RACE DAY PREPARATIONS

1. Approach to timing using UHF RFID
2. Things to do before the race
3. Race day

Whenever you’re getting ready to time an event, regardless of whether you’re doing this for the first time or whether you’ve done it countless times before, the general approach is always the same. First of all, you need to answer a few key questions. Race planning always starts well ahead of the race, from a few weeks to a few days. Contact the organiser in advance, let them know about your requirements and discuss the race as soon as possible to gather as much information as possible.

1. What sort of event is this and what information is required by the organiser?
2. How many checkpoints or timing sites will be required?
3. Expected number of participants?
4. Where is the race taking place?
5. What type of equipment is best suited to the event type?

The choice of equipment and setting up the software depends on the type of event and the organiser’s requirements. The method of announcing the results is particularly important, i.e. whether split timing will be used, real-time publishing of results, live streaming etc.

The number of checkpoints depends on the type of the race. Are the start and finish line in the same place? Does the triathlon have one or two transition areas? Is timing required at the start as well or will all participants have the same start time?

The number of participants and the duration of the race dictate the required quantity of equipment and configuration levels required for optimum outcome. If there are many participants and the track is long, the participants will likely cross the finish line individually. A lower level configuration is required in such cases. If several passes in a short time period are expected, a higher level configuration, requiring more equipment, should be used. If registration is open on the race day, the estimated number of participants is also required to provide a sufficient amount of bib numbers and tags.

When planning a race, the locations of the equipment and the checkpoints plays a large role. Is access by car possible? Did the organiser provide power and the premises (i.e. a tent) for processing the results? Is power available at the checkpoints?

Selecting the right tags and the right equipment for the type and size of the race. Bear in mind that the results are solely your responsibility. When it comes to selecting the equipment, the organiser should listen to you. Select the equipment that will enable you to do your job properly. Always select the equipment according to your experience and expectations. The main criteria usually include the number of participants, track length, event type (e.g. cycling, running, or triathlon), as well as the width and the location of the finish line.