Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely and efficiently conduct thoroughbred 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 thoroughbred 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 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 and distances with racing club officials or instructions 1.2 Note past problems with particular horses during loading of barriers 1.3 Confirm operation of barriers and other start equipment prior to commencement of race meeting 1.4 Organise contingency plans 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 and allocate race meeting duties and instructions to staff |
2. Supervise pre-start activities | 2.1 Identify and verify starters and note approved gear and colours 2.2 Send horses to start under supervision of clerk of course 2.3 Confirm race start time with stewards 2.4 Determine order of loading barriers, and relay to staff 2.5 Carry out barrier loading within time and safety constraints using approved methods and personal protective equipment and with consideration to public perception of non-verbal signals and handling techniques 2.6 Manage incidents to minimise risk of injury to staff and horses and report to stewards and veterinarian 2.7 Declare non-starters after conferring with stewards |
3. Start race and complete post-race activities | 3.1 Report possible delay in race time to stewards 3.2 Seek race start permission from stewards 3.3 Initiate race start as soon as starters are loaded and ready 3.4 Provide feedback on staff performance in a timely and positive manner 3.5 Present barrier loading and race start reports to stewards according to race club protocols 3.6 Check barrier or start equipment for damage and/or maintenance requirements prior to shutting down 3.7 Report repairs or maintenance requirements to race club in required reporting format |
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 safety and animal welfare 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)