The Trial Chair heads the Trial Committee and is responsible for anything and everything that goes on at a trial. They need to recruit the committee members plus any additional help that might be necessary. They need to be available during the trial for questions, suggestions, resolving conflicts and problems. They ensure that the trial is organized and that all of the tasks have been completed. Ideally this person will be a good delegator.

A Trial Chair obviously needs good organizational skills, should be reasonably familiar with the sanctioning organization. They must be able to delegate responsibilities and follow up, and must be willing to spend time on the phone making arrangements and checking on details. They must also be good at handling a budget; decisions must be made based on the amount of money the trial is expected to bring in and the known fixed costs.

Their duties will include:

• Confirming what classes will be offered.

   

• Ensuring that Judges have been researched and committed.

   

• Ensuring that the grounds have been researched and booked.

   

• Ensuring that the equipment and Chief Course Builder have been booked.

   

• Send Judge(s) a list of available equipment for the trial.

   

• Recruiting a Trial Secretary.

   

• Submitting paperwork to sanctioning organization.

   

• Determine if overnight security is necessary at the site. If necessary, arrange for appropriate security for nights that the club's equipment is at the trial.

   

• Determine if sanitation at the site is sufficient. If necessary, arrange for portable toilets to be rented and serviced.

   

• Filling all empty Trial Committee positions.

   

  • Trial Secretary

     

  • Chief Course Builder(s)

     

  • Chief Ring Steward(s)

     

  • Hospitality

     

  • Awards

     

  • Judges

     

  • Registration Check-in

     

  • Grounds

     

• If possible use dedicated staff for individual tasks. It is a good idea to have the same scribe and timekeeper throughout a trial for each ring.

   

• Have a table, chair, water, and shelter available at ringside for the Judge(s). Have someone fetch lunches for the Judge(s) and all other essential ring crew.

   

• Have your score table and check-in table in two widely separated locations. The score table should not be too far from the rings. Mark the check-in table plainly so that people will not go to the score table for check-in or general questions.

   

• Available at the trial to answer questions, receive suggestions, and resolve conflicts and problems.

   

• Arrange to present the Judge's gifts