Chip Timing

Many large events are now using a chip timing system and there are many variations of systems around.  As you can imagine, considerable work goes into setting up such systems.  For large events there is really no other way to get results for so many people in a short amount of time.  Key Sports does not own a chip timing system, but as requested or required we have supply chain relationships with companies who do offer this service.  A question we receive once in a while: Why have a race bib if there is a chip, a good question.  Let me explain:

I am sure there are some systems which work 100% of the time, many do not.  The race bib provides a valuable backup capability to fill in where the electronic system may have missed, for one reason or another.  So why does a chip system miss?  Here are a couple of reasons we have seen: Data is not properly entered, mistakes on entry applications,  data is left off on application, can't read penmanship, chips fall off during an event, chips are not recorded at the finish, results software does not perform as expected, people don't put the chip on their shoe, or put it on incorrectly, and sometimes people don't wear the chip.  There may be more....

So how can we overcome these potential problems?  The race bib provides a back up ability to visibly know each person participating.  That is why we ask everyone to check the data and be sure it is correct.  We ask you to wear it on the front because as you cross the finish we record selected numbers/times and make sure they appear in the race results.  Sometimes we find people who finished but were not recorded initially.  This provides a way to give you the most accurate results possible.

Most of the events which Key Sports helps to organize are small enough that an electronic system and its accompanying computers/equipment is not needed to provide accurate, timely results.  We use the race bib for scoring.  The race bib is our source for information about each participant, that is why we collect them at the finish, it is what we use to determine results.  Awards presented at the event are "unofficial" until reviewed.  Reviewing results before publishing is a standing policy at Key Sports.  We strive to make the results as accurate as possible.  We are always open to hearing from people who may have been missed and make corrective action.

Our goal is to provide you with an enjoyable athletic experience.  Hopefully this short story will help explain why we do what we do.

Kristen and Ray Olfky