Make sure you are prepared - what's the weather going to be like, will you be comfortable, have you a chair with you, have you visited the loo!
The organisers will provide some food, paperwork, stop watches, First Aid kit - ask if you are unsure how to use any of the equipment.
There will be a briefing before you start, make sure you listen carefully and understand all you are told, if in doubt ask.

Your job is to write down the time that each competitor starts your section. You will fill in the competitor's green card, which they are responsible for looking after, and also your white sheet so that there is a duplicate record.
The section is started from a halt, and each competitor will start at approximately 4 minute intervals. Let the competitor know when there is a minute to go and then 30 seconds, then count down from 10 seconds.

You will record the time that each competitor crosses the finish line, and you will do so on both the green card (which is handed back to the competitor) and on your white sheets. The time must be recorded in minutes and whole seconds - penalty points are awarded for each second under or over the time allowed so it is important that the times are recorded accurately, but it is unnecessary to note the fractions of seconds.

Your job is to observe and record accurately.

You have to note the time the competitor spends in the obstacle, that they complete it accurately and that they don't infringe the rules whilst they are in there.

Start your stopwatch as the nose of the animal passes between the in gate (check the watch starts!), stop the watch as the nose passes between the out gate, and record the time on the drawing and on the score sheet, in minutes and whole seconds. Then make sure you zero the watch ready for the next competitor. You must also note any faults on the score sheet which will be in a book. The sheets are filled in in duplicate, the original being handed to the score collector and the copy staying in the book.

Draw the exact route the competitor takes, using a continuous line with directional arrows. List the order in which the gates were driven including errors. To drive the obstacle correctly the competitor must pass through each pair of lettered gates in the correct sequence and direction. The whole turnout must pass between the red and white flags – it follows that a competitor who drives part of the way into the gate in error, stops and reverses out has not made an error of course. If a gate is driven out of sequence the competitor must return and correct the sequence.

Thus: A,B,D,E is a wrong course

A,B,D,C,D,E is a corrected course

Note any infringements of the rules, e.g. groom down, putting the whip down. Write them down even if you are not sure that the rules have been broken, the scorer will decide how many penalties, if any, should be awarded. If necessary give further details on the back of the sheet. Indicate with a cross on the drawing where any incidents occurred.

If an incident occurs make sure that all the stewards agree what happened.

Make sure you note each competitor’s number on the sheet.

This steward must keep an eye on the obstacle whilst looking out for the next competitor to arrive. If for any reason the obstacle is not clear for the competitor to enter (the previous competitor is still in the obstacle, or there may be repairs needed) they will have to be held until it is safe for them to go on. It is the job that everyone worries about but which, if you understand what you are doing and are confident when dealing with the competitors, is really no worse than any other.

You must pick a point that will be your hold-up point. If you have to hold a competitor, hold up your hand as they approach the hold-up point, say clearly to them that you will be holding them, and start your watch.

They can walk or trot round if they wish and can start either from a standstill or on the move. When the way is clear, call the competitor forward, inform them of the time they are being held in half minutes, count them down from 10 seconds, and start them at the time allowed. Only hold for half or full minutes, not odd seconds. Now write the length of time on the drawing and on the score sheet. Easy, isn't it!

It is a good idea for all stewards to familiarise themselves with the relevant sections in the BHDTA Rule Book, but if you are not sure of the rules write down what happened; the scorer can check in their Rule Book if there is any doubt.

At the end of the day hand back all your equipment to the organiser. It is a good idea (and compulsory at National events) to wait around until the results are posted so that any queries can be dealt with; the chief steward will tell you when you are free to go.

Stewarding at driving trials can be a most rewarding job. The competitors are usually very friendly and grateful that you are willing to give up your time so that they can indulge in their sport, doing your job well means that they will have confidence in your abilities. You get to meet all the competitors if you are at the beginning or end of a section, and obstacle stewards will watch every competitor drive their obstacle, which can be very educational. The Oaks Driving Club prides itself on the calibre of it’s stewards who are often asked to help at National competitions; we are always on the lookout for new recruits.