who the contracted and confirmed judges are. Any exhibitor who has previously entered the show shall be notified of any change in judges and may withdraw their entries and have entry and related fees returned, within 10 calendar days, if requested before the advertised closing date of the show.

24.3.1.3 The total amount of fees shall be refunded to all exhibitors in case any show is cancelled.

24.4 Failure to pay fees If an exhibitor fails to pay any entry fee or other show related debt or if a check in payment of said fees or debts is returned, the club shall notify the exhibitor as set forth in the Standing Rules. If a club fails to refund any entry fee or payment of said fees or debts is returned, the exhibitor shall notify both their Regional Director and the Executive Office as set forth in the Standing Rules.

Add Show Rule 21.76 and amend 24.3,24.4 (Waiting Lists)

Rationale

Some clubs now allow waitlists, so that if an exhibitor withdraws prior to the show closing date, their entry can be replaced by the next eligible exhibitor on the waitlist. The withdrawing exhibitor can then have their entry fee refunded by the club. This facility is not currently covered by our rules.

If replaced by another entry on the waiting list, this should be seen as a privilege and not a right for the exhibitor. The club may prefer to offer a credit against another show, rather than a refund, but the exhibitor has the final say on which option they want.

Note: This proposal covers only entry procedures to a show and does not affect how a cat is shown. This proposal, if passed, does not need to wait until the start of the next show year. 

Advantages of the Proposal

• Clearly defines the use of Waiting Lists and when payment is required.
• Current refund circumstances are unchanged, but have been reformatted for clarity

Disadvantages of the Proposal

• None identified

Add Show Rule 21.76

21.76 Waiting List. The sponsoring club may allow use of a waiting list of entries received after the show has filled but before the show’s closing date. Should an exhibitor withdraw their entry before the closing date, the club may replace it with the next eligible entry on the Waiting List. At that point, payment would be expected for that entry. Waiting Lists must be maintained in order of requests for inclusion, and a request shall not require payment for being added to the Waiting List.

Amend Show Rules 24.3 and 24.4

24.3 Entry Fees. Each entry shall be accompanied by the published fee. No entry fee or related charges will be returned except for failure on the part of the sponsoring club to hold a "Vetted" show as advertised, or if there is a change in the advertised judges, date, location and/or format of the show as set forth in Show Rule 24.3.1. In such cases, the club shall refund the total amount if requested by the Exhibitor within 10 calendar days.

24.3.1 A sponsoring club must, at least 10 days prior to the advertised closing date of a show, announce and make known to any exhibitor who inquires, who the contracted and confirmed judges are. Any exhibitor who has previously entered the show shall be notified of any change in judges and may withdraw his  entries and have entry and related fees returned, within 10 calendar days, if requested before the advertised closing date of the show.

24.3.2 The total amount of fees shall be refunded to all exhibitors in case any show is canceled.

24.3.1 Refunds of Entry Fees. Entry fees or related charges will only be refunded as follows.

24.3.1.1 The sponsoring club fails to hold a "Vetted" show as advertised

24.3.1.2 There is a change in the advertised judges, date, location and/or format of the show. A sponsoring club must, at least 10 days prior to the advertised closing date of a show, announce and make known to any exhibitor who inquires, who the contracted and confirmed judges are. Any exhibitor who has previously entered the show shall be notified of any change in judges and may withdraw their entries and have entry and related fees returned, within 10 calendar days, if requested before the advertised closing date of the show.

24.3.1.3 The total amount of fees shall be refunded to all exhibitors in case any show is cancelled.

24.3.1.4 An entry withdraws prior to the show closing date, not pursuant to 24.3.1.1 or 24.3.1.2, and the withdrawn entry is replaced by the next eligible entry from a Waiting List, as specified in 21.76. The exhibitor may choose to accept a credit for a future show instead of a refund.

24.4 Failure to pay fees. If an exhibitor fails to pay any entry fee or other show related debt or if a check in payment of said fees or debts is returned, the club shall notify the exhibitor as set forth in the Standing Rules. If a club fails to refund any entry fee or payment of said fees or debts is returned, the exhibitor shall notify both their Regional Director and the Executive Office as set forth in the Standing Rules.

[Should the proposal to add Placeholders be accepted by the membership, 21.76 shall be re-numbered as 21.77 and the cross-reference in 24.3.1.4 adjusted accordingly]

Amend Show Rule 24.2.2, 211.1, 211.5, 211.6 (Catalogs)

Rationale

Catalog printing has become a very high cost in many areas. The form of the catalog, printed, electronic or combination should be the club’s choice.

Note: This proposal does not impact how a cat is shown, and therefore does not need to wait until the start of a show year to be effective

Advantages of the Proposal

• Clubs can reduce show expenses as a printed catalog is no longer required
• Aligns 211.6 with current practice when Friday night pre-show check-ins are used

Disadvantages of the Proposal

• None identified

Amend Show Rules

Current version: 24.2.2 In the event that any feline has been transferred or leased after entry in a show, the Entry Clerk (or Master Clerk if the catalog has been printed), must be notified upon filing the transfer documents with the Executive Office of TICA. The records in the Executive Office of TICA are conclusive.

211.1 A club sponsoring a TICA show shall publish a printed catalog. The size of the catalog shall be at the club's option but shall be no less than 8-1/2 x 11 inches.

211.5 In shows consisting of a series of rings, the catalog will be printed as follows:

211.5.1 A column for each ring;

211.5.2 Entry number, name and spaces for awards must appear on the same line.

211.5.3 Only the official recognized "TICA Standard" will be authorized for printing in the catalog

211.6 The official show catalog will be made available no later than at check-in time on the opening day of the show.

Proposed version: 24.2.2 In the event that any feline has been transferred or leased after entry in a show, the Entry Clerk (or Master Clerk if the catalog has been published), must be notified upon filing the transfer documents with the Executive Office of TICA. The records in the Executive Office of TICA are conclusive.

211.1 A club sponsoring a TICA show shall publish a catalog. If printed, the size of the catalog shall be at the club's option but shall be no less than letter or A4 size.

211.5 In shows consisting of a series of rings, the catalog will be set out as follows:

211.5.1 A column for each ring;

211.5.2 Entry number, name and spaces for awards must appear on the same line.

211.5.3 Only the official recognized "TICA Standard" will be authorized for use in the catalog

211.6 The official show catalog will be made available no earlier than two days before the show and no later than check-in time on the opening day of the show.

[If the above changes are approved by the membership, delete the following Standing Rules:]

2011.1 A club may also publish and offer a catalog in electronic form for those exhibitors requesting that format.

2011.6 When a club publishes an electronic catalog, the electronic catalog may be distributed up to two days before the show. 

Amend Show Rules 216.12.4 (Tail faults)

Rationale

Show Rule Article 16 is condensed and appears on every standard. The wording needs to be the exact same phrasing in both places; the Show Rules and in all the standards. Not being exact in the breed standards can and does create confusion for judges and exhibitors.

This proposal to use consistent wording for both the Show Rule and each breed standards will reduce confusion for exhibitors and judges as well.

Advantages of the Proposal

• Clarifies that tail faults are not an automatic disqualification unless required by a Board approved Breed Standard
• Ensures that the wording of both the Show Rule and each pedigree Breed Standard is consistent

Disadvantages of the Proposal

• Administrative work required by the EO to update all pedigree Breed Standards

Amend Show Rules 216.12.4

216.12 Many abnormalities which are detected in judging are not breed specific, but rather occur in all cats. Responsible breeding aims to conserve our breeds while maintaining their health which means focusing on reducing or eliminating these abnormalities. Household Pets are excepted from this rule. Except as otherwise stated in this rule, judges shall penalize or disqualify, depending upon severity, championship cats, non-championship kittens, Preliminary New Breeds (PNB), and Advanced New Breeds (ANB), [see TICA Standing Rules 701.4.3], and shall penalize championship alters for the following:
[215.12.1 to 216.12.3 omitted for brevity]

Current version: 216.12.4 Visible or invisible tail faults are a disqualification at the discretion of the judge, or as required by a Board approved standard 

Proposed version: 216.12.4 Visible or invisible tail faults are a disqualification at the discretion of the judge, unless a Board approved standard requires disqualification.

[If the proposal is approved by the membership:

All pedigree Breed Standards should be amended as follows for consistency. Note that this is will be administrative process carried out by the Executive Office and does not require any Breed Committee to put forward a formal standard change under Bylaw 118.2]

Temperament must be unchallenging; any sign of definite challenge shall disqualify.

The cat may exhibit fear, seek to flee, or generally complain aloud but may not threaten to harm. In accordance with Show Rules, ARTICLE SIXTEEN, the following shall be considered mandatory disqualifications: a cat that bites (216.9), a cat showing evidence of intent to deceive (216.10), adult whole male cats not having two descended testicles (216.11), cats with all or part of the tail missing, except as authorized by a board approved standard (216.12.1), cats with more than five toes on each front foot and four toes on each back foot, unless proved the result of an injury or as authorized by a board approved standard (216.12.2), visible or invisible tail faults are a disqualification at the discretion of the judge, unless a Board approved standard requires disqualification  216.12.4), crossed eyes if Board approved standard requires disqualification (216.12.5), total blindness (216.12.6), markedly smaller size, not in keeping with the breed (216.12.9), and depression of the sternum or unusually small diameter of the rib cage itself (216.12.11.1). See Show Rules, ARTICLE SIXTEEN for more comprehensive rules governing penalties and disqualifications. 

Amend Show Rule Article 17 and CP 54.2.6.5 (Judges’ Books)

Rationale

As more and more judges are not physically signing their judges’ books, just using the preprinted name, Ring Clerks are just following the clerking manual and asking them to sign their books. The Clerking Program rules should be consistent with the relevant show rule. 

Note: Since this change does not impact how a cat is actually shown, it becomes effective as soon as the change is approved by the membership.

Advantages of the Proposal

• Updates the existing rule to handle the frequent situation where judges’ names are already pre-printed in a judge’s book. 
• Makes clear that substitute judges must sign when using a book not preprinted with their name
• Clarifies that Ring Clerks do not need to ask judges to sign books preprinted with the judge’s name.

Disadvantages of the Proposal

• Active authentication by the presiding judge (signature or stamping) of each page of a judging book is eliminated when judging books are pre-printed with their name.

Amend Show Rule Article Seventeen

Article Seventeen – Judges Records

Current version: 217.1 The judge's book shall be signed (if stamped, each copy must be stamped) and all notations thereon shall be made in pen and recorded at the completion of each color class, division or breed. The copy of each judge's book sent to the Master Clerk shall be available in the show hall. Awards as recorded shall be final and shall not be changed except for correction of errors or fraud.

217.2 Any changes or corrections made in the judge's book should be initialed by the judge.

217.3 Judges shall record all absentees and transfers in the judge's book.

217.4 Judges are required to fill out all final awards forms.

217.4.1 Each judge shall indicate the number of cats present and competing in each class on the final sheets.

Proposed version: 217.1 The first page of the judge's book shall be signed by the officiating judge. If the judge's book is stamped or preprinted with the officiating judge's name, a signature is not necessary on each page, except in the case of a substitute judge. All notations shall be made in pen and recorded at the completion of each color class, division or breed. An officiating judge must initial any changes or corrections made in the judge's book. The copy of each judge's book sent to the Master Clerk shall be available in the show hall. Awards as recorded shall be final and shall not be changed except for correction of errors or fraud.

217.2 Judges shall record all absentees and transfers in the judge's book.

217.3 Judges are required to fill out all final awards forms.

217.3.1 Each judge shall indicate the number of cats present and competing in each class on the final sheets.

[Renumber existing 217.5 as 217.4]

Amend Clerking Program 53.2.6.5

Current version: 54.2.6.5 The clerk must check to be certain that the Judge has signed each of their Judge's sheets. (Show Rules, Article Seventeen)

Proposed version: 54.2.6.5 The clerk must check to be certain that the Judge has signed (or stamped) each of their Judge's sheets.  If the judge's book is preprinted with the officiating judge's name, a signature is not necessary on each page, except in the case of a substitute judge. (Show Rules, Article Seventeen)