Revised November 16 , 2021

1. Budgeted expenses are authorized up to the budgeted amount.
2. Unbudgeted expenses of up to $500 may be approved by either the President or the Treasurer.
3. All unbudgeted expenses over $500 require approval of a majority of the Board of Directors.
4. Budgeted expense overruns are subject to the same approval procedures as outlines in 1, or 2 above, to the extent of the overrun.
5. In the case of an expense offset by revenue, this policy will apply as to the net effect of the expense and revenue.
6. Budgeted expenses for water trials may be authorized by the President’s designated representative(s). Such representative must adhere to items 1 through 5 above, obtaining approvals as necessary.
7. Documented approval may be by signature or e-mail.

Revised January 30, 2023

1. Funds for authorized expenses of up to $1,000 may be disbursed by either the Treasurer or President.
2. All fund disbursements over $1,000 require documented approval of both the President and Treasurer and/or included in approved budget.
3. Disbursements of up to 105% of the budgeted and/or authorized amount will be considered in compliance with the Expense Authorization Policy. Such variance allows for minor changes in price quotes, taxes and fees, shipping, etc.  
4. Disbursements may be made by check, PayPal or debit card.
5. Disbursements for water trial expenses may be made by the President’s designated representative.
6. The debit card may be used for disbursements up to $3,000 for water trial costs.
7. Documented approval may be by signature or e-mail.

Revised November 27, 2018

In keeping with the Club’s objective of encouraging and promoting quality in pure-bred Portuguese Water Dogs, the Club may make charitable donations to further the health and well-being of the Breed.  A portion of revenues generated by certain club activities, such as water trial raffles, auctions, and other fund-raising events, may be donated to Portuguese Water Dog and other canine specific charities. The amount and the beneficiaries of these donations will be approved by the Board after the event(s) have been completed and, in any event no later than December 31st each year.
​
In addition to benefiting the Breed, these actions will enhance the quality and quantity of items donated for fund-raising events, encourage higher bids and greater raffle participation, and contribute to the image and goodwill of the USSPWD Club.
Preferred organizations to which the Club may make donations shall have 501(c) 3 or other nonprofit tax status.

Revised January 26, 2026

Eligibility

There shall be four types of Membership open to all persons in good standing with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America (PWDCA), and who subscribe to the purposes of the USSPWDC. Membership Types:

• Individual – Open to all persons 18 years of age and older and enjoys all USSPWDC Privileges, including the right to vote and hold office.
• Family – Open to households including two adult members at least 18 years of age who are each granted one vote. The two family members may each hold office, vote, and count for determination of quorum.
• Junior – Open to persons 9-17 years of age and enjoy all USSPWDC privileges, except the right to vote and hold office and shall not count in the determination of a quorum. This membership may automatically convert to a regular membership at age 18.
• Qualified Complimentary Member – New puppy owners and those who adopt from PWDCA Rescue will have their dues waived for the first year of membership provided that (1) they have never been members of the USSPWD Club and (2) if obtained from a breeder, the breeder of the prospective member’s puppy is a member of USSPWD Club. Breeders should instruct qualified new puppy owners to complete a new puppy membership application via the website. Those who adopt from PWDCA Rescue will be informed by the Regional Rescue Coordinator. Owners who obtain their puppies or rescue dogs in the first nine months of the calendar year will have their membership dues waived for the current year. Owners who obtain their puppies or rescue dogs in the last three months of the calendar year will have their membership dues waived for the subsequent year. A Qualified Complimentary membership has no voting rights.

Dues – The Membership Chair shall send dues notices for the ensuing year on or Application to Membership – Membership applications are submitted on-line on the USSPWD Club website.  A notification of application e-mail will be sent to the Membership Chair.  An applicant approved for membership, between regularly scheduled quarterly meetings, may be granted Temporary Membership Status by the Membership Chair. Temporary Membership Status permits participation in membership activities and access to member communications on a provisional basis. Temporary Members shall not be eligible to vote, hold office or serve on committees until full membership is approved by the membership. This status will remain in effect until the next Quarterly meeting at which time the Board shall vote to approve or deny full membership.

If the Board approves the membership, the member’s status shall convert to full membership effective as of the original temporary approval date. Membership dues paid during Temporary Membership Status shall be applied toward full membership if approved. If membership does not approve, Temporary Membership Status shall terminate immediately following the Board’s decision, and any rights or privileges associated with membership will cease. Any dues paid during Temporary Membership Status shall be refunded.

The Membership Chair will send a welcome card to the new member welcoming them to the USSPWD Club.

Membership Late in Year – New members joining in the fourth quarter of the current membership year will have their dues applied to the remainder of the current year and to annual dues for the subsequent membership year. The Membership Director will adjust membership payment records to reflect this application.

Membership Benefits – Members of the USSPWD Club will be given priority treatment when registering / participating in USSPWD Club sponsored events, except where prohibited by sanctioning organizations. Non-members of USSPWD Club will be charged a non-member fee at all USSPWD Club events at which a fee is charged. If non-members elect to join the USSPWD Club at or within one week of such events, the non-member fee will be refunded. Application for membership will be executed as described above.

Procedure – Non-Member and Member Event Fees–A Non-Member per person and/or per dog fee of at least $10 will be charged for all activities/events except for the following:

• Water trial entry fees
• Entry fees for other titling events
• Breed dog show receptions where all participating PWD owners are invited, regardless of membership.

In general, registration for Club events for both members and non-members will be through our website. Failure to register for an event will result in an additional $10 per person or per dog fee, depending on the event, for both members and non-members. 

Revised November 18, 2024

Registration for club sponsored Water Camps will be via our website with payment due at time of registration through PayPal or credit card. A list of known water camp locations and dates will be published by the beginning of the year and any additional camps will be communicated as planned.

Registration for camps will close three days before the first day of the camp (i.e., end of day Tuesday for a one-day Saturday or two-day Saturday and Sunday camp).  Registration after the closing date will be allowed only with the approval of the Water Camp Co-Ordinator.

The number of teams registering for water camps may be limited to ensure all participants have sufficient time for training, and/or for safety reasons during extreme heat conditions.

Camp fees will be refunded, LESS PROCESSING FEES,  for changes or cancellations made up to two weeks before the first day of the camp after which fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.
​
In the event the Club cancels the Camp for any reason all camp fees will be refunded.

Revised January 26, 2026

The USSPWD Club website (USSPWDC.org and USSPWD.org) will be the Club’s primary and on-going method of communication. At a minimum the website will contain: information and entry forms for upcoming events, contact information, and other Club documents. Event registrations and entry forms will be available only on the website.

Our email distribution service, currently Constant Contact, will be used to communicate with our members concerning upcoming events and items of interest. These emails will include a link to our website for entry forms and further information when applicable. Whenever possible, the email distribution list will be tailored to the target group receiving the email, such as event participants, breeders, members who have not renewed membership, or new puppy owners.

The Club will maintain official USSPWD social media platforms to support education, outreach, and communication with members and the public. These platforms will include a USSPWD Public Facebook Page and a USSPWD Public Instagram Page, which will be open to the public and used to share educational and informational content, promote Club events and activities, and provide links to the Club website for entry forms and additional information. Only designated administrators authorized by the Club may post as the Club and publish official content on USSPWD public-facing accounts.

The Club will also maintain a USSPWD Members-Only Facebook Group (Private Group). This group will be available only to current members of the USSPWD Club and will be used to encourage member interaction and engagement, share member photos and achievements, and communicate Club-related information in a more informal setting.

All USSPWD social media platforms will be moderated. An administrator must approve membership requests for the USSPWD Members-Only Facebook Group. The Club may require post approval and/or comment moderation on public-facing platforms to maintain a respectful, educational, and welcoming environment. Any unauthorized, inappropriate, inflammatory, off-topic, or disruptive posts or comments may be removed. The Club reserves the right to restrict participation or remove individuals from Club social media spaces when necessary to protect the purpose and tone of the Club’s communications.

USSPWD social media platforms are not to be used as advertising or sales platforms. No vendor service or merchandise solicitation is allowed on the Club’s website, via Club email, or on Club social media platforms, other than for the Club’s own merchandise and, with Board approval, merchandise from Partner PWD Clubs. In addition, USSPWD social media platforms will not permit breeder, litter, or puppy advertising, or posts intended to solicit puppy buyers. Individuals seeking reputable breed resources may be directed to official sources such as the PWDCA Breeder Referral List and Portuguese Water Dog Rescue.

PWD owners within our geographic area may be solicited for USSPWD Club membership on an annual basis.

The Courier Magazine will be used to advertise events, both in the Courier calendar and individual ads, when appropriate. The Club will subsidize at least one Courier ad per year that features members’ achievements.

Submit calendar entries to the PWDCA, when appropriate.

Revised January 26, 2026

Annual Achievement Awards

Each year the USSPWD Club will recognize the achievements of their members’ dogs.   Any performance title or certificate earned in the respective calendar year, from any nationally recognized dog sport that awards titles, will be recognized. To qualify for an Annual Achievement Award, members must be on the official USSPWD Club membership list for the award year and the dog must be owned by and reside with the USSPWD Club member. 

A memento listing the dog call name, year and achievements will be awarded to each dog.  Additionally, achievements will be shared via an ad placed in the Courier Magazine and with our membership via our e-mail distribution system and Facebook page.

Water Trial Awards: These awards do not apply to water trials that are held in conjunction with another club(s) (i.e. PWD Jamboree or National Specialty).

Ribbons and Mementos – awarded to all water trial participants, both Club members and non-members:

Ribbons:  All water trial qualifiers will be awarded a ribbon, including For Exhibition Only (FEO).

Mementos:  Mementos (e.g. Tervis Tumblers) will be awarded for each new certificate or title including: Junior Water Dog Certificate (JWD), Apprentice Water Dog (AWD), Working Water Dog (WWD), Working Water Dog Excellent (WWDX), Courier Water Dog (CWD), Courier Water Dog Excellent (CWDX) and Master Water Dog ##.

Advanced Title Mementos: Advanced Title Mementos (e.g. float lines, balls and fenders) will be awarded to all competitors earning the Working Water Dog Excellent (WWDX), Courier Water Dog Excellent (CWDX) or Master Water Dog (MWD#) title at any USSPWD Club sponsored Water Trial and to Club members earning those titles at other PWDCA sanctioned water trials. Title Mementos for MWD #2-infinity need not be the same as the MWD1 Memento. 

Water Trial Trophy Awards:

Trophies – awarded to Club Members ONLY.  Trophies are awarded at the water trial banquet for competition at the trial on the day of the banquet, typically Saturday of a two day trial.  

Meg DeFore Founder’s Apprentice Water Trial Trophy

This Trophy was established in honor of Meg DeFore as a founder, prior officer and continued supporter of the USSPWD Club.   In celebration, this trophy will be awarded to the Apprentice Water Dog with the fastest combined times for all five Apprentice exercises.

Max-A-Million Courier Water Trial Trophy

This trophy was established in honor of Tom and Judy Leather, their contribution to Club water activities, and Max-A-Million Leather who was the first USSPWD Club member’s dog to achieve a CWDX title. In celebration, this trophy will be awarded to the Courier dog with the fastest combined times for the Shore Line Retrieve and the Buoy Ball Placement exercises.

Amazing Ace Master Water Trial Trophy

This trophy was established in honor of John and Sarah Brock, their contribution to USSPWD Club water activities and to Ace who was the first dog in the PWDCA to achieve his Master Water Dog 5 Title in 2021.  In celebration, this trophy will be awarded to the Master Water dog with the fastest combined times for all five Master Level Exercises. If there are qualifying teams working toward a Master Water Dog 1 title, the award will be given to the fastest time among those qualifiers.  If no teams working toward MMD1 qualify, then the Ace Award will be presented to the dog with the fastest combined times for all five exercises among all Master Water Dog qualifiers.

Harvey Johnson Junior Water Dog Trial Trophy 

Established in honor of Amanda and John Ellery, their support and growth in the water trial program and to Harvey who was the first dog in the PWDCA not only to achieve his Master Water Dog 10 title in 2024 but also earned his Junior Water Dog with a Junior member of the USSPWD in 2022. In celebration, this trophy will be awarded to to the Junior Water Dog with the fastest combined times for all 4 Junior level exercises.

Liza Minnelli Working Water Dog Trial Trophy

The Liza Minnelli Working Dog Award.  In honor of Pam Lesher and her girl, Liza. Pam is a founding member of our club and was instrumental in developing our water program. Working in the water was Liza’s favorite thing! She was the first female PWD in the country and the first Florida PWD to earn a Master Water Dog title. In celebration, this trophy will be awarded to the Working Water Dog with the fastest combined times for completing the gear bag retrieval and the three articles overboard exercises.

Trophy Requirements:

• Eligible dogs must complete a qualifying run. If no dogs qualify, the trophy will not be awarded.
• All regular entry teams are eligible to win the trophy.  FEO dogs are not eligible to win the trophy.
• Only USSPWD Club members are eligible.
• The Max-A-Million and Amazing Ace Water Trial Trophies may be awarded to a member dog one time only.
• The trophy’s will be awarded for runs on the day of the banquet,  so they can be presented at banquet, typically on Saturday.

Duration of Trophies and Requirements to Add new Trophies:

• • Trophies may be added or deleted at the sole discretion of the Board, with a unanimous vote.
  • Trophies will remain active as long as their named honoree remains meaningful to club members.

Revised – November 13, 2023

To support USSPWD Club Water training activities and PWDCA sanctioned water trials, the Club purchased and maintains one club owned row boat with trailer and one enclosed utility trailer which is used to store Club owned water trial equipment and supplies. 

The Water Activities Committee (WAC), with Board approval, shall maintain and manage the movement and storage of these assets in order to support Club sponsored water activities and events and to protect these valuable Club assets. Specific responsibilities include:

•  Storage: The boats and trailers will be housed when not in use at a pre-determined location(s) recommended by the WAC (e.g., Home Site) and approved by the Board of Directors.
• Transportation:  The transportation of Club assets will be arranged by the WAC and “Home Site” for support of Club Sponsored water activities.
• The Rowboat  and Trailer: The rowboat with trailer purchased in 2020 and utility trailer purchased in 2021, are both registered and titled in FL with registration renewed every two years.  Both trailers are included in the Club Commercial and General Liability Insurance, which should be renewed annually. 
  
• An older rowboat is located at a member’s home in New Smyrna Beach, Fl.  The rowboat is used only on dry land for training and practice and for Water Trial pictures as significant repairs are needed to enable use in the water.  The older boat trailer was disposed of in 2023.
• Equipment Inventory:  The WAC shall control inventory of all club owned water site equipment and trial supplies such as boat(s), fencing, markers, awards, merchandise, and any other water activity equipment or supplies purchased by the Club.

Revised: January 22, 2024

Water Activities Committee Purpose
The Water Activities Committee (“WAC”) oversees and coordinates all water activities sponsored by and/or hosted by the USSPWD Club (the “Club”) including, but not limited to, Club sponsored water training activities and Club hosted, PWDCA sanctioned, water trials.
The PWDCA Water Trial Manual shall be the guiding document for WAC and Water Trial Host Committee for activities related to hosting PWDCA sanctioned water trials.

Water Activities Committee Membership
The WAC Chaiperson is selected by the USSPWD Club Board (the “Board”).  The WAC shall consist of Club members, such number determined by the WAC Chairperson, who are also associate or voting members of the PWDCA.  WAC members shall be recommended by the WAC Chairperson annually for approval by the the Board.  Membership must include at least one Board member, who may also be the WAC Chairperson.   WAC membership should not include more than three Board Members.

The WAC Chairperson shall be selected in the third quarter of the current year for the upcoming calendar year term.  WAC membership will be approved by the Board by at least the fourth quarter Board meeting to allow the WAC time to plan the upcoming year water activities.

Due to this committee’s purpose, it is expected that its members will actively participate in Club sponsored water activities each year.

Responsibilities

1. Recommend, for Board approval, the number and location of Club hosted, PWDCA sanctioned, water trials.  Negotiate contracts, for Board approval, as required.
2. Select judge(s) for Club hosted water trials and obtains their  commitments.
3. Select the Water Trial Chairperson(s) for each Club hosted water trial, who, must be voting members of the Club and members of the PWDCA.   The Water Trial Chairperson(s) shall then select their respective Host Committee Members including the Trial Secretary(ies) and Chief Steward(s).
4. Following the guidelines of the PWDCA Water Trial Manual (“WT Manual”), submit the appropriate Water Trial Application for each planned trial to the PWDCA Water Trial Committee and arrange for the  required advertising in The Courier Magazine and elsewhere as appropriate.
5. Recommend, for Board approval,  the number and location of Club sponsored dry land and water training activities, including recommending fees and ensuring site availability, amenities, accommodations, etc.
6. In conjunction with the Club’s President and Treasurer, establish  a budget for each water activity.  Ensure the owner of the site for each water activity is named as a certificate holder on the Club’s liability insurance policy.
7. Maintain appropriate documentation related to water activities to provide continuity and administrative ease.
8. Maintain and control  inventory of club owned water site equipment and trial supplies such as boat(s), trailers, fencing, markers,  awards, and any other water activility equipment or supplies purchased by the Club.
9. Review and recommend to the Board appropriate action where needed for all other water activity matters.

The following Document (link) describes the process for implementation of Perfdog, Random Draw and Guaranteed Entry for use by Water Trial Chair Persons.

• Perfdog, Random Draw and Guaranteed Entry Process (updated 1/23/24)

The following Documents (links) describe the specific Roles and Responsibilities for the Water Activity Committee, the Water Trial Chair and Primary Host Committee Assignments.

• Water Activities Committee Flowchart
• Water Trial Chairperson and Host Committee Responsibilities
• Water Trial Secretary Responsibilities
• Chief Steward Responsibilities
• Hospitality Coordinator Responsibilities
• Land and Boat Steward and DIVA Responsibilities

Revised: Date 2026

AKC Events Committee (AKCEC)
The AKC Events Committee (“AKCEC”) is established to plan, organize, and oversee all AKC-sanctioned events conducted by the United Sunshine State Portuguese Water Dog Club in accordance with theAmerican Kennel Club’s rules, regulations, and policies.

Please refer to the attached document