Standing Committees
Standing Committees
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Utilizing Standing Committees

Standing committees are a primary component of any Association. The standing committees of the APHA include Amateur, Breed Improvement, General Show and Contest, International, Judges, Long Range Planning, Membership Services, Professional Horseman, Racing, Recreational Riding, Regional Club, Registration, Rules, Ways and Means, and Youth.

Each committee is organized with the following officers:

  1. Either chairperson or co-chairpersons
  2. Vice-chairperson (optional)
  3. First vice-chairperson (optional)
  4. Committee members as appointed by the President
  5. Staff coordinater(s) as appointed by the Executive Director
  6. Executive Committee liaison(s).

Basic Function
The basic function of the standing committee is to contribute to the efficient operation of the Association by discussing and studying the work the committee was formed to accomplish, reaching a consensus and recommending courses of action to the Executive Committee and/or the Board of Directors. The standing committees are advisory only and recommendations of all committees and their actions must be approved by the Executive Committee. 

All directors and alternates are assigned to a standing committee. Individuals, who are neither directors nor alternates, may be assigned to a committee because of a special interest or expertise. Any interested party may request that the President appoint him or her to a specific committee. Committee members are requested to meet the same attendance requirements that a director must fulfill—to attend half of the required APHA Directors meetings per 12-month period. Failing to meet this requirement, they may be replaced at the discretion of the Executive Committee President.

Members of the standing committees have responsibilities to their respective committees as follows:

  1. Attend all meetings.
  2. Carry out individual assignments made by the committee chairperson.
  3. Review all relevant material prior to the committee meeting.
  4. Prepare to make contributions and voice objective opinions concerning the committee’s proposals.
  5. Exercise voting privileges as a committee member. Voting committee members are defined as any APHA member assigned to the committee by the president.
  6. Be involved. 

Each standing committee will meet officially during the annual Workshop and Convention, and such other times as deemed proper or necessary by the President, Executive Director, chairperson or majority of the committee members, in order to address pressing or important items that should not be delayed until the next official meeting. A subcommittee, selected from all committee members, may be appointed by the chairperson to address a particular issue. All committee members should be notified of the formation of a subcommittee, and informed of its purpose and tenure. The recommendations of a subcommittee must be reported to standing committee members. Final action must involve approval by committee members at any regular or special meeting with notification to all members by the designated official procedure.

A subcommittee may not act officially for the entire committee, nor should any meeting of the standing committee be called by notifying only some of the committee members. Such action might tend to be a calculated effort to control the direction and tone of the standing committee and would deny some of the committee members participation in the committee process.

Committee Discriptions

Amateur Committee
The purpose of the Amateur Committee is to monitor and evaluate APHA Amateur programs and show and contest rules related to Amateurs in order to ensure maximum benefits and participation. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The purpose of the Amateur Committee is to monitor and evaluate APHA Amateur programs and show and contest rules related to Amateurs in order to ensure maximum benefits and participation.  The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The committee is responsible for the following functions:

  1. Initiate or review and approve/disapprove proposed rule changes, additions or deletions to Amateur show and contest rules and Amateur rules.
  2. Review questions pertaining to the Amateur program.
  3. Review programs, policies and procedures for implementation of programs that have consideration for expanding and enhancing the market of Paint Horses. 
  4. Review the Amateur application form as needed.
  5. Review and sample general membership opinion to ensure that Amateur rules reflect mainstream thinking of APHA members.
  6. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  7. The chairman, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the Amateur Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains Amateur files and issues Amateur cards. The Association also offers year-end award recognition and Amateur activities at the APHA World Shows.     

Breed Improvement Committee
The purpose of the Breed Improvement Committee is to review the accomplishments, monitor and evaluate the current position of the breed, and recommend future directions and standards for the breed. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The committee is responsible for the following functions:

  1. Review, evaluate and report to the membership the current status of equine research, which is to include, but not be limited to, reproduction, genetics, nutrition and disease.
  2. Initiate or review APHA rules and proposed rule changes, additions or deletions for possible adverse effects on the breed, and recommend approval/disapproval of modification to appropriate committee.
  3. Review and recommend proposals for appropriate genetic research projects.
  4. Identify types of statistical information relative to breed improvement that should be maintained by APHA.  
  5. Review, with the APHA Registration Committee, policies and programs for gathering, analyzing and disseminating information.
  6. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  7. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the Breed Improvement Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files, handles all correspondence pertaining to breed improvement, receives research proposals and monitors research results.

General Show and Contest Committee
The purpose of the General Show and Contest Committee is to ensure that rules and regulations for APHA shows and contests promote the Paint Horse. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of this committee are as follows:

  1. Initiate or review and approve/disapprove proposed rule changes, additions, or deletions of all rules pertaining to shows and contests, excluding judges.
  2. Review and sample general membership opinion to ensure that APHA rules reflect the mainstream thinking of APHA members.
  3. Review, with the APHA Performance Department, policies regarding show applications and show results. 
  4. Initiate recommendations to improve current show programs. 
  5. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  6. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the General Show and Contest Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files, handles all correspondence resulting from committee actions, and forwards committee recommendations to appropriate committees.     

International Committee
The purpose of the International Committee is to create and/or increase awareness of the American Paint Horse, and to promote and advance the American Paint Horse in all international venues. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of the committee are as follows: 

  1. Initiate or review and recommend for approval/disapproval of proposed rule changes, additions, or deletions of all rules pertaining to International matters.
  2. Help formulate recommendations and goals for marketing improvement of the breed internationally.
  3. Make suggestions for improvements to benefit the international affiliate members and the American Paint Horse industry.
  4. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  5. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the International Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains the committee files,and handles correspondence pertaining to international matters.The Association also provides a Director of European Affairs to represent APHA in a variety of venues throughout Europe, including inspections, monitoring shows and translation of documents.

Judges Committee
The purpose of the Judges Committee is to approve, disapprove, evaluate and provide continuing education for APHA judges. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of this committee are as follows:

  1. Review and/or initiate proposed changes, additions or deletions to Judges, Youth, Amateur, and General Show and Contest rules and recommend approval/disapproval to the appropriate committee.
  2. Interview and supervise the testing of judge applicants. Receive, review and approve or disapprove judges’ applications. Recommend to the Executive Committee to advance, renew or revoke the judging status of a temporary judge.
  3. Review formal complaints against judges. If disciplinary action is deemed appropriate, the committee will recommend to the Executive Committee the type of disciplinary action desired and furnish background information to justify recommendations.
  4. Review all judges’ files on a three-year rotation. Review the reporting process used to gather information and determine the effectiveness of this procedure.
  5. Review the following APHA Performance Department procedures:
     a. A procedure that will protect the integrity of the judges’ files. These are closed files and not available for public review.
     b. A procedure to maintain a current judges list and the distribution of the list.
     c. A procedure to notify judges or judge applicants of actions pertaining to them.
  6. Evaluate approved judges’ seminars for effectiveness and provide input as necessary.
  7. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  8. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The Association provides a Director of Judges who also serves as the committee’s staff coordinator. This duty includes maintaining judges’ files and a list of approved judges, receiving judges’ applications, checking them for completeness and bringing them to the committee when ready for action. APHA also reviews show manager/exhibitor reports and brings unsatisfactory reports to the attention of the committee, and notifies judge applicants of action taken on applications. A list of recommended judges is provided for APHA-approved shows.  The Judges Committee does not have the authority to discipline judges.  It recommends action to the Executive Committee, which has the sole responsibility for disciplinary action.  

Long Range Planning Committee
The purpose of the Long Range Planning Committee is to serve and support APHA leadership to ensure the survival, profitability and growth of APHA. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of this committee are as follows:

  1. Assist the Executive Committee in the development of a long-term strategic plan. 
  2. Ensure that goals, strategies and priorities of the Association established are consistent with the Association’s mission and goals of preserving and protecting the American Paint Horse. 
  3. Review reports from the Executive Committee and other Committees as may be required in carrying out its assigned responsibilities. 
  4. Explore and review initiatives that will provide greater benefit to the Association.
  5. Translate the strategic direction of the Association into actionable plans.
  6. Work with the Executive Committee and other committees, as appropriate, to review or to develop or enhance processes that must be consistent with and reinforce long-term Association goals.
  7. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  8. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the Long Range Planning Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files, handles all correspondence resulting from committee actions, and forwards committee recommendations to appropriate committees.

Membership Services Committee
The purpose of the Membership Services Committee is to serve and support APHA leadership to ensure the survival, profitability and growth of APHA. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of this committee are as follows:

  1. Make recommendations regarding the planning and implementation of projects which promote ownership of the American Paint Horse and membership in the American Paint Horse Association.
  2. Recommend adoption or amendment to Association rules pertaining to membership which promote growth of the Association membership, fair representation of each member and enjoyment of benefits of the Association.
  3. Make recommendations on promotional and instructional materials, which educate members and nonmembers in the selection, care, training and enjoyment of the American Paint Horse and highlight features and benefits of Association
  4. Recommend changes in membership fees, balancing the Association’s need for revenue with the member’s right to enjoy Association privileges at a reasonable cost.
  5. Review and explore projects which will strengthen existing equine markets for the American Paint Horse and will assist in the recruitment and retention of Association members.
  6. Develop and administer programs which provide communication between APHA members and the Association’s governing body.
  7. Seek out and research benefits and programs that will be cost effective for the Association that will enhance the value of membership in the Association.
  8. Be willing to serve on subcommittees or task forces and participate in meetings as scheduled.
  9. Maintain contact with other APHA standing committee members to ensure proper development of programs and tactics to meet committee goals.

The APHA provides several services to the Membership Services Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files and handles correspondence pertaining to its work.

Ombudsman Sub-Committee
The purpose of this sub-committee is to investigate and make recommendations. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The APHA provides several services to the Ombudsman Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files and handles correspondence.

Professional Horseman’s Committee
The purpose of the Professional Horseman’s Committee is to enhance and promote the best interests of the APHA and to adhere tothe Association’s mission by ensuring the welfare, public confidence, education, cooperation, goodwill and resolution of those members whose occupation or primary source of income is directly related to the Paint Horse industry. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of programs and services that encourage professionalism, integrity and fairness throughout the industry. The committee will make recommendations to address specific topics such as World Show, competition issues, incentives, cooperative programs, etc. This committee will report directly to the Executive Committee. The functions of this committee are as follows:

  1. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  2. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the Professional Horseman’s Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files and handles correspondence pertaining to committee matters.

Racing Committee
The purpose of the Racing Committee is to ensure that the rules and regulations for APHA racing promote the Paint Horse. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of the committee are as follows:

  1. Review/initiate and approve/disapprove proposed rule changes, additions or deletions pertaining to racing.
  2. Receive and review questions, and make appropriate recommendations pertaining to racing.
  3. Review and sample general membership opinion to ensure that APHA racing rules reflect the mainstream thinking of APHA members.
  4. Review policies for evaluating racing, race applications and race results with the APHA Racing Department.
  5. Endeavor to protect the integrity of racing.
  6. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  7. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the Racing Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files and handles correspondence pertaining to Paint racing. The coordinator also maintains racing records and organizes an annual racing awards dinner.

Recreational Riding
The purpose of this Committee is to promote the camaraderie and enjoyment gained from the relationship with friends and associates of the APHA in a recreational, non-competitive, family-oriented atmosphere. This Committee will review, recommend and assist in the promotion of leisure/recreational riding. This Committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The committee functions are as follows:

  1. Explore and monitor programs and activities for Regional Clubs to promote riding activities at the state and regional levels through guidelines and education.
  2. Evaluate and recommend changes to the Ride America Program.

The APHA provides several services to the Recreational Riding Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files and handles correspondence pertaining to recreational riding.  The Association also organizes Association-wide trail rides for APHA members.

Regional Club Committee
The purpose of the Regional Club Committee is to utilize, educate and stimulate regional clubs to facilitate association growth. Promote and offer guidance to Regional Clubs for the betterment of their purpose in regards to membership, financial stability, leadership and volunteerism. Initiate constant dialog between this committee and the regional club affiliates. Develop and implement strategies to promote the expansion of member participation at regional club functions to include recreational riding and PAC events.  The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of the committee are as follows: 

  1. Initiate or review and recommend approval/disapproval of proposed rule changes, additions, or deletions of all rules pertaining to Regional Clubs and PAC.
  2. Identify all aspects and potentials for promotion.
  3. Monitor the Regional Club web site once it is online for accuracy and purpose.
  4. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  5. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee. 

The APHA provides several services to the Regional Club Committee, including a staff coordinator who maintains committee files and handles correspondence pertaining to its work.

Paint Alternative Competition Sub-Committee
The purpose of this sub-committee is to review, recommend and assist with promotion of this program at the Regional Club level. ThePaint Alternative Competition (PAC) program is a competition program designed to record the performance of registered AmericanPaint Horses that compete in events outside the APHA-approved show ring. This program is open to almost any type of activity as longas the competition is sponsored by an organization that keeps official records on the performance of all horses entered in the event—everything from barrel racing to dressage to 4-H.The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee.

Registration Committee
The purpose of the Registration Committee is to ensure that the rules of registration for horses in the APHA further the advancement of the American Paint Horse breed. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The committee functions are as follows:

  1. Review/initiate and approve/disapprove proposed rule changes, additions or deletions pertaining to registration.
  2. Receive, review and interpret questions pertaining to registration.
  3. Review and sample general membership opinion to ensure that APHA registration rules reflect the mainstream thinking of APHA members.
  4. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary, if necessary, so that all official meetings are documented.
  5. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA supports the committee by monitoring the application of registration rules and procedures and present problems or potential problems and reporting them to the committee. The Association maintains and upholds the integrity of registration certificates by constant review, supportive research and accurate record keeping.  

Rules Committee
The purpose of the Rules Committee is to maintain in a concise and orderly manner the APHA Rule Book, which governs the conduct of the business of the American Paint Horse Association. The Rules Committee is responsible for the interpretation of all rules, by direction of the Executive Committee, if any question as to intent or ambiguity arises. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The functions of the committee are as follows:

  1. Review proposed rule changes, additions, or deletions for the by-laws and general rules. Also, initiate rule changes, additions or deletions as deemed appropriate by this committee.
  2. Review all proposed rule changes, additions or deletions for conflicts, ambiguities, accuracy, clarity and wording, performing but not limited to the following actions:
    a. Identify existing rules affected and recommend appropriate resulting rule changes.    
    b. Return rules to originator for further clarification.    
    c. Prepare each proposal in a properly written form for inclusion in the Rule Book.   
    d. Route each proposal to the appropriate committee. 
    e. Route to Executive Committee or legal counsel any rules with adverse or legal implications. 
  3. Receive, review and interpret questions pertaining to the by-laws and rules of the Association.     
    a. Per the action of the Executive Committee, the Rules Committee is to be the official interpreter of any rule about which there is a question, after consideration of the originator’s original intent and/or the intent of the governing standing committee and shall make any clarifications it deems necessary or cause a rule change to be submitted accordingly.
  4. Review and sample general membership opinion to ensure that APHA continues to be sensitive to the needs of the membership.
  5. Prepare and update written procedures and guidelines for conducting committee business.
  6. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary so that all official meetings are documented.
  7. The staff coordinator, at the direction of the chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee. 

The APHA receives, records, routes and tracks all rule change proposals received. The Association studies the impact from a time and cost standpoint for all proposed changes and reports its finding to the committee. APHA also monitors current rules and proposed changes for possible problems and/or legal implications and reports them to the proper committee. APHA provides a staff coordinator who maintains the rule change proposals from year-to-year, prepares the propsals for the committee’s review, and handles all correspondencerelated to the rules process, rule changes, and/or coordinates production of the annual Official APHA Rule Book.   

Ways & Means Committee
The purpose of the Ways & Means Committee is to monitor current financial health and plan the fiscal future of the Association inconjunction with members of the Executive Committee and staff. Ways and Means serves as the Executive Committee liaison to the Board of Directors for the purpose of interpreting both current and future financial status. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The committee’s functions are as follows:

  1. Review and/or initiate and recommend for approval/disapproval of proposed rule changes, addition, or deletions for all rules that may have a financial impact on the Association. 
  2. Receive, review and interpret questions pertaining to rules that financially impact the Association.
  3. Monitor current financial statements along with the Executive Committee and chief financial officer.
  4. Assist the Executive Committee in setting goals for budgeting.
  5. Review, identify and recommend services and fees where costs are incurred with the full knowledge that APHA services have value and sustain the financial health of the Association.
  6. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary so that all official meetings are documented.
  7. The chairperson, of his/her designee, is responsible from the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The Ways and Means Committee, because of the nature of its work, operates according to a code of conduct as follows:

  1. Maintain an attitude of confidentiality at all times.
  2. Serve the Executive Committee according to their needs and requests.  

Youth Committee
The purpose of the Youth Committee is to monitor and evaluate AjPHA programs and show and contest rules related to Youth in order to ensure maximum benefits and participation. The committee functions in an advisory-only capacity with the exception of any powers delegated by the Executive Committee. The committee’s functions are as follows:

  1. Review and/or initiate and approve/disapprove proposed rule change, additions, or deletions for all Youth show and contest rules.
  2. Review questions pertaining to the Youth program.
  3. Review AjPHA programs, policies, and procedures for implementation.
  4. Advance the highest ideals of citizenship, sportsmanship, horsemanship and leadership.
  5. Review and sample general membership opinion to ensure that the AjPHA program reflects the mainstream thinking of AjPHA and APHA members.
  6. Provide minutes of all meetings. Appoint a committee secretary so that all official meetings are documented. 
  7. The chairperson, or his/her designee, is responsible for the timely submission of any standing committee action or matter that requires the review of the Executive Committee.

The APHA provides several services to the Youth Committee, including a Director of Youth Activities who maintains AjPHA Regional Club files, issues AjPHA membership cards, coordinates national officer elections, contests and year-end awards. The Director of Youth Activities coordinates youth activities at the APHA Youth World Show, Workshop, Leadership Conference and Convention. The APHA also publishes a youth section each month in the Paint Horse Journal, and has an informative Web site, www.ajpha.com.