• Attend region meetings (where practicable) and/or receive copies of all relevant correspondence/reports 

• Ensure the provision of a copy of the survey certificate is sent to the office 

• Check that a safety coordinator has been appointed 

• Ensure that a jury of appeal has been established and is listed in the program 

• Make sure that appropriate first aid personnel have been organised 

• Fulfill responsibilities on the jury of appeal, where required 

• Check that adequate first aid personnel are present 

• Check that the ground is marked correctly and that facilities are adequate 

• Liaise with the region coordinator and carnival manager to ensure that storm and heat policies are adhered to 

• Be available to meet key personnel from region, zones and centres and discuss any matters that arise 

• Return to the office field event and/or track sheets plus images of photo finish (if electronic timing is used) 

• Return stopwatches and any relevant paperwork to the office 

• Advise(to the Comp Manager and/or Board) any serious medical or disciplinary problems which may have occurred 

CHIEF PHOTO FINISH

Supervise the photo finish team, ensuring all operators are confident with the equipment, understand the procedures, and maintain accuracy throughout the event.

Train or brief assistants on system setup, image interpretation, and data recording so everyone works consistently and efficiently.

Liaise with key officials — including the Track Referee, Competition Director, and Technical Delegate — to provide clarification or evidence in case of disputes.

• This might involve reviewing finish images to resolve close finishes, lane violations, or timing irregularities.

• The Chief Photo Finish presents the official image and time evidence and explains how the decision was reached.

• If there’s a protest or appeal, they ensure all relevant data (images, timestamps, and notes) are accurately archived and available for review.

Authorise the final results only once all checks are complete and any discrepancies have been resolved, ensuring the published outcomes are final and correct.

🎥 Before the Event

• Set up and test the photo finish equipment (camera, timing system, software, start sensors, etc.).

• Align the camera precisely with the finish line — even a slight misalignment can affect results.

• Coordinate with the start team to ensure the timing system starts correctly when the gun fires.

🏁 During the Event

• Capture the finish line image for each race — the photo finish camera takes thousands of narrow images per second along the finish line.

• Check that all finishes are recorded and that no athletes were missed or obscured.

• Work with the track referees and timing assistants if there’s any uncertainty (for example, a close finish or an athlete’s lane not appearing clearly).

⏱️ After Each Race

• Review and interpret the photo finish image using the timing software.

• Determine athletes’ finishing order and assign official times (to 0.01 seconds).

• Record and confirm the results before they are published or handed to the competition management team.

• Report any irregularities or protests (e.g., unclear images, timing issues, interference).