Mike Gardner our new Download Lead has some tips for smoother entries and results
This is not necessarily an appeal for new members of the Download Team, though if you are computer literate and want to help out then let me know. What I wanted to cover is how we can ensure that the entries / download runs smoothly. (This applies to not just DVO events but all events.)
First, when entering in advance, ensure that the details you enter are correct and clear. For instance, no mistyping (I have seen folk with Ddavid, for instance). (The Download Team simply take the file provided by the entry company (Fabian / StartKite / SI) and export that into the download system, we don’t check names, etc. This is more important for you, as if you want BOF points or EM League position, then not getting your name correct can mean it is not picked up correctly.
Also when entering, make sure you enter the dibber number you will be using for the event (and don’t switch the dibbers between family members). If the dibber number is incorrect then the download system will not pick it up and we may have to do some fiddling in the system when you finish to get your result included (this can lead to a queue build up at download).
Ideally, include your BOF number. If you are not a member (i.e. your membership has lapsed), then the systems that upload results to EMOA Leagues and BOF website will pick this up and your result will not be included.
- On-the-day-entry is even more important as we want everything to go smoothly. When completing the registration slips on the day we need to ensure that you enter the BOF number if you have one (saves us a lot of typing as the system will bring up your name, club, class automatically).
- If you have a dibber number registered with BOF or SI then this can also help as the details will be populated for us.
- Make sure the class entered is clear on the slip (use the names as displayed by Registration Team).
- Make sure the information is legible on the slip. (It is nice to allow a child to complete their form, but if we can’t read it easily, then the name we enter may be incorrect – we often have children complain when they get their results print out that the name is not theirs, and when we go back to the original entry form we can see why!) This slows the download of results as we need to then go in and change the name and reprocess the download.
- Ideally make sure the registration slip is completed in ink. Pencil can be difficult if the slip gets wet.
If you do need to change your information on the day (you are using a different dibber, want to change class, etc.) we can usually accommodate this, but the easiest thing to do is create a change form on a registration slip to allow us to easily process the change (if changing class make sure the Registration Team are aware and that there are enough maps to allow you to change to the new course).
As a competitor, consider which course you are running and when you are going to start. We don’t have a problem with people running up a class if they want to do so, but if doing a much longer course, that means you will be out some time, please start early (we have found a number of times that the last competitor finishes 30 minutes after the previous competitor and we have to sit and wait for them before we close the download). Also, be aware of when course closing time is and make sure you are back at the finish for that time.
Planners / Organisers – do consider where the download is going to be. Ideally it needs to be on a clear route back from the finish to the car park. If it is not, then competitors can easily go to their car first and either forget to download, or take time before they come to download (this can delay the control collecting, etc.). Also, consider how far the download is from a vehicle accessible location. Download requires a heavy battery and the shorter distance we carry this the better!
If we can get a venue with power this helps enormously, and in this case the download may not be on a direct route back. However, it needs to be clearly signed for competitors.
