I was disheartened to read in a posting on Cover Dog Message Board that the AFTCA has again raised dues to individual members effective June 2026, the rate increasing from $50 to $75. I would note that this is not an insignificant increase; according to my calculations 50%. My question to the officers of AFTCA is, what exactly am I receiving for this significant increase? I note on the AFTCA website that several functions are listed, namely:
1. Governing and Managing body for the sport of Amateur Field Trialing
Most of this would appear to be paperwork and administrative issues. While I am not privy to the accounting records of AFTCA, I do not see any significant changes in the governance that would entail the necessity for a 50% increase in membership fees.
2. Works as a liaison between American Field/UKC and Amateur field trials. Provides more than $250,000 of volunteer boots-on-the-ground annual labor, oversight, participation, and feedback using Regional Trustees at events around the country.
The key word here is “volunteer.” Is the $250,000 cost based upon an estimate of man-hours if the volunteers were paid? This is not a cost factor, other than some organizational efforts which I believe are done by volunteers.
3. Established the Standards to Field Trial Procedures, Judicial Practices, Handler, and Bird Dog Performance as adopted by all FDSB field trials.
This has been completed for many years
4. Establishes Minimum Requirements, Rules, and Regulations for field trials as adopted by all FDSB field trials.
Administrative, I would assume most of any updates are done in conversation with Trustees and settled at the annual meeting.
5. Principle collaborator with AF/UKC and their FDSB registry regarding matters of joint interest.
Administrative
6. Developed the 20th Century Fund and distributed more than $325,000 to date to field trial clubs across the country.
It is my understanding that this fund is driven by an endowment and that the payouts are based upon the interest accrued annually.
7. Development and Management of the Land Contribution Program
The tax benefits offered by this program are at the discretion (and cost) of the individual land owner who is using their property to host field trials.

8. Development and Management of the AFTCA Dog Wins Data Base and Winners Certificate Program
Administrative

9. Development and Management of the AFTCA Top Amateur Handler Awards Program
Administrative
10. Promote Amateur competition, including youth programs.
This goes without saying; most of the promotion is due to the hard efforts of amateur trailers throughout the country. To my knowledge, there is no remuneration financially for these efforts.
11. Organizes and contracts key sponsors to help offset organizations’ full expenses, which includes regional as well as national events.
Again, much of this organization and management is done by volunteers scattered throughout the country.
12. Developed and maintains member access website.
Other than updates and website maintenance, are there other expenses I am missing?
13. Hosts the Purina Event Sponsorship Program for Open and Amateur Events for our member clubs.
What is the cost for these events? How much is paid for by the sponsors?
14. Provides a Retail Store of event merchandise for member clubs and individuals.
Income, not expense. I would assume any costs for merchandise, etc. are covered in the mark-up of merchandise.
In looking at the list of AFTCA function, while there is certainly costs associated with most of the item, it appears that the majority are administrative costs. The AFTCA website noted that 300 clubs (at $100 each) plus 2000 individual members (at $50 per) , for a total of $130,000 income. If the proposed dues are instilled in June, the income will rise to $180,000 annually. What exactly is this extra funding being used for?
I am just a weekend field trailer. I run mostly amateur stakes throughout the year. I also organize and manage several field trials, and I volunteer at most of the field trials I am associated with; those who know me know that I work hard to run quality events and help others do the same. Two question to the Trustee:

1. What have you done to help me in this arena? What is AFTCA doing for me that is a value added to my field trialing sport? I am basically a prisoner of the organization… if I want to run amateur stakes, I am forced to pay a membership fee for that privilege. In my world, that’s called a tax. It doesn’t sit well with me, and raising that tax by 50% is, in my mind, over the top. The AFTCA website states that “This adjustment reflects our ongoing investment in the AFTCA store, website, programs and rising operating costs.” Sorry, but that is not an explanation, that’s website soundbites. The AFTCA officers need to explain themselves; I want to know exactly what I am getting for my $75.
2. How is this going to promote the sport for the average field trailer? A young man or women, maybe with a couple dogs, trying to break into the sport, not a lot of disposable income, some young kids, house payment, etc. etc. Now they have to pay a $75 tax in order to run their dogs in a weekend amateur stake… and that’s per person, so if the young couple are sharing the training and competition, they both have to pay $75. Is this supporting the sport or is it just a money grab?
I would like to see the accounting for AFTCA… what exactly is the organization doing with our money?
Al Fazenbaker