As a concerned parent and member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) community, I am deeply troubled by the potential risks posed to children and adults alike in the dog show community.  The AKC currently does not require its judges to pass background checks or maintain SafeSport certification - this needs to change.

SafeSport is an initiative created to, not only address misconduct in sport, but to also provide education materials that equip individuals to recognize, reduce, and respond to misconduct in sports. It aims at fostering safe environments for athletes at all levels, from grassroots sports to elite athletes (source: U.S Center for SafeSport). By requiring AKC judges to pass and maintain this certification, we can ensure that they are educated about appropriate conduct around minors.

The importance of background checks cannot be overstated either. They are essential tools that help identify individuals who might pose a risk due their past behavior or criminal records.

We propose that any judge who fails these requirements or has a SafeSport complaint lodged against them should have their judging privileges immediately suspended pending further investigation.

Transparency is key in ensuring trust within our community and holding those in power accountable for their actions. All occurrences related to non-compliance with these requirements should also be announced publicly without delay. 

This petition seeks immediate action from the AKC on these crucial safety measures. We need your support in making our dog show community safer for everyone involved – especially our children, because no one should ever feel unsafe while participating in activities they love. Please sign this petition today!