CODE OF ETHICS FOR MEMBERS OF THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN
AFRICA (KUSA)
SCHEDULE 9
(Effective Date 01.04.2020)
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 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, or other penalty.
- GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR FOR KUSA MEMBERS
1.1. Members shall not knowingly, or recklessly, misrepresent KUSA to any third party.
1.2. 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.
1.3. 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.
1.4. Members shall always remain fully responsible for the dogs owned by them and left in the care of others.
1.5. Members shall, by any lawful means, always assist to comfort, or save, any dog in distress.
1.6. Members shall respect the reputations and sensitivities of other Members, Judges 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.
1.7. 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.
1.8. 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.
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 2 - 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,
2.1. in all personal or telephonic dealings, conduct themselves politely, considerately and courteously;
2.2. 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;
2.3. 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;
2.4. 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.
2.5. 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.
2.6. 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,
3.1. are properly housed, fed, watered and exercised;
3.2. 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;
3.3. 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;
3.4. have adequate shelter when not kept indoors and not left confined in a vehicle unattended and/or in areas
exposed to the elements;
3.5. are provided with a fenced, or walled, exercise area of sufficient size to restrict the movement of the dogs to
the area provided;
3.6. are kept in full compliance with applicable Municipal By-laws;
3.7. 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;
3.8. 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;
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 3
3.9. shall not be disposed of to a pound or to an animal rescue centre;
3.10. are properly identifiable by microchip and, if practicable, by registration;
3.11. are not being left to foul public spaces or exhibition areas, without excrement being cleaned up;
3.12. will be transported in vehicles that are properly ventilated and/or air-conditioned, preferably in properly
secured travel crates;
3.13. 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;
3.14. 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;
3.15. will only be kept for companionship and not used for any outlawed activities such as dog-racing or dogfighting;
3.16. shall not have their ears cropped;
3.17. 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
4.1. 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;
4.2. 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;
4.3. 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;
4.4. 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;
4.5. 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;
4.6. 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;
4.7. ensure that the Registration Certificates of all dogs afflicted with health of disability conditions contain the
endorsement “N/P Progeny not Eligible for Registration”;
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 4
4.8. not breed specifically or predominantly for a pet-supply or commercial market and only for the noncommercial 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;
4.9. 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;
4.10. 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;
4.11. 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;
4.12. in the interest of genetic diversity, generally avoid “first generation” matings, i.e. father-daughter, brothersister or mother-son matings;
4.13. 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);
4.14. 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;
4.15. 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;
4.16. 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;
4.17. 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;
4.18. unless necessitated by special circumstances, not transfer from their care, by sale or otherwise, any puppy
under eight (8) weeks of age;
4.19. 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;
4.20. 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.
4.21. 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;
4.22. provide the person acquiring a dog with such documentation as agreed in advance by contract, or in
correspondence, which will conceivably include the following:
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 5
4.22.1. 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;
4.22.2. The dog’s vaccination and deworming record;
4.22.3. The dog’s microchip certificate;
4.22.4. Details of the dog’s dietary and immunisation requirements.
4.22.5. Breed-specific information;
4.22.6. Information about responsible dog ownership;
4.22.7. 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.
4.22.8. Any other information considered relevant, such as nutritional guidance, puppy training advice,
socialisation suggestions, etc.
4.23. 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;
4.24. not purposefully misrepresent the characteristics of a breed in order to encourage the sale/acquisition of a
dog;
4.25. not sell a dog to a commercial pet trader or pet shop;
4.26. not allow a dog to be given as a prize in a competition or raffle, or to be donated for an auction;
4.27. keep detailed records of all stud services and the resulting litters;
4.28. keep detailed records of all co-owned dogs not residing with the Member and the contractual arrangements
governing co-ownership;
4.29. 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.
4.30. 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)
4.31. - ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS EXHIBITORS OR COMPETITORS AT EVENTS LICENSED BY
KUSA
Members shall, at all times,
5.1. 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;
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 6
5.2. refrain from misrepresenting or maligning the conformation, characteristics or performance of a competitor’s
dog either before, during, or after, a Show, or event;
5.3. 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;
5.4. refrain from using narcotics or illegal recreational drugs at any Show, or event, and sharing such substances
with competitors or other attendants.
5.5. 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.
5.6. 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;
5.7. 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;
5.8. strive to compete fairly and not seek, through actions, or interactions, to gain an unfair advantage at any level
of competition;
5.9. 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;
5.10. 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.
5.11. 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;
5.12. 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;
5.13. be familiar with the Regulations applicable to conformation Shows or Working Disciplines events, thereby to
ensure punctuality and preparedness;
5.14. desist from purposefully delaying judging in order to accommodate another competitor or manipulate the
judging schedule;
5.15. desist from trying to get the order of judging changed to accommodate their or others’ late arrival, or their
presence in other rings;
5.16. 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;
5.17. treat the officiating Judge with the utmost respect and accept his/her decisions graciously, refraining from
engaging the Judge in quarrelsome exchanges and subjecting him/her to disparaging remarks;
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 7
5.18. refrain from berating or insulting the officiating Judge 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;
5.19. desist from socialising with an officiating Judge prior to judging, which includes being accommodated by the
Judge, accommodating the Judge, or travelling with the Judge;
5.20. avoid placing an officiating Judge in a compromising situation when Members’ close relationship with the
Judge 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”;
5.21. 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;
5.22. 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;
5.23. 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;
5.24. refrain from getting involved in disputes between competitors, unless bearing witness to incidents for the
purpose of providing affidavits;
5.25. be humble in victory and gracious in defeat;
5.26. 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
6.1. 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 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
arangements;
6.2. 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 hereto. - ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS ACTING AS JUDGES FOR CONFORMATION SHOWS OR
WORKING DISCIPLINES EVENTS LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS
Members acting as Judges for conformation Shows or Working Disciplines events locally or overseas shall
7.1. 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;
7.2. 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 hereto.
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 8 - INTERPRETATION
8.1. 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.
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 9
APPENDIX “A”
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS OF THE KENNEL
UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)
(Effective 01.04.2020) - PREAMBLE
1.1. 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
1.2. 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).
1.3. 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.
1.4. 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.
1.5. 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,
2.1. act with honesty, integrity and in good faith in any matter submitted for their consideration or subjected to
their adjudication;
2.2. 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;
2.3. 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;
2.4. avoid prejudice or bias on the grounds of sex, race, disability, lifestyle, culture, ethnicity, beliefs, colour,
gender, sexuality, or age;
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 10
2.5. 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;
2.6. fully acquaint themselves with the KUSA Constitution and abide by the Rules and Regulations governing
KUSA;
2.7. 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;
2.8. 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;
2.9. 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;
2.10. 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;
2.11. 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
3.1. use the powers of their offices for any purpose other than to achieve the objectives of the tasks or
responsibilities delegated to them;
3.2. take improper advantage of their delegated offices;
3.3. permit personal interests, or the interests of any persons or bodies, to conflict with the interests of KUSA;
3.4. make improper use of information acquired in the course of performing their duties to achieve personal gain
or secure preferment;
3.5. 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;
3.6. 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
4.1. 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;
4.2. 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;
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 11
4.3. conduct themselves in a manner that promotes cooperation and cordial relations with KUSA and all
constituted structures within KUSA;
4.4. encourage fellow Officials to comply with this Code;
4.5. refrain from criticising or deriding fellow Officials;
4.6. desist from engaging in any conduct likely to bring KUSA or any of its constituted structures into disrepute. - CONFIDENTIALITY
Officials shall
5.1. 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;
5.2. 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;
5.3. 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
5.4. 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
6.1. 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.
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 12
APPENDIX “B”
CODE OF CONDUCT AND PRACTICE FOR JUDGES LICENSED BY THE KENNEL
UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)
(Effective 01.04.2020)
The conduct and practice of Judges officiating for the Kennel Union of Southern Africa in all forms of dogsport, whether as a
Learner Judges, or Licensed Judges, must stand up to the highest level of scrutiny and the comportment of Judges should
manifest their status within dogsport. Judging at Kennel Union-licensed events, or at events in foreign countries, requires the
Judge 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 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:
1.1. Judges shall maintain continuous and unbroken membership of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa
throughout their judging career as contemplated in Article 25.2 of the Kennel Union Constitution.
1.2. Judges 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.
1.3. In their communications with Club or Show Officials, Exhibitors and Competitors, Judges shall act with
dignity, authority and decorum and their conduct in all interactions shall be above reproach.
1.4. In accepting assignments, whether local or foreign, Judges 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.
1.5. Judges shall not accept an invitation to judge unless they are sure, or have ascertained, that they are entitled
to do so.
1.6. Judges shall not accept an invitation to judge 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.
1.7. Judges 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.
1.8. Judges 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.
1.9. Judges 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.
1.10. Judges shall embrace continued education as an integral part of their judging ethic and undertake selfmotivated learning throughout their judging careers.
1.11. Judges shall keep themselves apprised of changes to the Kennel Union’s regulatory framework applicable to
Judges and judging.
1.12. Judges shall keep themselves apprised of changes to the FCI’s regulatory framework applicable to Judges
and judging and apply these regulations in an FCI judging environment unless they are in conflict with the
Kennel Union’s Regulations.
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 13
1.13. Judges shall be meticulous in noting changes to Breed Standards of breeds they are licensed to judge and
diligently apply these changes once they become effective.
1.14. 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.
1.15. Judges shall not interpret any Breed Standard in a manner which conflicts with the functional health of the
dog.
1.16. Judges shall not solicit judging 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, Senior Judges 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.
1.17. Judges shall not solicit the entry of any Dog, Exhibitor and/or Competitor.
1.18. Judges 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 by him.
1.19. Judges shall not accept accommodation from a person who will be exhibiting a dog under them or competing
in an event judged by them.
1.20. Prior to the show or event to be judged by them, Judges shall avoid socialising with persons likely to compete
under them.
1.21. If placed in an unavoidable compromising position as a result of a close relationship with an
Exhibitor/Competitor, if and when practicable, Judges 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.
1.22. It is suggested that, during a discernible period (at Judges’ discretion) preceding any judging assignment,
Judges shall avoid acting as a spectator to the judging of dogs they are likely to judge at such scheduled
assignment.
1.23. In deference to the principles of neutrality and impartiality and in order not to show favour, Judges shall
exercise the utmost discretion when discussing dogs likely to be judged by them, or by other Judges, with
any person.
1.24. Similarly, in upholding the principles of neutrality and impartiality, Judges shall exercise sound judgement
when commenting on dogs likely to be judged by them, or by other Judges, on Social Media, as not to reveal
predilection or dislike.
1.25. When commenting on dog- or dogsport-related issues, Judges shall use Social Media advisedly and
prudently and confine their opinions to reasoned discourse based on fact, resisting speculation, innuendo
and aspersion.
1.26. Judges shall not criticise the work of other Judges, either verbally, in print or on Social Media.
1.27. Judges shall refrain from engaging in offensive conduct or defamatory statements aimed at discrediting the
Kennel Union or the FCI.
1.28. Judges’ shall be mindful of the fact that they derive their judging 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
Schedule 09-Code of Ethics (01.04.2020) 14
tarnished, by those holding its licences. - In the Ring:
2.1. Judges shall be courteous, polite and respectful towards Exhibitors/Competitors, Ring Steward or Club
Officials.
2.2. Judges shall be punctual for assignments and avoid inconveniencing show-holding Clubs, Exhibitors/
Competitors or Show Officials through lateness.
2.3. Judges shall not leave the showgrounds before they have completed all their assigned/contracted duties.
2.4. Judges shall not consult the show catalogue before or during a judging assignment.
2.5. Judges shall assess dogs in conformation shows, or their performance in other forms of dogsport, in a
thorough, competent, systematic and kind manner.
2.6. When judging, Judges shall exercise the highest degree of objectivity and discard any knowledge of a dog’s
background, previous accomplishments or ownership.
2.7. Having regard for the weather, Judges 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.
2.8. Judges shall not smoke or drink alcohol in the ring and refrain from judging while clutching a beverage.
2.9. 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.
2.10. Judges shall desist from addressing handlers by their first or last name in the ring.
2.11. Judges 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
3.1. 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.
©COPYRIGHT THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
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
Most recent changes to this Schedule has an effective date of 01.04.2020
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