Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely and efficiently conduct race starts, including preparing for race starts, working closely with other race meeting staff, reporting to stewards and race club personnel, and completing post-race activities.
The unit applies to individuals who act as starters for race meetings as part of their job function in the harness racing industry.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory animal welfare and workplace health and safety legislative requirements.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for race starts | 1.1 Confirm race fields, distances and start types according to requirements 1.2 Note past problems with particular horses during race starts 1.3 Confirm operation of mobile and other start equipment prior to commencement of race meeting 1.4 Organise contingency plan in case of malfunction in start equipment 1.5 Interpret and comply with rules of racing relating to starting a race 1.6 Identify hazards and assess and control risks associated with the start of a race to minimise risk of injury according to safe operating procedures 1.7 Relay race meeting protocols and instructions to mobile driver and other staff |
2. Start harness race using mobile barrier or standing start conditions | 2.1 Verify starters and note colours and approved gear 2.2 Send horses to warm up 2.3 Confirm race start time with stewards 2.4 Call horses to score-up under clerk of course supervision 2.5 Request drivers to assume start positions within time and safety constraints 2.6 Manage incidents to minimise the risk of injury to staff and horses, and report to stewards and/or veterinarian 2.7 Declare non-starters after conferring with stewards 2.8 Confirm permission to start race with stewards 2.9 Initiate race start and operate gates once horse position is stable or when mobile barrier is at appropriate place on track |
3. Complete post-race activities | 3.1 Provide score-up and start reports to stewards 3.2 Update notes on problems with starters for personal records 3.3 Check barrier or start equipment for damage and/or maintenance requirements prior to shutting down 3.4 Report repairs or maintenance requirements to race club |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret racing documents relating to race distances, race fields, track conditions, horse identification and performance records |
Writing | Prepare reports accurately and legibly according to steward or racing club requirements |
Oral communication | Use clear language, accurate information and appropriate tone for audience when giving instructions or reporting information to others |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with applicable rules of racing, and animal welfare and workplace health and safety requirements in carrying out role |
Interact with others | Follow communication protocols and practices for reporting and responding promptly to issues with racing officials and other personnel, including the use of discretion and confidentiality |
Get the work done | Make effective decisions and resolve problems within the bounds of the duties and responsibilities of a race meeting starter |
Sectors
Racing performance (ROP)