Skip to main content

ELIMINATION OF "COURSE ADJUSTMENT"

This is a follow-up on the thread developed under Tips – Using a Spreadsheet.

Most course measurements appear to involve an unnecessary “course adjustment”. Official recommendation is that on the second measurement ride the measurer is urged to make no prior calculations or fresh split marks, but simply record counts for the marks made during the first ride. At the end of the second ride, he calculates net counts and converts these to standard units of length to discover which ride resulted in the longest course. I f the second ride gave the longest course, he calculates a course adjustment, and extends the final mark by this amount using a steel rule.

I have always adopted a simpler and more efficient procedure. Since I have always used electronic counters with their instant zeroing capability, calculated numbers for the second ride are the same as for the first. Thus on reaching the final mark, I know instantly whether or not this is the certified mark. If it is not, I note the meter reading and ride onto the calculated length of the course and make the certified mark there. On the Course Measurement Data Sheet I simply note the two readings and calculate the percentage difference between them. There is no unnecessary conversions to standard units of length, determining “the lesser of two lengths”, or measurement with a steel rule. Measurement is more efficient and results clearer for the reviewer.

I should like to propose that RRTC adopt the method I use as the officially recommended one for all counters and see the proposal debated at the National Meeting in two months.
Original Post
×
×
×
×