Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

RGRSTD406A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assess greyhound or horse handling skills

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RGRSTD406A - Assess greyhound or horse handling skills
Description This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to assess the greyhound or horse handling skills of license or registration applicants. It requires the ability to identify safe animal handling practices in a range of situations, including races or trials and to communicate verbally and in writing to provide appropriate feedback to applicants. The unit also requires knowledge of industry-approved gear, personal protective equipment and safe operating procedures.This unit of competency operates in workplace environments of racing administration, kennels, stables, racecourses and public areas. Greyhound, harness and thoroughbred racing is strictly regulated throughout Australia. All stewards are appointed under the rules of racing by the relevant racing controlling body. For this reason enrolment in this unit of competency is restricted to people currently employed as a stipendiary or cadet steward or those who have been approved by a State Principal Racing Authority to undertake this unit.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency supports stipendiary stewards or other nominated racing officials authorised to assess the greyhound or horse handling skills of license or registration applicants.Competencies attained in this unit apply to the greyhound, harness or thoroughbred code of the industry. Consequently when performance criteria are applied they will relate to the greyhound code or the harness code or the thoroughbred code, and statements of attainment for this unit will reflect this distinction.This unit can be contextualised for other industries while also maintaining the integrity of the unit.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Review greyhound or horse handling skills required for nominated job functions.
  • Greyhound or horse handling skills for nominated job functions are summarised.
  • Racing safe operating procedures for nominated job functions or roles are compared to general handling skills.
  • OHS regulations are reviewed in relation to greyhound and horse handling requirements .
       
Element: Observe greyhound or horse handling skills.
  • Name and use of approved racing gear relevant to nominated job function is reviewed.
  • Fit and adjustment by applicant of approved and relevant racing gear is evaluated by assessor.
  • Handling of greyhound or horse using racing approved practices is evaluated by assessor.
       
Element: Determine if greyhound or horse handling skills are appropriate for nominated job function (where relevant).
  • Performance during handling skills tests is assessed using objective measurements that are consistent with racing authority standards and safe operating procedures.
  • Outcome of handling and gear fitting evaluation is recorded.
  • Applicant is advised of outcome of practical assessment evaluation.
  • Recommended remedial action is suggested where skills do not meet racing authority requirements.
  • Reasons for decision on license or registration application endorsement or rejection are recorded.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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).


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

applying safe work practices when approaching and moving around greyhounds or horses

assessing license or registration applicant's ability to:

adhere to safe work practices

demonstrate application of safe animal handling and controlling methods

identify and apply nominated gear correctly

work with animals in confined spaces

communicating with other stewards, racing officials, license and registration applicants and others using assertive communication techniques to gather, interpret and relay information related to assessing greyhound or horse handling skills

completing duties in accordance with safe operating procedures and nominated time frame

complying with OHS, environmental and animal welfare legislation

complying with organisational policies and procedures and the rules of racing

judging situations and taking appropriate action to prevent problems arising or to overcome problems before they develop further

reading and interpreting workplace documentation and rules of racing

recognising damaged or defective gear

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

responding quickly to requests from other stewards or racing officials

using appropriate language and interpersonal techniques

written communication skills to complete workplace documentation and reports.

Required knowledge

applicable federal, state or territory legislation and regulations relating to anti-discrimination and harassment

approved gear

common safe greyhound or horse handling and controlling techniques

communication procedures for communicating with other stewards and industry personnel, including reporting lines within the workplace and wider racing industry

ethical conduct standards of relevant racing principal authority

greyhound or horse behaviour and communication traits

hazard identification and risk management

industry terminology related to animal handling, racing operations and wider racing industry

OHS and environmental legislative requirements

organisational policies and procedures

principles of effective communication

racing industry animal welfare requirements

racing industry safety requirements, including safe operating procedures

relevant rules of racing

reporting requirements for irregularities and problems

signs of animal health, ill health, injury and diseases.

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Greyhound or horse handling skills for nominated job functions are summarised. 
Racing safe operating procedures for nominated job functions or roles are compared to general handling skills. 
OHS regulations are reviewed in relation to greyhound and horse handling requirements . 
Name and use of approved racing gear relevant to nominated job function is reviewed. 
Fit and adjustment by applicant of approved and relevant racing gear is evaluated by assessor. 
Handling of greyhound or horse using racing approved practices is evaluated by assessor. 
Performance during handling skills tests is assessed using objective measurements that are consistent with racing authority standards and safe operating procedures. 
Outcome of handling and gear fitting evaluation is recorded. 
Applicant is advised of outcome of practical assessment evaluation. 
Recommended remedial action is suggested where skills do not meet racing authority requirements. 
Reasons for decision on license or registration application endorsement or rejection are recorded. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RGRSTD406A - Assess greyhound or horse handling skills
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

RGRSTD406A - Assess greyhound or horse handling skills

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: