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 assess greyhound or horse handling skills of license or registration applicants. Workplaces include greyhound kennels, harness and thoroughbred stables, 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.
Greyhound or horse handling skills may include:
considering working environment where greyhounds or horses may be caught and controlled in kennels, stables, yards, tracks, public places, racecourses, paddocks and on beaches
considering variables that influence behaviour of greyhounds or horses, such as:
fences and equipment
other persons or animals
vehicles
wind and noise
ensuring handler is next to other handler when leading or passing horses in the opposite direction (person to person)
ensuring only one horse per handler
ensuring reflective vest is worn by handler and reflective tape affixed to horse's gear when walking in the dark
maintaining two horse lengths between horses
using anti-rearing bit, or bridle headpiece with bit, with double clip lead when horses are lead at racecourses, training tracks and in public place
using muzzles and leads on greyhounds
using personal protective equipment
using well-maintained and safe gear
walking in single file when leading greyhounds or horses.
Racing safe operating procedures compared to general handling skills may include:
observing applicant's handling skills and testing knowledge of impact of environmental changes on the racing animal, including:
animal location, for example:
kennels, stables or stalls
marshalling area or enclosure
stirrup area
crowds
enclosed spaces, including:
barriers or boxes
inclement weather conditions, such as:
extreme heat
wind
loud noises
other greyhounds or horses
pre or post-race activity and biochemical changes
signs of distress, excitement or nervousness in greyhounds or horses, such as:
agitation and sweating up
charging forward
kicking
pulling back or sideways
rearing
reluctance to move forward
turning in circles.
OHS regulations related to animal handling requirements will include:
employers and self-employed:
completing risk assessments
conforming to rules of racing
ensuring all employees follow safe operating procedures
ensuring workplace is a safe and healthy place in which to work
ensuring personal protective equipment is worn, including:
approved helmets
approved vests
boots
gloves
keeping health and safety records of all incidents and near misses
providing training, supervision and information that help people handle animals safely
employees:
working safely to ensure self, other people and greyhounds or horses are protected
conforming to kennel or stable rules and regulations, including safe operating procedures
reporting any unsafe practices and equipment, including handling gear
wearing and maintaining personal protective equipment.
Greyhound and horse handling requirements will include:
approaching greyhound or horse from near side front
avoiding sudden movement
assuming control of greyhound or horse
leading greyhound or horse person to person
maintaining at least two lengths between greyhounds or horses being led
speaking calmly to greyhound or horse.
Approved racing gear may include:
bandages
bits
blinkers
boots
bridles
breastplates
collars
cross over nosebands
girths
hobbles
hopples
leads
muzzles
overchecks
pacifiers
reins
rings
saddles
shadow roll
stirrup leathers
surcingles
tongue ties.
Assessment of gear for fit and adjustment may include:
assessing comfort of the animal
being aware of animal behaviour
checking durability of gear
following rules related to gear application
moving safely around the animal
using approved gear.
Performance during handling skills test assessments may include:
developing checklists and using safe operating procedures to assess tasks, including:
catching animals
fitting a range of approved gear relevant to code and task
identifying and responding to behaviour in animals
leading and controlling animals.
Recommended remedial action may include:
attending recognised training programs
extending period of time as registered person before applying for license
working with or under other trainers for additional guidance or mentoring.

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 assessing greyhound or horse handling skills of license or registration applicants
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient assessment of greyhound or horse handling skills
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 racing industry operations contexts, and include dealings with an appropriate range of situations and a variety of racing animals at different stages of preparation.
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 range of greyhounds and harness or thoroughbred horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to assess greyhound or horse handling skills of license or registration applicants
safe handling areas, such as kennels or stables, and 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, 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.
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).