Last updated on November 3rd, 2022 at 10:20 am
Here’s a great tip sheet to help those who processes results at swim meets. In a perfect world, all the pad, backup button and watch times would agree. However, even under the best circumstances, sometimes timing adjustments must be made. Experienced Administrative Referee Linda Eaton, from Colorado Swimming created this tip sheet to help those processing results quickly know how to make accurate timing adjustments. Make sure your Meet, or Administrative Referee approves the process before using.
Tips comply with USA Swimming rules as of May 2022. Verify compliance with your applicable governing body rules before using.
Contents for Swim Meet Timing Adjustment: Helpful Tips
Helpful Tips for Dealing with Timing Issues
Definitions Used in “Tips”
- Button: The semi-automatic timing device on a long cord and plugged into the timing harness; has a plunger knob on the top.
- Timing Discrepancy: Two different types of timing systems (ex. pad, backup button, watch) with a difference greater than 30 one-hundreths of a second between the different timing devices for the final time on that lane for that race.
Notes
- If timing adjustments on a heat change the finish order from the original data received, always check the Order of Finish for that heat.
- If timing discrepancies continue over several heats on a specific lane/lanes:
- Have the head timer check with lane timers. Verify understanding of how to use the button.
- If the issue is not operator error, check the pad or button for an equipment malfunction
- Always address the problem as quickly as possible
Possible Timing Situations and Meet Manager Responses
No Discrepancy
No discrepancies between pad and button time.
Meet Manager Response: Heat processing finished. Move on.
Lane Malfunction
Pad and button times available for all lanes, with discrepancies between pad and button timers on one or several (but not all) lanes for that heat (lane malfunction.) Manual watch times available for all lanes.
Meet Manager Response: Check watch times on lane(s) with discrepancies.
- If pad time is confirmed correct, enter one watch time in Meet Manager in Backup 3 column and delete the button time. Do not run Calc. Move on.
- If the button time is confirmed more correct, run Calc. DO NOT enter watch times in Meet Manager.
- If pad, button, and watch times do not agree, consult with Admin or Meet Ref for guidance. Check in with the coaches to see what times they have for their swimmers. Check Order of Finish (OOF.) Figure out what data is more accurate.
Missing Button
Pad times available for all lanes with no button time for one/several lanes. Manual watch times available for all lanes.
Meet Manager Response: Check watch times for lanes without button times to see if they confirm pad time. If pad time confirmed, enter one watch time in Backup 3. DO NOT run Calc. Remove “?” Move on. If watch times used, enter times in Backup 2 and 3. Run Calc. Check OOF.
Pad and Button Discrepancy, Missing Watch Time(s)
Pad and button times available for all lanes with discrepancies between pad and button times on one/several lanes. No manual watch times available for the lanes with discrepancies.
Meet Manager Response: Check with coaches for times on their swimmers. See if the data supports one or the other timing systems. Deal with as outlined above.
Missing Pad and Button Time(s) for a Lane
Pad and button times not available for one or several (but not all) lanes. Manual watch times available for all lanes.
Meet Manager Response: Enter the manual watch times in Backup 2 and Backup 3. Run Calc. Check OOF.
Missing Pad and Button Times for ALL Lanes (Heat Malfunction)
Pad and button times not available for all lanes (heat malfunction). Manual watch times available for all lanes.
Meet Manager Response: Enter the watch times in Backup 2 and Backup 3. Check the heat malfunction box on the Calc window. Run Calc. Check OOF.
Automatic Timing System Not Used
Automatic timing system not used. Manual watch times available for all lanes.
Meet Manager Response: Enter watch times as Backup 1, Backup 2, and Backup 3. Run Calc for each heat.
Sharing Timing Adjustment Tips via QR Code
By displaying this code on a device or paper, others can scan it and come directly to this post. If displayed high and large, it can be scanned by many from a reasonable distance. This allows people to read along during training. Thus, increasing retention and performance. If they bookmark the page, they can also refer to it later if needed.
What is a QR code?
A QR Code (quick response code) is a type of 2D bar code used to provide easy access to information through a smartphone or other device. The Host Great Meets QR codes contain information that when scanned, leads a person directly to a specific post.
How to Use a QR Code
Many smartphones and other devices have barcode and QR code scanning built-in. Simply open the camera or barcode scanning app and point it at the code. Make sure all four corners of the code are in view. Let it focus and soon a link should appear on the screen. Click on the link. It will bring the device directly to the post. For more detailed instructions, see https://www.wikihow.com/Scan-a-QR-Code
Sharing helpful information helps others do a good job. Boost their performance by sharing information in a way they can reference later if needed. Even if they don’t need it later, sharing both verbally and visually increases retention. Using a QR code also allows for quick, easy, paperless, and touchless sharing. This method is especially useful on wet pool decks.
Downloadable Timing Adjustment Tips Files
Preparing for a swim meet? Check out The Ultimate Swim Meet To-Do List. Then, get a bird’s eye view of Who does What at Swim Meets. Both include easy-to-follow links to related information. Doing a smaller, simpler meet? Host a High School or Developmental Swim Meet will help.
Need more help? See 20+ Ways to Get Swim Meet Timers and Officials: 20+ Ways to Get them for Swim Meets.
Also, discover a few things you can do to Increase Safety at Swim Meets. Find ideas to implement before your meet as well as last-minute quick and easy tips!