MAC is a volunteer organization, and relies heavily on the enthusiastic participation of its membership, both in the day to day administration of the club and the more event-oriented activity of putting on an agility trial. Both members and non-members are welcome to volunteer at MAC trials.

Sometimes people hesitate to become involved because they don’t have a sense of what is entailed in a particular job. Our friends at the Bay Team Agility Club in San Francisco have done a very good job of summarizing the specific tasks that are part of putting on an Agility Trial. We’ve borrowed from their work below, and would encourage you to visit their website.

Show committee position descriptions are available to current members in the files section of the MAC groups.io.

Course Builder

Summary: Move obstacles between rounds as directed by the Chief Course Builder.

Help move equipment between classes to set the course for the next class. Requires more brawn than brains. You must be aware of when each class ends so the new course can be set quickly. Efficiency in course building can significantly affect how late a show goes. The Chief Course Builder (and then the Judge during final “tweaking”) provides instruction about what pieces of equipment are needed and where to place them.

Gate Steward

Summary: Make sure dogs and handlers are ready at start line.

Armed with a running order, call out the names of handlers and dogs to make sure they are present and aware of when they will be going into the ring. You must not be too shy for this job as it can require shouting for missing handlers. You must also be prepared for nervous handlers asking repeatedly when they will be running. It’s a great way to get to know names and faces. You can make a show run faster and smoother if you:

• Have the next three dogs ready to go.
• Have the next dog ready on the starting line before the previous dog finishes, if possible.
• Provide information to the Scribe and Timer to ensure that the running order matches the scribe sheets.

Scribe

Summary: Make marks on paper when judge raises hand or calls out a number.

Mark down faults and points on the scribe sheet as directed by the judge and the finish time as provided by the timer while each dog is running. Scribing differs for different classes, just as judging differs. The judge will instruct you as to the meaning of various hand signals; they are always happy to give you a quick one-minute primer on the signals if you ask. If you ever are unclear about a judge’s signal, wait until after that run and clarify before the next dog starts. Before each run, you must verify that you have the correct scribe sheet for that dog. The scribe works closely with the tImer to ensure that the class runs efficiently and smoothly. Important: You must watch only the judge at all times during each run, never the dog or handler.

Note: Before the class begins, ensure that you have a pen and the scribe sheets from the score table. If time allows, compare the scribe sheet order to the running order to make a note of dogs that are marked absent and adjust the order of dogs that have moved earlier or later in the order.

Timer

Summary: Monitor electronic timers and write time on scribe sheets after each run or report time to scribe.

MAC uses electronic timers. In most cases, the time is started and stopped by the dog completing the correct first and last obstacles. In some classes, you may be required to manually start or stop the time. The judge will give you specific instructions on timing a class before the first dog runs. The timer is important in keeping the competition running on time because they are responsible for promptly starting the next team. Before allowing the next dog to start, check to make sure that the previous dog is under control and off the course, bars are reset if needed, and the judge is ready. Signal the next team to start (usually by pressing the “ready” button on the electronic timer console). After the dog has started, check that timer started automatically. If not, alert the judge immediately, no later than the third obstacle, to stop the run. After the run is over, report the time to the scribe so they can write it on the score sheet. The timer works closely with the scribe to ensure that the class runs efficiently and smoothly.

Sheet Runner

Summary: Take scribe sheets from the scribe to the score table.

Runners usually take sheets from the scribe or timer to the score table a few at a time. Might require a bit of walking (probably not running).

Leash Runner

Summary: Take leashes from start line to finish line.

After the dog has left the start line, pick up the leash and take it to the designated spot at the finish line. Typically, a “reacher-grabber” tool is provided if you prefer not to bend over to pick up the leash. This is an easy job. However, you should be as invisible as possible to the handler at the start. Don’t demand the leash or crowd the dog. Be aware if the course sends the dog toward your path, and time your movements to avoid interfering with the dog’s run.

Ring Steward (Bar Setter)

Summary: Reset bars for height changes and when they are knocked by dogs during a run. Help adjust the A-frame height when needed.

When the ring steward calls out a height change, adjust jump bars to the correct height. If the A-frame height needs to be adjusted, work with another ring steward to set it. Chairs are set on the course for you to sit in to ensure your presence doesn’t affect the dog’s run. The judge may adjust your location if needed to make sure you remain as unobtrusive as possible. Knocked bars are typically not reset during a run unless instructed by the judge. The judge may also instruct you to remove knocked bars that presents a hazard to the dog. If a dog notices you or runs toward you, ignore the dog: don’t make eye contact and turn toward the wall. This is an easy job, and a great one for watching each dog run as you must pay attention to what’s happening in the ring at all times. Quick bar resets and efficient jump height changes help the day go much faster.

Score Table

Summary: Transfer the information on the scribe sheet to a computer scoring program.

Take the scribe sheet from the sheet runner and transfer the it to the computer scoring program. If there is no sheet runner, you’ll collect the score sheets yourself a few at a time. At the end of each jump height, determine placements. After the judge’s approval, post the score sheets for the exhibitors. There are always at least two people at the score table to double-check each other, and there is always at least one experienced score table person to give instructions and answer questions.

Equipment Setup

Summary: Set up the rings the night before or morning of the competition

Set up equipment in the rings as directed by the chief course builder. The first day of the trial, there’s additional equipment to set up, such as tables, crating dividers, tents, practice jumps, and scribe/timer supplies.

Equipment Teardown

Summary: Tear down the rings after the competition and help clean up the facility

After the last run of the trial, help set up the equipment and clean up the space as requested by the facility. There is a list or a person who can tell you exactly what needs to be done. Typically, lots of help is appreciated to make teardown go quickly so everyone can head home on time.

Registration Check-in

Summary: Check names off a list and/or hand out materials.

For larger events, you can offer your services at the registration table. You can check people off on the check-in lists, hand out goodies, or help with measure-in (handle paperwork for the measuring judge).

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