Knowledge
for free - become a show scribe
By
Sharon Biggs
When
I started riding dressage, I found I was attracted to the sport because it was
an intellectual sport as well as physical. But the one problem was that dressage
clinics and instruction were extremely pricey. One way I found to offset the
cost of my education was to become a show scribe. As a scribe I was able to have
a bird's eye view of wonderful horses and riders and hear comments from judges
in real time. Most of all, I was able to talk with these judges and gain
knowledge and insight to the sport of dressage.
If
you're interested in taking up the pen too, here are the nuts and bolts of
becoming a scribe: etiquette while scribing, what to expect while scribing and
most of all, how to make the most of your experience to further you own
education.
Scribing
is a very easy position to obtain. Most show secretaries are frantic to find
willing volunteers. Check with your local dressage chapter for a list of show
dates and show manager's phone numbers. Tell the secretary that you are
interested in becoming a scribe and that you would like to give it a try. Some
will let you do on the job training while others may want you to audit some
classes in the actual judge's booth before you have a go on your own. If you
like, phone someone in your dressage organization that you suspect may know how
to scribe and get her to give you a little lesson. Sometimes, this way is a bit
less daunting and chapter members are usually happy to help one another out.
Basically,
scribing is taking dictation. Think back to school and how you jotted down your
lecture notes. What tools did you use to keep up with the flow? Abbreviations
are the key. For example, instead of writing disobedient, you would write disob
or c-line instead of centerline. Easy for your rider to figure out and simple
for you. You'll also want to draw symbols such as a box or arrow or squiggle to
denote square, forward or weaving. Remember to write in cursive or you'll get
writer's cramp! Your judge will usually give you his comments first and then the
score. As you are writing a comment, run your finger down to the next movement
to keep your place.
Write
your score clearly in the box and multiply the number by two if it is has a
co-efficient. For example, free walk on a long rein is scored as a co-efficient
movement. Therefore, if it earned a score of 7 then the total score will be 14.
Familiarize yourself with the spaces on the test blank and where it is
appropriate to record comments and scores.
Sometimes
the dreaded mistakes happen - for you and the rider. If your rider goes off
course, clicks to his horse or talks then he gets marks off. The judge will tell
you how many for each mistake. At the end of the ride, count up the mistakes and
write them in at the bottom of the test sheet where it says mistakes. This will
help the show office staff a great deal because sometimes mistakes are not
always noticed. If you have made a mistake simply draw a line through it and
write the correct remark above it. If you have missed a score skip it and ask
the judge during a lull in the test or at the end. Sometimes the fault is his
and he simply forgot to score the movement. Mistakes will happen but don't let
them throw you. Correct it the best you can and move on.
Scoring
freestyle and FEI tests are a bit different from the lower level tests. The FEI
test is made of carbon paper so make sure it is not folded in half when you
record your comments. Also, movements are listed in French and English so don't
be alarmed if you find yourself lost in the French section. Keep your finger
tracking in the right place as the test progresses. Musical rides are scores
only and no comments. You score each movement each time it is performed. For
instance, three canter pirouettes are given three scores and the judge will take
an average. Some boxes have a line through them to denote left and right such as
half-pass right and left. Score each one accordingly.
Expect
to arrive at the show grounds thirty minutes prior to your scheduled time to get
organized, familiarize yourself to the tests, and to have any questions
answered. At the show office you will receive a box containing your tests,
pencils and a whistle or bell and a class schedule. Ask the show secretary if
there have been any changes or scratches, collect the box and some water and
head out to the judges stand. At the stand have a look through your tests and
make sure you have enough tests for the amount of riders scheduled.
The
judge will be wearing a suit or a skirt so plan to dress accordingly. Jeans and
a T-shirt are not appropriate. Bring a hat, sunscreen, lipbalm or jacket with
you. You will have little opportunity to dash back to your car to get anything
so be prepared for any kind of weather. When the judge arrives, introduce
yourself and ask if she has any preferences. Normally you are responsible for
checking that the rider's number matches the number on the test and recording
comments and scores only. But sometimes the judge will have you ring the bell or
record final remarks. Keep in mind that it is not appropriate to argue with the
judge's remarks, make comments or tell juicy pieces of gossip about the riders.
Quiet, formal, polite and professional are the aspects of a good scribe.
The
best part about scribing is no doubt the education. Scribing is required for all
judge's candidates and there is a reason why. Scribing can help you understand
how a movement should be ridden by just listening to the comments. Some judges
are more than happy to answer questions during breaks or lulls while others will
actually offer to answer questions. On one occasion I had a judge draw a picture
of a proper shoulder-in and then proceed to quiz me during the breaks. But
remember that the judge is there to do a job so don't bombard him with
questions, try to get a feel for the situation to deem what is appropriate.
With
scribing, you'll make plenty of new contacts and have a bird's eye view of your
riding heros. Scribing is great fun and a terrific experience for every dressage
rider who is serious about her education.
Taken
From: http://www.horsecity.com/stories/082901/dre_scribe_ABM.shtml
