ATSA BYLAWS

INCLUDES RULES OF THE REGISTRY

BYLAWS OF THE AMERICAN TEESWATER SHEEP ASSOCIATION

Approved May 2020

ARTICLE I - NAME

The name of this organization shall be the American Teeswater Sheep Association (ATSA).

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

The American Teeswater Sheep Association is a nonprofit organization. The purpose of the ATSA is:

To engage in the establishment, promotion, preservation, and development of American Teeswater sheep
To establish and maintain high standards and promote the high quality of the Teeswater sheep.
To keep records of all sheep registered by the Association, issue official papers and perform all functions connected with the registration of Teeswater sheep. Such records shall be permanent in character and at the disposition of the members of the Association.
The Association shall receive and disburse the finances of the organization

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Rights and Privileges of Membership

Membership in the Association is a privilege and not a right. Active members meeting the general qualification requirements are entitled to attend, speak, and vote at the membership meetings of the Association. In addition, members in good standing shall be kept informed of the Association's activities, shall be notified of all membership meetings, shall have access to annual reports, flock books and copies of the Bylaws.

SECTION 2. General Membership

Any person, family or corporation interested in the promotion of Teeswater Sheep may become a member of the ATSA. Annual membership shall begin January 1st and expire on December 31st. of each year. A grace period of 30 days will be in effect, allowing such time for members to send in membership dues.

SECTION 3. Active Membership

Active memberships run from January 1 through December 31 of each year. Active membership may be given to an individual, partnership, corporation, association or other entity, but will carry only one vote per membership. (See Section 6)

In order to be considered an Active member in good standing and be eligible for voting, to participate in Association elections and to hold elective office they shall: (continued)

Have paid ATSA Active member dues for the current year
Have no outstanding financial obligation to the Association more than sixty (60) days past due
Currently own Teeswater sheep
Have purchased ATSA Teeswaters, bred and registered sheep with the ATSA, or transferred sheep into the ATSA within the previous two calendar years.
Not participate in the management of other associations or enterprises to be determined by the Board to present a direct conflict of interest with the ATSA.

SECTION 4. Junior Memberships and other special memberships

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to establish a separate membership class for junior members or other special categories with such limitations and qualifications as the Board shall establish. Junior members shall have no voting rights.

SECTION 5. Members That Are Not Individual

Any submitted membership that is a partnership, corporation, association, or other entity (i.e. not an individual person) shall designate in writing to the Association the name of the individual who is authorized to sign and vote on behalf of the entity. Each entity will carry one vote.

SECTION 6. Voting Rights

Active members of the Association in good standing that meet SECTION 2 above, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the membership. A member may vote either in person or by proxy appointed in writing by the member or his duly authorized attorney-in-fact. No proxy shall be valid for any voting issue or period except that which it was specifically designated in the proxy. In no case shall a proxy be valid for more than 30 days.

SECTION 7. Membership Dues and Service Fees

The Board of Directors will determine the amount of annual membership dues and fees for services that shall be payable to the Association. The Board of Directors may also establish the time or times at which membership dues and service fees are due and payable, and procedures for dealing with members and others in default of payment. If a person is in default in the payment of annual membership dues or service fees, the Association may refuse to register any sheep for that person until due and owing membership dues and service fees are paid in full.

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Annual Membership Meeting.

An annual meeting of the membership shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors may designate. All members are encouraged to attend and will be notified in advance.

Purpose: The Annual Membership Meeting is held for the purpose of announcing the election results of Board members, for hearing the report of officers of the Board, for the consideration of bylaws changes, and for the transaction of any other business or concerns which may properly come before the membership.

SECTION 2. Quorum

A quorum at any meeting of the membership shall consist of a simple majority of not less than fifty-one (51) percent of members in good standing present, in person or by proxy. Every decision of such quorum shall be valid as a corporate act, except in those specific instances in which a larger vote is required by law or by these Bylaws.

SECTION 3. Notice

Notice of the time of meetings shall be furnished to all board members and all association members. This notice shall be given at least 7 days prior to the meeting. A copy of the agenda shall be emailed prior to the meeting.

SECTION 4. Meeting Procedures

All meetings of the membership shall be conducted according to parliamentary procedures as set forth in the latest revision of Robert’s Rules of Order except in those specific instances in which alternate procedures are detailed by the law or by the Association procedures or Bylaws.

SECTION 5. Special Meetings

Special meetings of the members may be held at any time for any purpose or purposes at such designated place. Special meetings may be called by the President or by the Board of Directors or by 25 percent (%) of the membership. The person calling a special meeting shall designate the date, time and place of such meeting and shall give notice at least 7 days prior.

ARTICLE V - DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. Authority

A Board of Directors shall manage the property and affairs of the Association. The Board of Directors derives its powers and authority from the members. The Board of Directors shall have authority over all policy decisions.

SECTION 2. Number and Qualifications

The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than five and not more than nine Active members of the Association in good standing in accordance with Article III; the number shall be determined at the discretion of the Board. All Active members are eligible to declare candidacy. The Board shall establish the method of election and appropriate steps to ensure that all members are represented throughout the USA and Canada if possible.

SECTION 3. Term of Office

The term of office of the Directors shall be three years. All positions shall be subject to election following completion of the term. If additional candidates are not nominated for the position, the incumbent may continue in office until their successors are elected and take office. Nothing contained herein shall preclude a member of the Board of Directors from succeeding himself or herself.

SECTION 4. Election of Directors

A call for submissions for nomination will be sent to all members for any upcoming vacancies or elections by August 1 of that year. An official ballot containing the names and resumes of candidates shall be mailed or emailed to all members of the association by September 1 of that year. Director applicants receiving the most votes shall be deemed elected. In the event of a tie, the present directors will decide the outcome. The membership will be notified of the results of all elections.

SECTION 5. Vacancies

In the case of a vacancy on the Board of Directors, the Directors shall have the power to fill such vacancy with the appointment of a member with the vacant seat to serve the unexpired term until the next annual meeting.

SECTION 6. Compensation

Directors shall not receive any stated compensation for their services but by resolution of the Board, reimbursement may be allowed for performing other duties assigned by the Board.

SECTION 7. Meeting Procedures

All meetings of the Board shall be conducted according to parliamentary procedures as set forth in the latest revision of Robert’s Rules of Order except in those specific instances in which alternate procedures are detailed by the law or by the Association procedures or Bylaws. Members of the association will be notified of all regular Board meetings and may be given the opportunity to speak or make presentations at the approval of the President. Members of the Board or of any committee may participate in a meeting of the Board or its committees by means of conference telephone or other similar communications equipment, provided there has been five days’ notice.

SECTION 8. Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors

The annual meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the annual meeting of the membership of the Association or at such other location and time as designated by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 9. Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors are held for the purpose of conducting association business. A meeting of the Board may be called by the President, or any three or more Directors by giving ten days’ notice.

SECTION 10. Action in Lieu of Meeting

Unless otherwise restricted by law, any action requested that may be taken at a meeting of the Board, may be taken without a meeting if consent in writing or via email, setting forth the action shall be agreed to by all of the Directors entitled to vote. Any such consent shall have the same effect as a unanimous vote and may be stated as such in any document describing the action taken by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 11. Waiver of Notice

Any individual notice provided or required to be given to the Directors may be waived in writing or email by unanimous approval from the Directors each time a waiver is sought.

SECTION 12. Quorum

At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a simple majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the Directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum, except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law or by these Bylaws or by the Articles of Incorporation shall be the act of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 13. Resignation

Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Board of Directors. Such resignation shall take effect at the time specified in the notice, and unless otherwise specified therein, formal acceptance of such resignation is not necessary to make it effective.

SECTION 14. Removal

Any Director may be removed by a vote of two-thirds of the Directors present in person or by proxy at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose. Prior to being removed, the officer will be given the opportunity to respond to any accusations or shortcomings.

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

SECTION 1. General Duties of Officers

The officers of the Association shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, Secretary and a Treasurer. No offices may be held by the same person. To be eligible to serve as President, Vice President or Secretary the individual must have served on the Board the previous year, unless no qualified candidates are available, in which case any Board member may be elected. The Board may elect from time to time to delegate some of the duties of one office to another, however in the absence of such delegation the following duties shall be performed by each office:

The PRESIDENT shall be the chief officer of the ATSA and shall perform the duties of general

supervision of the business and affairs of the ATSA. (S)he shall preside at all meetings of the Board, and of the membership. (S)he shall sign in the name of the corporation all documents or instruments which are necessary and proper to be executed during the corporation’s business. (S)he shall be an ex-officio participant of all committees appointed by the Board.

The VICE PRESIDENT shall, in the absence of or the incapacity of the President, act in the capacity of the PRESIDENT.

The SECRETARY is subject to the ultimate will of the Board and in compliance with the provisions of the bylaws:

1. Shall record the proceedings of all board and membership meetings. If a meeting

goes into a closed session to deal with matters of personnel, the secretary shall not

take minutes except as shall be ordered by the Board.

2. Shall insure that the members of the board receive a copy of the minutes within 30

days of the meeting.

3. Shall be responsible for maintaining all official documents, minute books and such

other matters entrusted to the secretary's keeping.

4. See that all such documents are kept under proper care and safe keeping.

5. Shall record and keep a permanent file of any letter ballots received from the general

membership.

6. Shall perform such other activities as may be set by the Board.

D. The TREASURER may be a member of the Board and shall be responsible for the financial

administrative policies established by the Board and shall perform the duties of supervision over the responsibility for the funds, securities, receipts, and disbursements of the association. The treasurer is responsible for bringing any questionable expenditure to the attention of the Board in a timely manner and shall see that a timely record of the financial activity of the ATSA be properly preserved. (S)he shall be empowered (without regard to the will of the Board or the members) to require from any director, officer, staff worker, or associate of the ATSA any financial documents, reports, statements giving such true information as may be desired with respect to any and all financial transactions of or with the association.

SECTION 2. Election of Officers

Officers of the Board shall be elected annually, from the members of the Board of Directors,

by the Board of Directors, at the Annual Board meeting immediately following the annual meeting of the members. The newly elected executives shall take office immediately upon this election. The Treasurer may be a member of the Board, or a dually authorized agent designated by the Board.

SECTION 3. Term of Office

Each officer of the Association shall hold office for a term of one year or until a successor is selected unless the officer is removed or resigns before such time. Nothing contained in these Bylaws shall preclude an officer from succeeding himself/herself, except that no person shall hold the office of the President for more than three consecutive terms.

SECTION 4. Compensation

Reimbursement for the expenses, if any, of the President or Vice-President in attending meetings or carrying out responsibilities designated by the Board of Directors shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. Compensation for the staff and expenses for carrying out official responsibilities shall be fixed by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5. Removal

Any officer shall be removed, with cause, by the vote of two-thirds of the Directors present in person or by proxy at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose at which a quorum is present and at least ten days previous written notice was provided and the officer is offered the opportunity to respond to any accusations.

SECTION 6. Resignation

Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7. Vacancies

Vacancies of any office shall be filled by the Board of Directors. Any person so appointed to fill such vacancy shall serve at the pleasure of the Board for the un-expired term of the predecessor or until the successor is elected and commences the term of office.

SECTION 8. Delegation of Duties

If any officer is absent, or unable to act, or for any other reason the Board may deem sufficient, the Board may delegate, for the time begin, some or all of the functions, duties, powers and responsibilities of any officer to any other officer, agent, or employee of the Association or other responsible person, provided a majority of the whole Board concurs therein.

The Registrar shall be appointed by the Board of Directors and subject to review by that same group. The Registrar shall act as registrant for all ATSA animals, registrations and transfers. The Registrar shall provide to the Board all registrations and transactions.

SECTION 10. Appointment of Other Officers and Agents

The Board of Directors may also appoint, from time to time, such other officers, agents and attorneys-in-fact as it may deem necessary or advisable. All appointed officers, agents, and attorneys-in-fact shall hold their respective positions at the pleasure of the Board or for such terms as the Board may specify, and they shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors or by an elected officer empowered by the Board to make such

determination.

ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, The Executive Committee shall, when the Board is not in session, supervise and direct the affairs of the Association under policies established by the Board, reporting to the Board for its ratification of the Committee’s action.

SECTION 2. Other Committees

The Board of Directors may, from time to time, establish and/or dissolve such other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate, with such powers and authority as the Board shall designate. The members of each committee, other than the Executive Committee, shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. A majority of any committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of that committee. Each committee shall meet at such times as may be designated by the President of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. Place or Method of Meetings

Meetings of committees may be held at any place as determined by the chairman of that committee. A conference call would be preferred.

ARTICLE VII - TERMINATION OR CURTAILMENT OF MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Expulsion and Censure of Members

The ATSA may censure any member of this Association who:

A. violates the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or Rules of Registry of the Association

B. shall deceive or wrong the Association, a member thereof, or another person with respect to Teeswater sheep

C. whose practices in the breeding of Teeswater sheep are such as to impair the reliability of the records of the Association; may be censured, suspended or expelled by the Board of Directors after notice and a hearing as hereinafter provided.

The Board of Directors shall have the power to define what constitutes such fraudulent and unethical practices. The Board of Directors has the power to censure, suspend and/or expel any member after the results of a hearing. see article VII Section 2 and 3

SECTION 2. Charges Against Members

Upon a written complaint reflecting adversely upon the conduct of a member being presented to the Association, the President shall form a direct the Disciplinary Action Committee to cause the same to be investigated. Members shall cooperate fully with the Association in any investigation. The Disciplinary Action Committee shall report the results of their information gathering to the Board. A vote will be taken whether to proceed with a hearing.

SECTION 3. Hearings

Notice of hearings will be made by certified or registered mail not less than 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing. The notice will contain a statement of the purpose and scope of the hearing and the actions which the Board has the power to take as per Article VII Section 1.

ARTICLE VIII - GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Association shall be such as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. In the absence of action by the Board of Directors, the fiscal year of the Association shall be from January 1 through December 31 of the calendar year.

SECTION 2. Financial Controls

Funds of the Association shall be handled and expended in keeping with accepted budget and accounting practices under policies established by the Board of Directors. Funds kept in deposit accounts will be monitored at regular intervals to ensure that reasonable returns are achieved on investments. All moneys, securities, and other valuables of the ATSA shall be deposited in the name of the American Teeswater Sheep Association in such banks, trust companies, or safe deposit boxes as the Board of Directors shall designate, and shall be withdrawn only by check or order signed by such person as designated by the Board.

All instruments of assignment, transfer, conveyance, release and contract requiring execution of the Board of Directors of the ATSA shall be signed by the authorized officer or agent designated by the Board. The President, or any other officer of the Board may accept any unconditional and unrestricted bequests, devices, or donations. No part of the net earnings of this corporation shall inure to the benefit of any individual, and no part of the funds of this corporation shall attempt to influence legislation, nor shall this corporation engage in any prohibited transaction as defined by the Internal Revenue Code.

The Board of Directors may require that the yearly audit of the Association is conducted by an independent auditor who is beyond the realm of the business affairs of the ATSA. A copy of such audit shall be available to the members of the ATSA.

SECTION 3. Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Agents

Each person who is or was a Director, officer or agent of the Association or is or was serving at the request of the Association as a Director, officer or agent or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall be indemnified by the Association as of right to the full extent permitted or authorized by the laws of the state in which the association is incorporated. The indemnification provided by this Bylaw provision shall be indemnification against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with any action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of the Association, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful.

No person shall be liable to the Association for any loss, damage, liability, or expense suffered by it on account of any action taken or omitted to be taken as a Director, officer or agent of the Association or of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, that the person serves as a Director, officer or agent at the request of the Association, if the person exercising the same degree of care and skill as a prudent man would have exercised under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs, or if the person took, or omitted to take such action in reliance upon the advice of counsel for the Association or for such other corporation, firm, or other enterprise that the person had no reasonable grounds to disbelieve. The indemnification provided by this section shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

SECTION 4. Records

The Association shall keep accurate books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the meetings of its members, Board of Directors and each committee having any of the authority of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5. Seal

The Board of Directors shall adopt, and may alter at its pleasure, the corporate seal, which shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation and the words: American Teeswater Sheep Association and the letters ATSA. The corporate seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed, affixed, or reproduced in any manner.

SECTION 6. Bylaw Amendments

These Bylaws may from time to time be altered, amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the members in good standing who cast ballots on such matter; provided, the number of ballots cast would have been sufficient to constitute a quorum at a duly held meeting of the members. Proposed bylaw changes may be initiated by the Board or by petition to the board, signed by not less than 25% of the members of the Association. Members must be given at least 30 notification prior to any amendment votes.

SECTION 8. Limitation of Duty

It shall not be the duty of this Association to enforce any contract or agreement between buyers and sellers other than the furnishing of proper certificates of registry and transfer of ownership, or of the breeding records relating to such sheep or their progeny.

ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION AND SUCCESSION

Upon dissolution of the American Teeswater Sheep Association, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all liabilities of the association, dispose of all assets of the association exclusively for the purposes of the association in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization under section 501 (c) (3) or the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) as the Board of Directors shall determine

ARTICLE XI - RULES OF REGISTRY AND UPGRADING GUIDELINES

The ATSA has established Rules of Registry and Upgrading Guidelines, contained herein. The Board may at its discretion also institute additional policy.

The Board of Directors shall establish a Standard of Perfection which shall be accepted by the Association as a general description and model for ATSA Teeswater sheep.

The American Teeswater Sheep Association maintains permanent records of all registrations, transfers and transactions of animals. As of October 2020, the ATSA will only allow white animals into the registry in keeping with historic standards.

SECTION 1. General Rules of Registry

To be eligible for Registration with the ATSA, animals must meet the requirements set forth in the Rules of Registry. A completed Registration form, fee and all required documentation must be submitted to the Registrar. Each animal accepted, will be assigned a unique ATSA number and issued an official Certificate of Registration.

The ATSA has formulated an upgrading process to establish the Teeswater breed in North America. Our Registry allows the establishment of ATSA Teeswater lines using Registered Foundation animals and encourages consistent upgrading to improve the blood percentages of ATSA Teeswaters through successive generations.

The ATSA encourages:

Improving the blood percentage and phenotype with each successive generation using Foundation ewes, imported and domestic semen, embryos and live cover.

Producing animals testing RR at codon 171

Achieving the eventual goal of reaching ATSA Purebred Status

The ATSA will consider granting registrations to animals that have been previously registered with another Teeswater Association and meet ATSA specifications. The Board of Directors will set and periodically review policies for these transferred registrations

SECTION 2. Definitions

Artificial Insemination (AI): The ATSA recognizes artificial insemination (AI) as a conception method. When filling out the registration form, indicate ‘AI’ in the ‘Type of Birth. Please refer to specific requirements for either domestic or imported semen.

Breeder: The recorded owner of the dam at the time she was bred is the breeder of the lamb produced by this breeding.

CF/White: CF/White (color factored/white) is simply a notation to help breeders track any history of color in a pedigree. White animals with a colored sire or dam or who have produced colored offspring are given the notation CF/white. This does not affect their eligibility for Registration in any way. Currently the ATSA only allows registration of white animals.

Donor Ewe: Ewe from which fertilized embryos were collected.

Embryo Transplant: The ATSA recognizes the use of Embryo Transplant (ET). Lambs born from ET must meet the same registration requirements as all other applications for registration.

Please refer to specific requirements for either domestic or imported embryos.

F1 (First Generation): F1 is used to identify first generation offspring. They are the first in their line to be registered by the ATSA and must be a product of a Registered ATSA Foundation ewe:

Sired via artificial insemination using approved 100% UK Teeswater semen

Sired by a Purebred Teeswater Ram

Sired by approved ATSA Foundation sire.

Foundation Ewes: These are ewes that have met the ATSA guidelines, been approved from our list of qualifying breeds and issued an ATSA number and a Foundation Ewe certificate (see Section VII). Approved Foundation ewes are used to produce F1 progeny, starting a line of ATSA Teeswaters to be used in our upgrade program.

UK Green Tag Animals: The UK Teeswater Sheep Breeders Association uses a Green Tag system for identifying animals registered in their association and included in their Flock Book. This special green ear tag identifies the registration number and serves as a certificate of registration with that association. Some domestic Teeswaters have been granted this status.

Owner: The current owner of the animal

Prefix: For recording keeping, every member flock in the ATSA has a unique farm prefix used to identify their individual flock.

Registered: Animals who have submitted and been accepted and issued Registration papers from an organization. Unless otherwise specified this refers to ATSA Registered animals.

Transfers: The ATSA allows members to transfer ownership of ATSA Registered animals. Instructions for transfer can be found on the back of each Original Certificate of Registration.

SECTION 3. Procedure for Registered Animals

Color - As of October 2020, only white animals will be eligible for Registration in the ATSA. All existing colored animals registered with the ATSA will be grandfathered and retain their status.

Identification - Each animal submitted for Registration must be permanently identified by unique ear tag system or tattoo.

Eligibility - Member breeders may submit offspring from the mating of any ATSA Registered sire and dam. Completed Registration form, fee and supporting documentation must be submitted. Animals must be less than 24 months of age and may include wethers. The ATSA will consider granting registration to animals that have been previously registered with another Teeswater Association and meet ATSA specifications as per ATSA policies.

Percentages – The ATSA assigns a blood percentage to each animal that represents the average amount of Teeswater genetics in that animal. To determine the percentage of a Registered animal, the percentage of the sire and dam are added together and divided by two. The percentage will be carried to the first decimal place and then truncated. The resulting figure is the Teeswater blood percentage of the lamb.

Domestic Rams must be 75% or higher before being eligible for Registration and must provide proof of testing as QR or RR at codon 171. Domestic ewes must be 46% or higher to be eligible for registration.

Codon at 171 - Breeders may submit testing results at codon 171 for ewes and the information will be entered into her record. When a proven registered RR ewe is bred to a registered RR ram, the resulting offspring will be entered as RR and will not have to submit codon testing. The BOD reserves the right to periodically audit this process by requesting codon testing of any animal in the Registry.

All domestic progeny of Registered QR rams must submit proof of testing QR or RR at codon 171 to be eligible for registration. No domestic animals will be registered QQ at codon 171.

Foundation Lines – A Foundation line is a new line of ATSA Teeswaters that is created by the mating of a Registered ATSA Foundation ewe (see Section VII), sired by either semen from ATSA approved 100% UK Teeswaters, an approved ATSA Foundation sire or an ATSA Purebred ram.

Only female offspring from these F1 mating’s are eligible for Registration. Males must be 75% or higher to be registered. No F1 rams will be eligible for Registration

Imported Embryos – The ATSA accepts applications for Registration from imported Teeswater embryos. The donor ewe and the sire of imported embryo’s must be white, show proof of registration in a Teeswater association, supply a copy of their pedigree and meet all policy and testing requirements set by the Board. Submissions will be reviewed and once approved the lambs born via ET from this mating will be eligible to apply for Registration.

Imported Semen – The ATSA accepts applications for the use of imported Teeswater semen via AI. The semen must be approved for use in the ATSA prior to any lambs being granted Registration. The collected animal must be white, show proof of registration in a Teeswater association, supply a copy of their pedigree, and meet all policy and testing requirements set by the Board. Submissions will be reviewed by the board and once approved the donor sires will be given an ATSA number and be entered into the ATSA registry.

Standard of Perfection – The ATSA has developed a Standard of Perfection to be used to help evaluate phenotype, set goals and criteria for producing superior, high quality Teeswaters. This standard will be used when evaluating ATSA Teeswaters for approval of Foundation rams and for Purebred status.

SECTION 4. Purebred Status

ATSA Purebred Teeswaters, both ewes and rams, have met or exceeded the high standards set by the ATSA. This is not an automatic status. To be considered for Purebred status owners must submit application, along with fee, any supporting documentation and testing as per ATSA policies.

When the application for recognition for ATSA Purebred Teeswater status has been reviewed and approved, these animals will be granted 100% in calculating pedigrees.

Rams that are granted Purebred status may be used with ATSA Foundation ewes to begin new lines.

Submitted animals are expected to be superior examples of the breed and meet and/or exceed ATSA Standard of Perfection. To be considered for Purebred status, animals must test RR at codon 171, and must meet at least one of the following 3 criteria:

Animals that have ‘green tags’ inserted, UK registration numbers and are included in the flock book of the Teeswater Sheep Breeders Association of the UK may be submitted for consideration for this status.

ATSA Registered animals with five straight generations of AI with semen from 100% registered Teeswaters may be submitted for consideration for this status.

Outstanding animals that have achieved an ATSA Registered percentage of 96% or above may be submitted for consideration for this status.

SECTION 5. Foundation Rams Status

Board will set policy on requirements for ATSA Registered Foundation Ram status. This status is meant to be granted to exceptional ATSA rams who exhibit the best of the breed and are considered appropriate for starting new foundation lines. Applications including pictures, codon and DNA testing must be submitted prior to consideration for this status. The minimum blood % for rams to be considered for Foundation status shall not be less than 92% and may be raised if the Board deems appropriate based on the availability of breeding stock.

SECTION 6. Foundation Ewes

To be granted Foundation Ewe status, the ewe must be white and submit proof of registration with one of the associations listed below. As of January 2020, all new applications for Foundations ewe status must include RR testing at codon 171. Any Foundation ewes registered prior to 2020 will remain grandfathered.

Bluefaced Leicester: Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Association

Bluefaced Leicester Union of North America

Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

Alberta Sheep Breeders Assoc. (Canada)

Cotswold: American Cotswold Record Association

Cotswold Breeders Association

Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

Alberta Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

Leicester Longwool: Leicester Longwool Sheep Breeders

Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

Alberta Sheep Breeders Association (Canada)

Lincoln: National Lincoln Sheep Breeders Association

Wensleydale: North American Wensleydale Sheep Association

Approved Foundation Ewes will be entered into our Registry and receive an ATSA number indicating their status. Owners will be issued a Foundation Ewe Registration Certificate that may be transferred to future owners by following the procedure for transfer.