Hand Timer Instructions
Manual timing with synchronized stopwatches is used as a backup to the electronic
timing system. Volunteers are positioned at both the start and finish lines to capture
start and finish times for each racer, to a resolution of 1/100th second, and to write the
time on a sheet of paper. In case of failure of the electronic timing system, these times
are used to calculate a racer's elapsed time. Prior to the race, stopwatches are
synchronized. When pressed, the button at the top left of your stopwatch captures the
current time and freezes it on the bottom line of the LCD display (where it remains until
the button is pressed again). Your job is to consistently capture and record this time for
each start or finish event that you observe.
The stopwatches record a continual running time at 1/100 second resolution, and
feature several display modes. The Hanhart Delta E 100 watch, pictured below, displays
two rows of seven digits, with the word "split" in the lower right corner of the LCD. If your
watch accidentally moves out of the "time" mode (the watch pictured below is in the
"lap" mode), press the mode button (the large button in the center of the watch) enough
times to move back to the "time" mode.
Don’t worry, pressing the mode button has no
effect on the running time of the watch.
The top row of digits displays the running time of day, and is not used, other than to
indicate that the watch is working.
When pressed, the black button at the upper left of the watch will freeze a "timestamp"
on the lower line of digits. This is what should be recorded for each start/finish racer
event. The value will remain until the button is depressed again. Oddly, the times on the
top and bottom lines may not agree exactly. The bottom lines on the paired,
synchronized watches should be precisely the same, though.
Ideally manual timers work in pairs, with one individual capturing the times, and another
recording the results. If we're short volunteers, one person can do both jobs.
At the start line, work with the start referee to make sure your position will not interfere
with race operations. Watch the action of the start wand, which pops open quickly when
the racer begins.
At the finish line, align yourself up to the actual finish line gates, preferably behind the
reflectors. Key your response off of the same body part crossing the line for each racer,
preferably the shin. For consistency, every racer should be observed from the same
position.
Use your index finger to press the stopwatch button, not your thumb.
It's a long day. Bring coffee, hand warmers, a snack, and a folding chair or a 5-gallon
bucket to sit on if you want.
Fill out all information requested at the top of the 'timekeeper recording form'. You will
be filling out several of these sheets during the race. It is vital that the requested
information on top of the form be completely filled in. It's helpful to have someone else
