Trial Volunteers   -  Job Descriptions
April 2, 2009 5:56 PM

Job Descriptions for Trials
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Scorekeeper TOP

Scorekeepers Tasks  (only filled for mini trials currently, as Sheila does the Weekenders ,with her trusty computer)  If you are new, you are slotted as Helper to the Head Scorekeeper, who will always be experienced.
SUMMARY  The job of the two scorekeepers is to sit in the main tent for the entire trial, to receive the scribe sheets that the runners bring, and 1) tally up the points on the Scribe Sheets, 2) enter the results manually onto the scoresheets, 3) post one copy of the completed scoresheet on the Bulletin board (after the results have been announced) and 4) assist with the results announcements.

2. TALLYING UP THE SCRIBE SHEETS:

a) TIME FAULTS:
Convert the time to seconds and write the number of seconds on the Scribe Sheet to the left of the "Dog's Time" box.

Subtract the "Dog's Time" from the "Standard Course Time". If the dog's time is less than the SCT, write the difference in the "Time Under" box and write "0" in the Time Faults box. If the dog's time is MORE than the SCT, put a dash through the "Time Under" box and write the number of seconds OVER the SCT in the "Time Faults" box.

b) COURSE FAULTS:
The Scribe will mark various faults on the Scribe Sheets, the points associated with the codes are as follows:

5 - 5 faults
10 - 10 faults
5R - 5 faults (1 Refusal)
15 - 15 faults (Incomplete) (Counts as 1 Incomplete)
25 - 25 faults (Bypass) (Counts as 1 Incomplete)
E - Elimination - no extra faults are assigned, BUT the dog is NOT eligible for awards.

For the Starters course 3 "Incompletes" is an ELIMINATION (an incomplete is a 15 OR 25 point fault).
For the Advanced course 2 "Incompletes" is an ELIMINATION (an incomplete is a 15 OR 25 point fault).
In the Advanced AND Masters course 3 "Refusals" is an ELIMINATION

Add up the faults and write the total in the "Course Faults" box on the Scribe Sheet.
c) TOTAL FAULTS:

If the dog was Eliminated, write an "E" in the "Total Faults" box on the Scribe Sheet.

If the dog was NOT Eliminated, add the "Time Faults" and the "Course Faults" together and enter the total into the "Total Faults" box.

d) CHECKING:

Each Scorekeeper is to add up EACH Scribe Sheet independently -- it is suggested that the second Scorekeeper initial the sheet to show that it was checked. This step is NOT suggesting that you don't know how to add -- it's just a precaution to HELP you as it's VERY easy to overlook something when you're working from someone else=s handwriting.

3. RECORDING THE RESULTS ON THE SCORESHEETS

(2 Scoresheets must be filled out; one is posted on the bulletin board, the other is saved for the Judge to sign, and is sent to the AAC to officially record the results of the Trial):

a) CHECK THE ARMBAND NUMBER on the Scribe Sheet and BE SURE you're recording the totals for the right dog on the Scoresheet.

b) Enter the "Dog's Time" (in seconds), "Time Under" (in seconds), "Time Faults" (in seconds), "Course Faults" and "Total Faults" onto the Scoresheet. NOTE: if the dog was Eliminated -- enter an "E" in the Total Faults column - but DO enter the rest of the information for the dog.

c) Enter a "Q" in the "Qualify" column if the dog titled. To title in Starters, Advanced or Masters, the dog must have "0" Time Faults, "0" Course Faults and must NOT have been eliminated.

d) AFTER ALL the scores are entered for an event, go back and assign "1st", "2nd", "3rd" and "4th" place "RANKING" in EACH height class (i.e. 1st through 4th for 12" dogs, 1st - 4th for 18 inch dogs, etc.). 1st place will have the LOWEST number of faults, 2nd place the second lowest number of faults, etc. If more than one dog had a "Clean Run" (i.e. 0 time faults and 0 course faults), then the dog with the LARGEST "Time Under" is the winner (i.e. the dog that ran the course in the shortest period of time - wins). Dogs that were ELIMINATED are NOT eligible for ranking. NOTE: in Veterans, ranking is done by "Division" (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th in the "Open" division - includes 30" AND 24" dogs, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th in the "Mini" division - includes 6", 12" and 18" dogs).

e) For the "Best Combined Runs" enter an "X" in the "Best Run" column, next to the dog that has the best (lowest) score - this is the dog that will receive the plaque or prize basket - There are baskets for BEST MINI and BEST OPEN dog for all events. NOTE: VETERANS AND SPECIALS ARE NOT INCLUDED in the "Best Combined Runs" for Starters, OR the Games (the Veterans have their OWN separate prize).


Gamblers Scorekeeper Tasks


1. Your job is to 1) tally up the points on the Scribe Sheets, 2) enter the results onto the scoresheets, 3) post one copy of the completed scoresheet on the Bulletin board (after the results have been announced) and 4) assist with the results announcements.

2. TALLYING UP THE SCRIBE SHEETS:

a) DOG'S TIME:
Convert the time to seconds and write the number of seconds on the Scribe Sheet to the left of the "Dog's Time" box.

Subtract the "Dog's Time" from the "Standard Course Time". If the dog's time is less than the SCT, write the difference in the "Time Under" box. If the dog's time is MORE than the SCT, put a dash through the "Time Under" box.


b) COURSE POINTS:
The Scribe will mark an "x" next to each point that the dog earned during the run.

The Scribe may also have written and "E"- Elimination; the dog is NOT eligible for awards or Qualification.

Add up the points for each value and write the total in the box to the right of the point. Then add up all the point totals and write the total in the "Course Points" box on the Scribe Sheet.

If the dog completed the GAMBLE (YES next to "Gamble Y/N") - DOUBLE the points accumulated and write the total in the "TOTAL Points" box.

If the dog was Eliminated, write an "E" in the "Total Points" box on the Scribe Sheet.


c) CHECKING:

Each Scorekeeper is to add up EACH Scribe Sheet independently -- it is suggested that the second Scorekeeper initial the sheet to show that it was checked. This step is NOT suggesting that you don't know how to add -- it's just a precaution to HELP you as it's VERY easy to overlook something when you're working from someone else's handwriting.

3. RECORDING THE RESULTS ON THE SCORESHEETS

(2 Scoresheets must be filled out; one is posted on the bulletin board, the other is saved for the Judge to sign, and is sent to the AAC to officially record the results of the Trial):

a) CHECK THE ARMBAND NUMBER on the Scribe Sheet and BE SURE you're recording the totals for the right dog on the Scoresheet.

b) Enter the "Dog's Time" (in seconds), "Time Under" (in seconds), and "Total Points" onto the Scoresheet. NOTE: if the dog was Eliminated -- enter an "E" in the Total Points" column - but DO enter the rest of the information for the dog.

c) Enter a "Q" in the "Qualify" column if the dog titled. To title, the dog must have the following:
1. Must say "YES" GAMBLE completed on the Scribe Sheet.
2. Must have accumulated the required number of points during the opening sequence (CHECK WITH THE JUDGE -)
3. Must NOT have been eliminated.

d) AFTER ALL the scores are entered for an event, go back and assign "1st", "2nd", "3rd" and "4th" place "RANKING" in EACH height class (i.e. 1st through 4th for 10" dogs, 1st - 4th for 16 inch dogs, etc.). 1st place will have the HIGHEST number of points, 2nd place the second HIGHEST number of points, etc. If more than one dog has the same number of points, then use the "Dog's Time" to see who comes first - the lowest time wins (NOTE: the Dog's Time is ONLY used to break a tie -- it is NOT used the determine placement)

Dogs that were ELIMINATED are NOT eligible for ranking.


Check-in (Volunteer and Competitor) TOP

This job occurs BEFORE the trial starts (ie evening trials, be there at 5:15 ; weekender trials, at  X am).  You sit at the table in the main tent, and use the prepared sheets to

-check off the volunteer as they arrive, and answer any questions

-check-off competitors 

  Note:   For the weekender, with lots of people, we have TWO competitor checkers, and therefore two lines, divided alphabetically; both checkers can be competitors.  In contrast, for the evening trial, with much fewer people, there is one checker, for both competitors and volunteers, and also helps out with ribbons etc, so cannot be a competitor.

  VOLUNTEER CHECK-IN:

Check people off on the sheet provided, show them where the snacks are, and answer questions etc. Ideally, you can point out who their Chief Steward is.  YOU ARE THE FIRST PALCE TO GO WITH QUESTIONS, CONCERNS …for every trial, the volunteer check-in person will be informed you of the list of people to take questions to, if help is needed.

  COMPETITOR CHECK-IN

The competitor will hand you their AAC card (as per below), and once you check that the info matches, you will be handing them the prepared material under their name in the file holder next to you. You also tell them to collect their course sheets, nearby on the table.

  Someone will also be assigned to help the judge do any dog height measurements needed (ie for dogs still needing a measurement, or for a forgotten card)

1. NO DOG IS PERMITTED TO RUN WITHOUT A VALID AAC HEIGHT CARD.

If the Handler has forgotten their card - they must provide you with the AAC Height Card number, AND the dog must be measured. The dog will run at the height identified by the Judge doing the measuring (regardless of what height is on the missing height card).

2. When each competitor checks in, they MUST show you their AAC Height Card (NOTE: Clubs are no longer permitted to sell height cards; if the competitor does not have a height card number, they will be permitted to run "for exhibition ONLY"; that means they cannot title, and are not eligible for rosettes or prizes).

3. YOU MUST CHECK THE FOLLOWING for each competitor:

AAC NUMBER MUST MATCH!

If the AAC number does NOT match the one on the Check-in list, CHANGE THE CHECK-IN LIST. If the entry on the Check-in list is blank, enter the number from the AAC Height card.

HEIGHT CARD MEASUREMENT MUST MATCH HEIGHT ON CHECK-IN LIST!

Look at the LAST measurement on the Height card - this is the measurement that will determine what height the dog will be jumping at:

Measurement of 0 - 12 inches JUMPS 10 INCHES

Measurement of 12.1 - 16 inches JUMPS 16 INCHES

Measurement of 16.1 - 21 inches JUMPS 22 INCHES

Measurement of over 21 inches JUMPS 26 INCHES

If the Jump height is NOT the same as that on the Check-in list, MARK THE NEW HEIGHT ON THE CHECK-IN LIST and inform the Trial Coordinator IMMEDIATELY (changes must be made to the running order lists, the scoresheets, etc., etc.,).

Height Measurement Tasks

1. As the competitor approaches the measuring station, take their height card from them and place it on your clipboard (the Judge is not supposed to see any other measurements that are already on the card, in case it would influence them in their measurement).

2. The Judge will measure the dog and call out the height.

3. Write the date and the height into the spaces provided on the card.

4. Give the clipboard to the Judge to sign the card.

5. Return the card to the competitor.

There is a "Final Height" form that must be filled out for each dog that has COMPLETED it's final measurement. If the dog has had it's "final" measurement, fill in the required information on the "Final Height" form. In most cases, if this is the second measurement, it will be the FINAL measurement (for SURE if it's the THIRD measurement it IS the FINAL measurement). If the dog has TWO measurements, ask the Judge if this was the "Final" measurement (don't make the assumption yourself).

Ensure the Judge signs the "Final Height" form once the measurements are complete.

Thank you


Gatekeeper TOP

Gatekeeper Tasks


1. Your PRIMARY job is to make sure that the flow of dogs onto the field is fast and efficient. This is CRITICAL to the success of the day.

2. Make sure there are ALWAYS two dogs in the "Starters Box" (the area just outside the entrance to the field).

3. Using the Running Order List supplied, Write the handler's armband number, handler's name, dog's name and dog's breed on the whiteboard provided. Handlers should check in close to their running time, put a check mark beside the handler's number when they check in. Once the handler/dog is on the field for their run stroke through the number and name on the write board.
If needed, CALL the armband number and dogs name for the next competitor (make sure that you always have one dog in the field, one dog ready to enter the field, and a third dog waiting).

4. Call each armband number and dogs name THREE times (LOUDLY)-- if the handler does NOT SHOW UP, -- THEY'LL HAVE TO WAIT TILL THE END (or will be eliminated -- up to the Judge).

5. The courses are generally set up so that the dog will finish the course over by the field exit. This will allow the next competitor to enter the field and get "set up" BEFORE the previous dog is off the field. The judge should inform you at what point the next dog may enter the ring while the previous dog is on course. DON'T let the next competitor on the field until the previous dog is working on that final course sequence (i.e. going over the last 6 to 8 obstacles as per the judge's instructions). DO be sure that the next dog IS on the field by the time the previous dog is finished.

6. You tell the ring stewards when to change the jump heights-whether it is specials/veterans.  Then the A-Frame must be lowered, double and spread jumps are taken out and replaced with single jumps. You then take a quick look around the field to make sure all the necessary changes have been made correctly.

Take a second to wish the competitor "Good Luck!". Or “Have fun!”


Timer TOP

Timer Tasks

SUMMARY:  Your job is to sit at the side of the ring for each event, beside the scribe, and time the dogs run. It is fairly straightforward, but does require some concentration (and a couple of the events have specific requirements).  The judge will always want to meet with the timer and scribe before the trial starts, so they can tell you their specific habits eg how they will inform you that they are ready for the dog to start. 


1. Your job is to KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE DOG & to START & STOP THE TIME ON THE STOPWATCH.

2. Work with the stop watch BEFORE the event begins so you are VERY comfortable using it.

3. LOOK at the Judge when you are ready to start timing for each dog. When the Judge nods her head (or crosses her arms, or whatever the agreed-upon signal is), you ring the bell, to alert the Handler that they can start).

4. START the stopwatch the INSTANT ANY PART OF THE DOGS BODY CROSSES THE START LINE (even if the dog backs into it, even if the handler is unaware that the dog has moved - DON'T say anything to the handler; JUST START THE STOPWATCH).

5. WATCH THE DOG! STOP the stopwatch the INSTANT ANY PART OF THE DOGS BODY CROSSES THE FINISH LINE AT THE END OF THE COURSE (even if the dog backs into it, crosses sideways, etc.).

6. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE THE END OF THE COURSE IS! DO NOT / DO NOT STOP THE TIME if the dog crosses the Finish line "out of sequence" (i.e. the dog took the wrong course, or went a bit far over a jump halfway through the course). THIS DOES NOT APPLY AT THE END OF THE COURSE (i.e. if the dog bypasses the last two jumps and goes over the finish line -- HE'S FINISHED - STOP THE TIME)!

7. If you have a problem with the time, OR aren't sure about ANYTHING you just did in a run -GO OUT INTO THE FIELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DOG IS FINISHED, AND EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM TO THE JUDGE.

8. If a handler starts the dog BEFORE you are ready (i.e. BEFORE you ring the bell) -- IMMEDIATELY CALL OUT "NOT READY", AND SIGNAL TO THE JUDGE THAT YOU WERE "NOT READY". The dog will have to start again.

9.Show the stopwatch to the Scribe, as well as telling them the time EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON THE STOPWATCH. They will write the time on the Scribe Sheet where it says Dogs time.


Snooker Timer Tasks

1. Your job is to TIME THE DOG & BLOW THE WHISTLE AT 60 or 70 SECONDS -- DO NOT STOP THE STOPWATCH -- JUST BLOW THE WHISTLE and keep timing until the dog crosses the finish line.

2. Work with the stop watch BEFORE the event begins so you are VERY comfortable using it.

3. LOOK at the Judge when you are ready to start timing for each dog. When the Judge nods her head, ring the bell (this will alert the Handler that they can start).

4. START the stopwatch the INSTANT ANY PART OF THE DOGS BODY CROSSES THE START LINE OR WHEN THE DOG LEAVES THE TABLE if the table is the start line (even if the dog backs into it, even if the handler is unaware that the dog has moved - DON'T say anything to the handler; JUST START THE STOPWATCH).

4. WATCH THE DOG! STOP the stopwatch the INSTANT ANY PART OF THE DOGS BODY CROSSES THE FINISH LINE AT THE END OF THE COURSE (even if the dog backs into it, crosses sideways, etc.). OR TOUCHES THE TABLE if the the table is the finish line (one paw on the table is ENOUGH -- STOP THE TIME!)

5. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE THE END OF THE COURSE IS! DO NOT / DO NOT STOP THE TIME if the dog crosses the Finish line "out of sequence" (i.e. the dog took the wrong course, or went a bit far over a jump halfway through the course). THIS DOES NOT APPLY AT THE END OF THE COURSE (i.e. if the dog bypasses the last two jumps and goes over the finish line -- HE'S FINISHED - STOP THE TIME)!

6. WATCH THE STOPWATCH & THE DOG -- BLOW THE WHISTLE AT 60 or 70 SECONDS, BUT DON'T stop the time until the dog crosses the finish line (NOTE: the dog MAY cross the finish line BEFORE the 60 seconds are up -- OK, STOP the time and DON'T blow the whistle!)

6. If you have a problem with the time, OR aren't sure about ANYTHING you just did in a run -GO OUT INTO THE FIELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DOG IS FINISHED, AND EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM TO THE JUDGE.

7. If a handler starts the dog BEFORE you are ready (i.e. BEFORE you ring the bell) -- IMMEDIATELY CALL OUT "NOT READY", AND SIGNAL TO THE JUDGE THAT YOU WERE "NOT READY". The dog will have to start again.

8. Show the stopwatch to the Scribe, as well as telling them the time- EXACTLY AS IT APPEARS ON THE STOPWATCH. They will write the time on the Scribe Sheet where it says Dogs time.


Scribe TOP

Scribe Tasks

Your job is to sit at the side of the ring, with the Timer, for each dog, to mark down the points each dog gets from the judge, as each dog runs (there is a single sheet for each dog).  It takes considerable concentration to not take your eyes from the judge while the dig is running.  The judge will meet with you and the Timer before the trial starts, to run over hand signals and tell you about their specific habits.

 

The other part of the job occurs BEFORE each event.  The scribe sheets you are given will be in the correct running order – but that’s gets modified, as some dogs fail to show up, and others will be moved up or down the order, to accommodate other factors.  You work with the Gatekeeper to make sure that your scribe sheets reflect these changes in order  (For dogs that don’t run: KEEP the sheets, just put a line through it. The scorekeeper needs the scratched out sheet). There are extra scribe sheets, in case you need them (just add the dogs name and number at the top).   

1. Your job is to WATCH THE JUDGE (boring as it may seem -- you CANNOT do the Scribe job if you're watching the dog).

2. You'll be given Scribe Sheets on a Clipboard, for each dog. The Armband number of the handler will already be written on the form. As the dog runs, the Judge will signal various faults. Your job is write the faults onto the Scribe sheet as the Judge signals them.

3. It is important that the points get put onto the CORRECT scribe sheet, so the dog at the start line must match to the scribe sheet. The way that this is done can vary from trial to trial – often, the Gatekeeper will call out the name of the dog before they run, or the handler will, or sometimes the Scribe knows most dogs.  Agree on a method with the Gatekeeper before the trial starts.  

4. Different Judges use different signals. They MAY be using a "walkie-talkie" system. You will have one end of the "walkie-talkie" and the Judge will have the other end. As the Judge signals the faults (for the spectators), he/she will 'SAY' the fault into the walkie-talkie - for YOU. You should BOTH watch AND listen.

Possible signals, which HE/SHE MAY USE, which should be marked on the scribe sheet as follows:

- one open hand (5 faults) (Judge will say "5" - MARK a "5" on the scribe sheet)

- two open hands (10 faults) (Judge will say "10" - MARK a "10" on the scribe sheet)

- one closed fist (Refusal) (Judge will say "5R" - MARK "5R" on the scribe sheet)

- two closed fists (Bypass) (Judge will say "20" - MARK "20" on the scribe sheet)

- hands open and parallel to the ground, waiving at waist height, back and forth (elimination) (MARK AN "E" ON THE SCRIBE SHEET)
The Judge will review all his hand signals with you before the start of the event, so please be on time.

4. Try to write the faults on the Scribe Sheet WITHOUT taking your eyes off the Judge (just glance at the Scribe Sheet VERY QUICKLY out of the corner of your eye).

5. If AT ANY TIME, the Judge moves BEHIND an obstacle so you can't see him/her - LISTEN LOUDER (small joke - using the walkie talkie means it's not ESSENTIAL that you "see" the Judge ALL the time). If the judge chooses not to use the walkie-talkie system, it is imperative you watch him/her for hand signals.

6. If you have ANY concerns that you may have missed a signal, or that you may have written a signal down wrong - WAIT until the dog is finished (and continue writing down the faults), then IMMEDIATELY "Press the TALK button on the walkie talkie and explain the problem to the Judge -the Judge should be able to give you an answer immediately". DO NOT / DO NOT wait until the end of the event - the Judge CANNOT remember what fault she called 30 minutes earlier.

7. Write the time on the scribe sheet as given to you from the Timer. About every 2 or 3 dogs, tear off the scribe sheets to give to the scribe runner.


Scribe Runner TOP
Scribe Runner Tasks : You will spend the trial (or Event) running between a ring, and the Scorekeepers tent, delivering the scribe sheets.  
a) Take completed Scribe sheets (say, 2 or 3 at a time) to the Scorekeepers in the Scorekeepers tent. .

b) Return to the Scribe and wait for the next couple of scribe sheets.

Leash Runner TOP

Leash Runner Tasks : You will spend the trial (or event) collecting the leash from one end of the ring and taking it to the other, so it is there when the team finishes their run. 
 

a) As each competitor enters the ring, and removes the leash and collar from the dog, take the leash & collar and place it in the basket on the "EXIT" sign at the exit from the field.

b) WAIT until the handler has removed the leash & collar BEFORE approaching the dog (DO NOT hover over the dog).

c) TELL the handler where you will leave the leash & collar.

d) Wish the handler "good luck". or “have fun”


Ring Steward TOP

Ring Steward Tasks

 

You have two different jobs:

1)       to make sure that the course is ready before each dog (that means changing the heights of obstacles with each new height class, as well as fixing up the course as needed, after each dog

2)      staying on the field after the last dog, to move the obstacles around for the next course to be run on that field. (then leave that ring, to go to the other ring, where the next course is ready to go)    

1. Your task is to ensure that the course is ready for the dog AT ALL TIMES. You will work with the Chief Course Builder to build the course for the event, ensure that all obstacles are correctly setup prior to each dogs run, and assist with each height change during the event.

2. Work with the Chief Course Builder to build the course for the event. This requires that you be ON THE FIELD IMMEDIATELY after the last dog has run in the event preceding the one you are Stewarding. Fast, efficient course builds are CRITICAL to the success of the day -- please be there on time.

3. When a course is being run:  You will be assigned a position on the field. You will be responsible for the obstacles in your area. Your job is to "reset" the obstacles AFTER a dog has run. DO NOT try to reset an obstacle until AFTER the dog has finished the course.

4. "Resetting" the obstacles includes: putting up bars that were knocked down, straightening the chute of the collapsible tunnel (generally only required if there's a heavy wind) and checking that the tunnel has not "jumped out" of the tunnel supports.

5. If a dog comes to "investigate" you during it's run, please follow these guidelines:

a) FREEZE! -- DO NOT MOVE AT ALL!
b) DO NOT make eye contact with the dog -- look toward the handler.
c) DO NOT talk to the dog or acknowledge it IN ANY WAY!

6. When a height change is called -- change the heights on all the equipment in your area, to the required height (up or down). EACH Steward is asked to look over the ENTIRE field once they've completed their obstacles, to CHECK that no obstacles were overlooked. Remember to lower the A-Frame, remove the spread and double jumps(to be replaced with single jumps) for Specials and Veterans.

7. Please -- DO NOT EVER take any food or drink onto the field with you.


Chief Course Builder TOP

Chief Course Builder Tasks

1. Your PRIMARY job is to make sure that the courses are built accurately, and swiftly. You will direct the members of the ring crew as to where each obstacle is to be placed. Ask the Judge for ALL the course layouts for "the day", at the beginning of the day.

2. When you feel the course is "built", take a moment and "walk" the course yourself, looking for angles or distances that don't "feel" right to YOU; then check these against the course layout (often if the course doesn't "feel right" to YOU, there's a good chance something needs to be adjusted).

3. Be sure the poles are not set on the jumps prior to the Judge measuring the course (have the ring crew place the poles next to the jump).

4. Once the course is built, inform the Judge that the course is ready for "tweeking" and "measuring".

5. With two other members of the ring crew, walk the course with the Judge and move any obstacles the Judge wants repositioned.

6. After the Judge has completed the measurement, have the ring crew set the bars to the first running height (check with the Gatekeeper for the first height).

7. You are not required to manage the ring crew after the course is built; this is the job of the Ring Chief.

8. In general, your task between course builds, is to PLAN the build of the next course so it can be done as quickly as possible. Some suggestions that you may wish to consider when planning a build:
* compare the next course to the current course and, using coloured markers, identify the obstacles that remain where they are with ONE colour (even if the angle has to change a bit - still mark it as "stays").
* Mark those obstacles that have to move a ways, with another colour.
* Write the name of EACH jump you want to position so when you start the next build, you can call for "the Maple Leaf Jump HERE". This will reduce the incident of your willing ring crew grabbing obstacles that DON'T have to move!


Pre/Post Trial Volunteer TOP

Pre/Post Trial Volunteer Tasks  (can be done by people running dogs)

For PRE trial volunteers: You will be required to be on the Agility field a) the night before the actual trial for Weekenders, or b) the afternoon of, for Evening mini trials.

For POST trial: You are to stay after the trial has finished  (This can particularly be a good job for those running a dog in the trial…..just stay some extra time, and earn some volunteer points!)

The following is the outline of the various duties to be performed for Weekend as well as Mini Trials. Some of the jobs have a group doing them, so you can get direction from them, others are done by individuals, and you can learn by doing : )


The Friday night before the weekend trial, 3-6 people are needed for 2 hours starting at 6:30pm to do the following jobs:
(Also applies to before the Mini Trial,, but in the afternoon)

1. Distribute the equipment between the fields to meet planned ring use.
2. Take equipment from storage to fill missing components to fields.
3. Do rough initial setup of obstacles for first event on each field.
4. Clip perimeter rope to marker posts around field 1.
5. Put up short pre-cut fences at field entries and exits (10' back with 2' short-cut; protective empty pop bottles over top of steel rods to prevent dog injury).
6. Setup scoring tent, award tent and field entry shade tents.(If required)
7. Put out warm-up jumps (2) in place for each field.
8. Put out starting line marker stands for each field.
9. Run extension cord from Art's house to scorekeeper tent.
10. Delineate parking lot - soft spots roped/marker flagged off
11. Reserve parking spaces for president, equipment manager and scorekeeper power truck
12. Put out sand bags for see-saws on each field.
13. Put out site entry signs on roadway (other signs?)

Saturday and Sunday morning at 7:00, 3-6 people are needed for 1 hour to perform the following jobs: (NOTE: this job is separated out from the Friday night pre-trial, in the scheduling) 

1. Put out collapsible tunnel chutes with appropriate sand-pillow weights
2. Setup up the first course with the help any ring crew that show up.
3. Put out chairs and shade/rain umbrellas for timers and scribes on all fields.
4. Put out tables and chairs for scorekeeper and assistant in score tent.
5. Put out dry marker stand for each field, with sand bags, markers and erasers.
6. Allocate gamblers/team relay marker ropes and spikes to each field.
7. Allocate team relay batons to fields running team.
8. Spikes, wooden shims, hammer, mallet and steel bar hole-maker for sun shades.
9. Put out course measuring wheel, dog height measuring device and wickets                                          10. Put out stopwatches, one for each field with back-ups, clipboards, protective covers and stub pencils, whistles, calculators dinner start bells, first aid kit: people and dogs, Emergency equipment repair kit, with lots of duct tape, field cleanup equipment - Lysol spray, paper towels and buckets of water.
11. Put out (or check) Garbage pails, plastic bags for doggie-doo pick-up.
12. Activate water hose and fill dog wading pool.
13. Setup/check portable toilets, put out toilet paper and wet wipes

Saturday after each field finishes 3-6 people are needed for 1 hour to perform the following jobs:

1. Put away collapsible tunnel chutes with appropriate sand-pillow weights
2. Do rough initial setup of obstacles for first event on each field.
3. Put away chairs and shade/rain umbrellas for timers and scribes on all fields.
4. Put away dry marker stand for each field, with sand bags, markers and erasers.
5. Put away gamblers/team relay marker ropes and spikes to each field.
6. Put away team relay batons to fields running team.
7. Put away spikes, wooden shims, hammer, mallet and steel bar hole-maker for sun shades.
8. Put away course measuring wheel, dog height measuring device and wickets.
9. Put away stopwatches, one for each field with back-ups, clipboards, protective covers and stub pencils., field cleanup equipment - Lysol spray, paper towels and buckets of water.,whistles, calculators dinner start bells, away first aid kit: people and dogs.
10. Put away emergency equipment repair kit, with lots of duct tape.
11. Take away garbage.

At the complete end of the trial (whether Evening or Sunday)  3-6 people are needed for 1 hour to do the following jobs:

1. Remove equipment from field 1.
2. Return equipment to storage to fill missing components to fields.
3. Remove perimeter rope from marker posts around field 1.
4. Put away short pre-cut fences at field entries and exits.
5. Pack-up scoring tent, award tent and field entry shade tents.(If required)
6. Return warm-up jumps to storage.
7. Put away starting line marker stands for each field.
8. Put away extension cord from Art's house to scorekeeper tent.
9. Remove parking lot delineation that was added - soft spots roped/marker flagged off
10. Put away sand bags for see-saws on each field.
11. Put away site entry signs on roadway (other signs?)
12. Put away collapsible tunnel chutes with appropriate sand-pillow weights
13. Put away chairs and shade/rain umbrellas for timers and scribes on all fields.
14. Put away dry marker stand for each field, with sand bags, markers and erasers.
15. Put away gamblers/team relay marker ropes and spikes to each field.
16. Put away team relay batons to fields running team.
17. Put away spikes, wooden shims, hammer, mallet and steel bar hole-maker for sun shades.
18. Put away stopwatches, one for each field with back-ups, clipboards, protective covers and stub pencils, field cleanup equipment - Lysol spray, paper towels and buckets of water, whistles, calculators dinner start bells, away first aid kit: people and dogs.
19. Take away garbage.


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