sprinttiming

Sprinttiming refers to the systems and methods used to measure running times in sprint events, typically in track and field. Accurate sprint timing is essential for determining placings, validating records, and guiding qualification for races.

Most modern sprint timing relies on Fully Automatic Timing (FAT). A FAT setup combines a starting signal (usually a starting pistol or electronic starter), a start sensor, and a finish-line detection system, often a high-speed camera or infrared/laser finish beams. The official race time is the elapsed time from the start signal to the moment the athlete’s torso crosses the finish line, as detected by the finish system. In addition to the primary timing signal, redundant systems and manual stopwatches are kept as backups. FAT systems also record reaction times, which are the interval between the starting signal and the athlete’s first movement, used to determine false starts under competition rules.

Some meets still deploy manual timing with hand-operated stopwatches, but such times are less precise and typically used only as backups or for non-record events. In sprint events, finishing order is often confirmed by a photo finish or digital imaging to resolve close calls.

Timing data can include split times at designated marks, intermediate transitions, and overall times, all managed by specialized timing software. The shift to FAT has improved accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of official results across levels of competition.