United States
Australian Shepherd Association

As discussion continues regarding the proposal to make the ramp optional in the conformation ring, the USASA Board would like to clarify its role in the process and let members know what to expect in the coming weeks.

The proposal will ultimately be decided by a vote of the USASA membership, and the Board will remain neutral. Our job is not to tell members how to vote, but to make sure they have the opportunity to hear the different viewpoints and get the information they need to make their own decision.

Before the vote, information from both perspectives will be included in The  Journal and in a special edition of the Good Shepherd newsletter. We also plan to hold a Town Hall where the proposal can be discussed and members can ask questions. More information about the Town Hall and the vote will be shared as those details are finalized.

There is already a great deal of discussion about this issue, particularly on social media. Individual members, including Board and committee members, may have their own opinions and are free to express them. Those individual opinions should not be considered the position of USASA or the Board. Official information from the club regarding the proposal and the upcoming vote will come through USASA’s official communication channels.

We encourage members to review the information provided, listen to the different perspectives, ask questions, and make their own decision when it is time to vote.