HIGHVELD SLEDDOG CLUB
HSC Committee
Duane,
As this question has been directed to HSC, herewith our reply;
Have you been onto the HSC website and taken the liberty to peruse through the Musher's Code (Race Rules)? Do you see anything discriminatory there?
HSC is affiliated to the WSA in being the Country Member, representing South Africa. WSA has advised as follows, and quote:
". basically WSA promotes registered Arctic sled dog breeds. However in our small sport we have to be flexible and understanding... Actually this clause is interpreted rather "loosely" and applies in full force mainly to the WSA championship events which are strictly reserved for teams of registered sled dog breeds. Moreover as an IFSS member, WSA also must adhere to the non-discrimination clause. This promotion must be fair and equitable and promotional for the registered Sleddog breeds. The WSA international championships are limited to registered breeds only. But in future it is quite conceivable that WSA will work more closely with IFSS and ESDRA to organize combined championship events. We all need each other, and we think it is possible for drivers to all find a place that satisfies their particular orientations." End of quote.
I hope this clarifies any confusion, misunderstanding and dissolves any misinterpretations you may have heard. The majority of the community DO NOT understand how WSA works. As a matter of interest, many of the HSC members have unregistered and/ or rescue dogs as well.
Regards
Secretary
Highveld Sleddog Club
From:
Duane Tiquin [mailto:du...@reefprop.co.za]
Sent: 16 February 2009 03:56 PM
To: dryland-m...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: WHY DID THE "S.A MUSHERS ASSOCIATION" COME INTO BEING
Since HSC has adopted the WSA Race Rules would that not automatically discriminate against any non recognized sleddog (Nordic breed), non-purebred as you can not accumulate/win points, as these will only be awarded to registered pure breeds. In other words, although we own Siberians, which are recognized sleddogs, they are not registered, thus we would only be able to run for fun?