Meeting of Council

The Chairman asked delegates to stand with him in memory of Judge Mr John Shewbridge. Mr Shewbridge had been a former Committee member and also Supreme Show Manager. 

The Chairman welcomed the delegates and observers to the meeting. 

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

MINUTES OF MEETING 25th June 2008
Subject to minor amendments the minutes were approved with 1 abstention and signed by the Chairman.

MATTERS DEFERRED FROM COUNCIL MEETING 25th June 2008
a) The Chairman read out the proposal received from the Notts & Derbys Cat Club.

"In the event that show management has been unable to engage the services of the required number of fully qualified veterinary surgeons, they may resort to inviting students of professionally recognised Veterinary Schools, who are in their FINAL year of qualification, to act in that capacity"

A representative from the Notts & Derby spoke on the proposal.  After discussion it was decided that the club would reword the proposal, this would go to Executive and then be re-presented to Council at the meeting in February 2009.                     

b) Proposal received from the Lincolnshire Cat Club to change the Open Class Structure at GCCF Shows.  A representative of the Lincolnshire Cat Club explained the rationale behind the proposal.

c) Notts & Derbys Cat Club proposal for a Change of structure of Open Classes at GCCF Shows.

The Chairman stated that the proposal from the Lincolnshire Cat Club and the proposal from the Notts & Derby Cat Club were one and the same.  After discussion the Chairman called for a vote on both proposals taken together.  Both were lost.
        
d) Alternatives to "No Recognised Breeds Registration"

Mrs Peace summarised the rationale behind the proposed alternatives to "No Recognised Breeds" Registration.  The Chairman called for the vote and the proposal was passed with 4 abstentions.

e) C1607 Proposed revision of the GCCF Household Pet System at Shows
Titles for Household Pets at shows.

The Executive Committee proposed the following:
1. GCCF titles may be awarded to Household Pet Cats at Sanction and Championship shows licensed by the GCCF. 
2. “Household Pets” may be divided into two groups at shows, Non-Pedigree Pets and Pedigree Pets.
3. The GCCF recognises those Master Cats that have achieved their titles through the work initiated by the Coventry & Leicester Cat Club and the Master Cat certificates already awarded to Non-Pedigree Cats in the Coventry & Leicester Cat Club’s Scheme.
4. The Coventry & Leicester Cat Club, in recognition of their work initiating the concept of titles for Non-Pedigree Cats, shall be allowed to retain their own special title of “Ultimate Cat”, gained by Master Cats winning two certificates in different years at the Coventry & Leicester Cat Club’s annual championship show.

After discussion the Chairman asked for the vote on each of the above items.  All were passed and will come into effect on 1st June 2009.

MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 25th June 2008

C1607 PROPOSED REVISION OF THE GCCF HOUSEHOLD PET SYSTEM AT SHOWS
Titles for Household Pets at shows. (please bring paperwork from last meeting)
Executive propose that:

1. GCCF titles may be awarded to Household Pet Cats at Sanction and Championship shows licensed by the GCCF
2. "Household Pets" may be divided into two groups at shows, Non-Pedigree Pets and Pedigree Pets.
3. The GCCF recognises those Master Cats that have achieved their titles through the work initiated by the Coventry & Leicester Cat Club and the Master Cat certificates already awarded to Non-Pedigree Cats in the Coventry & Leicester Cat Club's Scheme.
4. The Coventry & Leicester Cat Club, in recognition of their work initiating the concept of titles for Non-Pedigree Cats, shall be allowed to retain their own special title of "Ultimate Cat", gained by Master Cats winning two certificates in different years at the Coventry & Leicester Cat Club's annual championship show.

GCCF RULES SECTION 2 - SHOW MANAGEMENT
PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO RULE 5 - CLASSES
5g At Championship and Sanction Shows, show managements are authorised to offer classes for "Household Pets", as defined below. (See Section 4 Rule 2a)
5h "Household Pets" may be divided into two groups.
1. Non-Pedigree Pets - cats of traditional "moggie" appearance, which are unregistered cats of unregistered or unknown parents.
2. Pedigree Pets - cats of pedigree appearance with known, unknown, full or half pedigree backgrounds. They may be registered or unregistered but neither registration numbers nor prefixes will be used when entering as a Pedigree Pet in the Household Pet Section. The requirements for showing Pedigree Pets will be the same as those for Non-Pedigree pets (except Section 4 Rule 4c will apply). (See Section 4 Rule 2b).
5i Household Pets are either "Long/Semi-Longhair" or "Shorthair" and breed or varietal names, or breed numbers allocated to registered cats must not be applied to them in show classifications, schedules or catalogues.
5j In each class, cats are to be judged in competition with each other for Presentation, Condition, Temperament and Personality and placed in order of merit.
5k Open, Grand Master and Imperial Grand Master Classes may be provided for Household Pets by affiliated clubs at Championship and Sanction shows licensed by the GCCF. The Open Classes provided, defined by coat length, colour and pattern, must comply with the list approved by the Executive Committee of the GCCF.
5l Household Pet Kitten Open classes may be split or amalgamated at the discretion of the show management.

PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 7 - ENTRIES (New Rule 7j - existing 7j to become 7k)
7j The titles of Master Cat and Grand Master Cat shall be attained by the awarding of three Master/Grand Master certificates, as appropriate, by three different judges at Sanction or Championship shows licensed by the GCCF. The title of Imperial Grand Master shall be attained by the awarding of five Imperial Grand Master certificates by five different judges at Sanction or Championship shows licensed by the GCCF. (See Section 3, rule 6f; Section 4 Rule 11c)

PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 14 - AWARDS AND PLACINGS (See Section 3 Rule 5e)
14e Judges in the Household Pet Section are authorised to award certificates to first prize-winners in Open adult neuter classes at Sanction and Championship shows only. Awards are to be made relevant to the Presentation, Condition, Temperament and Personality of the exhibit. A judge must not award any certificate if in his opinion the first placed exhibit is not of sufficient merit to attain the title Master Cat. If the certificate is not awarded, the slip must be marked MC/NA.

PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 15 - GRAND CLASSES (See Section 3 Rule 6)
15d An Imperial Grand Master or Grand Master certificate, as appropriate, may be awarded even if there is only one cat in the class providing the judge considers it of high enough quality to attain the relevant title. If the certificate is not awarded, the slip must be marked IGM/NA or GM/NA as appropriate.

PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 20 - POST SHOW PAPERWORK (new Rule 20d. Present Rules 20d - 20g to be re-lettered 20e - 20h)
20d The show management shall, within seven days of the closure of the show, send to the Household Pet Title Administrator one marked copy of the catalogue complete with all Household Pet Open, Grand and Imperial Grand Master class results. All Open, Grand and Imperial class judge changes must be marked.

GCCF RULES SECTION 3 - JUDGES AND STEWARDS
PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 5 - AWARDS AND PLACINGS (See Section 2 Rule 14e)
5e Judges in the Household Pet Section are authorised to award certificates to first prize-winners in Open adult neuter classes at Sanction and Championship shows only. Awards are to be made relevant to the Presentation, Condition, Temperament and Personality of the exhibit. A judge must not award any certificate if in his opinion the first placed exhibit is not of sufficient merit to attain the title Master Cat. If the certificate is not awarded, the slip must be marked MC/NA.

PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 6 - GRAND CLASSES (See Section 2 Rule 15)
6e An Imperial Grand Master or Grand Master certificate, as appropriate, may be awarded even if there is only one cat in the class providing the judge considers it of high enough quality to attain the relevant title. If the certificate is not awarded, the slip must be marked IGM/NA or GM/NA as appropriate.
6f The titles of Master Cat and Grand Master Cat shall be attained by the awarding of three Master/Grand Master certificates, as appropriate, by three different judges at Sanction or Championship shows licensed by the GCCF. The title of Imperial Grand Master shall be attained by the awarding of five Imperial Grand Master certificates by five different judges at Sanction or Championship shows licensed by the GCCF. (see Section 2, rule 7j ; Section 4 Rule 11c)

GCCF RULES SECTION 4 - EXHIBITS AND EXHIBITORS
PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO RULE 2 - ELIGIBILITY
2a At Championship and Sanction Shows, show managements are authorised to offer classes for "Household Pets", as defined below. (See Section 2 Rule 5g)
2b "Household Pets" may be divided into two groups.
1. Non-Pedigree Pets - cats of traditional "moggie" appearance, which are unregistered cats of unregistered or unknown parents.
2. Pedigree Pets - cats of pedigree appearance with known, unknown, full or half pedigree backgrounds. They may be registered or unregistered but neither registration numbers nor prefixes will be used when entering as a Pedigree Pet in the Household Pet Section. The requirements for showing Pedigree Pets will be the same as those for Non-Pedigree pets (except Section 4 Rule 4c will apply). (See Section 2 Rule 5h)
2c Household Pets are either "Long/Semi-Longhair" or "Shorthair" and breed or varietal names, or breed numbers allocated to registered cats must not be applied to them in show classifications, schedules or catalogues. (See Section 2 Rule 5i)
2d All Household pets aged 6 {delete: 9} months or over exhibited at shows held under GCCF licence must be neutered.

PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 8 - SHOW ENTRY, CLASSES, TITLES AND WITHDRAWALS
8a
Note 4: Any former title, breed number, registration number or prefix may not be included before or after the name, or on the entry form, of a Pedigree Pet exhibit.
Note 5: Any Household Pet title achieved by an exhibit must be claimed and will then form part of that exhibit's name.

PROPOSED ADDITION TO RULE 11 - SHOW ENTRY, CLASSES, TITLES AND WITHDRAWALS
11c The titles of Master Cat and Grand Master Cat shall be attained by the awarding of three Master/Grand Master certificates, as appropriate, by three different judges at shows licensed by the GCCF. The title of Imperial Grand Master shall be attained by the awarding of five Imperial Grand Master certificates by five different judges at shows licensed by the GCCF. (See Section 2 Rule 7j; Section 3, rule 6f;)

b) PROPOSED GCCF RULE CHANGE - VETERINARY MATTERS
Section 2/13e
Line 2 - amend to "the additional forms for Sections B and D rejections…."

Section 4 Notes on Rejection at shows (page 44) Para 3 (Category B)
Lines 4 - 7 - replace with "issued with a rejection form, a yellow clearance form and a special clearance form which details the tests that must be carried out WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE SHOW (on the rejected cat/s only at this stage) before the Clearance Certificate can be completed and sent, together with the rejection form, to the GCCF office

FINANCE
a) Treasurer's Report
b) Registration Price Increase - effective 1st January 2009
The Finance Committee had proposed that Prefix Registrations and Transfers should be increased by 50p and Non-Prefix Registrations should be increased by £1.00.  After discussion delegates voted to increase Prefix Registrations, Non-Prefix Registrations and Transfers by £1.00 with effect from 1st January 2009 this was carried with 5 abstentions.

PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE CONSTITUTION
a) The Oriental Cat Association proposed that The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy Constitution (re-printed November 05) be amended under Section 7, Powers of the Council, to replace item (1) with the following wording:

"To require The Executive Committee to present to Council at the first Council Meeting of each calendar year, a full Annual Business Plan and budget for the forthcoming year, itemising all projected initiatives, projects and expenditures, together with comprehensive financial and other justification, details of proposed tendering processes and any other back-up information required by the Delegates. This Plan must be ratified by majority voting at the aforesaid first Council Meeting, and the agreed Plan must be reported on at each successive Council Meeting, where outcomes from the previous period's activities must be reported on, and any and all variances and departures from the original Plan must be explained, justified and accepted by Delegates. Any new initiatives not previously itemised that are additional to or modify the Annual Business Plan, whether they are put forward by Club's Delegates or by the Executive Committee, must be presented to Council before they are contracted so that endorsement can be sought and gained before any action takes place. In any matter of extreme urgency, an Emergency Meeting of Council shall be called to approve the Executive Committee's presentation."

After discussion it was proposed that Executive should revise the wording and come back to Council with a proposal that it felt was workable.   This proposal was carried with 1 abstention

BREED PROMOTIONS
The Executive Committee proposes the following with effect from 1st June 2009.
a) Abyssinian BAC Application for Championship Status of Chocolate and Lilac Abyssinian Cats.
b) Siamese Cat JAC Application for Championship Status for Cinnamon Point Siamese
c) Siamese Cat JAC Application for Championship Status for Apricot Point Siamese.
d) British Shorthair Group Committee Application for Championship Status for Chocolate Self British Shorthair.
e) Joint Rex BAC Application for promotion to Championship Status for Selkirk Rex.
f) Sphynx Group Application for promotion to Provisional Status for Sphynx.
h) Korat BAC Application for Provisional Status of the Thai Lilac (34C) and the Thai Pointed 34 40 2.

PRELIMINARY RECOGNITION
The Executive Committee proposed the following with immediate effect as soon as practicable for Show Managers
Ocicat BAC Application for Preliminary Recognition for the Ocicat Classic - This was passed

STANDARDS OF POINTS
Executive Committee recommends the following with effect from 1st June 2009
a) The Egyptian Mau BAC would like to add an additional "Withhold All Awards" "Blue Eyes"

b) Siamese JAC proposed amendment to the Seal Point Standard of Points
Amendment to the existing SoP shown underlined in bold type
Eyes - Clear, brilliant, deep blue.
Points - Clearly defined dense warm seal brown, matching in tone on all points and showing clear contrast between points and body colour on points may be much paler, this should not be faulted. Cold or black, or greyish are incorrect in kittens and adults.
Body - Cream. Even shading, if any, to be of warm fawn colour to tone with the points. In kittens body colour may be muddy fawn. A cold white or greyish body colour is incorrect in kittens and adults.
Nose Leather & Paw Pads - Seal brown
Additional Faults:
1. Any shade of black or grey in body or points colour.
2. Heavily marked body (e.g. stripes, spots or bars).
3. Cold white body colour.

Delete paragraph relating to 'Additional Faults'
Replace with
Withhold Certificates or First Prizes in Kitten Open classes for:
1. Pale or dull eye colour
2. Cold or black or grey toned points colour.
3. Cold white/greyish body colour
4. Heavily marked or shaded body
5. General Siamese withholding faults

c) The Birman BAC Additions in bold and underlined {Removals in italics, underlined and between curly brackets}
HEAD
Skull strong, broad and rounded. Nose medium in length (no "stop" but with a slight dip in profile). Cheeks full and round tapering to a strong, well developed muzzle. Chin full and well developed. {Remove: slightly tapered but not receding}
BODY
Long, {Remove: and massive} large, well-boned and of good substance for age.
TAIL
Bushy {Remove: Medium in length} and in proportion to body.
COAT and CONDITION
Coat long, silken in texture; full ruff around neck; slightly curled on stomach. {Remove: The cat should be well grown, the frame (skeleton) should be strong, well covered and muscular.} Eyes bright and temperament good.

d) Korat BAC Standard of Points for the Thai Lilac and Thai Blue Point (enclosed).

These were all passed.

"All Red and Cream Point Birmans with one or more Tabby parent(s) must be registered as Red or Cream Tabby until proven otherwise. Cats may not be registered as solid until test matings have proven them to be free of the agouti gene or they have been DNA tested and proven to be non-agouti (proof to be supplied with the registration document). Any cat DNA tested must be micro-chipped."

b) The Ocicat BAC proposed changes the Ocicat Registration Policy
c) The Ocicat BAC proposed changes to the Ocicat Classic Registration Policy

All were passed.

APPLICATION FOR AFFILIATION
The Executive Committee recommends the following with immediate effect;
a) Traditionalist Ragdoll Cat Society
b) Eastern Longhair & Semi Longhair Cat Club

These were passed.

SHOW MATTERS
a) Supreme Show report

Miss May updated Council on savings that had been made in various areas, for example hotel expenses, Judges fees, smaller rings, fewer pens per ring, etc.  Miss May told delegates that the Supreme Show Committee had held discussions with the NEC regarding reducing the number of halls booked, unfortunately the NEC were unable to do anything to assist in reducing the number of halls for this year. 

A delegate asked whether quotes were taken up for printing trade stand packs, etc., and raised his concern regarding the cost of printing. Delegates were advised that quotes were always obtained.

Another delegate made the point that the Supreme Show was exactly that, "the Supreme Show" and said it was extremely important that the checking done by the Office continued to be done in order to ensure that the Supreme Show Catalogue was absolutely accurate. 

Due to lack of time the following proposal from the National Cat Club were deferred to the February meeting of Council.

c) The National Cat Club proposes that:
In an attempt to minimise and/or prevent any future losses for the Supreme Show that:

a) The Supreme Show Committee should be made up of members elected annually by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Candidates for the Supreme Show Committee will be elected from the Council delegates and will be required to provide a 50 word document stating why they should be considered for the post and including any relevant experience. These documents will be issued with the appropriate Council meeting agenda to ensure that delegates have the time to study the candidates and seek their club's views prior to the meeting. Candidates shall be nominated by constituent clubs in the usual way and voting will be by a paper ballot. If two or more candidates receive the same number of votes a further round of voting shall take place.

b) The Supreme Show shall be subject to the same rules as all other GCCF shows in that it must apply to the GCCF for a show date and venue.

c) The Supreme Show shall be subject to the same rules regarding profit and loss as all other GCCF Clubs in that if the show sustains a significant loss a license to stage the show the following year will not be granted by the GCCF.

d) The Supreme Show Committee will be required to produce a Projected Profit and Loss Account for approval by the GCCF and shall be required to research and obtain value for money in the matter of venues and services and to actively canvas and obtain sponsorship partners.

e) The Supreme Show Committee meetings shall be properly recorded, with the minutes of each meeting being made available to Council in the same manner in which all other GCCF committee meetings are made available.

d) The Guild of GCCF Judges and Stewards propose that:

'It is a recommendation that the mileage allowance claimed by judges officiating at shows should be 30p per mile, and that this should be reviewed annually.'

This was agreed with immediate effect.

e) 2009/2010 Show Dates

f) Executive recommend the following class splits
Exotic BAC request permanent split of the current Non Self open class into Tabby (including Mackerel, Classic and Spotted with or without white) and AOC Non Self

This was approved and will come into effect 1st June 2009

JUDGES
a) Judges were approved:

Abyssinian BAC
Full Judge Mrs H Marriott-Power
1 year Extension Mr G Godfrey

Asian BAC
1 year extension Mrs R Alger-Street

Balinese BAC
Full Judge Mrs J Francis Wilson

Birman BAC
Probationer Judge Mr M Pearman
1 year extension Mrs S Crichton

British Shorthair GC
British Shorthair & Manx
Full Judge Mrs R Fisher

Burmese BAC
Full Judge Mrs C Dugdale

Exotic BAC
1 year extension Mrs P Rogers, Mrs C de Martino

Joint Rex BAC
Devon Rex BAC
Full Judge Mrs M Codd, Mrs S Heavens

Selkirk Rex
Probationer Judge Mrs H Marriott-Power

Korat BAC
Full Judge Mrs H Marriott-Power, Mr P Cornish

Maine Coon BAC
Full Judge Mr J Cohen, Mr M Pearman
Probationer Judge Mrs V A Andersen, Mrs S Crichton

Norwegian Forest BAC
Full Judge Mr J Cohen

Ocicat BAC
Full Judge Mrs V Brooks
Probationer Judge Mrs V A Anderson

Ocicat Classic
All judges who are Full Ocicat Judges will be Full Judges of Ocicat Classics

Persian Tabby BAC
Probationer Judge Mrs C Gainsbury, Mr G Gow
Mrs G Neale

Ragdoll BAC
Full Judge Mr S Leppard
Probationer Judge Mrs A Lyall

Russian BAC
Full Judge Ms M Chapman

Self JAC
1 year extension Mrs J Francis-Wilson

Siamese JAC
1 year extension Mrs J Francis-Wilson

Somali BAC
Full Judge Mrs S Tokens

b) Judge withdrawals, etc
Korat BAC request that Mrs D Burke be allowed18 months discounted from her period as a Korat Probationer Judge.

Due to illness Mr Bob Worth will no longer be accepting any judging engagements and will be placed on the Retired Judges list.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Chairman advised delegates that Miss Beeson, Office Manager, was leaving the GCCF after 20 years. He thanked her for her dedication, hard work and he said she would be greatly missed.