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Reliability
One of the most important aspects of a timing
system is its reliability. After intensive training,
running the race and finally reaching the finish
line, participants want to have their times right.
This increases the pressure on an event and on the
timing system used during the event. Social media
can easily create a negative reach when timing
fails. The most commonly and longest used
MYLAPS ChampionChip timing system is still the
most reliable system for mass events. Over 99,8%
of the participants are read correctly by the timing
system.
With new technologies, such as UHF technology, it
has become easier to make a timing system that
works but to make a reliable timing system that
works in mass events is a real challenge. In timing
systems that employ commonly used UHF
technology water is the biggest issue to deal with.
As a body contains of 75% of fluid, mass packed
participants at starts easily get missed. This is why
the MYLAPS BibTag system uses spacers to keep
the timing tag separated from the body of the
athlete. In this way the MYLAPS BibTag system
assures over 99,7% reliability in mass events.
Accuracy
Besides reliability, accuracy is another relevant
requirement. Many athletes will train for weeks,
months or even years to improve their
performance. Providing accurate results to
organizers, competitors and spectators is essential
for the success of an event. For elite runners
accuracy should be within 0,5 of a second to
certify times of the athletes. There are systems
available in the market with different accuracy,
ranging from 0,001 of a second (MYLAPS ProChip
system) and systems out there with more than two
seconds.
Detection
Besides scoring differently on the detection rate,
you can distinguish between detection on the foot
and on the chest. The MYLAPS ChampionChip
system is developed for detection on the foot. The
energy fields of the detection mats are optimized
for a specific height of detection and can therefore
not be used for timing on the chest. The MYLAPS
BibTag system is designed for timing on the chest
and integrates the timing tag into the start
number (according to the IAAF standard). The
benefits of the BibTag system are clear: minimal
pre-race handling, no post-race handling and ease
of use for participants. The uniqueness of the
MYLAPS BibTag system is the combination of a
friendly handling process with the quality,
reliability and years of experience of the existing
ChampionChip system.
International regulations
When choosing a UHF timing
system, you should be aware
of international regulations.
Different UHF frequencies are
available per geographical
region, per governing body.
Changing frequencies implies
different design of detection mats.
MYLAPS offers geographically differentiated
BibTag systems that comply with these
governing rulings.
Environment
With ISO 20121 in mind, organizers strive to
reduce environmental impact of their events. The
right timing system can contribute to green event
management. Most MYLAPS timing systems support
re-usable chips. The MYLAPS ChampionChip system
even offers a personal solution that minimizes
waste. A personal (yellow) ChampionChip is owned
by the runner and handling is eliminated as the
participants register and bring their own chip. The
more runners that use a personal chip, the lower
the impact on the environment.
The Road Race Management Guide to Greener
Running Events advises: “…chip ownership is the
most environmentally responsible and resource
efficient option out there…”
Those aspects described in this article can help
when selecting the best timing system for your
events. Should you have any questions or if you
need advice, do not hesitate to contact us via
info@mylaps.com or contact the local office
(contact details on mylaps.com)
“…chip ownership
is the most
environmentally
responsible and
resource efficient
option out there…”
Distance Running | 2011 Edition 4 59