record of merit

 What is the ASCNE Record of Merit?

The Record of Merit (ROM) is ASCNE’s program that honors Australian Shepherds and their handlers who excel in competition each year. By recognizing achievements in multiple disciplines, the ROM program encourages sportsmanship, participation, and excellence within the breed.

How the ROM Program Works

The ASCNE Record of Merit celebrates competition results from January 1 through December 31 each year.

  • 🏆 Champion Ribbon — awarded to the highest scoring dog in each category

  • 🥈 Reserve Champion Ribbon — awarded to the second highest scoring dog

Each year, ASCNE recognizes winners during our Volunteer Appreciation Meeting — a celebration of teamwork, dedication, and love for the breed.

ASCNE’s Record of Merit (ROM) celebrates Australian Shepherd teams excelling across multiple venues, including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, stockdog trials, and tracking. Each year, ASCNE also honors dogs who achieve success in more than one type of activity through Special ROM Awards in Versatility, Performance, and Achievement. These recognitions highlight the dedication, talent, and partnership of Aussie teams while promoting the breed’s true versatility.
ROM Coordinators

ASCNE’s ROM Coordinators guide members through submissions, track results, and ensure every Aussie team is recognized. Contact them with any questions.

Conformation Coordinator
Karen Souza | halleymcgee11@gmail.com

Stock Dog Coordinator
Anne Hubbard | 401-575-1137 | familydogtrainingri@gmail.com

Obedience & Rally Coordinator
Dan Thomsen | 978-828-0593 | dan.thomsen@comcast.net

Agility Coordinator
Alexis Reidy | alexis.reidy.ar@gmail.com

 

 

Eligibility
  • Dog owners must be ASCNE members

     

  • Awards are open to dogs competing in ASCA-sanctioned events

  • Handlers and juniors are welcome to participate
Submitting Results

For ASCNE-Sponsored Events:

ROM scores are submitted automatically by event secretaries, ensuring results reach the ASCNE ROM Coordinator and ASCA® without extra forms.

For Non-ASCNE Events:

Use one form per dog or junior per event

  • Submit separate forms for:
    • Stock Dog
    • Obedience
    • Rally
    • Junior Showmanship
    • Agility
    • Conformation
    • Special Awards
Additional Information

ASCNE also recognizes Australian Shepherd teams that qualify in more than one type of activity during the year. Each dog is eligible for only one Special ROM award per calendar year.

  • Versatility – To earn this award, the dog must compete in Conformation, Stock, and one other event (Tracking, Obedience, Rally, or Agility) within the calendar year, achieving qualifying scores, Winners, Reserve, Best of Breed, or Best of Opposite Sex.

  • Performance – To qualify, the dog must compete in Stock and two additional events (Tracking, Obedience, Rally, or Agility) in the same year, earning qualifying scores in Stock and both additional venues.

  • Achievement – Awarded to dogs that earn qualifying scores, Winners, Reserve, Best of Breed, or Best of Opposite Sex in at least three venues during the year. Eligible venues include Conformation, Stock, Tracking, Obedience, Rally, and Agility.

Why the ROM Matters

The ASCNE Record of Merit is more than ribbons — it reflects the dedication, training, and partnership between handler and dog. By encouraging participation in competitions and rewarding sportsmanship, ASCNE strengthens the Australian Shepherd community across New England.

👉 [Download ROM Guidelines]
 👉 [Contact ASCNE for More Information]