The Northern Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Dressage Association ...
... would like to thank all those who volunteer for VADA/Nova. Without them, our activities would not be possible.
VADA/NOVA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The success of our events is largely dependent upon the members and non-members who volunteer their time at all of the many shows, clinics, and other activities we offer throughout the year.
Whenever someone volunteers at any of our shows or clinics, we want each volunteer to know how much we appreciate their efforts. We will provide:
- As much as possible, an assignment based on your preference and experience
- A job description to outline your responsibilities
- On site training as needed
- Breakfast, lunch, and drinks throughout the day
- A special volunteer thank you gift
- “Volunteer Bucks” that can be redeemed for use at schooling shows, banquets, clinics and other activities —$5.00 “bucks” for 4 hours and $10.00 “bucks” for a full day (at least 8 hours).
- Announcement of your name during the show
- Special “above and beyond” year end volunteer awards for those that do multiple days/hours
- Volunteer hours for pre-show setup and take down have double value (ex. 4 hours worked = 8 hours volunteer credit)
- Volunteer of the year award
“VOLUNTEER BUCKS”
- There is no limit on the number of volunteer “bucks” a member can earn
- Volunteer “bucks” are valid for 3 years
- Volunteer “bucks” cannot be used at Licensed Shows
- Starting in 2008 “bucks” can be used for membership/renewal
- “Volunteer bucks” are valid at VADA/Nova schooling shows and clinics only, not farm shows, farm organized clinics, etc.
- “Volunteer bucks” can also be used for VADA/Nova clinics, our annual banquet, merchandise from various vendors and advertising fees.
These vendors currently accept Volunteer Bucks:
- MKR Designs
- Seams Right
- VTO Saddlery
- Friday's Horse Equine Giftware
VADA/Nova 2008 Volunteer Work Requirement Form:
This form is used 
to record time used to fulfill volunteer requirements for Year End Awards.
VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Runner
A runner’s main duty is to collect tests from the scribe and carry them to the scorer in a fast and unobtrusive manner. The runner may not look at these tests. When collecting from the scribe, the runner should walk queitly to the judge’s stand as the horse in the arena finished the final salute and leaves the arena. The runner should not talk to either judge or scribe if they are still commenting on the preceding ride. The scribe or judge may ask for coffee, snacks, pens, etc to be brought back. Do this while waiting for the rides to finish. Never interrupt judge or scribe while there is a test in progress. The chief scorer will indicate if tests are to be brought after every ride or after a certain number of rides. Scorer’s may ask the runner to return a test to a judge for signature, clarification, etc. The runner should return the test to the scorers.
Opportunities: Schooling shows, licensed shows, Fix A Tests
Benefits: Breakfast, lunch (for full day volunteers), drinks and snacks. Volunteer bucks - $5 for half day, $10 for full day. Volunteer Credit for Year End VADA NOVA Awards.
Requirements: Runners may be required to do a great deal of walking. A minimum of half day committment in required.
Scorer
You will be responsible for scoring the tests as they come in from the Judges. They should be checked off in the scorer’s office (which is done by the head scorer) then scored and entered in the computer by either the head scorer or the show secretary. Scores must be posted after they are entered in the show computer but CAN NOT be given to competitors until the class is complete. Once the class is complete, the secretary or head scorer will print 2 pages fro the computer showing the palcings. One sheet goes to the announcer, the other sheet goes with the tests to the awards desk. Any questions on tests should go to the show manager or secretary.
Opportunities: Schooling shows, licensed shows, Fix A Tests
Benefits: Breakfast, lunch (for full day volunteers), drinks and snacks. Volunteer bucks - $5 for half day, $10 for full day. Volunteer Credit for Year End VADA NOVA Awards.
Requirements: Knowledge of calculators and/or adding machines is helpful, but not required. A minimum of half day committment in required.
Ring Steward
The Ring Steward is primarily responsible for keeping the ring running on time and to check equipment for adherence to rules (now required for all classes with more than six entries, or as directed by the Technical Delegate (TD). The Ring Steward will have a current schedule of ride times, a watch set to the official show time, a copy of legal equipment, latex gloves for bit checks and either a whip measuring tool or a measuring tape. The announcer will notify the Ring Steward of all changes and scratches via radio. The Ring Steward will in turn, notify the announcer of any no shows or riders scratching at the gate. To insure riders are ready the Ring Steward should know where the next three riders are and should notify all three of their impending ride times. According to the rules, a rider missing their time can be eliminated, but most dressage competitions will allow switching if problems arise. However, the judge and scribe must be notified of all changes in order of go to ensure that the test sheets are properly identified.
Opportunities: Schooling shows, licensed shows, Fix A Tests, Clinics
Benefits: Breakfast, lunch (for full day volunteers), drinks and snacks. Volunteer bucks - $5 for half day, $10 for full day. Volunteer Credit for Year End VADA NOVA Awards.
Requirements: A minimum of half day committment in required.
Scribe
Coming Soon!
Volunteer Hostess
Coming Soon!
Awards
Coming Soon!
Post Show Clean Up
Coming Soon!