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 stipendiary steward at race meetings and trials. Workplaces include greyhound, harness and thoroughbred racecourses, training tracks and administration buildings.

Stewards oversee the conduct of all racing-related activities within the responsibilities and powers described under the rules of racing. The conditions under which this unit is delivered and assessed must take into consideration these powers and responsibilities. These powers and responsibilities are further described in the rules of racing for the relevant racing code. It is strongly recommended that training facilitators and learners refer to these powers and responsibilities as part of the range of conditions for all units covered in the steward specialist area of the Training Package.
Methods used to evaluate race form may include:
form guide
software for speed map preparation and form interpretation
stewards' reports
video re-plays.
Club officials and track staff may include:
clerk of course
race club operations manager
race club secretary
race starter
track maintenance manager
track maintenance staff.
Liaising on track conditions, race club facilities and racing procedures will include:
confirming starting equipment is operational
confirming swabbing staff are in attendance and appropriate security for samples is provided
conveying accurate information on track condition and rating to:
drivers
jockeys
owners
punters
trainers
ensuring emergency and first aid equipment and facilities are available for humans and animals
ensuring phone access is available for contacting TAB and media to advise of race results, late scratchings and protests.
Duties allocated to staff at race meetings and trials will include:
allocating stewards to observation positions around track
arranging for swab samples to be sent to laboratory for analysis
carrying out or supervising pre-race identification
calling greyhounds or horses to parade or marshalling area
calling greyhounds to stir-up area and to starting boxes
calling horses to starting stalls
calling jockeys to mount up
checking starting positions of each race
checking track conditions
checking updated eligibility list against current suspension list
conducting post-race protests
inspecting bandages and other gear
liaising with trainers, drivers and jockeys if there are problems with engaged drivers or riders
participating in post-meeting inquiries or appeals
selecting animals for pre-race swabbing and supervising the procedure
sending field to the start.
Racing safety related to track condition may include:
debris left on track
moisture content
rail position and condition
turf, dirt or synthetic surface maintenance.
Animal welfare issues may include:
epistaxis
exhaustion
injuries
lameness
overheating.
OHS issues identification and resolution may include:
adhering to responsibilities under OHS legislation and workplace practices
adhering to responsibilities under national and state codes of practice; federal, state and territory legislation; and local government regulations covering animal welfare
adhering to rules of racing and rules of the race venue
applying correct manual handling techniques, including:
carrying
shifting
lifting
considering variables that influence behaviour of greyhounds or horses, such as:
fences and equipment
lure, wind and noise
other persons or animals
vehicles
eliminating hazardous substances and materials
ensuring accident and emergency equipment is available and in good working order, including:
fire safety equipment
first aid equipment for humans and animals
safety signage
ensuring trial and race meeting specific health and safety procedures for the protection of others, including:
all gear used on greyhounds or horses is approved and of good quality
drivers or jockeys are in a fit state to compete
required equipment and vehicles are well maintained and in operational order, including:
barriers
lures
mobile start vehicles
starting boxes
tractors
personal protective equipment conforms to required standards
track is in a fit and proper state for safe and competitive racing
following safe operating procedures
identifying hazards and applying risk control measures
reporting unsafe work practices
understanding accident and injury procedures.
Assistance following critical race incidents may include:
advising persons involved or immediate witnesses of ways to access counselling
identifying emergency or accident, and responding in accordance with race club procedures
working within safe operating procedures.
Evidence may include:
copies of betting sheets and fluctuations
inquiry transcripts
stewards' reports
swab materials
videos.

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 the duties of a stipendiary steward during race meetings and trials
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient application of stipendiary steward trial and race day duties
working with others to undertake and complete the required procedures that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time in a range of race meeting and trial contexts, and include dealings with an appropriate range of situations.
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:
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to perform the race meeting and trial duties of a stipendiary steward
race meetings and trials, and related 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.
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, at least one of whom should be approved by the State Principal Racing Authority.
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:
RGRCMN401A Maintain and monitor OHS procedures and 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).