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VOLA

Guide for Using Vola Event Management

and

Timing Software for Season 2025

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Procedures which impact your event operations and programs must be relayed to all event officials, Team Captains, and competitors.

The procedures must – without question – be respected and observed.

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Race Results Software��usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-development/officials-development/timing-race-administrationvola.fr/en/timing/logiciels/suite-skialp /skialp-pro

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VOLA will now require use of a “new generation dongle.”

  • The old dongle will no longer be updated
  • Technical support will not be available.

Users who returned the old dongle to Jeff Weinman prior to 31 October 2024 received a replacement free of charge.

Users who did not return the dongle prior to that date, will have to pay an CHF 89 fee in order to receive one. 

Complete information is available at: 

vola-racing.ch/en/timing/logiciels/utilitaires/vola-board

IMPORTANT VOLA UPDATE

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Downloading Vola Ski Alp Pro

Access the Vola Website.�

Click on icon

Create your profile�and confirm via registration email.

Select Nation/Language

Download will begin of

the .exe file

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Select ‘Run’

NOTE: You will be asked if you wish to allow this program to make changes to your computer. In order to continue installation, you must answer: YES

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Select ‘Next’ and Begin Installation

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Accept and Select Next

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Select Next

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FINAL STEPS: �

Click on created desktop icon to start the software.

1. Create Icon/NEXT

2. Verify/INSTALL

3. FINISH

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Local Configurations

Choose Local Configurations

Choose National Regulations

Choose Language:

‘English’

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National Regulations

This sets your

- Nation

- Lengths

- Speeds

- Temperature�- Management

mode for Race

Administrators

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OPENING SCREEN

Time to verify your dongle and create an event.

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Verify your dongle

  1. Select Help�
  2. Choose�Hardware Protection Key

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Dongle Driver and Confirmation

Install Driver: Follow the directions carefully�

Red confirms the dongle is NOT working properly.

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Creating an Event �

Click on Folder Icon to �open ‘Select Event’ Window.�

Choose Manage Events

�Choose a previous event or��Choose N.C. to create a �‘New Event’

Will hold up to 200 events

NOTE: A ‘dongle’ is not required in order to create or administer an event. It is only required for timing functions.

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New Event Selected

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Event Type

Use the radio buttons to �complete the data for your event:�- U.S. Ski & Snowboard/FIS�- Discipline/Event:

DH.SG.GS.SL.AC.PL

- # of intermediate times�- # of runs in the event�- Timing Precisions as

reported on results

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PARALLEL: Set your “Parameters”

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General Parameters

- Event Title

- Discipline/Event

- Date

- Location

- Organization

- Timing

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Codex and Gender – �U. S. Ski & Snowboard Races

Click on to add �gender, age class & �codex

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Codex and Gender – �U. S. Ski & Snowboard Races

Choose + ,

then double �click on �Category = Age Class�Gender = Men/Women�Codex = USA code�Event points = yes/no

��This example will only show�one gender per event file.

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Printing Parameters

OC can choose from different �Fonts, Font Size, Logos, Watermarks, General layout�Can be saved for future use

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Printing Parameters �Adding logos

Logo set ups can be ‘Saved’ to

your ‘config’ folder

Your logo set up can then be loaded into a new event folder

by using the ‘Load’ button.

Logo layout can be accessed by selecting logo positions

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Parameters Header – �Officials

Choose the Jury you need printed on results.�

Place your cursor in the desired field and choose F1 to pull up valid officials.

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Parameters Header �Forerunners-Technical Data

Enter Weather Data

Course Setter and Forerunners�can be entered by using F1

Choose the folder next to ‘Course’ to download FIS homologation information. Must verify accuracy on FIS website.

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Competitor Page

Select Competitors at top of the page.

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Downloading a Points List

Choose the ‘Downloads’ tab from top and choose ‘Federal competitor lists.’

Choose FIS homologated courses to download a database

of information to use in headers. This only needs to be done once

or twice a season.

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“DOWNLOAD” Points List

Select List

Choose Update

Enter List # or ‘Search for the last list’. �

‘Download this list’ followed by Ok to import the list and the athlete list will open.�

Complete for U.S. Ski & Snowboard and FIS (alpine for U.S. Ski & Snowboard only)

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Points List – Entering Individual Athletes

In Competitor screen, select Import from a federation file. Then select the list USA Alpine or FIS

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Points List – Entering Individual Athletes

Enter ‘Last Name’ of the athlete.

Once highlighted, double click, or hit F1, to enter athlete into the event file.�Filters can be set up to enter blocks of athletes.

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Entering Athletes using Filters

To enter a group of athletes you can apply a filter. Filters are available for: Gender, Year of Birth, Event, Club, Division, Etc. To access the filter screen select the filter box on the points list

In this example: 22 athletes meet the criteria of Men, YOB 91-93 with SL Points between 0 and 100

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Competitor Fields

Define your competitor fields prior to importing competitors from excel.

Choose: ‘Competitor Fields’

(Make Category active if you want to see age classes.)

Double click to make item active

or inactive, notated by �green ✓and red ⦸ symbols

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Importing Athletes via Excel

Choose: �‘Import from a File.’

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Importing Athletes via Excel 1st way

Select file to import

Line up fields in the ‘Data Matching’ section.�

Choose ‘Import’

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Importing Athletes via Excel 2nd way= Paste

  • ‘Copy’ fields needed �from your open excel �file�
  • import competitors �from a file

  • ‘Paste’ and athletes �populate in the �‘Data Matching’ window

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Verify Import Numbers Match

110 in the excel, 110 imported into the race file

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Updating Points After Excel Import

Choose

‘Update �from a

Federation�File.’

Choose OK on next �screen

Names may be spelled differently on each site: U.S.: O’Henry; FIS: O Henry.

Use data source applicable to type of event to eliminate autoscore rejection.

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Updating Points

Select Update:

Select Source

Confirm event(s)

(Double Click to select or deselect update fields)

�Click ‘OK’

Reminder: always verify points after import

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Quick Sort: Function can also be used in an Event File

Green arrow signals the column you are currently sorted by.

Double click on column header to change the sort .

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Assign Bibs

Select ‘Bibs’

�Click on ‘Assign Bibs’

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ASSIGNING AN OUT-OF-SEQUENCE BIB NUMBER

VOLA:

  • interprets the “start number” to be the “bib number
  • breaks a tie in time by defaulting to the athlete’s “bib number

When assigning an out-of-sequence bib number to insert an athlete or to replace a missing bib:

  • Assigning Bib 106 to Start 6
  • May affect VOLA’s tie breaking capability should a tie in time occur

Example:

St. Bib Time

Start 6 Bib 106 1:05.10

Start 20 Bib 20 1:05.10

Bib 106 will be ranked before Bib 20 regardless of the earlier start

617.3.3 If two or more competitors have the same time or the same number of points, the competitor with the higher start number must be listed first on the official list of results.

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Draw and Assigning Bibs

According to Ski Rules – �X Best(draw)

This will Randomize the �top 15 and the 999.99

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No filter needed �in a regular �Scored Event��Choose ‘OK’

Draw and Assigning Bibs

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Draw and Assigning Bibs

Choose�‘Number of Competitors for Draw’

(Defaults to 15)

Choose ‘OK’ and randomization will occur. Scroll and Review accuracy of process.

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Draw and Assigning Bibs

Choose ‘Assign’��Enter starting bib number��Choose ‘OK’

Click ‘OK’ again to load into the

‘ Competitors page’

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Draw and Assigning Bibs�Non-Scored

Non-Scored Steps�Assign Bibs�Selection�Draw

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Draw and Assigning Bibs�Non-Scored

Choose ‘OK’ on Filter List Window ��Random of the full field has taken place.��Proceed to Assigning Bibs�OR �Apply a filter here and random will take place within each category

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Missing bib – ‘shift in numbering’

When a bib is missing in the order, right click in the ‘shift’ column where you need to note you are missing a bib.�

You are not entering a bib #. You are entering the spot where a bib is missing; e.g., spot 1, spot 2, etc.

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Seed Cards�

In competitor screen, select ‘Print labels’. This screen allows you to create the set up for seed cards.

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Seed Cards�

Use this drop down to select which fields to use.

Use the + button to add to the label

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Seed Cards�

Adjust the settings here for the number of labels per row and column as well as margin and distance between labels (Label step)

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Creating a Start List

  • Choose ‘Timing’�
  • Choose ‘Start List’

Make sure you are in Run 1

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Creating a Start List

  • Choose ‘Options’�

  • Choose ‘Prepare with Bibs’

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Creating a Start List

Click on ‘Add’ to load the start list

Choose ‘Close’ to complete the task

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Clearing a Start List

To get rid of this start list Click on

‘Delete this List’

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Run(Print) a Start List

  • Make sure timing is selected
  • Choose ‘Run a Start List

  • Select Run 1
  • Select Ok

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Run(Print) a Start List

From the ‘run start list’ box, you can create ‘custom’ start list and save the settings,

or�click on ‘Preview’ to review and ‘Print’.

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1st Run Start List

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Condensed Start List

Choose 2 Columns

With or without the header

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Snow Seed

Choose Start List

Choose Options

Choose Snow Seed from the list

Choose how many from last 20% are to be applied to the Snow Seed (rule is 6)

Choose ‘OK’

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Snow Seed

Choose ‘Apply the Snow Seed’

To apply the Snow Seed

To un-apply the snow seed, uncheck the box

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Snow Seed – Start List

Note Starred Athletes are drawn for the Snow Seed

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Inserting a Late Racer/Entry�Step 1

Click on

‘Start List’

Click on

the green

+ to add �a line

�Double click on the bib square �to add bib #.

Please note there are multiple ways to enter a late athlete. This ppt addresses only one method.

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Inserting a Late Racer/Entry�Step 2

Return to ‘Competitors’ at the top of the page

Choose ‘Import from a federation file’ on the left of the page to open the ‘List Choice’ field

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Inserting a Late Racer/Entry�Step 3

Type in athlete

‘Last Name’

Double Clicking on the athlete will enter them into competitor list

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Inserting a Late Racer/Entry�Step 4

Double click on added athlete. ��Opens the ‘Modify’ box��Add the assigned bib��Add Nation and Club

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Inserting a Late Racer/Entry�Step 5

Return to ‘Timing’

Open ‘Start List’

Click above athlete, hold and drag to their start location

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Timing Device

Choose �Local Configuration

Timing Device 1

NOTE: Access to timing functions is limited if Hardware Protection Key (dongle) not correctly coded or updated.

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Timing- Test Device

Select Timing Device

And type of connection (USB, ComPort. IP)

Test timing device

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Timing Screen

Choose ‘Timing’

Click on ‘Timing’�to open the timing screen

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Timing - Sync

Start List is loaded

Sync:�Impulse to the Primary Time Base starts the clock in the software

Shows impulse received for sync

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Timing

Unlock Start and Finish:��Click on the green circle icon (green light), or double click on red dot to turn it green

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Timing - Forerunners

Double click on bib 1 and �Enter 901 as the first Forerunner.

This # can be changed under Options; Software Parameters, Forerunner numbers�

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Timing – Run in Progress

Starts

Finishes

Records

Ranking Box

Double click on radio buttons to allow start and finishes to be ‘open

Double click green button to create the ‘unactive passage.’�

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Timing – Windows of Options

To select DNF, etc.�-right click on athlete bib # to open the window of options and select Status: Did not Finish or highlight the Bib number and Choose the DNF Icon at top

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Timing – DNS

Highlight bib in Start Box��Choose DNS Icon at top�or �right click and choose ‘status: Did not Start’

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Timing – First Run Complete

Confirm Data

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DSQ

  • Choose ‘Modify Data’
  • Type in bib
  • Status = Disqualified
  • Enter Gate # or Rule #

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NPS

Choose ‘Modify Data’

Type in bib

Status = Not Permitted to Start

Enter Rule #

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1st Run Results

Select Results at top of Page

Choose ‘Ranking After Run’��Choose ‘Run 1’��Click on ‘OK’��Preview or Print in the next screen

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2nd Run Start List

Click on arrow to ‘Run 2’

Click on ‘Start List’ button

Click on ‘Options’ �button

Choose ‘Prepare �From Ranking of

Another Run’

This allows the option to include 1st run DNF and DSQ’s on the start list

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Creating 2nd Run Start List

Insert ‘Bibbo’

Choose ‘Add’���Start list will load in background, Click on ‘Close’

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Run(Print) 2nd Run Start List

Click on �‘Run Start List’��Choose ‘Run 2’

�Click ‘OK’

The next step, printing/running of the start list, is the same process as run 1.

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Results

  • Choose ‘Final Ranking’ to load overall results.
  • Final Ranking box will open, preview or print results.

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Penalty Calculation

  • Choose ‘Penalty Calculation’ to load choose and calculate applicable Penalty (FIS or USSS).

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Penalty Calculation

Check that the correct F Value and Maximum Points for the Discipline are displayed. Enter Category adder and Applied Penalty by clicking on arrows. When Finished click ‘OK’ and Print Box will open

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Reading the Results

Jury

Weather Data

2nd run Data

1st run Data

Points list

Software

version

Race Code

Time and Date Report Printed

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Transmitting Results - XML

On the Results page

Choose ‘Export Event’

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Confirm Penalty

Review For Errors, Confirm by ‘OK’

Penalty Calculation Box will open

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Transmitting Results - XML

Review For Errors

Where did my file save to?

Log in and upload xml result file to: race-results@usskiandsnowboard.org

NOTE: The sanctioning club’s login or a previously-approved login for individuals who do not have access to the club login is required.

If unable to log in, contact Competition Services for assistance.

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Saving and Transferring File

Close event�Choose ‘File’�Choose ‘Manage Events’�Choose ‘Save’�Choose the event to save

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Saving and Transferring File

Name the Event�Click on ‘Save’

Note file extension .spro�and�SkiAlpPro Default Folder location

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Restoring a File

Choose ‘File’�Choose ‘Manage Events’�Choose ‘Restore an Event’���Select the correct .spro file,�based on where you have saved this file.

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Exporting Data

Click on ‘Export’�Choose ‘Copy for Excel’

Open an excel file and paste

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CRITICAL NOTE

EXPORTING and IMPORTING COMPETITORS’ TIMES and DATA

The event data is being managed with SplitSecond, but your Chief of Timing & Calculations is timing with VOLA:

  • it is possible to transfer data between the systems
  • It is recommended that only bib #’s and times be exported from VOLA timing to SplitSecond data

If athletes’ names are exported from VOLA and imported to the SplitSecond file, please verify that any athletes who have double last names: e.g., “VAN HORN, Eric”

  • transfer back from VOLA in the original format: VAN HORN, Eric and
  • not VAN, HORN Eric

The misplaced comma will result in FIS and U.S. Ski & Snowboard autoscore systems rejecting the XML file.

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SUGGESTIONS

Prior to your first event:

  • Review both sections of the Race Administration Study Guide
  • Review all software options
  • Practice all race-related software procedures
  • Establish contact with an experienced RA who will take the time to help you solve issues that may occur!

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For further videos and educational�items please review at

vola.fr/en/timing/logiciels/suite-skialp���For assistance from U.S. Ski & Snowboard please visit:

usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-development/officials-development/timing-race-administrationThank you for your time and

best wishes on your upcoming season!