Hand Timer Instructions
record the times as you produce them, but we often don't have enough volunteers.
Protecting your results from the elements in a gallon Ziploc bag is often useful.
Record the racer's bib number and the last 6 digits of the captured time on the time
sheet. If, for whatever reason, you think the time you captured is inaccurate, cross it
out. If you miss capturing a time for a racer, write "no time".
Don't fill in bib numbers in advance. The timekeeper recording sheet is purposely
unnumbered because it is intended that you capture race events in the order that they
happen (sometimes the race does not proceed in numerical bib order). Write a time for
each racer that starts or that crosses the finish line. It is unnecessary for you to record
anything for racers that do not start (DNS) or do not finish (DNF). This is already noted
by the start and finish referees. Don't go back and change any previous entries. For
instance, if there is a rerun for a racer, simply record the information on the current line.
Do not alter or erase any previous information that may exist for that racer.
Before the race:
Please decide amongst yourselves who will work the top of the racecourse, and who will
work the finish. Start timers will have to ride the lift and ski to the start, where they will
check in with the start referee. This means that at least two individuals have to be ready
to ski (boots, skis, lift ticket or race worker pass) at 9AM. Finish timers can usually walk,
and don't need a lift ticket. Everyone needs to be in position before the forerunners
start. Forerunners test the safety and quality of the course, as well as the timing
system. We'll double check your times against the electronically captured times before
starting the race to make sure they're in agreement.
Meet the electronic timing officials at the bottom of the racecourse at 9AM. Watches and
clipboards will be distributed, and questions will be answered.
During the race:
Stay alert for all start and finish events. If the electronic timing fails for a racer, the
manual times are the only backup.
At the start line, warn the starter if you are not ready to capture a time (stopwatch
problem, blocked view). Also, always notify the starter if you miss a time, or think you
have captured a bad time.
At the finish line:
Prepare yourself by staying aware of the current race order and bib number(s) on
course. Listen for the bib numbers announced over the radio by the start referee. You
won’t have a radio, but you should be able to hear one carried by nearby officials. Notify
the electronic timing person if you have a stopwatch problem, if you miss a time, or think
you have captured a bad time.
