I have to measure a Keyhole course with the Start/Finish in the middle of the keyhole. The runners will start and finish in the same direction. The race will be chip timed. Is there anything special I should know about?
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Bill,
Can you post a sketch? Kind of hard to visualize what you're talking about.
Can you post a sketch? Kind of hard to visualize what you're talking about.
Hi Pete,
Picture a one lap track run. I know they have rules regarding mate placement. I just want to make sure there is nothing special here.
Bill
Picture a one lap track run. I know they have rules regarding mate placement. I just want to make sure there is nothing special here.
Bill
If the start and finish are in the same direction, then technically it's not a keyhole. It's a loop.
The timers around here are starting to favor a single start/finish point. They use a single mat that serves both purposes. Sounds like that's what you might have here. Apparently it works the same way whether the runners are headed in the same- or the opposite direction at the start and finish.
The timers around here are starting to favor a single start/finish point. They use a single mat that serves both purposes. Sounds like that's what you might have here. Apparently it works the same way whether the runners are headed in the same- or the opposite direction at the start and finish.
Someone who knows better can correct me if this is wrong.
I believe it is now a rule that timing mats should be placed BEFORE the start line and AFTER the finish line. This is intended to assure that the recorded time is not less than that actually run. This, as in other aspects of course layout, is done on behalf of the records-keepers. Some think this is overkill, and many races ignore it, either through ignorance or intention.
In any case, if the mats are laid out as above, there will be a problem when runners cross the start/finish line from the same direction. The mats will need to be moved from one side of the line to the other.
I believe it is now a rule that timing mats should be placed BEFORE the start line and AFTER the finish line. This is intended to assure that the recorded time is not less than that actually run. This, as in other aspects of course layout, is done on behalf of the records-keepers. Some think this is overkill, and many races ignore it, either through ignorance or intention.
In any case, if the mats are laid out as above, there will be a problem when runners cross the start/finish line from the same direction. The mats will need to be moved from one side of the line to the other.
Pete, you are correct in your understanding of mat placement vis-a-vis S/F lines. However, if the loop/keyhole is the desired distance, PLUS the distance from the front of the first mat to the back of the second (backup) mat (it's a standard spacing that Dave Katz or any Chip timer will know) it should work, I'd think.
There are two USATF rules that specify the placement of the transponder mats. USATF Rule 244.4 specifies that the transponder mat shall be placed so that the edge of the mat closest to the approaching runners is the finish line.
RULE 244
THE FINISH LINE
4. In events using transponder timing mats, the first mat shall be placed so that the
edge of the mat closest to the approaching runners is the finish line. At least the
first 15cm of the mat shall be of a color in contrast to the running surface to indicate
the finish line. Any additional or backup mats shall be placed beyond the
finish line.
Intermediate splits are record eligible if the transponder timing mats at the intermediate splits are in place in the same manner specified in Rule 244.4.
Net timing may be used for Masters LDR age-group records. Masters LDR is the only group that may use transponder net timing for record purposes. The other groups use gun times. For Masters LDR records, USATF Rule 265.10 specifies that the transponder mat must be placed before the start and after the finish line.
RULE 265
RULES APPLICABLE TO LONG DISTANCE RUNNING EVENTS
10. Properly rounded net times provided by transponders may be used for Masters
LDR age group records provided: the competitor wins his/her division; the
transponder mat defining the start time is placed completely before the start
line; and the transponder mat defining the end time is placed completely after
the finish.
Thank you. -- Justin
RULE 244
THE FINISH LINE
4. In events using transponder timing mats, the first mat shall be placed so that the
edge of the mat closest to the approaching runners is the finish line. At least the
first 15cm of the mat shall be of a color in contrast to the running surface to indicate
the finish line. Any additional or backup mats shall be placed beyond the
finish line.
Intermediate splits are record eligible if the transponder timing mats at the intermediate splits are in place in the same manner specified in Rule 244.4.
Net timing may be used for Masters LDR age-group records. Masters LDR is the only group that may use transponder net timing for record purposes. The other groups use gun times. For Masters LDR records, USATF Rule 265.10 specifies that the transponder mat must be placed before the start and after the finish line.
RULE 265
RULES APPLICABLE TO LONG DISTANCE RUNNING EVENTS
10. Properly rounded net times provided by transponders may be used for Masters
LDR age group records provided: the competitor wins his/her division; the
transponder mat defining the start time is placed completely before the start
line; and the transponder mat defining the end time is placed completely after
the finish.
Thank you. -- Justin