Stewards' Training

Stewards' training is run by the North Australian Canine Association and provides a range of knowledge and experience in all aspects of stewarding at Conformation shows.  There is currently work being undertaken to adapt the Show Manager/ Steward training package for use by Trial Managers.

Places for the training courses are prioritised for the current committee members of the NACA affiliates. The logic there is that they are the ones conducting the events. However if you are not a current committee member, but really want to help out at events then still apply as rarely are the courses full.

The format of the courses is now down to four nights, usually Mondays. We meet from 7.30pm to 10.00pm, but there is homework involved on the first three nights. The homework is necessary as not everything can be covered in ten hours.   We have now also trialled the same information in a weekend format and hope to conduct this training in Alice Springs during 2005.

The course outline is provided here:

PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF TRAINING
(This is purely a proposed list and is subject to discussion and amendment)

Week 1 (Pre Show Issues)

• Opening, welcome, introductions and expectations
• Format of training - discussion
• Schedules and the Show Advisory Committee
• Checking entries, catalogue preparation and when to number
• Preparation of Challenge and Best of Breed Certificates and charts
• Homework - Section 3 of the NACA Constitution and Rules

Week 2 (Show Issues)

• Revision from Week 1
• Open book quiz on Section 3 of the NACA Constitution and Rules
• Completing catalogues, Challenge and Best of Breed Certificates and charts
• Which Steward positions are required at a show - and why?
• Show Manager responsibilities
• Homework - prepare a catalogue and a set of charts

Week 3 (Show Issues)

• Revision from previous two weeks
• Practice - marking a catalogue
• Practice - completing charts
• Homework - prepare Challenge and Best of Breed Certificates

Week 4 (Show and Post Show Issues)

• Revision from previous three weeks
• Discussion on how to improve the Show Pack
• Practice - completing Challenge and Best of Breed Certificates
• After the Show - the Show Manager's Report and other paperwork
• Wrap-up and evaluation

Suggested Revision Training for Ring Steward Panel Aspirants

• Revision - NACA Rules - Section 3 Exhibitions
• Revision - NACA Rules - Section 4 Judges
• Revision - Running a Show - Section on Responsibilities of Ring Stewards
• Revision - the Ring Steward's contract
• Revision - charts - preparation and completion
• Ringcraft - presentation of the Ring Steward, setting up the Ring with the Judge, attending to the Judge throughout the show, establishing rapport with other Stewards and trophies and sashes.