Fun Match VOLUNTEER Information

THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN VOLUNTEERING!  NOCI depends on your volunteer spirit to help us run every single aspect of our club and our events.

This sheet provides our members additional details about working a Fun Match as a volunteer, whether you’re new to this or a seasoned veteran.

FREE RUNS FOR WORKERS
    • Volunteer-Workers are allowed 2 free runs with their own dog.
    • Link to:  How to Volunteer
    • Link to: Fun Match Job Descriptions
    • Worker Runs take place between 6:15 – 7:00 pm.
        • As soon as each ring is ready to go, they will announce the start of their worker-runs.
        • Coordinate your runs with the other workers at your ring and the ring you are running in.
            • This sounds complicated, but it always works out just fine.
        • If worker-runs end early, those rings with handlers ready can start their Fun Match runs.
    • It is important that all workers not running a dog during worker-runs report to their ring so we have enough personnel to conduct these runs.
FUN MATCH HOURS
    • Plan to arrive at 6:00 pm.
    • Find your name badge on the Check-in Table.
    • Then report to your ring and introduce yourself to the other stewards.
        • Tell the others if you are new — they will be happy to explain your duties.
    • The actual Match starts at 7:00 pm.
    • Matches USUALLY end between 9:00 – 10:00 pm — but that’s an estimate.
WORKER ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments are NOT first come, first served.  We have to find the right balance between jobs, experienced workers and new volunteers:

    • We train new people on-the-job — newcomers are welcome.
    • Volunteering does not guarantee you a worker position.
    • We try to rotate who gets assigned each month so more members get a chance to earn service credits.
    • Worker Assignments will be emailed to you no later than the Tuesday before the Match.
        • Details will include names, jobs and ring assignments.
    • We reserve the right to choose volunteers who we think will best enable us to conduct a smooth, professional, enjoyable and successful fun match for all.
HOSPITALITY

NOCI has earned a reputation of providing a friendly and encouraging environment for visitors, students, competitors and members alike.

    • Please help us keep and further build our rep as a first class training club.
    • It’s important to understand that doing your Fun Match job means you need to wait until later to gab with your friends.  
        • We need our Ring Stewards paying attention to the Judge, the handler in the ring, and the ones lined up “on deck and in the hole”.
        • We all somehow manage to have fun doing this — but it’s still a job.
    • As a NOCI Volunteer-Worker you are the face of the club.
        • PLEASE treat everyone with kindness, respect, encouragement and good humor.
WORKER MEALS & SNACKS
    • Food and snacks are provided for workers in the kitchen.  Help yourself.
IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN DOG
    • New volunteers — we recommend that you work a few Matches before you bring a dog to a Match.
        • A lot of volunteers prefer to work the Match without having to worry about their crated dog.
        • Keep in mind that dogs who are disruptive barkers or exhibit excessive disruptive behavior need to be removed from the building.
IF YOU HAVE TO CANCEL
    • Immediately contact Fun Match Chair, Shawn Hacker, so we can find a sub for you.
        • You can call or text her at: 815-790-1799.
MANAGING CONFLICTS – Human and/or Canine
    • Stay alert for potential dog conflicts.
        • If you see a dog about to get into trouble, remind the handler to “Watch your dog!”
            • If the handler does not appear to know how to manage things, remind them that dogs cannot be allowed to stare at each other.
              • Tell the handler to interrupt the dog’s behavior…
                  • Then redirect his attention to focus on the handler — “Watch me!”
        • Shortcut: Trouble?  It’s always INTERRUPT, then RE-DIRECT.
        • If you think the situation might escalate, alert your fellow Stewards to the issue and find the Fun Match Chair immediately.
    • If you observe any kind of human conflict, find the Fun Match Chair and alert her to the situation.
    • If you witness an accident of ANY kind, alert your fellow Stewards to the issue and find the Fun Match Chair immediately.
END-OF-MATCH CLEAN UP
    • As each Ring finishes, clean-up help is much appreciated.
        • If you are able to stay a few extra minutes, more hands will get the job done faster.
        • The experienced workers will tell you what needs to be done.
        • Remember to sign-out at the Check-in Table so you get credit for your work hours.
        • Return your name tag at the Check-in Table.
EARNING SERVICE CREDITS
    • Workers receive one service credit for each hour they work.
    • Be sure to sign-in as a worker when you arrive at the Check-in Table.
    • Remember to sign-out when you’re done working so you get full credit.
    • Service credits will appear in the green card box in the NOCI office within a week or two.
    • Two service credits entitle you to:
        • An Obedience, Rally, Nosework or Trick dog class for $45.
        • An Agility class for $70.
The entire NOCI membership thanks you for your volunteer work!
We cannot accomplish anything without our volunteers!