Volunteering at a BE event can take many shapes, from being on the organising committee to fence judging and dressage writing. Every job you do as a volunteer is vital and contributes to the sport and its enjoyment. Some roles require more training than others. Why not try out different roles to see which you enjoy the most, meet new people and stay close to the sport.
Collecting Ring Steward
Dressage, show jumping and cross country stewards are needed for the smooth running of the competition. The dressage steward keeps the order of competitors running at the correct times and also points riders in the direction of their arena. There may be two or three stewards working alongside each other. The show jumping steward does a similar job but often keeps a board for competitors to put their number down so they run in order. The steward will let competitors know of scheduled breaks and course walks. The cross country collecting ring steward ensures competitors come to the XC start box in good time before they set off on course.
Scoring team
Scorers collate and calculate all the scores and then provide information to a chief scorer who will put the scores onto a computer for the final results. A scoreboard writer will then put up all the results for everyone to see. All results need final validation by BE HQ before the results are final.
crossing steward
The role of a crossing steward is vital in terms of the safety of horses, competitors and spectators. Crossing stewards allow competitors to cross the course safely in between horses. It is a great role for seeing horses out on the cross country course.
Control team
A BE controller manages what happens on the cross country course and communicates constantly with the fence judges, start and finishers, emergency services and the BE steward and TA. In case of an emergency, control stops the course, deploys the emergency services and communicates any actions needed together with the steward and TA. A controller often commentates on what is happening on the cross country course so a clear, confident voice and cool head is required for this role. BE controllers undertake a programme of detailed training and assessment before qualifying for this role.
Information point
The information point replaces that traditional event secretary's tent and is a place for people to have their queries answered on the day and be directed to the right place. Start fees are now paid alongside entry fees, and usually, competitors are required to print their numbers at home and bring them to the event.
Fence Judge
Fence judging is usually done in pairs. It involves taking a time for each competitor at the fence, awarded penalties for any rule infringement s and reporting these to cross country control, as well as recording them on score sheets. Fence judges are also responsible for safety around their fence. The BE Technical Adviser and Steward will give you a thorough briefing in the morning, including explaining the stopping procedure and things to watch out for. Fence judging is a great way to see eventing up close in some beautiful surroundings.
Cross country start team
The start and finish team consists of a chief time keeper, start time keeper, finish time keeper, recorder and one or more collecting ring stewards. The starter must count down the competitors and start the clock while communicating with the controller and the chief time keeper.
Dressage Writer
A dressage writer will sit with the dressage judge in their car or cabin and write down the comments and marks that the judge gives. A basic understanding of dressage is useful as some terms specific to the discipline may be used. A dressage judge will normally only judge one section in a class but this can still take most of a day to finish. Dressage writing is a great way to learn more and gain an understanding of what judges are looking for, as well as watch the start of the competition.
Score collector
Scores are collected from dressage and show jumping stewards.
Become a volunteer
To become a registered volunteer, you simply need to sign up as an associate member of British Eventing. This will enable us to send you relevant communications and opportunities.
Volunteer
If you have a question about becoming a volunteer and would like to find out more, please contact the Sport Team at British Eventing via at volunteer@britisheventing.com