Originally posted by Leslie:
What's a steward and what do they do?
There are 3 types of stewards at an AKC Obedience Trial: Gate, Table and Ring Stewards.
This is from the AKC website:
"The Gate Steward
The primary responsibility of the gate steward is to ensure that the next dog to be judged is immediately available when the judge indicates that he or she is ready. As soon as the judge begins the judging routine of a dog, this steward calls the next dog to be judged and ensures the handler is at ringside when the dog in the ring has completed all exercises. Dogs may not enter the ring until the judge indicates that he is ready for the next dog, and it is the responsibility of this steward to ensure that the judging time of the class is not delayed by having the judge wait for dogs.
Dogs must be judged in catalog order to the extent that it is practical to do so without holding up the judging in any ring. If the dog listed next in the catalog is not at ringside when needed, the steward should not hesitate to call the next dog in order. Stewards are not required to seek out handlers, as it is the handler's responsibility to be ready when his or her dog's number is called.
The Table Steward
The extent to which a judge uses the services of a table steward varies greatly. Some judges prefer to do their own bookwork and do not feel it is necessary to have their steward perform many of the duties in this area. The steward must receive specific instructions from the judge to ascertain exactly what will be required as table steward.
Ring Stewards
Each judge requires two ring stewards. It is particularly important for these two stewards to report to the ring at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time for judging, to assist the judge in setting up the ring and equipment and to receive specific assignments from the judge. As the duties of the ring stewards vary with the class in which they are officiating, the remainder of this discussion will be divided by classes.
Novice
The first exercise in the Novice class is the Heel on Leash. After the dog finishes the heeling pattern, the two ring stewards are required to act as "posts" around which the dog and handler will execute the Figure Eight. Both stewards should be ready immediately when the Figure Eight is called. The judge will indicate where he or she wants the Figure Eight performed. When should the stewards go to the assigned position? Probably just after the judge gives the order "Exercise finished" for the Heel on Leash portion of the exercise. This method saves time by not requiring the judge to call the stewards each time they are needed. The stewards stand 8 feet apart, facing each other, with their hands hanging naturally at their sides, or folded in front. Hands should not be placed on hips or in any way extended from the body. It is absolutely essential that stewards do not talk or move while this exercise is being performed. Stewards must resist the temptation to turn their head to watch the dog's performance.
After the completion of the Figure Eight exercise, a steward must be available to take the leash from the handler. The judge will then give the order for the "Stand for Examination." Very often the judge will require the steward to hold his or her clipboard and pencil. Once the steward has these items, he or she should promptly move away from the area where the exercise is taking place, but he or she should be close enough to quickly return the clipboard and pencil when the judging of the exercise is completed and the judge gives the order "Exercise finished." The steward does not return the dog's leash until after the Recall exercise is completed.
Any number of incidents may occur during the group exercises, and stewards must be particularly alert. If a dog breaks or starts to move toward another dog, the steward may be asked to restrain the dog's movement. The stewards' attention should be divided between the dogs and the judge to make sure the stewards are alert to a possible disturbance and be ready to follow whatever instructions the judge may give.
Open Class
When issuing an armband to a handler, the gate steward should record in the catalog beside the armband number the height and distance the dog jumps as stated by the handler of the dog. The gate steward should also take the leash and dumbbells from the handler when the dog is brought into the ring. A discussion of the heights and distance will be described later. It is essential that the steward setting the Broad Jump have a tape measure or steel rule to ensure the accuracy of the jump. The first duty of the judge will be to check that the jumps are properly set. Stewards must arrange jumps quickly and accurately or much time will be wasted.
In the Open class the Figure Eight is performed off lead as part of the Heel Free exercise. The requirements of stewards are the same as in the Novice class. Again, stewards should be immediately available when the order is given.
The Open class has two retrieving exercises - the Retrieve on Flat and Retrieve over High Jump. The gate steward takes the dumbbell from the handler as the dog enters the ring, and places it on the judges' table. When directed by the judge, a ring steward shall deliver the dumbbell to the handler or to the judge as directed by the judge. This should be done immediately so those handlers are not made to wait.
The gate steward will line up the dogs and handlers outside the ring immediately prior to the time the judge has indicated he or she will do the Long Sit and the Long Down exercises. The judge should not be made to wait while the handlers are located. The Long Sit and the Long Down exercise are always done in exact catalog order. As the dogs enter the ring, the ring stewards must line up dogs and handlers along the ringside as indicated by the judge. Ring stewards must make sure that dogs are in catalog order and that they are placed an equal distance from each other. The judge will instruct handlers to place armbands and leashes behind their dogs, with the leash on top of the armband, in such a manner that the number is easily read. One of the two ring stewards in the Open class will be assigned to lead the handler out of sight of the dogs. Prior to the beginning of the exercise access to this location should be checked by the stewards. Once behind the "blind" area, the steward must watch for the judge's signal to return to the dogs and lead handlers back to the ring. The steward is responsible for having handlers return in the same order in which their dogs are arranged. The other steward assists the judge in the ring in the same manner described for the Novice class.
Utility Class
When issuing an armband to a handler, the gate steward should record in the catalog beside the armband number, the height the dog jumps as stated by the handler of the dog. The Utility class contains the Directed Jumping exercise, during which the dog must complete a high jump and a bar jump. As in the Open class, one steward immediately sets the high jump while the other steward sets the bar jump. Again, this must be done quickly and accurately. Also, as in the Open class, the judge will make sure that the jumps are properly set.
For the Scent Discrimination exercise, the gate steward will have placed the handler's articles on the judge's table, where the judge will select two -one leather and one metal - and separate them from the rest. The judge may position the remaining articles or may ask the ring steward to perform this function. The articles must be placed so that the closest article is about 20 feet from the handler. The judge or ring steward must touch (not necessary to scent) each of the eight remaining articles, spreading them in a random manner on the floor, or ground, about 6 inches apart. After completion of the Scent Discrimination exercises, the ring steward places the articles in the handler's container and returns them to the judge's table.
The Directed Retrieve exercise utilizes two ring stewards. While one steward is picking up the scent articles, the other steward takes the three gloves from the judge's table and goes to the far end of the ring. After the dog and handler are in position, (midway between and in line with the two jumps) but facing the opposite direction, the steward will drop the three gloves across the end of the ring: one glove in each corner, about 3 feet from the sides and the end of the ring, and one in the center, about 3 feet from the end of the ring. The judge may wish to do this task but it is usually assigned to the steward. The three gloves must be clearly visible to both dog and handler. It is not necessary to "iron" the gloves flat, but they should be open, not closed. After the exercise is completed, the steward retrieves the remaining two gloves and places them on the judge's table.
For the Moving Stand exercise, one ring steward will be needed to hold the judge's clipboard and pencil during the examination and will stand aside as directed by the judge."
[ 01-25-2004, 05:14 AM: Message edited by: Annie Milliron ]
I just got my pamphlet from NCNC this week with the listings and my head is going to be spinning up there! So many things to see!
Gotta figure sumpin' out about Ohio!!!!
