This question is prompted by Jeff's question as to whether we approve or recommend certain timing systems. I have recently been asking myself this: at what point do I say to a given group or company that I will not measure a course for them? A year or two ago I measured a couple courses to be run in National Harbor, along the Potomac just downstream from Washington. It was an out-of-town promoter. They didn't plan well, accepting way more entries than the venue could accommodate. They didn't follow the measured course, running the 5K in reverse direction from the route laid out, and not even trying to complete the measured 15 km. And yet there was the course map with my name on it-- much to my chagrin and embarrassment in this case.
That's the worst example I can think of but there have been lots of mild-to-major surprises when I see how race managers actually interpret what I thought were clear instructions! I don't know if this happens to others. There will always be mistakes. But there's a difference between making a mistake and not really caring or trying.
I'd like to hear if other measurers have experienced some of these frustrations. I still think most race organizers at least have good intentions even if they don't have the knowledge or resources they need.
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