| Q. |
Can I use the Blue ChampionChip that I received at the 2000 Comrades Marathon at other races?
I purchased my ChampionChip at a cycling race, can I use it when entering a road running event?
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| A. |
Yes, you are able to use the Blue or Green ChampionChip at other ChampionChip timed races – irrespective of the sport - although you will be required to pay a R7 usage fee as part of your entry to the race. |
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| Q. |
I purchased my ChampionChip at a cycling race, can I use it when entering a road running event?
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| A. |
Yes, your ChampionChip can be used in any sporting event timed by the ChampionChip system. |
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| Q. |
Why are there different coloured ChampionChip chips?
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| A. |
There are three different coloured ChampionChip chips in circulation in South Africa. They are yellow, blue and green.The blue and green ChampionChip are exactly the same except for the colour of their moulding.
The Yellow ChampionChip, which uses a different coding to the other ChampionChip chips, offers a lifetime use of the chip at all events using ChampionChip technology world-wide (international events as well as South African events). There is no usage fee on the Yellow ChampionChip.
The Blue or Green ChampionChip, which has coding starting with VX or DX, offers a lifetime use of the chip at all events using ChampionChip technology in South Africa only. There is a usage fee levied on the Blue / Green ChampionChip at each event. |
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| Q. |
Where can I purchase or replace a lost ChampionChip?
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| A. |
Your can purchase a ChampionChip directly from ChampionChip Africa or from any of the many outlets around the country. These outlets are listed under the option Where can I get a ChampionChip on our home page. |
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| Q. |
If I have lost my ChampionChip, can it be used by anybody else?
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| A. |
No. Your lost ChampionChip will be recorded as lost and will not be able to be used by any other person. If any person does try to use that ChampionChip, it will be detected at the event and will not be recorded in the results. |
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| Q. |
How do I find my ChampionChip code if I do not know it?
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| A. |
Your ChampionChip Code is printed on your ChampionChip as illustrated in the graphic. You can also go and search for your ChampionChip code by Name or ID Number on the web site by clicking in the graphic.
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| Q. |
How can I get my results from ChampionChip timed events?
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| A. |
Using your ChampionChip code or your name you can access all your race results from the http://championchip.co.za web site. |
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| Q. |
Where can I use ChampionChip?
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| A. |
The Blue or Green ChampionChip can be used at all ChampionChip timed events in South Africa – irrespective of the sport (running, cycling, mountain biking, swimming etc).The Yellow ChampionChip can be used at all ChampionChip timed events worldwide, including South African events. |
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| Q. |
Is it possible to increase the number of events using the ChampionChip system?
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| A. |
The decision to use ChampionChip timing technology is made by the race organiser. ChampionChip is able to offer event organisers a FREE timing solution and results service. This offer is dependent on ChampionChip being able to offer a corporate sponsor/s branding opportunities. The sponsorship of the ChampionChip services has made it possible to increase the number of races using this technology with 268 races using ChampionChip in 2001. Further details are available on request from info@championchip.co.za |
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| Q. |
Is it possible to make ChampionChip cheaper for smaller events?
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| A. |
With the timing services being sponsored, the cost to events for a single timing system and results service is effectively nil. |
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| Q. |
Why does ChampionChip issue provisional results?
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| A. |
At any event, the event organiser dictates the rules and regulations governing the event. These rules and regulations normally extend to what is and what is not acceptable in terms of final results. ChampionChip uses timing technology that allows it to produce a set of accurate, reliable and accessible results. These results are, however, only provisional results until they have been approved by the appropriate person/s appointed by the event organiser. It is for this reason that any result queries should first be addressed to the race organiser. |
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| Q. |
Is it possible to credit back the time unseeded competitors lose between the starting gun and actual crossing of the starting line?
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| A. |
ChampionChip does have the technology to take actual times – from start to finish - as well as laps, splits etc. However the event organiser is the only body which can decided whether to adjust for delayed starting times for the back-runners as well as whether laps, splits etc should be taken. |
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| Q. |
What is the difference between net and gross times?
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| A. |
What is a net time?
A net time is the individual time that it takes a participant to cover the distance between the start and the finish. (Start line Individual time – Finish line Individual time)
What is the gross time?
A gross time is the time it takes an individual, from the batch start time, to cover the distance to the finish. (Start gun – Finish line individual time) The reason why gross time is used in results, and not net times, is especially apparent in cycling.
Imagine the dilemma the following scenario would create:
A batch of cyclists starts an event at 06:00:00. An individual back rider in the batch actually crosses the start line at 06:00:30. (30 seconds after the gun) The same batch crosses the finish line – for the sake of argument at 07:00:00. The winner completes the race in 60 minutes. The same back rider stays with the bunch at the back and crosses the finish line at 07:00:03 only 3 seconds behind the front rider due to the fact that they are now doing 40km/hr. His gross time would be 01:00:03 minutes, but his net time would be 00:59:33. This would thus make the back rider the winner of the event. The net times are simply provided for interest within individual statistics so that participants know how fast they (individually) were going. As you can see, they simply would not work for results. The rules of cycling define the finish position based on order over the finish line and not on time. |
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| Q. |
How do mixed-up race results occur?
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| A. |
ID numbers are requested in registration details to avoid, wherever possible, mixing up results. However it does happen. If it happens to you please contact info@championchip.co.za and provide as much information as you can so that the problem can be sorted out. |
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| Q. |
Why the ruling “No chip – no result” ?
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| A. |
Using modern technology often means that the human element is removed. If you are not wearing a chip or if you have attached your chip incorrectly, then you will not have a result recorded.Participants who find themselves in this awkward position should seek redress from the event organiser at the time of the event, as this is an incident, which should be governed by the event rules and regulations.Only once the event organisers have reached a decision will ChampionChip be able to rectify the results to accommodate the participant. |
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| Q. |
Why were my results not recorded?
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| A. |
The most common reason for this is when the chip is not secured / worn in the correct position on the participant. Distance from the recording mats and orientation of the chip do affect whether the chip is detected. It is important that the ChampionChip is attached as indicated.
Running – The ChampionChip should be laced into the laces of your running shoe.
Cycling – The ChampionChip MUST be attached to the front fork of your Bike as low as possible with the use of the ChampionChip Bike clip.
Triathlon – The ChampionChip must be attached to your ankle using a Velcro ankle band.
It is of vital importance that the ChampionChip is correctly attached and ONLY ONE chip is attached to ensure reliable detection when passing a timing point. |
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| Q. |
What is ChampionChip?
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| A. |
ChampionChip is an event timing system based on advanced technology and computerisation and is able to generate fast, accurate and reliable results. |
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| Q. |
What is the National database of ChampionChip owners?
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All participants who purchase a ChampionChip are registered on the national database of ChampionChip owners. |
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| Q. |
Why are there different prices for the yellow and blue or green chips?
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| A. |
The participant purchases the Yellow ChampionChip outright. There is no royalty charge on the usage of this chip and it also entitles the chip owner to various discounts awarded by event organisers. The cost of the yellow chip is R300.00 at present exchange rates.
The Blue or Green ChampionChip is purchased by the participant at the cost of production The cost of the blue or green chip is R70.00 (as of 1 January 2004) unless it is sponsored or subsidised by the event organiser / sponsor. As the chip is supplied at the cost of production (manufacturer’s price with no mark-up) there are certain royalties that need to be paid on usage. The current R8.00 per race entry levy, included in the race entry fee, is used to cover these outstanding royalties. This system is unique to South Africa and has been instituted to make the chips more affordable to participants. |
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| Q. |
Is it possible to link the results of two chips to one chip?
Is it possible to link them to see the results on one number for result enquiries as I have two chips?
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| A. |
Yes.In the case of a lost chip, a new chip may be purchased and linked to the results achieved while using your previous chip. Your past results will then be linked to your new ChampionChip code. This can be arranged by contacting ChampionChip Africa on info@championchip.co.zaIf you have two or more chips, please supply ChampionChip will both (all) your chip numbers and your past results will be linked to allow you to maintain your personal results record log on the ChampionChip database. |
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| Q. |
Can I give my second chip to a friend?
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| A. |
No, Once a ChampionChip is registered in your name and has race results recorded against it it can not be given to any other person to use. If you need any assistance in this regard please e-mail info@championchip.co.za. |
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| Q. |
Is it possible to upgrade chips – from green to yellow
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| A. |
Yes, but there is a cost involved in changing from one chip to another and that is the cost of the chip as outlined above. |
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| Q. |
If my chip has been through a full automatic washing cycle – will it still be functional the next time I run?
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| A. |
A ChampionChip is a miniature transponder in a specially designed plastic housing. This device contains a chip in combination with an energising coil. These elements are encased in a waterproof glass capsule, meaning the ChampionChip can be used under all conditions – wet, dry, cold & hot. So yes, your chip should still be fully functional the next time you run. If in doubt ask one of the ChampionChip timers to check it for you at the next event |
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| Q. |
Family confusion on whose chip belongs to whom?
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| A. |
To avoid prolonged family arguments (and to settle them) visit the results web site. Your chip code will be displayed on your results page |
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| Q. |
How is the distance of the event determined?
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| A. |
The distance of an event is measured and determined by the event organizers. The guidelines under which this is done varies between sporting codes. In South African Road Running an event organizer is required to have the course officially measured by an approved and trained ASA official. In respect of cycling events this is normally a task done by the event organizer.
It is important for a ChampionChip timer to be supplied the correct information by the event in respect of the race distance as this does effect the calculation of pace or speed when producing results. If it is ever pointed out to a ChampionChip timer that the distance supplied seems to be incorrect, the timer will always address this with the event organizers to try ensure that the information is as correct as possible. It does however remain the event organizers final say as to what the correct distance should be reflected as. |
