Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to perform the duties of a clerk of scales for jockeys at thoroughbred race meetings. It requires knowledge of approved and non-approved race gear and an ability to use appropriate forms of communication with stewards, trainers, jockeys and other racing industry personnel.

This unit of competency operates in work environments of racing stables, paddocks, yards, racecourses and public areas.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Check with your State Principal Racing Authority for current license or registration requirements.

Application of the unit 

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.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

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 AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

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.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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).

RANGE STATEMENT 

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

Co-requisite units 

Functional Area 

Racing performance services