Overview
Of Timing Process:
PERFECT TIMING
offers two different methods of obtaining finish line results.
These two methods are Chip timing and Pull Tag timing. For races
with a small number of participants or races of long duration
resulting in finishers being spread out at the finish line, we
can utilize the pull tag system. For races with a large number
of participants or races of short duration resulting in a high
density of finishers, we use the ChronoTrack "D" or
"B" tag timing system.
The pull tag system is simple and effective. Each runner wears
a bib number with a pull-off tag attached to it. The person's
data, such as name, age, and sex, is connected to that bib number
and stored in a computer database. As a participant crosses the
finish line, their time is recorded manually using computerized
timing devices. Finish line timers record times for all finishers
and also record bib numbers for as many finishers as possible.
Times captured with a known bib number are called select times.
Finish line volunteers obtain all of the bib numbers by tearing
off the pull tag after the participants cross the finish line.
They place the pull tags in finish order, on a spindle or stringer.
Workers periodically deliver spindles to the people doing the
result processing. PERFECT TIMING personnel enter the times and
places into the results processing computer containing the participant
database. The computer sorts out the results automatically lining
up times with bib numbers. The select bib numbers obtained by
the timers help to correctly synchronize the places with the
matching times.
Chip timing consists of wired antenna mats placed at the finish
line and/or the start line. Each runner wears an RFID (radio
frequency identification) tag on his or her shoe or bib (depending
on whether it is a "D" or "B" tag). The tag
is housed in a flat paper strip attached to the shoe or bib.
As a participant crosses over the antenna mats, the system records
their time and bib number. After the participant has passed over
the finish mat, the tag is simply thrown away or recycled. Times
with bib numbers are transferred to the processing computer where
results are tallied in the race software. Chip timing does require
participants to correctly attach their chip. Caveat: no chip,
no time. As backup, timing personnel record manual "tic
sheets" of times and bib numbers.
Preliminary results are usually posted before all athletes have
finished the race. If there are any inaccuracies, the runners
can let PERFECT TIMING personnel know about mistakes. Any necessary
adjustments can then be made based on corrections received. Luckily,
most runners know exactly where they were in the line-up and
will immediately announce any errors with their time or registration
data!
Once all data is finalized and deemed official, the results are
available by sex, by age groups, by overall place, and various
other formats. The race director now has the information they
need to announce the award ceremony.
