š DACOF Worker Assignment Process
- dacofadmin
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
Hello DACOF Members,
As my beautiful wife, Brenda, and I spend this weekend assembling the DACOF Worker Schedule, we thought it might be helpful to share the process with the membership.
This is no small undertaking, and we want everyone to understand the incredible amount of planning, time, thought, and care that goes into creating a schedule that is as fair and equitable as possible for all participants.
šāāļøĀ The Numbers
There are 300 worker positionsĀ that must be staffed during the DACOF weekend.
Ten Worker Positions Per Ring
Three Rings to Staff
Novice
Open
Excellent/Master
Ten Rounds of Competition
Three Small Dog Rounds on Saturday
Three Large Dog Rounds on Saturday
Two Large Dog Rounds on Sunday
Two Small Dog Rounds on Sunday
10 Worker Positions Ć 3 Rings Ć 10 Rounds = 300 Worker Assignments
Below is a step-by-step explanation of how we determine the number of worker assignments allocated to each team and how individual positions are assigned.
š§®Ā Step 1: Start with the Team Member Summary
We begin with the Team Member Summary report to determine:
How many teams are participating
How many dogs are entered on each team
How many dogs will run during Small Dog Sessions
How many dogs will run during Large Dog Sessions
For example, if there are 30 teams with 10 dogs each and 300 worker positions to fill, each team would theoretically be assigned 10 worker positions. Of course, the process is never quite that simple!
We carefully consider how many dogs each team has running in the Small and Large Dog Sessions. This allows us to assign worker positions during times when handlers are least likely to be actively competing.
For example:
A team with 8 Small Dogs and 2 Large Dogs will generally receive most of its worker assignments during Large Dog Sessions.
A team with 8 Large Dogs and 2 Small Dogs will generally receive most of its worker assignments during Small Dog Sessions.
This approach helps maximize worker availability while minimizing conflicts with run times.
Additionally, in years like this (2026), when there are measurably more Small Dogs entered than Large Dogs, some teams may receive a worker assignment during a Small Dog Session despite having mostly Small Dogs. When this occurs, we try to assign positions that are easier for teams to rotate among members, such as:
Exit Ring Crew
Ring Captain / Scribe Runner
This flexibility makes it easier for teams to cover those assignments, allowing Teammates to share the worker position without disrupting competitors.
šĀ Step 2: Apply Credits for Additional Volunteer Responsibilities
Some teams perform additional duties that contribute significantly to the success of the event. These responsibilities receive credits that reduce the number of worker assignments required from those teams.
Volunteer Credit Allowances
šļø Staffing the Raffle: Full allotment for two teams
šØ Course Building: Full allotment for one team
š¦ Crating Assignment: Credit for two worker positions
š¤ Announcers: Credit for two worker positions each
š Packet Distribution: No worker assignment during Round 1 each day
š Trophies & Awards: No worker assignment during the final round each day
šĀ Step 3: Equitable Distribution of Worker Assignments
Once all credits have been applied, we distribute the remaining worker assignments among the other teams.
General Guidelines
Full Teams (6 or more dogs running)
Typically assigned 8ā12 worker positions
Partial Teams (5 or fewer dogs running)
Typically assigned 4ā6 worker positions
For 2026, most Full Teams will be assigned 9 worker positionsĀ for the weekend.
āļøĀ Step 4: Enter Self-Elected Positions
Next, we transfer all worker positions that Team Captains have voluntarily selected through the SignUpGenius pages.
These positions are entered into a master allocation spreadsheet that includes:
All participating teams
Number of dogs on each team
Number of worker assignments allocated to each team
Columns representing each competition session
This spreadsheet allows us to visualize staffing across the entire weekend and helps ensure assignments remain balanced.
Unless a team has specifically self-elected additional jobs, we generally avoid assigning more than two positions to the same team during a single session.
š¾Ā Step 5: Consider Dog Size Distribution
Using the Team Member Summary, we determine whether a team primarily consists of Small Dogs, Large Dogs, or a balance of both.
Our goal is to avoid assigning teams to work during the sessions in which most of their dogs are competing.
Assignment Philosophy
Teams with mostly Large Dogs ā assigned worker spots during Small Dog Sessions
Teams with mostly Small Dogs ā assigned worker spots during Large Dog Sessions
Teams with a balanced mix ā assignments spread across both
šÆĀ Step 6: Complete Final Position Assignments
At this stage, we review all self-elected positions and begin assigning the remaining jobs.
Whenever possible, we distribute both the workload and the more skilled positions fairly among the teams.
ā ļøĀ Important:Ā We never assign a Scribe position without first confirming with the Team Captain that they have someone capable of performing that role.
Positions are generally assigned in the following order:
Scribes (confirmation required)
Gate Steward
Assistant Gate
Timer
Leash Runner
Ring Crew
Exit Ring Crew
Ring Captain / Scribe Runner
Assigning the more specialized positions first helps ensure fairness and balance before filling the remaining openings.
š Ā Step 7: Build the Final Worker Schedule
Once all positions have been assigned in the allocation spreadsheet, we begin transferring the information into the final 10-page Worker Schedule workbook.
Every team is entered into the appropriate worker position for each round of competition.
This is the final step that transforms all of the planning and allocation work into the schedule everyone receives.
ā¤ļøĀ A Final Thought
If you've read this far, you've probably realized that building the DACOF Worker Schedule is a fairly involved process!
It takes Brenda and me the better part of an entire weekend to carefully review all of the information, evaluate countless variables, and assign worker positions in a manner we believe is as fair, balanced, and equitable as possible for every Team and DACOF member.
We share this process not because we're looking for recognition, but because we want everyone to know that worker assignments are never made randomly or haphazardly. Every assignment is made with considerable planning, thought, care, and purpose.
Thank you to all of our volunteers who help make DACOF possible. We couldn't do it without you!
And remember, āDACOF Works because we all work!ā
We look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Bill & BrendaĀ š¾ā¤ļø š¾