Definition
Interprets/enforces the Code of Iowa and Racing and Gaming Commission administrative rules at a pari-mutuel horse racetrack and makes decisions not specifically covered by code or rules to ensure the integrity pari-mutuel racing/wagering; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Serves as a member of the Board of Stewards to review alleged violations; issues rulings after hearing testimony and may levy fines/suspensions and/or make recommendations to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for further action.
If the initial application for a license contains information that may be disqualifying, interviews applicants, clarifies the information, and makes a decision on the ability of the applicant to be licensed.
Advises track management, law enforcement officers, licensees, owners, trainers, jockeys, and the general public on the Iowa Code and administrative rules and resolves regulatory disputes; notifies track management of potential compliance problems with proposed changes in internal procedures; notifies the administrator of interaction with the media.
Observes the running of live races/replays on video tape and determines if all starting gates opened simultaneously, there was no interference of a horse and jockeys/horses put forth their best effort; may disqualify a horse and change the order of finish if a foul was committed; declares the race is official.
Monitors the pattern of wagering and may cancel wagering if irregularities are discovered.
Works with veterinarians to ensure that required body fluid samples are being taken; receives veterinarian laboratory reports from official racing chemist on positives, non-positives and suspicious results and follows up on outstanding tests; notifies trainers on positive tests and arranges a hearing.
Develops, revises, administers, and scores written examinations for people seeking first time licensure as a trainer, assistant trainer, and assistant jockey.
Competencies Required
Knowledge:
Law and Government – Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Chemistry – The chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language – Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Public Safety and Security – Relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Far Vision – See details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure – Identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Glare Sensitivity – See objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Near Vision – See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Perceptual Speed – Quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Problem Sensitivity – Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Selective Attention – Concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity – Speak clearly so others can understand you.
Time Sharing – Shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Written Comprehension – Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Skills:
Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
Two years of full-time work experience in working directly with the pari-mutuel horse racing industry as a racing official, such as a placing judge, paddock judge, racing secretary, clerk of scales, steward, assistant steward, or other racing official that involved interpreting rules of horse racing and making judgments.
Five years of full-time work experience in the pari-mutuel horse racing industry in a non-official capacity that still involved interpreting the rules of horse racing, such as jockey, trainer, owner, or closely related occupation.
Notes
All applicants for this classification must be able to obtain and maintain in good standing an Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission Occupational License.
Employees in this position shall not: buy or sell any horse under their supervision; wager on a race under their supervision; be licensed to participate in racing in any other capacity; participate in wagering on any gambling games in any casino in the State of Iowa; and knowingly have a pecuniary, equitable, or other interest in or engage in a business or employment that would be a conflict of interest or interfere with the proper discharge of the duties of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (pursuant to 99D.5).
Upon offer of employment, applicants must pass an optical examination evidencing corrected 20/20 vision. Thereafter, evidence of such must be provided every 3 years at employee’s cost.