Information for Beaglers
by Mel Stewart, Field Director of Hound Events

This year marks the 70th anniversary for the American Kennel Club to meet with the Beagle Advisory Committee. The persons who serve on this committee are beaglers, from different parts of the country, who are active in the sport and selected by their peers. They serve with no pay, but just for the improvement of the sport, and we at the American Kennel Club thank them for their time and dedication to the sport of Beagling. All persons in the sport of Beagle Field Trials have the right to discuss any proposed rule changes or new ones with their representative.

The Delegates bring the proposals before the committee for a discussion, and if a motion is made with a second, then it is voted on. If the majority of the committee votes in favor then it is put on the agenda for the next year. All votes on each issue are made public. This gives everyone time to discuss it and let their representative know their feelings about the proposed change. The following year the proposals the committee voted to place on the agenda are further discussed, and again if the majority vote in favor, then we at AKC take it to the board of directors if they agree it is best for the sport and pass it. Then the proposed amendment is presented to the voting delegates at two delegate meetings where it is passed or rejected. To consider the adoption of any recommendation, a 3/4 majority of votes must be received. A clear consensus is needed for the adoption of any revisions or new proposals. Proposals passed by the BAC are presented to the AKC Board of Directors for possible actions.

The BAC meeting is held each year at a time and place suitable for everyone. The AKC Director of Hound Events chairs the meeting. Some years the meeting is a face to face type meeting, others are held via telephone conference. This system has work well for 70 years.

We at the American Kennel Club get the input from you the beagler about what you want for your sport. The AKC asks all representatives to work for the good of the sport rather than an individual consideration that may detract from the whole.

I urge all of you to get involved with your sport on a positive basis, to make it better and to preserve the sport for future generations.