Our regional used FAT timing this year and I must admit I was a bit leery of it at first. However, after comparing my hand times (I consider myself a pretty solid hand timer) I was almost exactly right on with the FAT conversion. I am not sure if every system (Finish Lynx, Eagle Eye, etc.) will have the same results, but I was pleasantly surprised by the Finish Lynx used in this regional. Hopefully the state will make everyone eventually go to FAT timing for the most fair results.
I agree Coachb. I was at an FAT regional as well, and my hand times in the sprints compared to the FAT were all .25 to .4 off. I look forward to the day when all schools use it!
Me too -- I look forward to that day as well -- and without the conversion :-) as well which will be even better. I think it is for the good of the sport.
Jeff Holobough did a lot of research to suggest that the .4 was pretty solid in most cases. Better timers might get a little closer, but on average most timers are .4 to .35 off and if you then round up ... etc.
Next year it will go the other way. FAT regional will simply use FAT times and HT regionals will have to add .4 and then round up. Encourage your regional host to go FAT. I believe it is too your advantage in several ways.
Better yet, with FAT regional results were more accurate this year as regards placing because you would not put a kid in the wrong place in their heats for the most part because we had good pictures. Speaking personally however, I did have a few struggles at my second regional as the equipment got pretty damp on Friday and it was mad at me on Saturday.