Overview Of Timing Process:

RapidsTiming offers two different methods of obtaining finish line results. These two methods are fully automatic timing for track and field and manual timing for cross country and road racess. 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 themanual system. For races with a large number of participants or races of short duration resulting in a high density of finishers, we use the barcodetiming system.

Timing for cross country and road races is simple and effective. Each runner wears a bib number with a barcode 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 record all of the bib numbers as the participants cross the finish line as a meet backup. RapidsTiming 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.

We are looking to offer CHIP Timing beginning in the fall of 2009!

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 following the race. If there are any inaccuracies, the runners can let RapidsTiming personnel know about mistakes and any necessary adjustments can then be made.

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.

Questions

If you would like to e-mail with questions or timing requests.

SEND QUESTIONS TO Steve Stevenoski : Director.