Emergency Cross Country Scoring Method & Sheet

Hello - You are here because you timing method fell apart and you need a quick fix. Been there… done that!

1) Figure out how many finishers you have in each race.

2) Buy something like popsicle sticks to hand out to each finisher. Write ascending numbers on the sticks. For example, the first place finisher will get he stick that says #1 on it. 20th place will get the stick that says #20, etc…

3) Tell the runners and demonstrate how the sticks will be handed out at the finish.

3) People at finish line: 2-6 people to organize the people finishing and get them out of the chute area. 1 person to hand them the possible stick with their finish place.

4) 1 person about 30 yards down the chute who writes names, school, and place # for each athlete. That person also collects the sticks for the next race.

5) 1 person announcing times at the finish. Have at least 2 watches start when the race starts… in case someone screws up.

6) 1 person next to the timer(s) with a clipboard and the time sheets. Click here for the time sheets. For a 5K, you want about 8 sheets for EACH race that will be happening. So… 8 for boys and 8 for girls, for example. Staple all the boys sheets in order BEFORE the race. Make sure you have a few pens that work and a way to stay dry. Since your timing system is down it will also likely rain :)

7) Each minute of the race finishers gets its own paper. Example: Everyone finishing between 18:00 and 18:59 will be placed on 1 sheet of paper. Each finisher between 19:00 and 19:59 will be on a separate paper.

8) When you have a few seconds between finishers - write down the place time on the time sheet. It will help you reconcile finishers at the end. If you know an athlete - you can also write their name. It will help immensely in the end when compiling results. Have another team’s coach or parent help you with some of their names as well.