Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

The range statement provides details of how this competency can be used in the workplaces of the racing industry to assist with harness race starts. Workplaces include harness stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Hazards may include:
foreign objects
loose or working horses
machinery
stray or feral animals
personnel working on tracks
plastic cones, markers or witches hats.
Potential track problems may include:
damaged gear or sulkies
driver injury
fallen driver
horse injury
loose horses
mobile barrier problems, for example hydraulic problems with wings.
Safe operating procedures when approaching horses may include:
approaching horse from near side front
avoiding sudden movement
assuming control of horse
considering variables that influence behaviour of horses, such as:
fences and equipment
other persons or animals
vehicles
wind and noise
leading horse person to person
maintaining at least two lengths between horses being led
speaking calmly to horse
using personal protective equipment
using well-maintained and safe gear.
Track incidents or emergencies may include:
foreign objects on racetrack
injured horses
fallen or injured drivers
loose horses
mobile barrier malfunction
people and/or stray or feral animals on racetrack
weather conditions, for example:
lightening
thunderstorm.
Reports will be relayed to starter or steward:
courteously and efficiently
maintaining confidentiality and discretion
promptly
using correct forms of greeting
via verbal and/or written communication, including:
describing actions
giving and receiving clear, accurate and simple messages
listening to and interpreting information and instructions
written reports, including simple documents and notes.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions that are to apply when assisting with harness race starts
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient application of race start duties
working with others to undertake and complete starting procedures that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of racehorses of different ages and sexes, and at different stages of preparation in racing stable and track environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to the required resources or simulated environment approved by the relevant State Principal Racing Authority. Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints. It is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements or Australian Standards requirements.
Assessment of the practical components of this unit will be by observation of relevant skills.
The following resources must be available:
a variety of harness horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to assist with harness race starts
safe handling areas, such as racetracks, race meetings and associated facilities
work instructions and related documentation.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Racing Training Package.
The suggested strategies for the assessment of this unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises conducted in a State Principal Racing Authority approved simulated environment.
Evidence is required to be demonstrated over a period of time, therefore where performance is not directly observed any evidence should be authenticated by supervisors or other appropriate persons.
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role, for example:
RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).