Board Meeting Highlights Sept 14, 2012

1. ISCA AKC Lifetime Achievement nominations-Conformation Patricia Craige Trotter, Companion Sharon Redmer, and Performance Leida Jones.
2. AKC has passed the 3 point Reserve Winners issue
3. The health survey deadline has been extended until mid-November.
4. 2013 ISCA National Specialty will be at Frying Pan Park Fairfax, VA with host hotel Hyatt Fairfax April 16-21, 2013 hosted by ISC Greater Richmond and dedicated to Virginia Perry Gardiner.
5. Veteran Sweepstakes will be named for Virginia Perry Gardiner with the inaugural event being the 2013 National.
6. ISCA Hunt Test/ISCA Walking Gun Dog Championship was initially to be held in November 2013. The date has been changed to March 15-17, 2013 in Tulsa, Oklahoma due to AKC rules regarding timing with the ISCA National Field Trial.
7. Awards - changes were made to a few awards. Please check the website and the December Memo for complete and final award descriptions.

Board Meeting Highlights 6/10/12

1. ISCA is about to embark on a very detailed health survey. Please complete the survey and distribute to local clubs as information gathered will help decide Foundation grants and what health problems could/should be supported with future studies. Survey will be available June and run through September 1, 2012.
http://www.offa.org/surveys/survey_irishsetter.html

2. 2013 ISCA National Specialty will be at Frying Pan Park Fairfax, VA with host hotel Hyatt Fairfax April 16-21, 2013 hosted by ISC Greater Richmond. Judges: Dogs/Intersex - Thomas Bradley III, Bitches - James Covey, Sweeps - Sharon Reilly, Veteran Sweeps - Lisa Schrank

3. 2014 ISCA National Specialty will be hosted by the Irish Setter Club of Michigan June 11-14, 2014 at The Lodge at Sawmill Creek Resort in Huron/Sandusky, OH

4. ISCA Walking Gun Dog Championship September 14-16, 2012 Oconomowoc, WI. Host hotel Olympia Resort & Spa

5. The first year of online option for judges voting improved participation and resulted in more equal representation from the regions although still only represented 15.73% of membership

6. ISCA will begin to recognize the THD title with a medallion beginning 2012.

7. There are 3 new annual awards; Beginner Novice Trophy, Graduate Novice/Graduate Open Trophy, and the Anne Schilling Memorial Award.

8. There will be a survey monkey to help determine the qualifications for the Agility High in Trial award for Nationals (send suggestions to SunrunnerIrish@gmail.com)

9. Western ISC has been approved to host a regional specialty March 8, 2013

Board Meeting Highlights 2/10/12

The board has directed the AKC Delegate to vote NO on the new group alignments as presented by AKC

The board has directed the AKC Delegate to vote YES on Reserve at a National receiving points. As it currently stands, reserve would get 3 point major at a National IF a 5 point Major is given to winners AND the total dogs is double the region's 5 point dog count.

The Health chair brought to light there was a confirmed CLAD case here in the USA, the first time this has happened since Optigen offered the test. Jan has published information on the website under the health tab, and it will be printed in the Memo. Use this link and scroll down to What is CLAD and Why Should We Care?

http://www.irishsetterclub.org/current_research.html 

Breeders must be vigilant and begin to test, so we can avoid seeing other cases.

By spring 2012 the ISCA Health Survey will be completed and available for any Irish setter owner to take online. The survey will be used to determine what diseases should be targeted for research funds by the ISCA Foundation. Look for a FleaBytes alerting members when the survey is available.

There will also be a short survey, using survey monkey and the ISCA website, to gather data about dogs/litters affected by HOD and the vaccines they received as puppies.

The board approved a new High In Trial award for Agility

There are extra Pictorials available for purchase. Cost $150 plus $12 shipping. Orders can be made through Cathy Hill AFTER March 1st.

Pictorial errors are being addressed and error corrections (with photos) will be mailed out in March.

Appointment of the Region 2 director - to finish the term vacated by Jan Zeich - the new region 2 director is Gwen Newman from De Pere, WI.

Highlights from the MAY 2011 BOARD MEETING

1. ISCA is seeking help from the membership for someone who would be interested in helping with the graphic design of a pop-up booth for ISCA to travel to AKC sponsored Meet the Breeds, as well as ISCA events. If you are interested in helping, contact President Debbie Davis at iscapres@gmail.com .

2. Purina and ISCA have renewed their Parent Club Partnership for 2011. As a result of ISCA members designating their Purina weight circles to benefit ISCA, the ISCA Foundation has received a check from Purina for $ 1321.40. A match amount has been sent to the Canine Health Foundation for ISCA donor advised research. If you feed Purina and are not a member of their pro club, or have not designated ISCA as the beneficiary for Parent Club points, and would like to do so, more information is available at ISCA web site: http://www.irishsetterclub.org/PPCP.html

3. AKC Humane Fund is seeking nominations for the AKC Awards for Canine Excellence. The categories are Companion, Law Enforcement, Search & Rescue, Service, and Therapy. Nominations are due June 1, 2011. For additional information click go to AKC at: http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4357

4. Sweepstakes class at the National 2012 will be modified to include those dogs not eligible for the 6-9 class at the 2011 National. The oldest Sweepstakes class will be 15-19 instead of 15-18 in 2012.

5. ISCA National 2013 will be in Doswell, VA hosted by the ISC Greater Richmond on April 16th to 20th 2013. Doswell, VA is on US 1 just off Interstate 95 Exit 98, just above Richmond, Virginia. It is also the exit for Kings Dominion amusement park which will be opened on the weekends. Potomac ISC will be having a specialty on the same grounds on Sunday April 21, 2013.

6. A committee has been formed to review the ISCA's bylaws and if deemed appropriate, recommend updates for consideration by the membership. The process is expected to take 2-3 years, which will allow ample opportunity for input by the members. Any potential updates will be sent to the membership for a vote, per the existing bylaws. Committee members are Heidi Laabs (chair), Marilee Larson, Dave Schafer, and Bruce Foote.

IRISHVILLE TOWN HALL MEETING

The Board held a Town Hall meeting on Thursday to obtain input from the membership about "How are we doing and what can we do better."

Going Well

• Communication - the Memo, Flea Bytes and the Website all keep the members in the loop in a timely manner
• Rescue is effective, efficient, and well supported
• Health - there is a strong commitment to addressing our breed's health issues; we support research and offer opportunities for dogs to be tested for genetic problems
• We have made progress in addressing conformation vs. field issues

Concerns

• The membership and Board are ageing -we need to find ways to bring in new blood
• Uneven enforcement of Principles of Integrity, for breeders and health issues and also for sportsmanlike, respectful behavior
• Poor participation in voting for National judges
• Members who offer to help/take on projects are not always welcomed/taken up on their offers

Suggestions for Improvement

• Breeder Outreach, including creating a Puppy Packet that is available for use/adaptation online; provide breeders with membership applications for puppy buyers, trial memberships for puppy buyers, provide puppy buyers with a copy of a past Memo
• Voting for National judges online
• Mentor program for new club members and new board members
• Mediation/arbitration for disputes
• Clarify qualifications for board membership
• Invite/accept involvement from members in ISCA projects
• Outreach to the "youth" such as local "meet the breeds" high school visits, 4H and other activities to get the younger generation involved

HIGHLIGHTS from the  OCTOBER 31, 2009 BOARD MEETING

Effective January 1, 2010, Anne Marie Kubacz will be the new chair of the ISCA Health Committee. Connie Vanacore passed the baton to Anne Marie after many years of excellent work as chair of the Committee. Connie will remain on the Health Committee. Thank you Connie.

The ISCA Board of Directors (BOD) approved the selection of Bob Robinson, Sam McDonald, and Dr. Linda Kalmar to fill a 3 year term as Board members of the Foundation. In addition, the ISCA Board approved the proposed 3 additional members to the Foundation Board: Dave Schafer, Carol McGarry and Ed Meyer.


In 2010, the AKC calendar moves forward almost a full week. This change may create a problem for local club's field trial dates. ISCA will be flexible and will work with local clubs in the approval of their field trial.


The BOD revised its policy concerning holding a Hunt Test and Walking Field Trial. The revised policy prefers them to be stand alone events, but when grounds permit, they may be held in conjunction with another field event.


Effective January 2010, there are several revisions to the VC Program. The key revisions are: 1) the addition of a new title, VCA (Versatile Certificate Advanced), which will serve as a bridge between VC and VCX titles, 2) the elimination of the VC obedience test due to lack of use, and 3) the creation of a new field test as part of the VCA title criterion. A full description of the revised VC Program is on the ISCA web site and will be printed in the next MEMO.

The BOD approved a letter of recommendation to the AKC supporting the application of the Magnolia Setter Rescue to receive an AKC Humane Fund Rescue Grant.

HIGHLIGHTS from the JUNE 18, 2009 GENERAL MEETING
1. The ISCA membership voted to retain the existing policy regarding the use of Provisional judges for judging Irish Setter Specialties as guidance to the Local Specialty Clubs.

2. Judging of Veteran Sweeps at next year's ISCA National will return to the
format used prior to this year.

HIGHLIGHTS from the JUNE 14, 2009 BOARD MEETING

1. AKC is celebrating its 125th year anniversary with a celebration at the AKC/Eukanuba, Agility, National Championship, and Obedience Invitational. It will be held in Long Beach, California December 12 & 13, 2009. This year, in addition to the traditional BOB and BBE competition, there will be regular classes for dogs and bitches. ISCA will support the entry at this show.

ISCA will sponsor Parent Club Medallion Awards for Top scoring Irish Setter in Agility and in Obedience and for BOB, BOS, WD, WB, and BBE in Conformation. ISCA will also provide First Place Trophies for all regular classes and Reserve WD & WB.

2. The Board voted against the proposed AKC Group Realignment which would split the Sporting Group into two Sporting Groups: Pointers /Setters and Retrievers/Spaniels. Our AKC Delegate, Connie Vanacore, will vote no at the upcoming September 2009 AKC Delegate meeting.

3. The Board is inviting members who did not receive an ISCA Medallion for a Title received in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 to apply for one by December 31, 2009 (Deadline is firm). The cost is $30.00 which includes postage. More information on submittal and documentation will be in upcoming MEMOs and on the Web Site.

4. The Board revised its policy concerning the 'timely receipt" of dues payment and awards applications. The Postmark date WILL NOW be used as "timely receipt" instead of receipt by Secretary, Chair, or other designated person. This policy revision DOES NOT AFFECT VOTING, which defines "timely receipt" in the ISCA By-Laws.

5. The Judges for the 2010 National, which will be held in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin the week of June 7, 2010, are:

Dogs - Mr. Sidney Marx
Bitches - Ms. Dorothy MacDonald
Intersex and Best Puppy - Mrs. Celeste Clark
Veteran Sweepstakes - Mrs. Catherine Seymour
Intersex and Dog Sweepstakes - Mr. George Alston
Bitch Sweepstakes - Mr. Will Alexander
Obedience- Ms. Lynn Eggers

HIGHLIGHTS from the February 2009 Board Meeting

• ANNOUNCING, pictures of all National Specialty winners from 1973 to 2008 on the ISCA web site. Keep your eyes peeled for National Field Trial winners.
http://www.irishsetterclub.org/NationalSpecialtyWinners.html

• Members who wish to donate to ISCA rescue should send their checks to the ISCA Foundation with identification “for Rescue” so that they are credited and acknowledged.

• Beginning at the next BOD meeting, a roll call vote will be taken on all BOD motions with the exception of votes taken during executive session.

• Ken Ruff took a poll of field trial exhibitors regarding GPS tracking collars and the comments were all in favor of GPS collars. The Field Trial Executive Committee will send their recommendations to AKC.

• The BOD clarified its policy on the use of personal transportation vehicles that was passed at the November 14, 2008 BOD meeting. Effective for the 2009 National Specialty; 1) the use of personal transportation vehicles, which includes multi-seated golf carts, one-seat ‘scooters,’ etc. at the National will be the decision of the Show Chair and Events Committee taking into account safety and local site conditions, 2) all those permitted to use personal transportation vehicles at the National must sign a waiver holding ISCA and the Host Club harmless, 3) People protected by ADA are qualified but must present their valid placard.

• REMINDER March 1, 2009 is the due date for the Judges' Ballot for 2011. It is posted on the ISCA website.

• Foundation Raffle tickets ($1.00) for drawing at the 2009 National Specialty are now available from all Board members, Heath Committee, Foundation members or directly from Connie Vanacore. Raffle items include a Virginia Perry Gardiner pin, limited edition bronze statue of puppies pointing quail, and portrait by Dawn Secord.

• ISCA National Hunt Test and Walking Field Trial will be held November 14 & 15th, 2009 with a training day on November 13th at Neupert Farm, Sunset, Louisiana. The Host hotel is the Holiday Inn in Lafayette. A judge’s education seminar will also be offered at the host hotel.

• A PayPal account will be set up for the 2010 National for fundraising and trophy donations.

• In 2010, ISCA hopes to hold its first Parent Club Walking Gun Dog Championship, details to follow.

• The 2011 National Specialty will be hosted by the Irish Setter Club of Central Oklahoma. Jeanine Wilson will be the Show Chair and Jeanne Brodersen will be the Assistant Show Chair.

• Beginning with the 2012 National Specialty, Judges from all ISCA Regions will be considered in the judge selection process for all events. Currently for some events, judges from the ISCA Region hosting the National Specialty have not been considered in the judge selection process.

• LOOK FOR FULL February BOD minutes in the April Memo.

Highlights from the December 18, 2008 Board Meeting

Board Approved the Minutes of the November 14, 2008 Board Meeting
Board ratified new ISCA members approved by email in November 2008
Minutes of December 2, 2008 Election Vote Counting Meeting were presented to the Board
 By an 8-5-1 vote, the Board defeated a motion to allow Mary Lamphier or her representative to inspect the ballots of the election to verify the results. In favor of the motion were: Deb Davis, Norbert Dee, Laura Edwards-Johnson, Kristy Hanes, and Anne Marie Kubacz. Those opposed to the motion were: Jeanette Homes, Nina Johnson, Heidi Laabs, Marilee Larson, Karolynne McAteer, David Schafer, Cindy Stanford, and Jan Ziech. Person that abstained was Fran Sloughfy and President Bob Robinson only votes to break a tie.

Dewey Drummond, Mindy Higby, Connie Vanacore, and Jeanine Wilson did not attend the meeting.

Highlights from the ISCA Board Meeting November 14, 2008
Oconomowoc, WI

Norbert Dee and Jan Ziech were appointed co-chairs of a newly established Communications Committee. The Committee will focus on improving communication to the membership and making the web site the depository of ISCA information.

The Board approved the presentation outline and budget for the Judges Education Update Committee.

The 2009 National will offer a sweepstakes class for 18 to 20 month dogs/bitches.

The Board established a policy that the use of multi-seated golf carts at the National will be the decision of the Show Chair taking into account local site conditions. ADA vehicles are not affected by this policy.

The Board added three positions to the ISCA Foundation Board, bringing the total number of positions to 13 (9 directors and 4 officers). A minimum of two of these positions is to be filled by current members of the ISCA Board of Directors. It removed term limits for the ISCA Foundation Board of Directors.

The ISCA Health committee will continue to offer voluntary health clinics at the National specialty where DNA cheek swabs are available for AKC's program. It is also possible to participate in blood draws to bank DNA via CHIC (Canine Health Information Center).

The Board thanked Bob Robinson for his many years of service to ISCA and welcomed Deb Davis who will become the ISCA President in 2009. Pat Robinson will be retiring as Editor of the Memo in early 2009. The Board thanked Pat for her contribution as Editor. Sandy Jones will be the new Editor of the Memo.

Highlights from May 2008 Conference Call Board Meeting

A Nominating committee was selected and is as follows:
Region 1 - Maureen Day
Region 2 - Stan Noble
Region 3 - Anna Vaughn
Region 4 - Loma Clark
Alternate - Ellie Pusateri
Alternate - Sid Marx

The Board of Directors established a Committee to update the current materials used in Judges Education. The BOD approved the recommendation of the chair Norbert Dee that Lorraine Bisso, Anne Savory Bolus, Leta Graham and Pat Robinson serve as members of the Committee.


From the May AKC Board Minutes:
http://www.akc.org/pdfs/about/board_minutes/0508.pdf
"Irish Setters   The Board discussed the status of Field Dog Stud Book (FDSB) and North American
Versatility Hundting Dog Assoc. (NAVHDA) Irish Setters. Since 1975, at the request of the Board of the ISCA, AKC has not accepted FDSB pedigree for Irish Setters. When AKC agreed to accept NAVHDA pedigrees in 2007, this did not include Irish Setters, as NAVHDA does accept FDSB pedigrees. The ISCA has expressed opposition to AKC  accepting FDSB or NAVHDA pedigrees. Based upon that, the club has been advised that the policy of not accepting these pedigrees is already in place."

Highlights from April 2008 Board Meeting
• The Board faxed a letter to AKC for their presentation at the next AKC Board meeting reaffirming the results of the Reciprocal Registration vote of the membership
• A draft of the minutes of the ISCA Annual Meeting will be published in the Memo to Members to read prior to the Annual Meeting
• The Board clarified the nomination process for the BoD and the Nomination Committee. The May 15th date is intended as a cut-off for members to nominate themselves for either the Nominating Committee or the BoD. However, this date does not preclude the Nominating Committee from adding other names for consideration.
• There is an existing Board policy not to provide financial assistance to BoD members for attending meetings. The BoD reaffirmed this policy because it is not financially feasible for ISCA to reimburse these expenses.
• Nina Johnson proposed a Walking National Open Gun Dog Championship.  the BoD approved the proposal which would be sanctioned by ISCA under AKC rules and jurisdiction of the ISCA BoD.
• Donation check boxes will be added to the annual membership renewal form for Rescue and Health, which will be coordinated with the Foundation, and for a Trophy fund for National Events (Conformation, Field, Obedience & Agility).
• Norbert Dee is chair of a newly formed Committee to update material used in judges education.

HIGHLIGHTS February 2008 Board Meeting
• Planning for the 2008 and 2009 Nationals is proceeding on target. The Board selected Oconomowoc, Wisconsin as the site for the 2010 National. It will be hosted by the Western Irish Setter Club and will be held in June, 2010. Reminder, please send in your Judges Nomination Ballot for the 2010 National. It’s due March 1, 2008.
• The 2008 ISCA National Hunting Test and amateur Walking Field Trial will be held November 14-16, 2008 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin hosted by Western ISC. Good chance to check out the site for the 2010 National.
• The RR ballot and supporting advocacy material will be mailed to ISCA membership by February 15, 2008 with ballots due March 21, 2008. See February MEMO for more details.
• Karolynne McAteer was elected to the ISCA Foundation.
• Several policies were added to the Board’s Policy and Procedures manual. The financial statement of ISCA will be published in the Memo on a regular basis, an agenda and any motions for action are required 10 days before a teleconference BOD meeting with no changes, and the policy not allowing puppies less than 6 months at the National is lifted.