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 perform the duties of a greyhound catcher. Workplaces include greyhound kennels and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Rules of racing, protocols and procedures may include:
Australian and local rules of racing relating to race meeting procedures
adhering to responsibilities under OHS legislation and workplace practices
adhering to state, territory or federal legislation related to animal welfare
adhering to personal presentation standards
following instructions from racing officials, including:
stewards
catching pen supervisors.
Pre-race catching preparations may include:
arriving at catching pen prior to start of each race
collecting collar and lead or approved catching slip lead
knowing runner's number and race rug colours
observing race from catchers' designated area
presenting catcher's pass or identification to official if required.
Potential hazards in catching area may include:
getting hit by greyhounds running into pen
greyhounds attacking other greyhounds
greyhounds not entering catching area and running back down track
making physical contact with other greyhound catchers.
Issues in race or trial run may include:
greyhound falls or injuries
greyhounds fighting
lure malfunction
runners coming in late to catching pen.
Collected and restrained may include:
avoiding contact with other catchers or greyhounds
capturing greyhound as quickly as possible
controlling greyhound until trainer or handler arrives
entering catching pen only when supervisor or steward gives permission
securing greyhound with collar and lead as quickly as possible.
Incidents or observations may include:
attacks from other dogs
greyhound falling in catching pen
greyhound being hit by other dogs while pulling up
muzzle caught in teeth
obvious limping
torn or loose race rug.

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 performing catching duties at race meetings and trials
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient performance of greyhound catcher duties
working with others to undertake and complete catching procedures that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of greyhounds of different ages, sexes and temperaments, and at different stages of preparation in racing kennel 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. 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 greyhounds
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to perform the duties of a greyhound catcher
safe handling and catching pen areas, such as training and racetracks
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.
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.
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).