Virtual Volunteer

The timekeeper function doesn't just register when you hit the stopwatch button but registers a click from anywhere on the bottom half of the screen. If you hold your phone by the edges (which everyone does), you run the risk of counting multiple fantom runners, especially when you're wearing mittens or gloves. It should give us a safe border on the edges of the screen. That would save a lot of time for the run director and the timekeeper when they have to clean up the results after a run.

App is good but it has some problems that need to be resolved before it can really be deployed. Firstly when scanning it drains the battery. It cannot last the full 45 minutes or so that it needs to for scanning purposes. Secondly the time keeping is good but in the wet it is a problem, alleviated by using the volume buttons for splits, but still a little water on the screen either makes the screen unusable or adds extra splits.

Very simple to use! I have just downloaded the app to my Samsung S10, and admittedly have only played with it (not used in real world), but seems incredibly straightforward. I like the fact it suggests flight mode is enabled- reduce the risk of interruption during timing. The scanner works in portrait or landscape and the barcode does not need to be perfectly aligned. I might just volunteer for timing roles now, rather than avoiding it!!