LINE & CHECK IN MARSHAL

The primary responsibility of the line and check in marshal is to make certain that dogs and handlers get to the line promptly so that there are no delays. The line marshal calls the dogs/handler team to the line. The check-in marshal keeps track of the running order board; checks-in dogs and makes certain handlers are informed of the order and lined up in the holding blinds.

TRAFFIC

This committee's job is to direct traffic on the grounds and manage parking areas. It will also include checking permits tags at the entrances to the grounds. Additional responsibilities include:

• Putting out signage during test week
• Directing vehicles into parking areas
• Roping off parking areas
• Part of set-up crew for next test

EQUIPMENT/GROUNDS

This committee chairman's job is to be responsible for setting up, taking down and moving equipment from test to test. If areas need to be groomed for tests or blinds brushed up this falls under the duties of this committee. In addition, this person is responsible for:

• Preparing grounds: mowing, trimming, cutting brush and filling in holes
• Moving portable toilets as directed
• Obtaining, placing and emptying trash barrels
• Responsible for site clean-up
• Moving club tents as directed including sponsor tents
• Holding blind set-up and tear down
• Set-up crew for next test
• Obtaining and filling swimming pools at holding blinds, as necessary

SAFETY

The Safety Committee Chairman shall oversee all functions of the Safety Committee. He/she shall ensure that all documents, checklists, and forms are completed prior and during the event. The Safety Committee Chairman shall work closely with the Hunt Test Committee so that any hazardous or unsafe situations may be rectified within the parameters of Hunt Test Regulations and Guidelines. The Safety Committee Chair person shall be present for as much of the event as possible. It is especially important that he/she shall be present during set-up, series change, and the running of at least 10 dogs after the running of the test dogs in each series. The Safety Committee Chairman shall cooperate with the Chief Marshall and the Hunt Test Chairman of the duration of the event.

In addition, the Safety Chairman and Committee should:

• Thoroughly walk and check all grounds of all series and alternate series. They shall check for any hazards or conditions that may cause serious injuries to dogs or handlers.
• Observe and ensure that proper gun use safety is being utilized. This shall include:
• Adequate hearing protection for all gunners and throwers.
• Adequate safe shooting angles for the gunners.
• Adequate safe down range clearances for all live shots.
• Safe handling of firearms, including live guns, and popper guns.
• Observe and ensure the proper use and installation of any mechanical bird throwing devices.
• Obtain weather forecasts and monitor weather conditions to prevent any environmental medical problems such as hypothermia, heat related problems, etc. The Committee shall also monitor any lightning activity in the area for the safety of gunners and throwers.
• In areas of extreme fire danger, the Committee shall ensure that safe smoking practices and vehicle parking are followed in accordance with local Fire Department regulations.
• Work with the Traffic Committee to ensure safe traffic patterns and parking are established and instituted.
• Investigate and document (including photos) any and all injuries, accidents, or incidents involving either the dogs or humans. The Committee must complete the incident report form in full and submit the form to the MNRC Secretary upon completion.
• Have available on site, a cell phone that may be used for emergency calls.

GUNNERS

The Chairman of the Gunners Committee (Gun Captain) must be a member of the Board. Fish and Game Regulations in some states require anyone shooting live birds to have a hunting license from that state. It is the responsibility of the Host Club to determine the regulations and let the MNRC know what the requirements. The Gun Captain is responsible for enforcing state regulations.

The gunners are responsible for:

• Shooting live birds
• Handling and distributing all live ammo and poppers.

Gunners may also be responsible for popper guns if the throwers committee is not able to do this.

THROWERS

The committee's job is to throw both dead and live birds. Almost all dead birds are launched from Tangelo Tossers. Live birds almost originate out of manual launchers. Bird throwers will be required to use bird calls.

• Operates tossers on all dead birds
• Operates manual wingers on live birds
• Will be required to fire popper gun for deadbird stations
• Must have hunter's safety card or hunting license.
• Ability to use a bird call.

STEWARDS

The steward's responsibility is the care and management of the birds. They may be asked to assist our bird steward chair with live birds. Their primary job consists of taking birds from the judge on the line, drying hanging, sorting and bagging birds for reuse. During the night the dead birds are to be stored in a cooler unit. Part of the bird stewarding job includes placing the birds in storage and retrieving them for use in the morning.

• Bags and organizes birds at the line
• Dries wet birds (absorbent towels provided)
• Place birds in cooler as necessary during the day and overnight.
• Bags and distributes birds in the morning and distributes them to their respective throwing stations
• Plants blinds for blind retrieves.

HOSPITALITY

The hostess committee makes sure that the judges and paid workers have food and beverages. They also make certain the coolers are filled with water and sodas for the rest of the workers. Their duties include maintaining those ice and drink supplies. Hostesses will also be asked to help prepare the worker and handler bags prior to the start of the event or help at the concession stand.

• Organizes registration packets for handlers and workers and distributes to handlers.
• Drinks for workers in the field.
• Drink, snacks, lunches for judges, paid workers and workers during lunch time hours.
• Help with coffee in the morning.
• Organizes workers bags and pins and distributes to A & B Stake Marshals