Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:11 PM AWST

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Perform duties of thoroughbred race starter

Perform duties of thoroughbred race starter

Unit of competency
National Code
RGRROP407
State Code
OAB47
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
10/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/02/2019
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
08/02/2019
Nominal Hours
40
Description
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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S6988 RGRROP407A Perform duties of thoroughbred race starter Unit of competency