A well-timed NAPSAC 2017

THE National Primary Schools’ Athletics Championships (NAPSAC) 2017 has started off in grand fashion with many records falling, but there is just as much going on behind the scenes as on the track and field.

Technical Director of the NAPTEK crew, Ryan Toppin, heads up a well-oiled corporation that handles the timing system which manages NAPSAC. Speaking to The Barbados Advocate during the zonal preliminary championships, Toppin gave insight about the mammoth task required to ensure that a near perfect product is presented at the end of each day.

The Lynx Timing System, which the NAPTEK crew uses, comes with a Lynx electronic camera, which is how the times are collected. On the field, an IdentiLynx camera is used and takes high def-inition still photos. This camera takes the athletes as they approach the
finish line and gives a different angle to help evaluate races and decrease the likelihood of mistakes being made in regards to positions. Connected to the timing equipment is the display board, which displays the names and times of each athlete at the end of the race.

This feature has been a big hit with the athletes and spectators, who are keen to know the time ran in each event for personal knowledge, especially if a record is broken or a specific standard has been met. The final piece of equipment on the outside is the electronic start system, which is started electronically along with the camera from the moment the start gun is fired. Due to the fact that it is hardwired to the system, there is less chance of issues and though initially it was a costly investment, it has already paid for itself.

The system is run by an exceptionally efficient team of approximately 14 members. The team is split into two groups, those that deal with the live webcasting and posting and then the next group that handles the photo-finish and meet management aspect. Five work with the electronic timing and database management and there is a rotation for the camera and switchboard. Also, there are persons assigned to interact with the media to ensure that the information is accurate and forthwith when required and also two persons who deal with Facebook.

It is a large contingent of moving parts, but the crew has worked well to create a smooth-running machine which moves the ship along every NAPSAC day with progressively earlier finishes. Every year the team’s mandate was to bring something new to the table and this year the team introduced an App to the meet called Track Meet Mobile and the championship could be found under Pine Hill NAPSAC.

Toppin expressed thanks to the main sponsor Pine Hill Dairy, but also Greg Walker and Atlantic Computers for the consistent and reliable service in providing equipment and maintenance. The streaming services are provided by Christ Johnson and Creative Junction Inc., which is of a high standard and quality from software to cameras. With the level of excellence being raised each year at the premier junior athletics championship from a technical standpoint, the schools, children and parents have responded with making sure that the preparation and performances at each event continue to improve as well.

The officials who deal with the track and field events must also be highlighted. There are people who are responsible for timing each race via hand-held stop-watches in case of any unforeseen problems with the electronic equipment. Flag officials who monitor the races at every stage, to raise white or yellow flags depending on the situation.

The children also are covered by many members of the NAPSAC staff who get the athletes prepared well in advance before the race is called so that when the race time comes, the athletes have already been escorted to the track or field from the staging area under a tent. Finally the security which meets patrons, athletes, media, and fans at every section of the Usain Bolt Sports Complex must be commended for the good work done thus far at the championships as no problems in relation to security have been reported.