This unit of competency supports racing industry personnel and others authorised to perform the duties of clerk of scales for jockeys at thoroughbred race meetings.

This unit can be contextualised for other industries while also maintaining the integrity of the unit.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Prepare for weigh out.

1. Scales are checked to verify accuracy and correct operation.

2. Weight allowed for each jockey in each race is verified prior to weigh out.

3. Weight allowances for apprentice jockeys are explained.

4. Reasons for weight fluctuations are explained.

5. Jockey's gear is stored near scales prior to race.

Weigh jockeys prior to each race.

6. Jockeys are weighed-out , lead is allocated if required and results are recorded.

7. Handover of gear from jockey to trainer is observed.

8. Approved gear is verified with jockey or trainer.

9. Stewards are advised of the results of jockey weigh out.

Weigh jockeys after each race.

10. Jockeys are weighed-in and results recorded .

11. Allowed variations in weigh-in versus weigh-out weights are explained.

12. Stewards are advised of results.

Required skills

communicating with stewards, racing officials, licensed and registered personnel and others using assertive communication techniques to gather, interpret and relay information related to clerk of scales duties

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

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

operating and reading weight scales

reading and interpreting workplace documents, including rules of racing

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

responding to instructions promptly and safely

responding quickly to requests from stewards or other racing officials

teamwork skills to ensure completion of job tasks

working in a high pressure environment

written communications skills to record data and complete workplace documentation and reports.

Required knowledge

approved gear

basic industry terminology related to race meeting procedures

communication procedures within the race meeting environment and wider racing industry

personal grooming and presentation requirements

protocols and procedures for communicating with licensed and other racing industry personnel

racing industry safety requirements, including safe operating procedures

relevant rules of racing

reporting requirements for irregularities and problems

weight allowances and variations.

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 performing the duties of clerk of scales for jockeys at thoroughbred race meetings

implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient application of clerk of scales duties

working with others to undertake and complete procedures that meet required outcomes.

Evidence should be collected over a period of time in a range of workplace-relevant 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 clerk of scales duties

safe handling areas such as racetracks, including race meetings and trials

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.

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).

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 clerk of scales for jockeys at thoroughbred race meetings. Workplaces include thoroughbred racecourses, training tracks, administration buildings and public areas.

Weight allowed for each jockey may include:

handicap weight allocated by handicapper in relation to:

jockey classification, such as senior jockey or apprentice jockey

class of race, for example:

set weight

set weight penalties

weight-for-age

gear included, for example:

breastplates

rings

gear excluded, for example:

blinkers

pacifiers

saddlecloths

skull caps

whips

lead and lead bags

weight in relation to body protectors

minimum weight.

Weight allowances for apprentice jockeys may include:

allowance for group and listed races

checking race books to ensure all information is correct, including apprentice claims

location of race, for example:

country regions

metropolitan

provincial

number of winners ridden in each region

kilogram allowance in each region in relation to numbers of winners ridden

keeping records, for example winning rides book

weight claim at start and end of the day's racing.

Factors when jockeys are weighedout may include:

correct gear is included and scrutinised

jockeys are wearing correct clothing

jockeys are weighed approximately 30 minutes before race.

Approved gear may include:

breastplates

girths

girth covers

pacifiers

rings

saddles

stirrup leathers

surcingles.

Stewards are advised :

courteously and efficiently

maintaining confidentiality and discretion

promptly

using correct forms of greeting

via verbal and/or written communication, including:

describing actions

giving and receiving clear, accurate and simple messages

listening to and interpreting information and instructions

written reports may include simple documents and notes.

Jockeys weighed-in are:

first five jockeys in order of race result.

Allowed variations at weigh-in and weigh-out may include:

allowance for bridle

declaring overweight at weigh-out

overweight due to accumulated mud or moisture

penalties at weigh-in for flat races and hurdles

underweight due to heavy sweating of jockey.

Unit Sector

Thoroughbred racing code

This unit contains employability skills.