Overview
Of Timing Process:
PERFECT TIMING
offers two different methods of obtaining finish line results.
These two methods are chip timing and manual timing with pull
tags. 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 DAG chip 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 personal 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)
chip on his or her shoe. The chip is housed in a small plastic
disk attached to the shoe with a plastic zip tie. 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, finish line volunteers remove and retrieve the chips for
re-use. Times with bib numbers are transferred to the processing
computer where results are tallied in the race software. As backup,
timing personal use handheld "badgers" (RFID scanners/readers)
as well as manual recording 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 and any necessary
adjustments can then be made. 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.
