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Following a thorough study of UK Athletics (UKA) rules and in-depth consultation with UKA, we have developed clear and easy-to-understand guidelines for Race Directors. These guidelines are designed to help Race Directors decide on the timing method used to calculate their results and awards for the various categories in the race. EG: Podium, Age categories & Teams. This document has been reviewed and officially approved by UKA, providing Race Directors with the confidence that their event results meet the required standards.
1. Overview
This policy outlines the approach to timing, calculating results, and awarding positions in races timed by Sublime Timing, ensuring clarity for race organizers and participants while aligning with UKA rules and guidance.
2. Gun Time vs. Chip Time: Understanding the Difference
The difference between gun time and chip time lies in how each measures a runner's start and finish in a race: • Gun Time: The time starts when the race officially begins (when the starting gun or horn goes off) and is the same for all participants, regardless of when they actually cross the start line. This is typically used for official rankings and awards in elite races. • Chip Time (Net Time): The time starts when an individual runner crosses the start line and stops when they cross the finish line. This is recorded using a timing chip attached to the runner’s bib or shoe, making it a more accurate measure of an individual's performance, especially in large races where runners may take minutes to reach the start line.
In summary, gun time is the race clock time, while chip time is a runner’s actual time on the course.
3. Elite vs. Non-Elite Races
Elite Races: Defined by the race organizer and may include specific qualifying standards.
Gun time must be used for overall podium positions (1st, 2nd, 3rd male and female).
Age categories and team awards may be based on chip time or gun time at the organizer’s discretion.
Non-Elite Races:
Race organizers may use either gun time or chip time for all awards, including overall positions.
This allows flexibility for club races or events without designated elite fields to base all awards on chip time if preferred.
4. Race Organizer Discretion
The race organizer has full control over setting the conditions for awards within their event, as confirmed by UKA.
The decision on whether a race has an ‘elite’ category and how awards are distributed is solely at the discretion of the organizer.
5. Compliance with UKA Rules
Sublime Timing will adhere to UKA Rule TR19.24.5, ensuring gun time is applied to overall podium positions (1st, 2nd, 3rd male and female) of an elite field when required.
In non-elite races, Sublime Timing will implement the race organizer’s chosen method for determining winners.
6. Summary of Awarding Positions
Category | Timing Method |
Elite Podium (1st-3rd Male/Female) | Mandatory Gun |
Non-Elite Podium (1st-3rd Male/Female) | Optional Gun or Chip |
Age Categories (Elite Race) | Optional Gun or Chip |
Age Categories (Non-Elite Race) | Optional Gun or Chip |
Team Awards (Elite Race) | Mandatory Gun |
Team Awards (Non-Elite Race) | Optional Gun or Chip |
7. Implementation
Due to the level of autonomy afforded to race organizers, it is crucial that the timing method used to calculate results (whether based on gun time or chip time) is clearly defined and published at the point of entry. This ensures transparency and fairness across podium placements, gender categories, age groups, and team results.
By communicating the timing criteria in advance, all participants, officials, and timing personnel can align their expectations and avoid disputes. Clear documentation also helps maintain the integrity of the competition and ensures consistency in how results are determined and awarded.
Sublime Timing will ensure timing processes align with the agreed-upon method.
For further guidance, please contact Sublime Timing at info@sublimetiming.com.
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