This is the script used by the Start/Finish Line. Please plan to practice it a few times (with the countdown) once you are at the Start Line. This should occur at least 15 minutes before the first race.
The most important things to keep in mind:
- Don't start the race until the Finish Line confirms it is ready to go.
- Key the microphone through the entire start sequence and horn.
- Someone must start a stopwatch at the horn in case of radio issues.
- Don't let go of the microphone button when starting the stopwatch!
- Confirm the Finish Line captured the start if there is no reply.
|
Time |
Starter |
Finish Line |
Commentary |
|
-6:00 |
{Finish Line, this is Start Line} estimated start in 6 minutes {Over.} |
Finish Line Copy -OR- Finish Line needs 4 minutes for a bathroom break. |
Starter should notify the Finish Line when there's an estimate for the next race. For example, one boat is still far away or we are waiting for a slow moving ferry to clear. Finish Line staff may opportunistically take a break if there is a known delay. |
| -1:30 | All boats present, ready to start? |
Finish Line Ready -OR- Finish Line needs X minutes. |
This is the main confirmation that the Finish Line is ready for the race to start at any moment. |
|
-:30 |
Staging boats, Finish Line Stand By Mic is continuously held until after start horn. |
All boats are in the staging area. Starter is ready to bring the boats forward for alignment at the start line. If there is a delay or the boats need to back it down for re-alignment, Starter should communicate this to Finish Line. No reply possible by Finish Line. Starter can start the race at any time now. |
|
|
-:20 |
To racers and Finish Line, on a continuously held mic: {Commands to line up the boats: e.g., Boat 3 hold hard; Boat 2 one stroke now! All Hold!} We Have Alignment! |
|
Mic is continuously held by Starter; no reply possible by Finish Line. It is critical that the radio push-to-talk button is firmly pressed and held. |
|
-:01 |
To racers and Finish Line, and still on hot mic: Attention! |
|
Mic continuously held. |
|
0 |
Horn |
|
Mic continously held. Starter hits horn Starter Assistant starts stopwatch. Finish Line starts timers. Release mic after horn has stopped. It is critical that the stopwatch is started in case the radio has issues. Note that starting the stopwatch may cause you to accidentally release the radio mic button. |
|
:02 |
|
Finish Line Copy -OR- Did not copy, we need a 30 second countdown. |
Mic released. If the radio cut out, then the Finish Line will need a 30 second countdown from the Starter's stopwatch. If necessary there can be a 60 or 90 second countdown. |
|
:10 |
Copy, 30 second countdown coming. |
|
Start Line acknowledges a countdown is required. |
|
:25 |
25, 26, 27, 28, 29, Mark! |
Copy |
Countdown from 25 -> 30 seconds. Finish Line starts timers on Mark. |
|
|
We need to restart the race. |
Copy |
If needed, Starter indicates there was an issue during the start. Cameras and stopwatch reset (no times will be captured). |