Unlike forest events where timing is done to compare elapsed times, at park events, timing is for:

- knowing how long competitors have been out on the course (especially if they are late back)

- avoiding starting participants too close together.

Start/finish person should have a place 15 - 20 m from the registration area and STAY PUT. Even if the personnel changes, the location must not.  Put pencil box, key box, Scotch tape, (map bags), (insect repellant) at your feet.

From the sheets on the clipboard, prepare a start/finish sheet of a different colour for each course. NB There are 2 columns per page = 20 entries per page.

Number the squares S1, S2, S3 etc for the short course, M1, M2 etc for the medium and so on.

There is a different sheet for a score '0' (in the red box)

When participants are ready to start:

- remind participants that they must report back to the finish by course closing time (usually printed on the map), even if they do not complete the course.

- write down their name(s) on the appropriate sheet.  We need enough information to identify anyone who is late back, so write first & last names of every one, in case they don't report back in.  For a group of Guides, for example, 'Guides 1', 'Guides 2' would suffice as their leader would have their own list of participants.

- write the number of the square on their map (or get them to do so).

- write the time they start - real time from your wrist watch is good enough. There is no need to make participants wait until the exact minute unless they would be too close to the previous participants on the same course (Use discretion at a busy event).

If you have time:

- make sure they have map and pencil,

- remind them what they are looking for (eg orange ribbons),

- remind them of course closing time.

When participants return:

- ask for their number and read back their names to them, to double check.

- tick the 'back' box and collect pencil.  

There is no need to calculate elapsed time unless requested to do so and you have lots of time; competitive club members will time themselves and may list their times on the City Cup Board.

Direct participants to the water & cookies etc.

The event director will take over from you at about 7:30, so that you may register and go out on a course yourself.

Thanks for volunteering.