Code of Ethics

CODE OF ETHICS FOR MEMBERS OF THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)

SCHEDULE 9
(Effective Date 01.03.2023)

Persons become Members of KUSA and maintain their membership of KUSA for a variety of reasons, ranging from the establishment of a non-commercial kennel for the breeding of purebred dogs, to the participation in dog-showing and other forms of dogsport, to the judging or evaluating of conformation Shows and competitions for various Working Disciplines, to the desire to serve in an administrative capacity on the various structures which underpin cynology as a leisure activity.

This Code seeks to define the norms for ethical behaviour and conduct, incumbent on those elected to membership of KUSA. Every person, upon signing an Application for Membership or a Membership Renewal Form, or renewing their membership by paying the required Membership Fee on receipt of a Renewal Notice, shall be bound by this Code insofar as it applies to a Member’s involvement in any of the activities sanctioned or licensed by the KUSA, or in its administrative framework, as set out below.

Failure to comply with, or adhere to, this Code of Conduct for Members of KUSA may result in disciplinary action under Schedule 1 of the KUSA Constitution and the loss, or suspension, of membership, the imposition of persona non grata status by the Federal Council, or other penalty.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR FOR KUSA MEMBERS
- Members shall, through their diligent adherence to, and observance of, this Code of Ethics, give effect to the Object of the Kennel Union which encapsulates its laudable ethos of functioning as a world-class Registering Authority and Breeder’s Society for canines under the Animal Improvement Act,62 of 1998 and, as a full member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and as an administrator and regulator par excellence of all forms of Dogsport in South Africa.

Members shall not knowingly, or recklessly, misrepresent KUSA to any third party.
Members shall neither engage in any behaviour which is contrary to the general norms of acceptable decorum, nor fall short of the standards expected from them by the community at large.
When participating in any KUSA activity, or representing KUSA, Members shall conduct themselves politely and ensure that their ability to exercise sound judgment remains unimpaired during the full period of participation or representation.
Members shall always remain fully responsible for the dogs owned by them and left in the care of others.
Members shall, by any lawful means, always assist to comfort, or save, any dog in distress.
Members shall respect the reputations and sensitivities of other Members, Judges or Evaluators and elected or appointed KUSA Officials at all events and in all fora, including on social media platforms, such as Facebook, and on various Internet chat groups. In this regard Members are advised to take due cognisance of KUSA’s Best Practice Guidelines for Members in the Use of Social Media, published on the KUSA website.
It is incumbent on Members to familiarise themselves with the KUSA Constitution and the Regulations issued

pursuant thereto, as well as with the Statutes ( http://www.fci.be/en/FCI-Statutes-39.html ) and Standing Orders (http://www.fci.be/en/Standing-Orders-of-the-FCI-40.html) of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and, for relevant purposes, with the Rules and Regulations of other National Canine Organisation with which KUSA has reciprocal arrangements.

Persons who have successfully applied for membership of KUSA, or have successfully renewed such membership, who fail to observe any of the provisions of this Code of Ethics for Members of KUSA or any of its Appendices, resulting in a judgment against such persons in a Court of Law, may be dealt with in terms of KUSA’s Disciplinary Rules – Schedule 1.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS TOWARD KUSA EMPLOYEES AND APPOINTED AND/OR ELECTED OFFICIALS OF KUSA

In all its dealings with KUSA members of staff, or with appointed or elected KUSA Officials, Members shall,

in all personal or telephonic dealings, conduct themselves politely, considerately and courteously;
when resolution of a problem is not immediately possible, undertake to submit the query in writing, clearly setting out and problem and attaching all supporting documentation, so that the necessary research may be done and external enquiries made, with a view to finding a solution;
if resolution is not achieved within a reasonable time, escalate the problem to senior members of staff of KUSA, the Provincial Council Chairmen, or the Executive Committee;
refrain from ranting on social media, or in public, and desist from rancorous actions to malign and defame KUSA or any of its staff members, or any elected or appointed KUSA Official acting in the execution of designated duties.
mindful that elected or appointed KUSA Officials serve in a voluntary capacity, refrain from verbal or physical abuse of KUSA Officials acting in the execution of their designated duties.
when feeling disaffected by the actions of any KUSA Official acting in the execution of designated duties, raise their grievances through the appropriate official channels.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS DOG OWNERS OR KEEPERS

KUSA Members shall, at all times, ensure that dogs owned by them, or entrusted to their care,

are properly housed, fed, watered and exercised;
if, having to be confined to a crate for any reason, be placed in a crate large enough to allow the dog to stand up to its full height and to turn around with ease;
shall receive the necessary veterinary attention from a veterinary practitioner when ill or injured and regularly be assessed for any biosecurity risk and, if an infection is detected, immediate steps be taken to contain and eliminate the risk;
have adequate shelter when not kept indoors and not left confined in a vehicle unattended and/or in areas exposed to the elements;

are provided with a fenced, or walled, exercise area of sufficient size to restrict the movement of the dogs to the area provided;
are kept in full compliance with applicable Municipal By-laws;
positively enhance the reputation of dog owners and dog breeders by ensuring that the dogs are kept in an area which is clean and hygienic and never left unattended in an environment where they can cause harm to people, other dogs, other animals or property, or cause a public nuisance or pose any danger to the community. To this end, dogs must be kept on lead and under effective control in public places, except in spaces designated for the training of dogs to return on command;
receive the best affordable nutrition, grooming and healthcare to keep them in peak physical condition and, when it is no longer possible to provide this level of care, to take immediate pre-emptive steps to rehome the dogs, thereby to ensure their future care and comfort;
shall not be disposed of to a pound or to an animal rescue centre;
are properly identifiable by microchip and, if practicable, by registration;
are not being left to foul public spaces or exhibition areas, without excrement being cleaned up;
will be transported in vehicles that are properly ventilated and/or air-conditioned, preferably in properly secured travel crates;
are not trained or worked beyond their willingness or capabilities and strictly confine training to methods that are humane and which do not cause undue fear, distress, or pain;
if used in a film, advertisement, promotion or any medium of public display, are depicted in a manner consistent with the characteristics and temperament of the breed in question and not portrayed in a manner which reflects negatively on dogs in general;
will only be kept for companionship and not used for any outlawed activities such as dog-racing or dog-fighting;
shall not have their ears cropped;
shall not be involved in any activity or practice which infringes the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, the Veterinary or Para-veterinary Professions Act. No. 19 of 1982, or the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS BREEDERS

Members who breed dogs shall

pursue the fundamental goal of dog-breeding, i.e. strive to breed functionally and clinically healthy dogs with a construction that conforms to the Breed Standard adopted by KUSA for the breed in question, free of exaggeration, and with a temperament typical for the specific breed, which will have the expectancy of a long and happy life for the benefit and pleasure of their owners and the dogs themselves;
only breed with a view to promote the health and wellbeing of the progeny and the bitch and base their selections for breeding on knowledge, research, honesty and international cooperation;
take all reasonable steps to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases, including researching the bloodlines for the occurrence rate of hereditary diseases and commissioning the available health tests for the hereditary diseases for which the breed shows a predisposition;
cooperate with scientists, veterinarians and other breeders on genetic health issues and make every effort in the selection of breeding lines to prevent the result of unhealthy offspring;
take all possible steps to ensure that dogs bred by them do not suffer from any disorder that impedes the dogs’ sight, breathing or ability to move freely, or which might otherwise be detrimental to the dogs’ comfort and wellbeing;
not sell or dispose of dogs unless they are in a peak state of health or, if this is done, then with full disclosure of the condition to the new owner and upon receipt of a signed acknowledgement from the new owner that the dog has been accepted in full knowledge that it was suffering from a specific pre-existing health condition;
ensure that the Registration Certificates of all dogs afflicted with health of disability conditions contain the endorsement “N/P Progeny not Eligible for Registration”;
not breed specifically or predominantly for a pet-supply or commercial market and only for the non-commercial purpose of improving the quality, or working ability, of the breed and, to this end, through constantly striving to improve their knowledge of their chosen breed;
save in extenuating circumstances, to be adjudicated by the Executive Committee, strictly adhere to Schedule 2 Regulation 12.2 by not breeding from a bitch that has not reached twelve (12) months of age;
save in extenuating circumstances, to be adjudicated by the Executive Committee, strictly adhere to Schedule 2 Regulation 12.3 and not breed from a bitch to the extent that she is caused to whelp more than twice in a period of eighteen months;
preserve, or preferably extend, the genetic diversity of the breed by refraining from matador breeding (using the same stud dog for most matings on account of it being considered the best specimen of the breed at any given time) and heavy inbreeding;
in the interest of genetic diversity, generally avoid “first generation” matings, i.e. father-daughter, brother-sister or mother-son matings;
in the interest of improving breed health, avoid further breeding from bitches that failed to give natural birth due to anatomical deficiencies, or inherited inertia, or bitches that showed mental instability in the acceptance of her puppies, or had been diagnosed with hereditary agalactia (failure to lactate sufficient milk);
not permit purebred dogs registered on KUSA’s breed registers, to mate with dogs of a different breed (save for permissible inter-variety matings between KUSA-registered dogs as provided in Schedule 2 Regulation 4.1), or with unregistered dogs of the same breed, or with cross-bred dogs, or with dogs registered with organisations, societies or associations not recognised by KUSA;
save in extenuating circumstances, to be adjudicated by the Executive Committee, strictly adhere to Schedule 2 Regulation 12.4 by not permitting a bitch to whelp more than five times during her lifetime;
as provided in Schedule 2 Regulation 12.5, not mate a bitch of eight years or older, unless a veterinary certificate has been obtained testifying to the bitch being in peak breeding health;
as required by Schedule 2 Regulation 4.3, read with Regulation 4.6, register all puppies in a litter with KUSA that are alive on the date of registration, which must take place within twelve (12) months of whelping. Ensure that Breeders’ Restrictions (Endorsements on the Registration Certificates) are placed on any puppies that, for various reasons, are not considered suitable for breeding;
unless necessitated by special circumstances, not transfer from their care, by sale or otherwise, any puppy under eight (8) weeks of age;
not knowingly transfer from their care, by sale or otherwise, a puppy to a person residing in a foreign country known to be involved in the use of dogs for the meat trade, dog-fighting, or dog-racing;
ensure that new owners of puppies/dogs acquired from them shall be informed in writing, preferable by private contract, signed by both parties, that the Registration Certificate of the puppy/dog has been/would be endorsed, which the new owner needs to acknowledge.
make every effort to ensure that any person acquiring a dog from them understands the requirements for proper care, welfare and responsible ownership of dogs and take all reasonable steps to establish that the new owner has the time and facilities to fulfil their responsibilities towards the dog;
provide the person acquiring a dog with such documentation as agreed in advance by contract, or in correspondence, which will conceivably include the following:
- If the sale, transfer or other form of acquisition is governed by contract, a copy of the agreement, signed by both parties and duly witnessed;
- The dog’s vaccination and deworming record;
- The dog’s microchip certificate;
- Details of the dog’s dietary and immunisation requirements.
- Breed-specific information;
- Information about responsible dog ownership;
- Depending on the agreement, the dog’s Registration Certificate, or copy thereof. Should the Registration Certificate not be available yet, a signed declaration by the Member that the Registration Certificate (or copy thereof) was owing to the person acquiring the dog and that, depending on the agreement, the documentation would be delivered/sent as soon as it became available.
- Any other information considered relevant, such as nutritional guidance, puppy training advice, socialisation suggestions, etc.
keep detailed records of all litters bred, copies of Registration Certificates and Microchip Certificates, as well as the contractual information and contact details of every new owner and maintain reasonable contact with persons who have acquired their dogs, offering continued advice and reasonable assistance;
not purposefully misrepresent the characteristics of a breed in order to encourage the sale/acquisition of a dog;
not sell a dog to a commercial pet trader or pet shop;
not knowingly transfer from their care, by sale or otherwise, a puppy to a person on whom persona non grata status has been imposed by the Federal Council.
keep detailed records of all stud services and the resulting litters;
keep detailed records of all co-owned dogs not residing with the Member and the contractual arrangements governing co-ownership;
not indulge in any activity or practice which infringes the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, the Veterinary or Para-veterinary Professions Act. No. 19 of 1982, or the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998.
familiarise themselves with content of document entitled FCI International Breeding Strategies, published by the FCI and available on ( http://www.fci.be/en/Breeding-42.html).

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS EXHIBITORS OR COMPETITORS AT EVENTS LICENSED BY KUSA

Members shall, at all times,

act with decorum and courtesy towards fellow competitors and elected or appointed KUSA Officials and display good sportsmanship and conduct at all times so as to reflect credit upon themselves, while adhering to the Rules and Regulations pertaining to KUSA-licensed Shows and events;
refrain from misrepresenting or maligning the conformation, characteristics or performance of a competitor’s dog either before, during, or after, a Show, or event;
exercise restraint in the use of profane, or obscene, language when within earshot of people who do not form part of the Members’ immediate circle;
refrain from using narcotics or illegal recreational drugs at any Show, or event, and sharing such substances with competitors or other attendants.
consume alcohol at any KUSA-licensed Show, or event, moderately and never permit their reasoning or judgment to become impaired by alcohol consumption, thereby becoming a nuisance to others, possibly resulting in acts of disorderliness, or aggression.
ensure that a dog used in competition is properly sheltered against the elements - heat or cold - and that it has access to clean water throughout the day;
refrain from verbally or physically abusing any dog for not having performed to the expected standard or for having failed to achieve an expected award, or for any other reason whatsoever;
strive to compete fairly and not seek, through actions, or interactions, to gain an unfair advantage at any level of competition;
abide by Schedule 3 Regulations 38.5 & 38.6 regarding the preparation of dogs for exhibition and desist from treating dogs’ coats, noses, or skin with any substance intended to change the colour on any part of a dog, or enhance the profusion or texture of the coat;
under no circumstances permit any part of a dog’s anatomy to be altered, whether surgically, or by other means, in order to enhance the dog’s conformity to the Breed Standard, thereby to increase its chances for awards in the show ring.
forego exhibiting dogs that are injured or ill and have received treatment to “mask” the condition, which therefore illegally affects their appearance, performance, or reactions;
be acquainted with content of the document entitled International Guidelines about Dog Doping, published

by the FCI and available at( http://www.fci.be/en/Doping-84.html) and ensure that they desist from any practice to artificially manipulate a dog’s appearance, performance, or health, identified therein and, should random testing of breeds be directed by the Show Manager, be prepared to voluntarily subject a dog entered at a Show to veterinary scrutiny and blood tests;

be familiar with the Regulations applicable to conformation Shows or Working Disciplines events, thereby to ensure punctuality and preparedness;
desist from purposefully delaying judging or evaluating in order to accommodate another competitor or manipulate the judging or evaluating schedule;
desist from trying to get the order of judging or evaluating changed to accommodate their or others’ late arrival, or their presence in other rings;
keep the necessary paperwork to hand in order to assist the Club Officials doing duty in the Show Office to resolve any query expeditiously and without fuss;
treat the officiating Judge or Evaluator with the utmost respect and accept his/her decisions graciously, refraining from engaging the Judge or Evaluator in quarrelsome exchanges and subjecting him/her to disparaging remarks;
refrain from berating or insulting the officiating Judge or Evaluator at the Show, especially in the presence of other competitors, or KUSA/Club Officials, or later on social media platforms and in various Internet chat groups;
desist from socialising with an officiating Judge or Evaluator prior to judging or evaluating, which includes being accommodated by the Judge or Evaluator, accommodating the Judge or Evaluator, or travelling with the Judge or Evaluator;
avoid placing an officiating Judge or Evaluator in a compromising situation when Members’ close relationship with the Judge or Evaluator is generally known and be mindful of the recommended procedure in circumstances of potential conflict, i.e. withdrawal from competition by way of a “lap of honour”;
heed the requests of the Show Manager, Ring Stewards or Marshalling Stewards, or other KUSA/Club Officials deployed on the day to assist with the organisation of a Show or event;
heed any requests of the Show Manager to adhere to Rules and Regulations imposed by the owners of the grounds, or the Club, or the show-holding entity;
be mindful of the fact that the various forms of dog competition involve running, for which appropriate and sensible attire is required, and refrain from detracting from the dogs, or their performance, by being inappropriately dressed;
refrain from getting involved in disputes between competitors, unless bearing witness to incidents for the purpose of providing affidavits;
be humble in victory and gracious in defeat;
decline to indulge in any activity or practice which infringes the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, the Veterinary or Para-veterinary Professions Act. No. 19 of 1982, or the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS ACTING AS ELECTED OR APPOINTED KUSA OFFICIALS

Members acting as elected or appointed KUSA Officials shall

fully abide by this Code insofar as it also applies to them in their interaction with KUSA employees or other KUSA Officials, as dog owners, as dog breeders, as exhibitors or competitors at KUSA Shows or events, or as Judges or Evaluators officiating for KUSA locally, or for the Clubs of National Canine Organisations in foreign countries with which KUSA has a relationship through its membership with the FCI, or through direct reciprocal arrangements;
in addition, be bound by and in all respects be subject to adherence to, the Code for Elected or Appointed KUSA Officials forming Appendix A

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS ACTING AS JUDGES OR EVALUATORS FOR CONFORMATION SHOWS OR WORKING DISCIPLINES EVENTS LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS

Members acting as Judges or Evaluators for conformation Shows or Working Disciplines events locally or overseas shall

fully abide by this Code insofar as it also applies to them in their interaction with KUSA employees or KUSA Officials, as dog owners, as dog breeders, as exhibitors or competitors at KUSA Shows or events, or as elected or appointed KUSA Officials;
in addition, be bound by and in all respects be subject to adherence to, the Code of Conduct and Practice for KUSA Judges forming Appendix B

INTERPRETATION

The Federal Council shall be the only authority for the interpretation of this Code of Ethics for Members of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa and its decision thereon shall be final.

In the compilation of this comprehensive Code of Ethics for Members of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa, the Codes published by DOGS NSW, DOGS Victoria and DOGS Tasmania were consulted and the use of some provisions in those Codes is gratefully acknowledged.

APPENDIX “A”

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS OF THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)

(Effective 01.04.2020)

PREAMBLE

This Code applies to KUSA Officials (“Officials”) serving in their delegated capacities as

Members of the Federal Council
Members of the Executive Committee
Members of a Disciplinary Sub-Committee appointed in terms of Schedule 1
Members of a Fedco Appeals Committee appointed in terms of Schedule 1
Members of a Review and Investigatory Committees appointed in terms of Article 19
Members of Breed Councils
Members of Liaison Councils
Members of the Judges Education Council
Members of National Sub-Committees
Members of Provincial Councils
Members of Provincial Sub-Committees

This Code seeks to guide Officials serving in their various delegated offices to ensure that the functions, duties and responsibilities entrusted to them by KUSA are discharged diligently and in accordance with the provisions of the KUSA Constitution and in adherence to the Governing Rules of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and obligations incurred by KUSA in terms of reciprocal agreements with foreign National Canine Organisations (NCOs).

It is expected of Officials guided by this Code to abide by it and to embrace the culture of honesty and trustworthiness which it seeks to inculcate and the values of fairness, objectivity, integrity and excellence it endeavours to advance.

This Code presumes that persons offering themselves for election or appointment to various delegated offices as Officials do so in the full knowledge that their resulting relationship with KUSA shall be one of trust and confidence.
This Code posits that it is binding on Officials for the duration of their terms of office.

INTEGRITY AND OBJECTIVITY

Officials shall, at all times, when executing their official duties,

act with honesty, integrity and in good faith in any matter submitted for their consideration or subjected to their adjudication;

be independent and objective and take all reasonable steps to apprise themselves of such facts and information by way of deposition or testimony to ensure that their judgments are based on fact and evidential proof;

avoid placing themselves under obligation to any individual or entity (including Clubs or Provincial Councils of KUSA), which might affect their ability to act impartially and objectively;

avoid prejudice or bias on the grounds of sex, race, disability, lifestyle, culture, ethnicity, beliefs, colour, gender, sexuality, or age;

recognise and acknowledge that their primary responsibility is to KUSA and its organisational integrity and have due regard for the interest of all stakeholders of KUSA;

fully acquaint themselves with the KUSA Constitution and abide by the Rules and Regulations governing KUSA;

respect and endorse KUSA’s Full Membership status of the FCI and acquaint themselves with the Statutes, Standing Orders and Regulations of the FCI, which are binding on KUSA and its members, and fully abide by the Governing Rules of the FCI to the extent that these Rules are not in conflict with the KUSA Constitution;

respect and defend KUSA’s status as a Breeders’ Society and Registering Authority under the Animal Improvement Act 62 of 1998 (AIA) and refrain from engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) on KUSA’s registered status, such function being strictly reserved for those members of the Federal Council specifically delegated thereto;

comply with the spirit and letter of National laws and with the principles enshrined in this Code, cognisant of the fact that the law takes precedence over the KUSA Constitution, as does the KUSA Constitution over customs, practices and policies in conflict with it;
take immediate action to remedy any complication, or rectify any problem, after which such matter and action taken must be reported to the appropriate authority;
if found to be in breach of any of the above, or placed in a position of conflict of interests, whether by discovery or conscience, vacate any office held voluntarily.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Officials shall not

use the powers of their offices for any purpose other than to achieve the objectives of the tasks or responsibilities delegated to them;

take improper advantage of their delegated offices;

permit personal interests, or the interests of any persons or bodies, to conflict with the interests of KUSA;

make improper use of information acquired in the course of performing their duties to achieve personal gain or secure preferment;

allow any conflict of interests to arise as a result of knowledge or information gained in the discharge of duties and, should such conflict arise, declare it forthwith;

permit personal views, or beliefs, to influence or compromise the official positions of their offices when addressing any matter in person, or in writing.

CONDUCT AND PRACTICE

Officials shall

have a duty (fiduciary and otherwise) to act diligently and conscientiously in fulfilling their delegated functions, duties and responsibilities and exercising any powers entrusted to them;

use their best efforts to discharge their delegated duties and responsibilities in a competent and timely manner and not undertake any task or work they are not confident to complete in that manner;

conduct themselves in a manner that promotes cooperation and cordial relations with KUSA and all constituted structures within KUSA;

encourage fellow Officials to comply with this Code;

refrain from criticising or deriding fellow Officials;

desist from engaging in any conduct likely to bring KUSA or any of its constituted structures into disrepute.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Officials shall

recognise that some information or documents to which they are likely to have access in the discharge of their duties might be deemed privileged or confidential and shall exercise sound judgment in the disclosure of information or documents to which they have access to third parties;

have regard for sensitive information entrusted to their confidence by another Official or by a committee on which they serve and hold such information in confidence pending authorisation for disclosure;

observe and strictly abide by the Confidentiality provisions set out in section 19 of the AIA, which stipulates as follows: “No person shall disclose to any other person information acquired by him or her in the performance of his or her functions in terms of this Act, or the constitution of an animal breeder's society, or the constitution of a registering authority and which relates to the business or affairs of another person, without the express written approval of such other person, except when required by any court of law or under any legislation.”; and

report any breach of confidentiality brought to their notice to the Chairmen of Councils or Committees on which they serve, or otherwise to the General Manager of KUSA.

INTERPRETATION

The Federal Council shall be the only authority for the interpretation of this Code for Elected or Appointed Officials of KUSA and their decision thereon shall be final.

APPENDIX “B”

CODE OF CONDUCT AND PRACTICE FOR JUDGES LICENSED BY THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)

(Effective as of 01.04.2020 for Judges)

(Effective as of 01.04.2022 for Evaluators)

The conduct and practice of Judges or Evaluators officiating for the Kennel Union of Southern Africa in all forms of dogsport, whether as a Learner Judges or Evaluators, or Licensed Judges or Evaluators, must stand up to the highest level of scrutiny and the comportment of Judges or Evaluators should manifest their status within dogsport. Judging or Evaluating at Kennel Union-licensed events, or at events in foreign countries, requires the Judge or Evaluator to be a member of the Kennel Union and, apart from adherence to the normal Conditions of Membership, the Code of Ethics (Schedule 9) and the Terms and Conditions of Contract as per the Judging Contract (J1), Judges or Evaluators at any level shall be bound by this Code of Conduct and Practice for Judges Licensed by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa:

In General:
- Judges or Evaluators shall maintain continuous and unbroken membership of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa throughout their judging or evaluating career as contemplated in Article 25.2 of the Kennel Union Constitution.
- Judges or Evaluators shall be mindful of their elevated and esteemed status in dogsport and in all their actions and dealings set an example for all participants in the sport.
- In their communications with Club or Show Officials, Exhibitors and Competitors, Judges or Evaluators shall act with dignity, authority and decorum and their conduct in all interactions shall be above reproach.
- In accepting assignments, whether local or foreign, Judges or Evaluators act as ambassadors of the Kennel Union and in word and deed shall take the utmost care to neither embarrass themselves, nor the Kennel Union.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not accept an invitation to judge or evaluate unless they are sure, or have ascertained, that they are entitled to do so.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not accept an invitation to judge or evaluate unless they can declare with a reasonable degree of certainty that they would be able and fulfil the assignment and be fit to do so in accordance with the expectations of the show-holding Club, or entity.
- Judges or Evaluators who need to withdraw from assignments, for whatever reason, need to give notice of their intentions to withdraw at the earliest possible opportunity and in a manner prescribed by their contract.
- Judges or Evaluators shall ensure that their arrangements regarding reimbursement of expenses by show-holding Clubs or entities are clear and unambiguous, thereby to avoid causing embarrassment or discontentment for either party.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not claim any expenses from a show-holding Club or entity to which they are not entitled and for which they cannot provide proof of entitlement.
- Judges or Evaluators shall embrace continued education as an integral part of their judging or evaluating ethic and undertake self-motivated learning throughout their judging or evaluating careers.
- Judges or Evaluators shall keep themselves apprised of changes to the Kennel Union’s regulatory framework applicable to Judges or Evaluators and judging or evaluating and in their duties and assignments as Judges and KUSA Members, diligently comply with all Kennel Union Regulations and be able to confidently apply them in any situation.
- Judges or Evaluators shall keep themselves apprised of changes to the FCI’s regulatory framework applicable to Judges or Evaluators and judging or evaluating and diligently and consistently apply these regulations in an FCI judging or evaluating environment, unless they are in conflict with the Kennel Union’s Regulations.
- Judges or Evaluators shall be meticulous in noting changes to Breed Standards of breeds they are licensed to judge or evaluate and diligently apply these changes once they become effective.
- At shows held under the Regulations of the FCI, Judges shall meticulously and consistently apply FCI Breed Standards to all the breeds they are contracted to judge.
- Judges shall not interpret any Breed Standard in a manner which conflicts with the functional health of the dog.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not solicit judging or evaluating assignments, either locally or overseas, which includes, without limitation, pleading, asking, petitioning or canvassing for an assignment, either directly, or through an intermediary, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, except for Licensed Judgers or Evaluators, Senior Judges or Evaluators and All-breeds Judges volunteering to assist Club Committees in filling the roles at Non-Championship Shows pursuant to Schedule 10 Appendix 1 Regulations 4.1.3, 5.1.4 and 6.1.4.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not solicit the entry of any Dog, Exhibitor and/or Competitor.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not travel to a show or event with a person who will be exhibiting a dog under them or otherwise competing in an event judged or evaluated by him.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not accept accommodation from a person who will be exhibiting a dog under them or competing in an event judged or evaluated by them.
- Prior to the show or event to be judged or evaluated by them, Judges or Evaluators shall avoid socialising with persons likely to compete under them.
- If placed in an unavoidable compromising position as a result of a close relationship with an Exhibitor/Competitor, if and when practicable, Judges or Evaluators shall encourage the option of a “lap of honour”, instead of subjecting dogs to assessment and placement for awards that may ultimately be deemed suspect.
- It is suggested that, during a discernible period (at Judges’ or Evaluators’ discretion) preceding any judging or evaluating assignment, Judges or Evaluators shall avoid acting as a spectator to the judging or evaluating of dogs they are likely to judge or evaluate at such scheduled assignment.
- In deference to the principles of neutrality and impartiality and in order not to show favour, Judges or Evaluators shall exercise the utmost discretion when discussing dogs likely to be judged or evaluated by them, or by other Judges or Evaluators, with any person.
- Similarly, in upholding the principles of neutrality and impartiality, Judges or Evaluators shall exercise sound judgement when commenting on dogs likely to be judged or evaluated by them, or by other Judges or Evaluators, on Social Media, as not to reveal predilection or dislike.
- When commenting on dog- or dogsport-related issues, Judges or Evaluators shall use Social Media advisedly and prudently and confine their opinions to reasoned discourse based on fact, resisting speculation, innuendo and aspersion.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not criticise the work of other Judges or Evaluators, either verbally, in print or on Social Media.
- Judges or Evaluators shall refrain from engaging in offensive conduct or defamatory statements aimed at discrediting the Kennel Union or the FCI.
- Judges’ or Evaluators’ shall be mindful of the fact that they derive their judging or evaluating licence from the Kennel Union and thereby assume the responsibility not to act in a manner which is inconsistent with the grant of such licence. A licence entrusted in good faith can be revoked when no longer deemed to be in the best interests of the licensor and it should be understood that KUSA will not countenance being besmirched and its reputation tarnished, by those holding its licences.
In the Ring:
- Judges or Evaluators shall be courteous, polite and respectful towards Exhibitors/Competitors, Ring Steward or Club Officials.
- Judges or Evaluators shall be punctual for assignments and avoid inconveniencing show-holding Clubs, Exhibitors/ Competitors or Show Officials through lateness.
- Judges or Evaluators shall not leave the showgrounds before they have completed all their assigned/contracted duties.
- Judges or Evaluators officiating at a particular Show or KUSA-licensed event shall not have access to a Show Catalogue and shall neither view, nor consult, such catalogue published or distributed in any format whatsoever, including but not limited to, on social media platforms, private chat groups, or forms of personal communication, whether inside or outside the judging or evaluation ring, or before or during a judging or evaluating assignment.

Judges or Evaluators shall assess dogs in conformation shows, or their performance in other forms of dogsport, in a thorough, competent, systematic and kind manner.
When judging or evaluating, Judges or Evaluators shall exercise the highest degree of objectivity and discard any knowledge of a dog’s background, previous accomplishments or ownership.
Having regard for the weather, Judges or Evaluators shall dress in a manner which creates a neat, professional, yet comfortable, appearance in the ring, avoiding billowy attire, ostentatious headgear and bulky or noisy accessories.
Judges or Evaluators shall not smoke or drink alcohol in the ring and refrain from judging or evaluating while clutching a beverage.
Although it’s permissible for Judges to have electronic devices in the ring for the review of breed standards, when necessary, such devices shall otherwise remain switched off and under no circumstances shall Judges take telephone calls, or consult and reply to text messages while in the ring.
Judges or Evaluators shall desist from addressing handlers by their first or last name in the ring.
Judges or Evaluators shall complete all the requirements of an assignment diligently and efficiently, with due regard for any time constraints imposed by the show-holding Club.

Interpretation
- The Federal Council shall be the only authority for the interpretation of this Code of Conduct and Practice for Judges Licensed by KUSA and their decision thereon shall be final.

In devising this Code of Conduct and Practice for Judges Licensed by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa, we gratefully acknowledge the papers and guidelines of the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council and Dogs New Zealand.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.

Fedco 12-16/updated SAT/29.03.2017

Fedco 06-2017/updated SAT 30.08.2017

Fedco 06-2018/updated LS 17/01/2019

Fedco 06-2019/updated YW 01/07/2019

Fedco 12-2019/ updated PM 20.01.2020

Fedco 12-2021/ updated PM 10.03.2022 Reg 4.26 & App B Reg 2.4

Fedco 12-2022/updated CPA “Evaluating” Fedco 12-2021 Item 5.21.1

Fedco 12-2022/updated PM 09.01.2023

The most recent changes to this Schedule have an effective date of 01.03.2023

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