Module 3: During the Race

This module covers what you need to do while the race is in progress - from starting read collection to monitoring for issues.

Starting Read Collection

Before participants begin crossing your timing location, ensure read collection is active.

Verify Stream Status

  1. Open the Dashboard in RaceDay Scoring

  2. Locate the Streams panel

  3. Confirm your stream shows Collecting status

If the stream shows "Stopped" or "Not Connected", use the Start button to begin collection. If this fails, escalate to advanced staff.

Start Collecting on All Streams

If instructed by race control:

  1. Click Start Collecting Reads on the Dashboard

  2. Verify all streams change to "Collecting" status

  3. Watch for the first reads to appear

Monitoring the Dashboard

During the race, the Dashboard is your primary view. Keep it visible at all times.

Key Information to Watch

Dashboard Element What to Monitor

Stream Status

Should remain "Collecting" - watch for disconnections

Read Count

Should increase as participants cross

Last Read Time

Should update regularly during active crossing periods

Warnings/Alerts

Any red indicators require attention

Normal vs Abnormal Patterns

Normal:

  • Read count steadily increasing

  • Last read time updating frequently during crossing periods

  • No error messages

Abnormal:

  • Read count stops increasing while participants are crossing

  • Last read time becomes stale (not updating)

  • Error or warning messages appear

  • Stream status changes to "Disconnected"

Time Machine Monitoring

While watching the dashboard, periodically check the Time Machine:

Tag Activity Indicators

  • Should flash with each participant crossing

  • Consistent flashing = healthy system

  • No flashing during crossings = problem

Status LCD

Glance at the LCD display periodically:

  • Network indicator should remain stable

  • Logging should show active

  • No error codes should appear

See Time Machine Front Panel for detailed indicator meanings.

Handling Wave Starts

For races with multiple waves or corrals, you may need to track which wave is currently on course.

What Is a Wave Start?

Instead of all participants starting together, they start in groups (waves) at intervals. This is common for:

  • Large running events (5K, 10K, marathons)

  • Cycling events with different categories

  • Triathlon swim starts

Your Role During Wave Starts

  1. Know the schedule - Be aware of wave start times

  2. Monitor transitions - Watch for gaps between waves at your location

  3. Continue monitoring - Each wave generates reads just like a single start

Wave management is typically handled by race control and advanced staff. Your job is to ensure reads are being captured for all waves.

Handling Corrals

Corrals are holding areas that release participants in sequence. Similar to waves, but often with less defined timing.

What to Watch For

  • Participants may arrive at your timing point in clusters

  • Read rate will spike as each corral releases

  • Gaps between groups are normal

Common Race Day Scenarios

Scenario: Finish Line at a Running Event

At the finish line, you will see:

  1. Early finishers arriving individually

  2. Main pack arriving with steady flow

  3. Late finishers trickling in over time

Monitor for:

  • Consistent reads during heavy traffic

  • No "gaps" where the system stops recording

Scenario: Multi-Lap Cycling Event

For criteriums or circuit races:

  1. Riders pass your location multiple times

  2. Read count will be higher than participant count

  3. Watch for consistent reads each lap

Monitor for:

  • Regular read activity each lap

  • Similar read counts per lap (roughly)

Scenario: Split Point

At an intermediate timing point:

  1. All participants should pass once (unless it is a loop course)

  2. You might receive manual notifications about expected participants

Monitor for:

  • Read count approaching participant count

  • Any reports of missing reads from race control

Quick Actions During the Race

If you notice something unusual:

Observation Action

Read count stops increasing

Check Time Machine tag activity, verify stream status

Dashboard shows disconnection

Check network cable, verify WiFi connection

Error message appears

Note the message, attempt to restart collection, escalate if it persists

Test tag does not register

Check antenna connections, escalate immediately

When in doubt, use your test tag to verify the system is working. If the test tag registers correctly, the issue may be with specific participants' chips rather than the system.

Communication with Race Control

Stay in contact with race control:

  • Report any issues immediately

  • Confirm when waves pass your location (if requested)

  • Alert them to any unusual patterns

Summary

During the race, you should:

  • Keep the Dashboard visible at all times

  • Monitor stream status and read counts

  • Watch Time Machine indicators for activity

  • Understand wave starts and corrals

  • Use the test tag if you suspect problems

  • Communicate with race control

Next: Module 4: Reviewing Reads