Safety and detasseling
Don't keep an illness or injury that you have in the field to yourself. Report it as soon as possible to your crew coach. Varsity staff will take necessary action and follow up with any necessary written report. You are covered by insurance for an illness or injury resulting from your work activity.

High-top shoes and long socks are mandatory. (And don't forget to bring an extra pair of socks. You'll thank yourself later.)

Long pants or shorts and long socks are required

Gloves and safety glasses are mandatory. Gloves and safety glasses are provided

So what are the main safety issues in the fields? Sunburn and scratches from corn leaves are the main nuisances of detasseling. Long sleeves and sunscreen can save you a lot of agony. It is also possible to get slapped in the eye by a corn leaf or tassel--wear glasses to help avoid injury. For a list of what else to wear and bring, see the list on the right. Don't skimp on bringing water. A can of pop or two is no substitute.

When seed companies apply pesticides they also follow set procedures for the safety of their employees and all detasselers regarding these chemicals.

Companies place warning markers on sprayed fields and these fields will not be entered by Varsity crews until cleared by the seed company. Varsity has a safety committee (made up of workers and supervisory staff) to which safety-related concerns are brought for review. Written safety policies are also posted at the office, on Varsity buses or at field lavatories, and copies can be requested by phone or mail.

Absences and such
Detasselers are expected to work every day requested and must notify their crew coach of an upcoming absence. Among other things, crew coaches also take reliability of crew members into account if they must decide who will work as the season continues. Full credit for rows is given to those who work then entire season--it pays to show up.

Only extreme weather will prevent a crew from leaving its regular pick-up site on time. An early morning storm at the pick-up site does not mean it will be storming in the field. If the mailman can deliver, we can detassel.

Expected absences should be cleared prior to the season, not during.

General rules
Get your employment paperwork turned in as soon as you are hired. See the forms for employment page for description of what's needed.

Report in-field emergencies immediately to your crew coach.

Varsity crew members are not allowed to arrive late or depart early from the fields. Varsity will not assume responsibility for any worker who leaves the work site before his or her crew's work day is complete.

Varsity is committed to providing the best possible service for seed companies and farmers. Cooperate with seed company representatives and always keep in mind that you are on someone else's property--show your respect by keeping "hands off" any farm equipment and by picking up your trash.

Sexual harrassment, doing anything illegal, causing harm to a person or property, using foul language, or other reasons considered sufficient by Varsity are grounds for dismissal or other punitive action.

Varsity crew members are people who want to work and get along with their supervisors and fellow crew members. If anyone is falling short of that, let your crew coach know so that it can be dealt with immediately.