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Timing Syllabus

Whilst we believe the information to be correct as Jan 2001 This document is for information only & should be used a guide only.
Further information is available in the "UK Athletics Rule Book" & the "UK Athletics Instructional Book Timekeeping"
UK Athletics Book Center, 5 Church Road, Great Bookham, Surrey KT23 3PN
Tel: Bookham (01372) 452804

UK ATHLETICS PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION SYLLABUS - TIMEKEEPERS
The following subjects are examined in the preliminary written test for Timekeepers:
 
1. Rules of Competition as they effect Timekeepers UK Athletics Rules

  a. Types of watches and their uses. 119(4) - (7)
  b. Co-operation with the Starter. 111(8)
  c. Starting and stopping the watch. 111(7), 113, 119(2)
  d. Intermediate times. 112(6), 119(5)
  e. Recording times. 119(2), (7)-(9)
  f. Fastest losers. 115(1)
  g. Records. 119(9), 141(8)(9)
  An acquaintance with all the relevant Track rules is desirable.
2. Procedure when reporting for duty.
3. Practical knowledge of the types of watches used, and the reasons for their use by Timekeepers.
4. Sources of human error by timekeepers.
5. Responsibility of the Timekeeper to the Chief Timekeeper.
6. Use of "split devices" for recording lap, intermediate and multiple timings.
7. Lap calling and "splitting".
8. Coping with requests for "fastest losers".
9. Positioning of Timekeepers and general techniques of timekeeping. 119(1)
10. Practical difficulties, and how errors may be minimised.
11. Procedure for timing races when using a recorder.
 
Books of Reference: - UK Athletics Rule Book. -  UK Athletics Instructional Book: Timekeeping
PRELIMINARY ATHLETIC TIMEKEEPING INTRODUCTION
 
PURPOSE
1. The purpose of timekeeping is to enable comparisons to be made between performances, hence accuracy is of prime importance. Timekeepers in Britain have always had the reputation (as have our other discipline members) of being strictly fair. The standard of our timekeeping is the envy of the world. Fast times may boost a runner’s ego, but only until he/she meets others in competition and fails to win as expected (On paper, from times recorded from previous races).
2. To become a Timekeeper acceptable by National and International Athletic Federations, as well as athletes, you need to become a ‘graded’ (i.e. qualified) Official. UK Athletics operates a grading system, details of which are contained in the UK Athletics Rules of Competition, (hereafter called the handbook) Annex E, as is the syllabus for the simple (Preliminary) Written Paper. It should be noted that for Timekeepers only, a ‘Practical’ test is also required to be passed, before a grading can be awarded.
3. To cover the syllabus as required, merely means reading and hopefully understanding the Rules appertaining to timekeeping, with the Preliminary Written Paper ascertaining that they have been read, by calling for ‘one-line’ answers.
4. To assist in the interpretation of the Rules, the book ‘Timekeeping’ written by Alan Tompkins should also be purchased from the UK Athletics Book center, 5 Church Road, Great Bookham, Surrey KT23 3PN Tel: Bookham (01372) 452804. The reading of both ‘Timekeeping’ and ‘Rules for Competition’ is how knowledge is acquired, supplemented by attending lectures and discussion with other usually more senior timekeepers. Skill comes mainly from practice.
PRINCIPLES
5. Timekeeping is simple; it is merely the determination of the interval between the start and finish of a race. For the race itself, the conduct of the competitors, disqualifications, etc., are the Track Referees/Judges concern. For Timekeepers there is only a need to define the ‘start’ and ‘finish’ of a race. These definitions are given in the handbook at Rule 111 and 113 respectively, as well as Rule 119, which is specific to Timekeeping.
6. The time, for Timekeepers, is that period which elapses between the instant of the ‘flash’ from the Starters pistol, to the moment at which the competitor reaches (Rule 113) the plane of the finish, which is at the edge of the finish line nearer to the start.
THE DUTY
7. Your arrival at a meeting should be as least 30 minutes before the notified start of the first track event. On arrival report initially to the Meeting or Organising Secretary. They will note your attendance, which now means you are covered by insurance, give you a program, possibly a form of official identification (accreditation) and hopefully a tea ticket, but more importantly inform you as to who is the Chief Timekeeper and direct you to their where-abouts. This will usually be on the outside of the track in the vicinity of the finish.
 8. When the Chief Timekeeper has been located, report your arrival. If the Chief has compiled a team work/duty sheet, a copy of this or an individual work sheet will be given to you. Thoroughly read and note all the duties allocated to you. If there is an instruction or duty you do not understand, ask the Chief for clarification. Sometimes the Chief will not have a team work/duty sheet because it is not known how many timekeepers are likely to arrive, so your and the rest of the team’s early arrival is important as it will allow the Chief time to formulate a duty sheet.
9. Given that you are in possession of a stopwatch or manually operated electronic timer that will record more than one time, the following Primary duties may be allocated to you:
a. Time ONE runner’s position in sprint races.(Considered to be races up to and including 40Cm). There is usually insufficient time to be able to switch one’s total concentration from one runner to a second.
b. Time TWO runners’ positions in races over 400m.
10. In addition, any of the following Additional or Secondary duties may also be allocated:
a. Record the lap time and number of the leading runner in all races of 80Cm and over. In races of 300Cm and over, Km times with the leading runner’s number, also need to be recorded . This information is essential in the case of a record claim (Rule 119(5)). This together with the Track Judges record of the race proves that the athlete actually ran the correct distance.
b. Call the lap times to ALL runners in races of 80Cm and above. (Only a timekeeper appointed by the Chief Timekeeper may carry out this duty. It may not be an official timekeeper, it may well be a trainer or coach who agrees to call times to all athletes in the race (UK:athletics Rules of Competition, Appendix F, F5 - 7) or (Annex A to these notes -Timekeepers Code of Practice).
c. Give times to be announced over the public address system. (Like b. above, this duty may be delegated to an announcer if there are insufficient official timekeepers or it is impractical - too far to the announcer’s box. Whoever gives this information must be approved by the Chief Timekeeper. If circumstances are not satisfactory for providing this service, the chief may well rule that no intermediate times should be announced. (UK:athletics Rules of Competition, Appendix F, F6 & 7) or (Appendix A to these notes - Timekeepers Code of Practice).
d. Call to a recorder from a running watch, or record the times for the caller (Used for distance races, usually from 500Cm upwards, including marathons and cross country races, where there are insufficient Timekeepers to allocate to each position.) This duty can be modified if a Printer Timer (See para. 13) is used, when all finishing athletes have their times recorded by one person.
e.Record split times in a 4 x 400m relay. (See diagram of position to stand when a long stagger is used.)
f. Record split times for a I mile race. (See diagram.)
g. Act as a Standards Timekeeper. (Indicate to a Standards Judge when a Standard time has been reached, from a running watch.)
Timekeepers should be aware of the safety aspects and courtesies to be given to athletes, other officials and spectators, when going about their additional duties (Code of Practice).
11. To achieve optimum timekeeping performance, the Timekeepers should be located on an elevated stand which is positioned on the outside of the track. Its median point should be in-line with the finish line and the distance of the front of the stand to the edge of the track, should not be less than 5 - 6 metres. The further back from the track the better, as the viewing angle of the finishing runners is smaller and therefore more concentrated. There is a requirement that Timekeepers are able to see the Starter’s pistol - therefore a clear view of the Starter is required. Similarly, a clear view of the finishing line is paramount. It may be found that Track Judges are also sharing this stand but they will be given the lower portion to enable them to read the athletes’ numbers easier.
12. Timekeepers should familarise themselves with each track they attend. Each track is likely to be different in the markings which are relevant to timekeepers. The differing starter’s positions should be ascertained relevant to the races being run. There could be different finishing positions and odd calling positions i.e. in one mile races, which need to be marked.
THE EQUIPMENT
MECHANICAL WATCHES
13. Conventional mechanical or ticking watches have largely been superseded by electronic timers with digital read outs. These types of mechanical watch requires a certificate of accuracy, renewable every 3 years. Newcomers to timekeeping should never buy a ‘ticking watch’.
ELECTRONIC TIMERS
14. In these modern times, electronic timers with the ability to time and record, store and recall up to 100 race times are not uncommon. Often they will have the facility to print those times on a paper roll for easy reference, as well as be connected to a larger computerised results system.
15. The most common electronic timer used today has the combined facilities of all three types of old ticking watches. It will:
a. Measure the race time to one hundredth of a second.
b. Record and recall split times.
c. Record and recall multiple race times. (Up to 100 times.)
d. Calculate lap times.
e. Display time of day.
16. Electronic timers derive their energy from a battery which is used to excite a piece of quartz crystal, causing it to oscillate. This movement is sensed and through the miracles of modern electronics converts the oscillations into a digital read-out on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). On older timers, the read-out may be seen on Light Emitting Diode (LED) displays. A series of buttons, usually in a similar position to those found on mechanical watches, control the mode (Stop-watch or Time-of-Day), the start/split/stop operation and the recall of times recorded.
17. The modern electronic timer requires no maintenance other than the occasional battery change, but needs to be protected from strong magnetic sources, like car radio speakers and magnets. Like its mechanical counterparts it does not like the damp or moisture, although most timers will operate satisfactorily in our inclement climate, as long as they are thoroughly dried before being stored for the next match.
18. No certificate of accuracy is required for electronic timers because it is considered that their general timekeeping is wall within the limits set in the NPL Test Leaflet. However, if any components are replaced due to a malfunction, or internal adjustments are made, then a certificate must be obtained. (It is usually cheaper to buy a new watch than have a repair made to an existing one.)
19. From the above, it can be seen that the purchase of one electronic timer, at a cost £40.00 or so, has contributed to the ticking timers redundancy.
THE RACE
THE START
20. Before a race commences the Timekeepers must ensure that they are ready. This will entail that they have a clear view of the Starter; that they are mentally prepared and that their timers are switched ‘ON’ and set to zero. These actions are usually prompted by the blowing of a whistle by the Starter, to alert the Timekeepers and Track Judges that a race is about to be started. The Chief Timekeeper will acknowledge the Starter’s whistle, after checking that the timekeeping team and Track Judges are ready, by waving his/her clipboard or sometimes a flag.
21. All eyes should now be focused on the pistol which is in the Starter’s raised hand. When the gun is fired to start the race, the Timekeepers will start to start their timers when they see the FLASH (Rule 119(2)) from the detonation of the round. The human reaction time from when this signal is sensed by the eyes to the starting of the indications on the timer, will be of the order of two tenths of a second. After the flash will come the smoke, sometimes in profusion, at other times lazily and indistinct, but not a satisfactory signal for timekeepers. There will also be the sound or report from the explosion. If a 100m start is taken as an example, the time taken for that sound to reach the timekeepers will be in the order of a third of a second, as compared with the time of the flash, which is almost instantaneous (the speed of sound, 300m/sec, being very much slower than the speed of light, 299,460 Km/sec). If Timekeepers wait for the sound to reach them, their 100m times would all be over three tenths of a second fast, hence Rule 119’s "The time shall be taken from the flash from the Starter's pistol or approved starting apparatus..".
22. Immediately after the race has been started, all Timekeepers should check to see that their timer is running, for it is not unknown for Timekeepers to have pressed the wrong button to start their timer, or forgotten to have reset it to zero or to have a timer malfunction. If the timer is found to be indicating incorrectly, then the Chief Timekeeper must be immediately informed so that another Timekeeper can be allocated the position(s) which would otherwise be missed. There is unlikely to be enough time for this re-allocation to take place in short sprint races, which is one reason why it is ideal to allocate 3 Timekeepers, if the team is of sufficient strength, to each position.
23. Having started the timer, if you have been concentrating hard, it is natural still to be tense and it is good practice to relax, let arms and hands go limp, and just watch the race. This has the added advantage that you will notice any incident that could cause you to review the position(s) you have been asked to time. If athletes drop out of a race or they are lapped, you need to know, so that you time the correct allocated position.
THE FINISH
24. It has already been seen that the Timekeepers are located at the finish in order to time races but what constitutes the finish?
‘The finish line is a 5cm width white line drawn across the track at right angles to the inside edge.’
The plane extending vertically from the edge, nearer to the start, of that line, is the ‘finish plane’, being of concern to the timekeepers. An athlete finishes the race when the body (i.e. torso, as distinguished from the head, neck, hands, arms, feet or legs) reaches that finish plane.(Rules 113 & 119)
25. Having watched the race, when the runners are approximately 10 metres from the finish, it is time to switch your concentration from the runners to that of the finish plane, so that when the torso of the athlete(s) whose position(s) you have been allocated to time (the winner is the easiest) reach or reaches the plane of the finish, you start to stop your timer. You will probably sense that you have pressed the button controlling the stop function of the timer when the athlete is well past the finish post. This time interval between seeing the athlete reach the finish and the timer stopping is the human reaction time and should equal that which occurred at the start. If this is so, then the time(s) recorded should be the correct race elapsed time for the position of the runners you were allocated.
RETURNED TIMES
26. After the race has been completed and all runners have finished, you will have ‘timed
independently’ and now you will ‘declare your recorded time(s) to the Chief Timekeeper immediately’.
If there are any doubts or verifications required, mandatory when a record claim is involved, the Chief
Timekeeper may inspect the readings.(Rule 119(9))
27. All electronic timers record in hundredths, but when manual or hand times are recorded from timekeepers using these devices, the times are, if the race is held on a track within a stadium,. returned to the next longer tenth of a second e.g. 10.lOs is returned as 10.ls but 10.lls is returned as 10.2s. (Rule 119(7)) Races contested partially or totally outside a stadium shall have their times returned to the next longer second e.g. I h 05m 26.38s is returned as I h 05m 27s.
28. As mentioned earlier, the ideal timekeeping team will have 3 Timekeepers allocated to each position, 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc., however, there is no guarantee that each member of that sub team, for a variety of reasons, will return the same time. Rule 119(8) states that where one timekeeper disagrees, the time of the two agreeing shall be the official time. If all three timekeepers disagree, then the middle time shall be the official time. If, for any reason, only two times are taken, then the longer shall be taken as the official time. If the hand of an analogue timer (ticking watch) stops between the dial divisions, the time read shall be the longer of the two readings.
29. Remember it is the Chief Timekeeper’s job to ‘agree the times’. This procedure will normally
be in accordance with the Rules above (Rule 119(8)), unless the Chief is satisfied that a mistake has been made.
RECORDS
30. For record claims, using hand times, to be submitted, the following criteria (Rule 119 (9)), with respect to timekeeping, must be satisfied:
a. The time should be taken by three Graded Timekeepers, each of whom should be Grade 1 or 2.
b. They shall show their timings to the Chief Timekeeper. These timekeepers plus the Chief will then certify their times on the appropriate Record Application Form. (This is why it is important to maintain an individual record of times returned for positions allocated in all races timed).
c. The leading runner’s lap times and number must be recorded for all races of 800m and over, and, in addition, times at each 1000m in races of 3000m and over. (Rule 119(5))
TIMEKEEPING ERRORS
31. No human being is totally fallible and therefore discrepancies will occur when timekeeping. Why else would it be recommended that three Timekeepers be allocated to each race position if one could be relied upon. How do these errors materialise? What are their causes? When do they happen?
32. First and foremost a good quality timer should be used. This will minimise timer errors, although it is difficult these days to find a timer that is not accurate over the usual range of race time intervals. To ensure that timer failures do not occur in the middle of timing a race, change the battery annually. Keep a record of it’s last battery change.
33. Common errors that occur to produce ‘fast’ race times are as follows:
a. Starting to start the timer when the smoke is seen or the sound is heard. This is usually caused by in-attention or lack of concentration.
b. A poor start signal, caused by a lack of or weak flash.
c. A poor view of the Starter.
d. Not being in line with the finish.
e. Timing the wrong athlete, especially in closely contested finishes.
f. Anticipating the finish, caused by watching the athlete all the way to the finish line.
g. Inexperience.
 
34. Long or ‘slow’ times are usually due to:
a. Inattention or distraction at the finish. Can be caused by excited crowds in the vicinity of the finish.
b. Timing the wrong athlete. Watching a known runner is the usual cause.
c. Following the athlete through the finish, especially one who is slow moving.
d. Not being in line with the finish.
e. Inexperience.
35. If inconsistent times are recorded these could be due to:
a. Over-tenseness. This can be minimised as confidence increases. Learn to relax while focusing and concentrating your attention at both the start and finish.
b. Inexperience.
c. Attempting to take two times, with runners finishing too close together. The first time is likely to be snatched and too fast, while the second is usually long or slow.
36. It can be seen from the above, how errors occur and how they may be minimised e.g. a good view of the Starter and the finish plane is essential, as are the power and maintenance of concentration. Relaxation also plays it’s part.
FASTEST LOSERS
37. Very often Timekeepers are asked to adjudicate on ‘fastest loser’ for the qualifying standards in the progression to the next round of a competition. This should be the Track Referee’s decision, however, it is useful to know the rules appertaining to this qualification. The easiest way to see this is by example, as shown below.
 
The following times were recorded in a series of 400m Heats. The qualifications for the next round (semi-finals) are Winners and 7 fastest losers.
  Heats 1 2 3 4 5
  Position
  1st 52.7* 53.1* 52.4* 52.8* 53.0*
  2nd (53.0) 53.2 (52.5) (52.9) 53.1
  3rd 53.1 53.4 (52.7) 53.1 53.1
  4th 53.2 53.6 53.1 53.2 53.4
  5th 53.6 53.7 53.6 53.5 53.5
The starred * times are the winners and automatically go through. The bracketed ( )times are the first 4 fastest athletes. There are then 5 runners recording the same time of 53.1 (underlined), looking to fill the three remaining places. In Heat 5 where there are two 53.1’s, however, the third placed athlete although beaten has been given the same time as the second placed athlete and must be considered for advancement into the next round. This is because it has not been proven that the athletes who recorded the same time in Heats 1, 3 and 4, would have beaten this athlete. There are, therefore, still five athletes to contest the three places. In fairness to them all, as their times were recorded in different races, a run-off is required. (There is no need to time the run-off as it is just the first three in that race going forward to the semi-finals, however, in reality this would be performed, as records could be broken or best performances achieved).
38. In a situation where there is one qualifying place remaining to be filled for the next round and two athletes have recorded the same time in the same heat, as in Heat 5 of the example illustrated in para.36 (disregarding the other heats), then the higher placed athlete fills the vacancy as the last fastest loser.
DISTANCE RACES
39. It will have been noted that distance races held partially or totally outside a track or stadium, are timed to the next whole second. The reading of these times is usually observed from the timer by ‘splitting’, or if the finishers are too close for this, by calling from a ‘running watch’. It is essential in the latter case to have a good recorder.
40. When reading from a ‘running watch’, practice calling the next longer second to the one displayed on the timer. This will ensure that the time will be recorded to the next-longer second according to the rules (Rule 119(7)). For example, whether the timer reads 42.Ols or 42.99s, the time must be recorded as 43 seconds
41. At Cross Country events and Road Races, where there are usually very large numbers of competitors, runners sometimes finish in large bunches, where even calling from a running watch may not be possible. One procedure that can be adopted in these cases, is to time a competitor at convenient intervals (e.g. every five seconds) and noting their number, until the situation eases and a reversion to the ‘running’ or ‘split’ method can be continued. Sometimes it is possible to count the number of athletes in a group at the finish, in which case a call of" Three at (the time)" or "Five at "to the recorder is equally permissible. The Judges will have the correct finishing order, and times at frequent intervals are better than no times at all for extended periods.
IMPROVING SKILLS
42. All novice Timekeepers should try to improve their skills, there being many different methods to adopt. Some do not suit everybody, being too technically demanding or inopportune, so choose the method(s) that best fits your personal preference
a. The best practice of all is to work with experienced Timekeepers at actual meetings. Do not be afraid to ask a Chief Timekeeper, before the meeting starts, if you can join his/her team. So much better than standing with the spectators (often off line from the finish). You will usually be made most welcome and put to work with an experienced team-member, who will
  be able to give good advice on details of technique. If you show promise you may well be invited to other Meetings, for there are rarely too many Timekeepers.
b. Try to attend as many meetings as possible, as it is only through regular practice that your practical timekeeping will improve.
c. Ask for advice from experienced Grade 1 and Chief Timekeepers. Remember they have all had to go through what you are doing now.
d. Try to work against Photo Finish (PF), where the times are returned in
most cases to the hundredth of a second. Grade I Timekeepers will, on average, be two to three hundredths of a second different from PF.
e. In the comfort of your own home use the pendulum method to time the periodicity of its swing. This is for the mathematical or the scientifically inclined. A pendulum is constructed to one side of a doorway, so that it is seen for only part of its swing. The length and weight will determine the time it takes to complete one oscillation. The pendulum is set in motion. When it comes into view, you start to start your timer. The pendulum will remain in view for approximately half its swing before disappearing from sight. The next time the pendulum appears, start to stop your timer. The recorded time on your watch should be that time which has been calculated to be the periodicity of the pendulum. As this will be only a few seconds, it is best to let the pendulum complete several swings before you commence to stop your timer.
f. A less complicated method involves the use of a record player, preferably one with a plastic dust cover. A template is made, to be placed on-top of the cover, which has a 30 degree wedge shaped section missing or cut out. This allows the record deck to be seen. A visible mark is made on the deck; the player set in motion at a speed of 33 rpm or preferably 16 rpm. One revolution of the record deck will therefore take either I .8s or 3.6s. In a similar manner to the pendulum method, you should start to start your timer when the mark on the deck comes into view, starting to stop your watch when it next is seen. Because of the relatively short time interval for one revolution, a multiple of the deck time should be used, and compared against the time recorded on your timer.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
43. From the information that has been read in the previous paragraphs it is now possible to compile a list of attributes that are required of a good Timekeeper. These are summarised below.
a. Punctuality - A timekeeper who does not arrive on time for a meeting is no help to the Chief Timekeeper.
b. Visual awareness - A timekeeper must be able to see clearly the Starter’s pistol at all start positions around the track. The 10Cm starter’s position is a fair distance away, while other positions may be up to I 5Cm from the stand.
c. Concentration - A timekeeper must be able to concentrate hard and see nothing but the Starter’s pistol at the start, and nothing but the plane of the finish, at the finish.
d. Integrity - All timekeepers must have the ability to time on their own and return their time(s) independently.
e. Constant Reactions - The secret of good timekeeping. To have consistent physical reactions when starting and stopping a watch is the hall-mark of the best timekeepers.
f. Calm Composure - Self-controlled timekeepers do well with little practice; others usually need a little longer, although, they are likely to possess quick and reliable reactions which are an asset.
g. Affability - It is important that as a member of a team that you are able to mix, cooperate and integrate. Unsocial habits (smoking) are not welcome.
h. Reliability - A timekeeper must carry out the duties allocated in a responsible manner.
j. Preparation - You must arrive at a meeting with the equipment necessary to complete your duties i.e. timer(s), clip-board, paper, pencils, water-proof cover for clip-board, personal water-proof clothing and footwear, rule-book, etc.
k. Dress - Be of clean and of tidy appearance.
CONCLUSION
44. The above notes, read in conjunction with the relevant rules in the UK Athletics Rules of Competition handbook and the booklet on Timekeeping, cover, it is hoped, all that should be required for the Preliminary Written Examination. This Paper, is aimed at establishing that Candidates have read and understood the Rules relating to timekeeping. The practice is another story.
 

Annex:
A. Timekeepers Code of Conduct.
Jan 2001
ANNEX A TO TIMEKEEPING NOTES
TIMEKEEPERS CODE OF PRACTICE

The following notes are taken from Appendix F of the UK Athletics Rules of Competition. They should be regarded as an adjunct to and be read in conjunction with the appropriate timekeeping rules.
1. a. Timekeepers should report to the Meeting Secretary and the Chief
Timekeeper at least 30 minutes before the first Track event.
b. The Chief Timekeeper should report to the Meeting Manager/Secretary before leaving the Meeting, to ensure that all necessary paper work has been completed.
2. Individual Timekeepers should not be required to take more than one time in sprint races. Good practice requires that Timekeepers should not take times other than those requested by the Chief.
3. a. In distance races on the track with large fields, timers with multiple-memory functions or print-out facilities (but not programmable computers) should be used where possible, to ensure that all runners are timed to 1/10th sec. Otherwise or in addition a Running Watch should be used.
b. A Lap Chart is advisable if lapping takes place.
4. For deciding fastest losers, hand times to 1/100th sec must not be used.
5. Calling of intermediate times.
a. Provided that there are sufficient timekeepers available, intermediate times in races of more than one lap should be called at the Start line and at the Bell. Variations may be made at the Chief Timekeeper’s discretion, but normally calling will not take place at intervals of less than one lap except for the Bell time.
b. In the case of the Steeplechase, because of the varying distance of the lap on different tracks, calling should take place at the Finish Line.
c. In Mile races, intermediate times should be called at the 1/4 miles.
d. On indoor tracks of 200m, times should be called every 400m, plus the Bell time, unless otherwise required. (NB Lap times should be recorded every 200m, in accordance with UK Athletics Rule 119(5) and IAAF Rule 165(4).
e. Timekeepers going out on duty should be aware of safety and courtesy to athletes, officials and spectators.
6. To enable Timekeepers to comply with UK Athletics Rule 119(5) and IAAF Rule 164(5), a clearly visible marker should be placed on or near the inner edge of the track to indicate the distances of 1K and 2K, in the 3000m Steeplechase. Similar marks should be placed at any other distance required e.g. 1500m in Mile, 3K in 2 Miles etc.
7. The Chief Timekeeper is responsible for any intermediate times given over the Public Address System. The Chief can provide this service:
a. Where there is an automatic device with a time display on the track, by appointing the operators of this device to be official timekeepers for giving intermediate times, provided that the Chief is satisfied that such times are sufficiently accurate.
b. By a telephone line or radio link to the Announcer.
c. Where the Announcer’s box is situated close enough to the Finish line, by stationing a Timekeeper adjacent to or, with the agreement of the Announcer, in that box.
If none of these are possible, then no intermediate times should be announced.
8. Relays.
a. Split times for Relay events should not be taken if the individual legs are less than one complete lap. The split times shall be taken as the baton crosses the center of the take-over box. (Remember that at the finish of the relay race, the time is taken when the athlete, not the baton, reaches the finish.)
b. In the case of the 4x400m, competitors may be required to run in lanes for three bends; the first take-over is therefore staggered and in each lane the center of the take-over box should be marked on the track by a white line with a green mark super-imposed; Timekeepers recording times for teams in lanes 2 - 8 therefore should take up a position on the outside of the track opposite these marks for the first take-over. For lane I and for all subsequent take-overs, the center of the take-over box is the Finish line, and times should be taken from the stand.
c. It is recommended that Timekeepers allocated to each team for split times should revert to their normal finishing positions at the finish.
9. Where Photo-Finish is in operation, the Chief Timekeeper should ensure that the hand times are communicated to the Chief of P/F as soon as possible after the completion of a race.
10.a. In Cross-country and/or Road races with large numbers of competitors, there may come a time when the competitors are too closely packed for times to be given for every position. When this situation arises, Timekeepers should identify a runner’s number and record this with a time as frequently as possible. In practice this can be done every 5 seconds or less; these times and numbers can then be matched with the Judges’ positions and every runner can be accredited with a time within the above limits.
b. Wherever possible, computerised records of results should bear the official hand times.
 

Jan 2001

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