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 attending racing events

demonstration of ability to approach and move around animals in a safe manner

implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient application of required actions and behaviour covering safety of self, others and animals

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 race meeting 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:

a range of educated greyhounds and harness or thoroughbred horses for practical experience

industry supervised access to racecourses to view training activities and to racing events to view marshalling yard or enclosure operations

materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to attend race meetings and comply with protocols and safety procedures

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).

Required skills

adhering to safety procedures when approaching and moving around animals

communicating with stewards, racing officials, and licensed and registered personnel using assertive communication techniques to gather, interpret and relay information related to the conduct and operation of racing events

following directions from racing officials

identifying safe animal handling practices

identifying safe work practices

interpreting and complying with workplace protocols

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

reviewing and accurately identifying work requirements

using appropriate language and interpersonal techniques.

Required knowledge

dress code and behavioural protocol requirements as determined by industry and workplace

greyhound or horse behaviour traits

OHS obligations

own roles, responsibilities and relationships with other industry personnel

race day procedures

relevant industry rules and regulations, including rules of racing

safe operating procedures

workplace communication channels, protocols and procedures.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Factors that affect greyhound or horse behaviour may include:

senses:

eyesight

hearing

smell

sixth sense

taste

touch

environment:

animal location, including kennels or stalls

marshalling area or enclosure

presentation area

crowds

enclosed spaces, including:

barrier

boxes

inclement weather conditions, including:

extreme heat

wind

loud noises

other greyhounds or horses

pre or post-race activity.

Signs of distress , excitement or nervousness in greyhounds or horses may include:

agitated and sweaty

attempts to bite

charges forward

kicks

pulls back

pulls sideways

rears

reluctant to move forward

turns in circles.

Safety zones and danger areas around greyhounds or horses may include:

blind spots at fore and rear of horse

head and hindquarters

location to other animals

near shoulder.

Considerations when determining safe methods of approaching or moving around greyhounds or horses may include:

assessing behaviour prior to approaching or moving around

identifying good behaviour traits and bad behaviour traits and vices

knowledge of behavioural problems

knowledge of restraining techniques employed by handler

level of education and experience of the greyhound or horse, related to behaviour.

Dress standards in mounting yard, marshalling area or presentation area may include:

industry dress codes

personal grooming requirements

personal presentation in the public eye

racing rules regarding dress codes

similar to standards at race meetings, for example members' area requirements.

OHS obligations may include:

awareness of state or territory and federal OHS legislation and relevant state or territory authority's approved codes of practice and standards

identifying hazards

controlling and minimising risks

safely using and operating equipment, including recording devices and cameras

familiarity with industry-applicable safe operating procedures

safety procedures for the protection of self and others

knowledge of accident and injury procedures.

Safe work methods for approaching or moving around greyhounds or horses may include:

applying safe work practices in crowded areas

knowledge of greyhound or horse behaviour amongst other animals

knowledge of safe work practices, including:

use of anti-rearing bit or bridle headpiece with bit, with double clip lead used when horses are lead at racecourses, training tracks and in public places

considering variables that influence behaviour of animal, such as:

fences and equipment

other persons or animals

vehicles

wind and noise

handler is positioned next to other handler when leading or passing greyhounds or horses in the opposite direction (person to person)

handler maintains two greyhound or horse lengths between greyhounds or horses

one greyhound or horse to each handler

using personal protective equipment

walking animals in single file

well-maintained and safe gear

understanding individual animal behaviour.