SOUTH AFRICAN MUSHERS ASSOCIATION

[South African Mushers Association]

On the 7th March 2009 the Inaugural meeting was held at Goldfields Kennel Club, Bedfordview - Johannesburg, South Africa making the founding of SAMA official.

WHAT MAKES SAMA DIFFERENT:

It has been established on a foundation of globally accepted best practices, principles and ethics with the wellbeing and safety of the animals at the forefront and;

- Offers true self-governance of Member Clubs;

- Offers a sound Constitution and supporting Bylaws;

- Affords guidance and support to its members;

- Embraces a governance structure which   encompasses true National Representation;

- Is already associated and affiliated with "Mush with Pride";

- Will become the South African "Country Member" affiliated with WSA, subscribing to best practices and Codes of WSA, ISDRA, ESDRA & IFSS.

- Is non-discriminatingly and promotes sled dog sports for all registered or non-registered breeds.

- Offers clear, definitive guidelines and structure for sled dog sports in South Africa.

OUR VISION:

To lead the way by setting the Standards in Sled Dog Sports for South Africa through Education, Participation and Regulation.

OUR MISSION:

To establish and maintain a Sled Dog Sports Governing Body in South Africa, which operates according to sound, moral and ethical practices and policies by placing the needs, welfare and safety of the dogs first by implementing and adhering to animal welfare practices in accordance to National and International standards.

OUR OBJECTIVES:

- To be democratic in its governance and its approach to governing by being transparent to its members at all times without being dictorial;

- To operate outside the principals of autocratic decision making in offering clear definitive guidelines and structure for the Sport without intruding on the autonomy of the individual clubs;

- To govern in a fair way as a parent body, guiding Clubs and individuals to make the necessary corrections, when required or where lacking;

- To promote and educate SAMA Members on rules, regulations and procedures, thereby ensuring proper conduct of all events which abide by the rules, regulations and procedures as documented;

- To co-ordinate and protect the common interest of its members and collect, collate and circulate information to and amongst its members;

- To inform and educate the members of the proper care and handling of the animals participating to ensure their humane treatment and to ensure identification and treatment of any health problem, particular to our sled dogs. 

National Executive