Volunteer Information - Download 2008 Volunteer Form
Greetings everyone:
Being a volunteer is a very educational and rewarding experience. Without volunteers a horse show cannot exist. It is your contribution of time and energy that continues to make events such as "The Del Mar Classic," and "The Dressage Affaire" possible. You make the difference between it being just a show and it being a sensational success!
Whether you are a rider wanting to learn more about the judge's perspective by Scribing, or someone who loves the outdoors and wants to be a Runner, there is a job to satisfy any desire. In addition, our shows are confirmed as part of the California Dressage Society - San Diego Chapter's circuit whereby any hours worked can go toward satisfying their four hour requirement for awards eligibility.
Every year is important and KP Events, Inc. always strives to deliver an outstanding competition experience for all. This year is particularly special in that it is an Olympic qualifying year, and both "The Del Mar Classic," and "The Dressage Affaire" have received approval to be qualifiers for the Olympic Games, as well as for World Cup Finals, and the National Grand Prix and Intermediate I Championships for 2008.
In the following pages I have given a brief description of the various positions and what they are responsible for. If this is your first time volunteering for a dressage competition, please take a moment to read through the different job descriptions, and don't worry if you've never done something. With the help of our Technical Delegate, I train for all our positions. For those of you who have been volunteering, I also invite you to take a moment to read the descriptions. You may see something new.
We sincerely hope you will join us in making San Diego the city of choice for the future of dressage and look forward to having you be part of the KP Events volunteer team.
Sincerely,
Nikki C. Pecorelli
Vice President
KP Events, Inc.
Interested in volunteering at the Dressage Affaire 2008?
Scribe
The scribe is the person who writes the judge's comments and numerical scores given for each movement onto the test sheet. This is done as the rider is performing their test. It is very important that the Scribe be able to focus, keep up with the movements of the test, and write legibly and quickly for long periods of time. It is also the responsibility of the Scribe to review the test to make sure all required areas are filled in and any necessary signatures are applied before giving the test sheets to the arena Runner. This position requires sitting, and writing.
E-Scribe
The e-scribe is the third person seated in the judge's box. Each e-scribe is responsible for maintaining the electronic record of the numerical aspect of the dressage test. The e-scribe position is often the most sought-after positions because it does not require the same manual scribe abilities to perform the service. This job is done as the rider is performing their test. It is very important that the e-scribe be able to focus, keep up with the movements of the test, and sit for long periods of time. While the e-scribe position is not always offered at each show, it is becoming a more visible position as the equestrian community begins to integrate technology into their events. This position requires sitting, and typing (single numerical values) into our scoring software. Video training available.
Runner
The Runner is responsible for collecting test sheets from the Scribe at their assigned arena and taking them to the office for scoring. The Runner should never look at or review the tests. The Runner must never enter or interrupt the Judge or Scribe while a test in process. The best time to enter for collection of test sheets is when the horse in the arena finishes the final salute and is leaving the arena. The position requires physical activity (usually walking) for long periods of time.
Gate Keeper
The Gatekeeper is the person who removes the section of arena at 'A' so the rider can enter the dressage arena. They then replace that section as the horse is going down the center line to begin their test. Upon completion of the test and final salute, the Gatekeeper removes the section so the competitor can exit the dressage arena. This position requires a person to be able to sit, stand, walk and lift light objects for long periods of time.
Ring Steward
The Ring Steward is responsible for making sure the correct rider enters their necessary competition arena at their specified ride time. They also watch the warm-up area and make sure riders know the order of go, and when they are next in line. This person also will be made aware of some important USEF rules on whips and spurs and what is allowed in the warm up arena and inform the TD if a question arises. This position requires a person to stand, sit, and may require a person to communicate via radio to the Announcer and/or show office.
Bit Checker
This person's primary function is to check the bit(s) and overall condition of the rider's horse after they have completed their test. The purpose is to make sure no rider is using an illegal mouthpiece on the horse. In addition they must check that the horse does not have severe whip marks, or bloodied sides caused by excessive spurring, and that no other signs of abuse are present. Information is provided by USEF Technical Delegate on what is and isn't legal. This position requires a person to sit, stand, and be able to physically manipulate a horse's mouth, check their sides, and overall condition.
Scorer
The Scorer is the person who adds up the scores directly from the test sheets using an adding machine or computer software. The total points are converted to a percentage which determines where the rider places in the class. This position requires a person to sit, use a computer mouse, and/or calculator for long periods of time.
Hospitality
This person may have several different responsibilities including but not limited to: Ushering sponsors to their box seating, providing assistance to judges and sponsors, front gate admissions, evening event assistance, silent auction assistance. This position requires standing, sitting, walking, oral communication and customer service skills.
Awards Booth
This person is responsible for handing out ribbons and test sheets to all competitors. They also must hand out prizes as allocated by the Show Manager. They may have to participate in handing out ribbons and sashes in the honor rounds. This position requires sitting, some walking, and some standing for long periods of time.