The gate steward keeps dogs and handlers flowing into and out of the ring. It is one of the most important jobs at a trial: a ring runs at the speed of its gate.
Download the gate steward guide (PDF)Printable version for ringside. The page above has the same content.
What the job involves
- Post the gate sheets and running order on the easel.
- At the start of each class, check that every dog has been checked in. If one hasn't, find out whether the dog is genuinely absent or simply not checked in yet.
- If the running order changes, tell the scribe so the sheets can be reordered.
- Work the posted running order out loud. Call handlers and dogs so they know when they're up.
- Make sure dogs run in order. When there's a conflict, a scratch, or a dog running out of order, make sure the scribe knows.
- Tell the ring crew when jump heights change and what height they're changing to.
- Tell the ring crew when the order switches between Performance and Championship.
Keeping the ring moving
- Have the next three or four dogs ready to go.
- Ask the judge which obstacle you can send the next dog to the start line on, then write it on the posted running order so handlers can see it.
- Have the next dog on the start line, ready, by the time the judge indicated.
- As each dog enters the ring, tell the scribe its name.
Calling height changes
When the last dog at a height goes to the line, call "Last dog at this height." When that dog finishes, call the new height, for example "Jumps to 16 inches." The ring crew works from those calls, so say them clearly and early.
Before you volunteer
This is a good role if you'd rather be on your feet and talking to people than sitting with a clipboard. Tell the trial secretary it's your first time. It earns Doggie Bytes toward class fees and entries.
See all volunteer roles