AGM Proposal
OUSA Rules Update: Punching Systems
Adopt appropriate update to OUSA rules (for NREs) to:
-retire paper punch cards (unless waivered)
-require SportIdent stations operate in “beacon mode” for contactless punching (aka use SI Air). Waiverable during sanctioning.
Exact rules wording of necessary updates in the spirit of this proposal will proceed through the Rules Committee to the OUSA Board within a reasonable time.
1
Point of Contact: Jon Campbell
More Info, Part 1
Retire paper punch cards (unless waivered)
-Current OUSA rules (A.25.1) allow use of manual punching (aka paper punch cards), either attached or printed on the map, or handed out at least 10min before the event.
-Note: Currently, to use paper punch cards at an NRE, no permission is required by sanctioning, nor any notice required by the organizer. Imagine walking up to an NRE call-up line after a long walk-to-start, having no SI stations and being told you are punching a card sealed in the map case.
-Recommendation: Retain existing manual punch rule language but add a requirement for sanctioning approval and competitor notice.
2
More Info, Part 2
Require SportIdent stations operate in “beacon mode” for contactless punching (aka use SI Air). Waiverable during sanctioning.
Rationale: Nationally sanctioned events (NREs) should represent the best of our sport: maps, courses, practices. Contactless punching is an expectation at major events worldwide.
3
Contactless Punching
-Most US SportIdent stations are capable of operating in beacon mode, including BSF-7, BSF-8, BSF-9.
-Direct punching with a “normal” SI-card always works. In fact, it is required to wake up an SI station for both classic punching and contactless punching.
-SI station batteries are not easy to change, and beacon mode consumes batteries faster (more later).
4
BSF-8
Most Common
BSF-7
Older, larger
“boxy”
SI station
BSF-9
Newer SI
Station; screw
access for
battery changes
What about rentals?
-The norm in the US for early use of SIAC (SportIdent ActiveCard, aka SI Air) was to make a large pool of loaner/rental SIACs available to competitors, because they were uncommon & unfamiliar.
-SIACs are now easily purchased through O-vendors or online, so event organizers no longer need to make rental SIACs available.
-Providing basic rental equipment (classic SI, basic compass, etc) is in the event organizer’s interest. Getting a better/faster SI-card, or better compass, or better gaiters, shoes, etc is in the interest of and is the responsibility of the competitor.
5
SI Air for Competitors
-There are two types of CLEAR stations. CLEAR#1 allows you to CHECK immediately by suppressing SIAC’s flash/beep sequence. All other CLEAR boxes require you to wait (~6sec) for the flash/beep sequence before CHECK.
-CHECK turns on the SIAC (faint green flash every ~4sec).
-Since you can’t control organizers, wait until flash/beeps stop before CHECK or verify with the SIAC TEST station.
-FINISH turns off the SIAC, so be careful running through FINISH if still on course. But…
-SIACs will still work as a classic (direct) punch when off or when their battery is dead.
6
SI Air for Organizers
-To save battery, place the SI stations in standby mode before placing in storage using the “SERVICE/OFF” special punch. Otherwise, they run until the preset auto-off (2, 4,…, 12 hours).
-Providing an SIAC TEST station right after CLEAR & CHECK is a good idea.
-Try to avoid having any logical route choice past the FINISH station, because it could inadvertently turn off a competitor’s SIAC. SIACs will still work in direct punching mode.
-Beacon mode (and competitor use of SIAC) reduces or eliminates the need for multiple stations at one location (controls or Finish).
7
SI Air for E-punch folks
-Enable SI station beacon mode as you normally program SI stations—with the provided Config+ program.
-Recommendation: Program all CLEAR stations with code 1. This will suppress the SIAC’s beeps/flashes, which allows it to punch the CHECK station immediately.
-Recommendation: Keep the START station in classic mode (not beacon) to prevent inadvertent “starts” if a competitor strays too near. Enable beacon mode for all controls and FINISH.
-Recommendation: To save battery, set the operating time well below SI’s default 12-hours. 4-hours is normally sufficient. Note: every classic punch resets the X-hour clock for auto-off.
8