Registration
A Good Registration Form is the Start of a Successful Event
Registration
It all starts with online registration. Getting all the information you need when a racer signs up is crucial for a smooth race.
Name, age, division, class, previous race times, waiver, etc. Make sure your registration sheet has whatever data you need to organize your race and post your category results.
We strongly recommend closing registration at least 1 day ahead of time, especially for larger events. This give you ample time to get your start list squared away and be ready when check-in opens come race day. Be sure to make plenty of announcements to let racers know what date and time online registration will be closing.
Reduce day of changes
Day of changes can really throw a wrench in things. Squeezing one racer in can shift everyone’s bibs or start times without you even noticing. Be prepared for a few day of registrants, but put them at the back of the pack and charge them extra money to discourage people doing it.
Check In
A way to really speed up check in is to have a start list organized by last name (not by start time) to get everyone check in. This makes it easy to check the racers in without wasting lots of time looking for names.
If you are using timing chips, we recommend connecting them to the bib and confirming the right bib is with the right chip prior to check-in opening. This will reduce human error and speed up check in. Mixing bibs and chips can cause big headaches when it comes to processing results.
If your racers have a scheduled start time write it on their hand with a sharpie.
Assume at least 20% of racers will show up when you have scheduled check-in to close. Plan for this delay and close registration 30 minutes before you need racers to get going.