1. © Copyright 2008 - 2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 1 Chief Judge Electronics Clinic May, 2008

2. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 2 Today Introduction to Timing in Electronic Meets Timing Systems Role of CJE & Electronics Operator Up the “Electronic” Ladder Questionnaire – 15 minutes Review (answers)

3. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Meet Formats Manual Timers start timing from Starter’s “flash” Timers stop timing when swimmers touch wall Official time calculated and recorded Results created when event is completed Electronic Starter’s signal starts timing Swimmer touching wall finishes race and timing Times downloaded to reporting computer Results automatically created as each race completes 3

4. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Meet Formats Manual Timers start timing from Starter’s “flash” Timers stop timing when swimmers touch wall Official time calculated and recorded Results created when event is completed 4 Starter / Timers / Chief Timer Timers / Chief Timer Chief Finish Judge Recorder/Scorer

5. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Meet Formats Electronic Starter’s signal starts timing Swimmer touching wall finishes race and timing Times downloaded to reporting computer Results automatically created as each race completes 5 Starter / Chief Judge Electronics Recorder/Scorer Chief Judge Electronics / Operator

6. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Meet Formats In an electronic meet, what happened to: Chief Finish Judge? Where Automatic Officiating Equipment is used to judge the finish of a race, the chief finish judge must report the order of finish recorded by the Equipment after each race. (SW 2.10.3) All timing consoles provide a printout with order of finish Results computer also calculates order of finish Timers? Unless a video backup system is used, it may be necessary to use the full complement of timekeepers even when Automatic Officiating Equipment is used. (SW 2.9.4) 6

7. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Timing Systems What equipment do we use? (FR 4.6) Starting unit Block sensor (early starts) Touchpads (finishes) Cameras / Plungers (backup) Timing console (tie all equipment together) FINA Facilities Rules (FR 4) addresses requirements for the equipment 7

8. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Timing Systems: Starter Starting Unit (FR 4.3) Loud speaker for Starter’s commands Connects to a loud speaker in each lane Emits tone to start race Sends electronic signal to timing console 8

9. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Timing Systems: Block Sensor Measure swimmer’s reaction time Reaction Time: Time between start signal or wall touch and when the swimmer leaves the block Negative time implies early takeover Manufacturing differences result in varying tolerances for false starts or takeovers 9

10. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 10 Timing Systems: Block Sensor Omega Block Sensors take their signal from the pressure of the swimmer at the back of the starting platform. Based on research, it is recommended that a tolerance of –0.03 seconds in favor of the swimmer be allowed before a disqualification is called. For this reason, FINA accepts up to -0.03 as legal in relay takeovers but -0.04 as an early start.

11. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 11 Timing Systems: Block Sensor Seiko block sensors are engineered differently; the pressure is measured on the front of the starting platform rather than on the back. There is no degree of tolerance with Seiko; -0.01 is considered a disqualification.

12. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 12 Timing Systems: Touchpads Touchpads (FR 4.4) Send a signal to the timing console whenever the swimmer touches the wall Considered accurate to ±0.3 Should extend 30cm above water, 60cm below water Must be a maximum of 1cm thick, and be marked to conform with rest of pool

13. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 13 Timing Systems: Backup Pads occasionally do not work (e.g. swimmer does not hit pad hard enough) Plungers (Common) Timers depress a button when the swim is completed Video Backup (Not common) High speed camera records finish May only be used as a backup

14. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 14 Timing Systems: Console Timing Console (4.2, 4.6) Summarize data collected from pool (starts, reaction times, touches, etc.) Operate off a battery in the event of a power failure Provide printout of all information Common consoles: Omega OSM-6 Omega ARES21 (most SNC / FINA meets) Colorado

15. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Role of CJE 15 The Chief Judge of Electronics shall (CSW 2.13.1.2): oversee the operation of any SNC approved Automatic Officiating Equipment determine if the Automatic Officiating Equipment is in error and advise the referee of any malfunction or light touch observe the touches of all swimmers and note any cases in which the Automatic Officiating Equipment fails to properly record the touch be positioned with the Automatic Officiating Equipment near the finish end with an unobstructed view of the finish of each lane be fully familiar with the rules of swimming and the operation of the Automatic Officiating Equipment ensure that the Automatic Officiating Equipment is activated manually to obtain placing when the system has failed to be activated by the starting signal.

16. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Role of Electronics Operator 16 An Electronics Operator shall (CSW 2.13.1.3): Operate or assist in the operation of any SNC approved Automatic Officiating Equipment

17. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Differences in Roles CJE Expert in swimming rules and procedures Works under direction of Referee* May operate timing equipment Determine correct time from operators and provide to Recorder/Scorer Electronics Operator Expert in operation of timing console Works under direction of CJE Not necessarily used in all meets Provide time from console to CJE 17 * May work under “Control Room Supervisor” (SW 2.2)

18. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 18 CJE: Before the Session Arrive at least one hour before session Verify equipment is functioning correctly Pads, plungers, block sensors, scoreboard, connection with Recorder/Scorer (“Data handling”) Review meet format Anticipate “compatibility problems” with meet format and electronics (e.g. event numbering, race length, etc.) Briefing with Referee, then Operators

19. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 19 CJE: Before the Session Inventory spare equipment Extra pads and plungers Extra paper/ink for results printer Required Supplies Pencils and sharpener Heat sheets Recommended Supplies Rule book for reference Meet package

20. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 20 CJE: Briefing with Referee What should happen if there is a failure? Ensure Referee will be recording the order of finish (a “sweep”) Indication that you are ready for the next race? Problems with meet format? Official split for relays? Procedure (if necessary) for determining if scoreboard is official (especially DQs)

21. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 21 CJE: Briefing with Operators Review meet format Ensure Operator has equipment setup and tested Pass on applicable instructions from Referee Review procedures for failures Important to determine Operator’s knowledge of swimming rules and procedures

22. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 22 CJE: During Session Supervise operation of timing equipment Handle early takeover DQs Ensure best possible electronic time and placing is provided to Recorder/Scorer Advise Referee of electronic breakdowns, as required Resolve protests when requested by Referee

23. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 23 Early Takeover When Automatic Officiating Equipment is used in any competition, the … relay take-offs judged by such equipment shall have precedence over the timekeepers. (SW 13.1) Only block sensors may be used to calculate a reaction time All lanes must have block sensors; when there is an insufficient number of block sensors, Turn Judges will judge the takeovers

24. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Early Takeover Recall: Reaction time is the difference between the start signal or wall touch and when the swimmer leaves the block Negative reaction time: early departure Positive reaction time: acceptable departure If the negative reaction time exceeds the threshold, the swim is disqualified Omega: 0.03 Seiko: 0.00 (no threshold for error) 24

25. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place Primary responsibility of CJE is determining the correct electronic time and place Every swim receives an electronic time and place A DQ may change a placing, but a time is always determined (assuming the swimmer started the race) A DNF will not receive an electronic time Record empty lanes as such as they will not receive a time or place 25

26. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place The CJE is ultimately responsible for determining if a malfunction or Operator error occurred Every error should be dealt with by the Referee Handling errors is almost always delegated to the CJE 26

27. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Times and Places Automatic Timing Started with Starter’s signal Terminated by swimmer Ex: Touchpad (but not video backup) Automatic timing systems are not “watches” (SW 11.3) Semi-automatic Timing Started with Starter’s signal Terminated by timer Ex: Plunger (but not a stop watch!) Semi-automatic timing systems are also “watches” (SW 11.3) 27 Any timing device that is terminated by an official shall be considered a watch. (SW 11.3)

28. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 28 SW 13.1 When Automatic Officiating Equipment (see FR 4) is used in any competition, the placing and times so determined … by such equipment shall have precedence over the timekeepers. SW 11.1 In the event that a break -down of the Automatic Equipment occurs or that it is clearly indicated that there has been a failure of the Equipment, or that a swimmer has failed to activate the Equipment, the recordings of the timekeepers shall be official. Use a semi-automatic timing system as a backup in the event of an Automatic Timing System failure Electronic Time and Place

29. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place How to determine time and place? Use Automatic Timing System’s time and place (see SW 13.3.1) If the Automatic Timing System is determined to be in error for a particular lane, fall back to the Semi-Automatic or Manual Timing System for that lane only (see SW 13.3.2) If an Automatic Timing System is not being used, use the Semi-Automatic Timing System’s time and place 29

30. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place How to determine semi-automatic time? Remember: Semi-automatic device is a “watch” If two of the three watches record the same time and the third disagrees, the two identical times shall be the official time. (SW 11.3.1) If all three watches disagree, the watch recording the intermediate time shall be the official time. (SW 11.3.2) With only two (2) out of three (3) watches working the average time shall be the official time. (SW 11.3.3) If only two watches are being used, the arithmetic average to the slowest hundredth shall be the official time. (CSW 11.3.3.1) 30

31. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place When Automatic Equipment is used, the results shall be recorded only to 1/100. When timing to 1/1000 is available, the third digit shall not be recorded or used to determine time or placement. In the event of equal times, all swimmers who have recorded the same time at 1/100 of a second shall be accorded the same placing. Times displayed on the electronic scoreboard shall show only to 1/100 of a second. (SW 11.2) 31

32. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place Automatic Timing Breakdowns Observe all touches with Operators Light touch Missed pad Compare primary and backup times Other Timing Breakdowns Failure to receive start signal Console malfunction It is ultimately the CJE’s responsibility to determine if an error has occurred 32

33. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place Comparing Primary and Backup Times Guideline: backup time should be within ±0.3 of primary time There is no rule requiring this; this is merely a guideline As a “judge” you must use a consistent implementation of this 33

34. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place Timing Console missed start Still possible to obtain an electronic placing by manually starting the console SW 13.2.1 Record all available Automatic Equipment times and places Many consoles can “recover” the start Timing Console malfunction Determine cause of problem and whether data will be lost Inform Referee if there will be a delay to repair equipment 34

35. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place Implications of Failures Reaction time calculation may be wrong Electronic time and place may need adjustment Reporting Failures M – Manual termination of automatic equipment E – Time was entered by Operator * – Operator moved time from another lap A – Average time was used by Operator 35

36. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 36 Electronic Time and Place PrimaryBackup PLLNTimePLLNAVGTime 141:09.00141:09.061:09.021:09.10 261:09.63261:09.60 1:09.59 331:09.97331:09.911:09.941:09.87 451:11.01451:11.111:11.211:11.00 521:12.24521:12.211:12.141:12.29 671:15.6067 1:15.501:15.70 781:17.00781:17.201:17.291:17.10 81 811:17.11 1:17.10 Use Automatic Times and Places for all lanes

37. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 37 Electronic Time and Place PrimaryBackup PLLNTimePLLNAVGTime 141:09.20M141:09.061:09.021:09.10 261:09.63261:09.60 1:09.59 331:09.97331:09.911:09.941:09.87 451:11.01451:11.111:11.211:11.00 521:12.24521:12.211:12.141:12.29 671:15.6067 1:15.501:15.70 781:17.00781:17.201:17.291:17.10 81 811:17.11 1:17.10 Change time in lane 4 to 1:09.06; even though the primary time is ‘close’ to the backup time, it was a manual time (“M”) and must not be used Use Automatic Times and Places for all other lanes

38. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 38 Electronic Time and Place PrimaryBackup PLLNTimePLLNAVGTime 161:09.50141:09.061:09.021:09.10 241:09.94M261:09.60 1:09.59 331:09.97331:09.911:09.941:09.87 451:11.01451:11.111:11.211:11.00 521:12.24521:12.211:12.141:12.29 671:15.6067 1:15.501:15.70 781:17.00781:17.201:17.291:17.10 81 811:17.11 1:17.10 Adjust time and place in lane 4 and place in lane 6 Lane 4: 1 st 1:09.06; Lane 6: 2 nd 1:09.50 Use Automatic Times and Places for all other lanes

39. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 39 Electronic Time and Place PrimaryBackup PLLNTimePLLNAVGTime 141:09.06E141:09.061:09.021:09.10 261:09.63261:09.60 1:09.59 331:09.97331:09.911:09.941:09.87 451:11.01451:11.111:11.211:11.00 521:12.24521:12.211:12.141:12.29 671:15.6067 1:15.501:15.70 781:17.00781:17.201:17.291:17.10 81 811:17.11 1:17.10 Operator has used backup time in lane 4; confirm that the change was warranted and then use time Use Automatic Times and Places for all lanes

40. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 40 Electronic Time and Place PrimaryBackup PLLNTimePLLNAVGTime 161:09.63141:09.061:09.021:09.10 231:09.97261:09.60 1:09.59 351:11.01331:09.911:09.941:09.87 421:12.24451:11.111:11.211:11.00 571:15.60521:12.211:12.141:12.29 641:16.73671:15.601:15.501:15.70 781:17.00781:17.201:17.291:17.10 81 811:17.11 1:17.10 Large descrepancy between primary and backup in lane 4; check sweep (optional) and use backup Use Automatic Times and Places for all other lanes

41. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 41 Electronic Time and Place PrimaryBackup PLLNTimePLLNAVGTime 141:09.00161:09.60 1:09.59 261:09.63231:09.911:09.941:09.87 331:09.97351:11.111:11.211:11.00 451:11.01421:12.211:12.141:12.29 521:12.24541:13.101:09.021:16.18 671:15.6067 1:15.501:15.70 781:17.00781:17.201:17.291:17.10 81 811:17.11 1:17.10 Large discrepancy between primary and backup in lane 4; confirm second backup time is wrong (perhaps by checking sweep) Use Automatic Times and Places for all lanes

42. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 42 Electronic Time and Place PrimaryBackup PLLNTimePLLNAVGTime 451:13.01M451:12.14 --:--.-- Sweep:45Watch:1:12.17 Record all human times and places. (SW 11.3.3) With only two (2) out of three (3) watches working the average time shall be the official time. (SW 11.3.3) Average the watch and plunger; swimmer receives time of 1:12.16 (If only two watches are being used, the arithmetic average to the slowest hundredth shall be the official time. (CSW 11.3.3.1))

43. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Electronic Time and Place Scoreboard (FR 4.6.2, FR 4.7.1) Times for every lane must be displayed on the board When there are more lanes than lines the results will need to be “scrolled” This is often not done at lower level meets Acceptable times and places must be displayed on the board when the board is declared official. A disqualification changes the placing, thus must be displayed on the board Due to time constraints, this is usually only done at National (or higher) level finals 43

44. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 44 Reviewing Times / Takeovers A coach may request that the Referee review a final time or relay takeover The Referee should consult with the CJE to determine if there was an equipment failure or operator mistake: Compare the semi-automatic times with the automatic times If a semi-automatic time was used, ensure it was calculated correctly Verify semi-automatic times were all valid (remember example where the two times were several seconds apart) Verify that the reaction time was computed with the correct time (e.g. if the automatic time was deemed wrong, then the reaction time cannot be computed from this time) Consult with turn judge (e.g. swimmer missing pad; swimmer did not complete course)

45. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 45 Location of CJE Best location is at the side of the pool with a clear view of all lanes and all touchpads, preferably on a raised platform so nothing will interfere with the view of the end of the pool. A secure room away from all disturbances by persons not directly involved in the operation of the electronics is the ideal location. You must be accessible to the Referee and Recorder/Scorer to resolve any timing problems. A telephone or radio system could accomplish this satisfactorily.

46. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 46 CJE: After the Session Remain available to the Recorder/Scorer to resolve any problems with times Debrief Operators to ensure they have no unresolved issues with any times Debriefing with Referee and Meet Management Ensure they are made aware of equipment that must be fixed for subsequent sessions Discuss any major problems that were encountered during the session and how they were resolved Ensure equipment is properly stored

47. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 47 Qualities of a Chief Judge Electronics Thorough knowledge of the rules of swimming Good eyesight Excellent judgment Patience Ability to focus Attentiveness Diplomacy Strong understanding of and belief in computers and electronics Sense of humour (as is true for all swimming officials!) Basic understanding of electronics Familiarity with high pressure troubleshooting

48. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Up the “Electronic” Ladder Level 1 – Chief Judge of Electronics Sign-off on card Overview of the OSM6 timing console Almost done! Level 2 – Operator (ARES21) Introduction to the ARES21 timing console Level 3 – Operator (Troubleshooting) Troubleshooting timing hardware (pads, etc.) Troubleshooting on ARES21 48

49. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 49 1. Some of the responsibilities of the Chief Judge Electronics are to: a. advise the Referee and/or Chief Finish Judge whenever the equipment malfunctions; b. notify the Chief Finish Judge whenever backup times should be used in lieu of automatic results; c. observe the final touches of all swimmers; d. observe all touches to ensure they are properly recorded by the automatic system; e. physically operate the system computer; f. ensure that the equipment is located so that he can clearly observe all finishes; g. ensure that the system is stopped manually for a lane if it fails to stop automatically, and so indicate to the CFJ; h. ensure that the system is activated by the Starter's signal; i. ensure that the system is started manually if it fails to start automatically, and so indicate to the CFJ; j. ensure that the equipment is in good working order before the meet begins; k. be fully familiar with all rules pertaining to electronics and the operation of the complete system.

50. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 50 2.In order to be approved by SNC, an automatic judging and timing system shall: a. provide times for all swimmers to 100ths of a second; b. provide place results for all swimmers; c. include a hand-held starting device which may be a pistol; d. include a hand-held starting device which has a visual signal for the timers; e. have an automatic lap-counter for each lane; f. provide a hard-copy of the results of each heat; g. produce a starting signal simultaneously for all lanes; h. have a display board for all swimmers to see their results.

51. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 51 3.If a touch-pad fails to respond immediately when touched by a swimmer, the operator shall: a. stop the system for the lane(s) concerned and invalidate the times and places; b.not interfere with the system but let it function normally; c.manually activate the touch for the lane(s) concerned and note "light touch" on the print-out; d.ignore the problem and let the Chief Finish Judge resolve it.

52. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 52 4. If a race has been successfully started but the automatic system has failed to activate, the operator shall: a. manually activate the system and inform the Chief Finish Judge/Referee b. manually activate the system and inform no one; c. set up the equipment for the next race and wait.

53. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 53 5.The touch-pads in SNC-approved automatic judging and timing system shall: a.extend at least 60 cm below the surface of the water; b.extend at least 30 cm above the surface of the water; c.have a maximum thickness of 1.00 cm; d.have a sensitivity which will respond to a relatively light touch but not react to water turbulence; e.be marked so as to conform with the rest of the pool and have a minimum border width of 2.5 cm; f.be safe from electrical shock and not have sharp edges.

54. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 54 6.SNC-approved manual-electronic judging and timing systems shall: a.provide three separate manually-operated stop buttons (push- buttons) at the finish-end for each lane; b.provide times to 100th of a second; c.be acceptable as a backup system provided it is independent, electrically and electronically, from the primary system; d.be activated by the Head Lane Timer in each lane; e.be activated by the Starter for all lanes; f.be used as a primary system if satisfactory backup system is provided.

55. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 55 7.When automatic judging and timing systems are in use: a.the places and times determined by the system shall be official, unless they are invalidated by the Referee or Chief Finish Judge; b. times shall be recorded to 100ths, even if 1000ths are provided; c. swimmers whose times are tied to 100ths shall be placed according to the manual backup times; d. there shall also be a full complement of timers or another form of backup system; e. only one timer per lane is satisfactory as a backup timing system; f. a malfunction of the system shall require the race to be stopped and swum again.

56. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 56 8. It is accepted practice that an identified discrepancy of 0.30 seconds or more between the automatic and backup (manual) times for a lane shall: a. be an indication of a possible "light touch" or equipment malfunction; b. cause the Referee to order a re-swim; c. cause the Chief Judge Electronics to stop the meet and check the touch-pads; d. cause the Chief Finish Judge to review both the automatic and backup places and times.

57. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 57 9.Two or more swimmers with good automatic times that are identical to 100ths of a second shall: a. be placed according to their order of finish as determined by the automatic system; b. be declared tied; c. be placed according to the automatic 1000ths of a second if these are available; d. be placed according to the manual backup times;

58. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 58 10. When working with automatic judging and timing systems, it is possible to have: a. valid automatic times but invalid automatic places; b. valid automatic places but invalid automatic times; c. swimmers tied from different heats; d. swimmers tied from the same heat; e. automatic places and times invalidated by the Referee or Chief Finish Judge.

59. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 59 11. Electrical Operators shall: a. operate or assist in the operation of any SNC approved automatic judging and timing equipment; b. have authority over Chief Judge Electronics; c. have the automatic timing equipment positioned anywhere with a view of the finish of the race; d. have the automatic timing equipment positioned near the end of the pool in line with the finish; e. be any person competent to run the equipment.

60. ©Copyright 2008 -2012 Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association 60 Thank you. Approved by Ontario Swimming Officials’ Association Board