Juniors Program - Overview
The USASA Juniors Program is designed to promote and encourage Juniors to participate in AKC events with their Australian Shepherds. USASA believes our Juniors are important to the future of our breed, our Club, the sport of purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership.
The Juniors Program encourages, supports and recognizes our Junior members for their achievements in Junior Showmanship and Performance events at AKC sanctioned shows and trials. We provide educational and training support including an annual clinic for Juniors at our National Specialty focusing on breed history, good sportsmanship and handling techniques. We also encourage and reward academic achievement through our Optimum Club.
The USASA Juniors Program is only open to USASA Junior Members.
Junior Handling Year End Awards
USASA supports Junior Members competing in Junior Showmanship competition.
TOP TEN: Annual awards to the top 10 Juniors in the 3 age classes ( Junior, Intermediate, Senior). The Novice & Open classes are combined.
TOP DIVISION WINNER: Annual award to the top first place Open Junior Handler in the 3 age classes.
TOP JUNIOR HANDLER OF THE YEAR: Annual award to the top overall Junior Handler from all classes based on highest amount of points.
SPECIAL AWARDS: Additional annual awards given should a Junior be recognized as AKC’s Top Herding Junior Handler for the year or for any Junior awarded Best Junior Handler at any AKC invitational show ( e.g. AKC/Eukanuba Westminster, etc. ).
Junior Performance Year End Awards
USASA supports Junior Members in all of the AKC performance events- Agility, Obedience, Herding, Rally and Tracking.
TOP TEN: Annual awards to the top 10 Juniors in the 5 separate divisions ( Agility, Obedience, Herding, Rally , and Tracking).
TOP DIVISION WINNER: Annual award to the top first place Junior in each of the 5 separate divisions.
TOP PERFORMANCE JUNIOR OF THE YEAR: Annual award to the top overall Performance Junior of all classes based on the highest number of points.
SPECIAL AWARDS: A special Above and Beyond Award may be given to a Junior for special accomplishments. Refer to the Junior Program Companion guide for more details.
Overall Junior of the Year Award
USASA supports Junior Members who compete in both Junior Showmanship and Performance events.
The Overall Junior of the Year award is presented to the Junior who has earned the highest overall points in both Performance and Junior Showmanship. Minimum requirements must be met.
AKC/Eukanuba Invitational Qualifiers Reward
Any USASA junior who qualifies for the AKC/Eukanuba Invitational in conformation or performance events has an opportunity to earn money to help with his or her expenses to attend the show.
Optimum Club
USASA also recognizes and supports those Junior Members who balance academic achievement with achievements in Junior Handling and Performance events.
Awards are given to Juniors who maintain at least a B/3.000 average or higher for each grading period for the year and receive a minimum of 100 Junior Handling Points and/ or receive a minimum of 10 Titled Performance Points during the year.
Refer to the Junior Program Companion guide for more information.
Supporting the Juniors Program
The Juniors Program could not be successful without the support of the people who donate not only their time but their talents and generosity. We have many very generous members who donate incredible auction items as well as monetary contributions. All proceeds from the annual auction at the USASA National Specialty Banquet are used to help pay for the Junior Program awards. USASA makes additional contributions.
To find out more about what you can do to support the Juniors Program click Support Our Juniors.
The United States Australian Shepherd Foundation also provides a Scholarship Program for Juniors. Visit the Foundation’s website (www.usasfoundation.org) for more information.