Clean Run - March 2011 - 23

If you’re concerned about trying a job, ask the club if you can first watch someone else do it. Clubs are more than willing to train people to help, and if you’re ever unsure about the duties of a particular job just ask someone to brief you before the class starts.

container for handlers to retrieve. The completed scribe sheets are given to the score runner. Timer: The timer makes sure that the electronic timing equipment is ready for each dog and functions correctly during the run. If electronic timers are not used, the timer uses a stopwatch to start timing when the dog has crossed the start line and to end timing when the dog has crossed the finish. The timer verifies that the judge and the scribe are ready, and then verbally informs handlers they may proceed with their run or presses a button on the electronic timer that tells the handler to “Go.” At the end of the run, the timer informs the scribe/assistant scribe of the dog’s time. Score Runner: The score runner collects the completed

scribe sheets from the scribe and transports them to the trial secretary or score table. Ring Crew: Members of the ring crew sit inside the ring along the perimeter and replace knocked bars, straighten the chute, and adjust equipment during height changes. Ring crews should periodically eyeball the tunnels to determine that the tunnel holders/sandbags have not shifted and readjust if needed. Ring crews have the best seats in the house to observe the action. If you volunteer for ring crew and any dogs leave their handlers to visit you during a run, do not interact with them; turn your head and maintain a neutral expression. Leash Runner: Leash running may seem easy but there are important considerations to this job. Orga-

nizations may have specific rules as to whether or not you walk across the inside or outside of the ring and where the leash should be placed at the finish. Handlers can either hand their leash to you or toss it on the ground. Wait until the dog has been released and is moving before approaching from behind. Be as unobtrusive as possible. If you’re concerned about trying a job, ask the club if you can first watch someone else do it. Clubs are more than willing to train people to help, and if you’re ever unsure about the duties of a particular job just ask someone to brief you before the class starts. If you’re concerned that volunteering may negatively affect your runs, the volunteer coordinator/chief ring steward (also a volunteer) can find a job

for you that does not conflict with the classes you have entered. On trial day listen for announcements requesting workers to fill gaps in the worker schedule. As a volunteer your efforts are appreciated and often compensated. Some hosting clubs provide drinks and food for workers and some clubs provide incentives such as worker’s raffles and discounts on entry fees. Volunteer sign-up forms are included in the premium or can be found online. Workers who sign up in advance may receive preferential entry acceptance and crating space at select trials. Lend a hand. You will learn more about the sport and meet a great bunch of people along the way. We can’t do it without you! D

Jamie gained her early experience in New York at the New Rochelle Humane Society, providing training to enhance the adoptability of shelter dogs while teaching safe handling skills to volunteers. She teaches puppy, family manners, focus, impulse control, and tricks classes at the Port Chester Obedience Training Club. She competes in rally obedience and agility. Jamie and her husband Stephen are owned by two Shetland Sheepdogs, a Golden Retriever, and a West Highland White Terrier.

March 11

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Clean Run - March 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - March 2011
