The VIP’s of DVCTA: Our Volunteers!!

DVCTA DOLLARS

DVCTA Dollars are one way to thank members who volunteer for specific jobs at shows, clinics and other events. Volunteers earn $5 in DVCTA Dollars for a ½ day (4 hours) of work, and $10 for a full day (8 hours) of work. These dollars may be used like cash towards payment of most clinic, event or schooling show fees. However, they may not be used towards fees for recognized shows or membership dues. Dollars will be valid for one year from date of issue.

Here’s how it works: when you volunteer for a qualifying job, make sure you check in with the event or show organizer and sign the “Volunteer Hour Report” form. After the event, our Volunteer Recognition chair, Teresa Holton tholton@udel.edu will record your volunteer time and mail you your DVCTA Dollars.

Jobs that Qualify for DVCTA Dollars:*

*Please note that an event organizer may opt to offer a different form of volunteer compensation in lieu of DVCTA Dollars (i.e. free event admission, etc.)

Service Awards

While the DVCTA Dollars program is new in 2008, Service Awards are a long-standing DVCTA tradition. Service Awards are designed to thank and acknowledge those members of DVCTA that go above and beyond the call of duty. These volunteers spend countless hours in support of the organization. They serve on committees and on the Board of Directors. They organize clinics, shows and other events and are committed to providing quality programs and activities for DVCTA members. All volunteer hours count towards a service award. Service Award winners will be honored at the annual DVCTA Awards Dinner. Award levels are:

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award was first presented in 1984, and is given to a DVCTA member and volunteer “in appreciation of their dedication to the spirit and ideals of DVCTA and their generous service to the sports of Dressage and Combined Training.” This award is presented annually at the Awards Dinner.

Keeping Track of Volunteer Hours

DVCTA Volunteer Recognition Chair, Teresa Holton, will keep track of all volunteer hours. If you have any questions regarding volunteer hours, please contact Teresa at tholton@udel.edu or 610-255-0269.

Volunteer Job Descriptions

Runner – Schooling Show, Recognized Show, Fix A Test, Horse Trials
Collect tests from the Scribe and deliver them to the Scorer in an efficient manner. The runner may not look at these tests. The Scorer will indicate if tests are to be brought after every ride or after a certain number of rides. The scorer may ask the runner to return a test to a judge for signature, clarification, etc. and the runner should also return the test to the Scorer. Runners may be required to do a good deal of walking. A minimum of 1/2 day commitment is requested.

Scorer - Schooling Show, Recognized Show, Fix A Test, Horse Trials
Calculate scores from the test sheets, and post the final scores at the end of each class. Tests will be brought to the show office by a Runner. (A Scorer may be asked to collect his/her own tests from the Scribe if there is a shortage of runners). The Scorer will instruct the Runners if tests are to be brought after every ride or after a specified number of rides have been completed. Knowledge of calculators and/or adding machines is helpful, but not required. A minimum of 1/2 day commitment is requested.

Ring or Cross-Country Steward -- Schooling Show, Recognized Show, Fix A Test, Horse Trials.
Keeps the competition ring running on time and checks equipment for adherence to rules (bit/whip/spurs). The steward should know where the next three riders are and notify them of their scheduled ride times. The Judge and Scribe should be notified of all changes in "order of go" to ensure the proper test sheets are properly identified. A minimum of 1/2 day commitment is requested.

Scribe – Schooling Show, Recognized Show, Fix A Test, Horse Trials.
Record the Judge’s scores and comments onto the test scoring sheet, allowing the Judge to focus on the horse and rider during a test. Judges depend upon the Scribe to transcribe information in a quick and accurate manner with legible handwriting. Must have experience or have taken the Scoring and Scribing Clinic. A minimum of 1/2 day commitment requested.

Ring Set-up/Tear Down -- Schooling Show, Recognized Show, Fix A Test, Horse Trials.
Responsible for accurately measuring and setting up the dressage ring in accordance with USDF competition guidelines prior to the scheduled show. The ring may be set up the day before or, on occasion, early in the morning of the competition. For detailed instructions regarding the proper set-up of a standard dressage ring, refer to the following helpful link: http://www.usdf.org/competition/guidelines/docs/AppG.pdf
Ring Tear Down will take place upon completion of the competition. A minimum of 1/2 day commitment requested for set up (crew of 3 people). Tear down requires less time and only one person to disassemble arena(s) at the end of the show day.

Cross-Country Fence Judge - Horse Trials
Judge sits at assigned cross-country fence (or start/finish) and records clear jumps, falls and refusals.

On-site Hospitality - Schooling Show, Recognized Show, Fix A Test, Horse Trials, Clinics, and other DVCTA sponsored events.
Possible jobs include: refreshments (breakfast, lunch, snacks for event), provide lunch/beverages for judges, prepare coolers with beverages/snacks for judges/volunteers (i.e. fence judge lunches at horse trials).

On-site Event Assistant – Schooling Show, Recognized Show, Fix A Test, Horse Trials, Clinics, and other DVCTA sponsored events.
Possible jobs include: Clinic check in, registration, etc.

Demo Riders - Seminars and Clinics
Demonstration riders are sometimes needed for various seminars and clinics offered by DVCTA. Watch the DVCTA web site for these great opportunities.

Other Volunteer Opportunities:
-Prep work before clinics/seminars
-Room set up for clinics/seminars
-Clean up after clinics/seminars/shows
-Transportation for clinicians/judges (to/from airport)
-Donation of clinic host facilities
-Hospitality for clinics/seminars/shows