The timer starts the clock, watches that it runs, and reads the time to the scribe. Most runs are automatic and you will barely touch the box. These notes cover what to do when they aren't.
Download the timer instructions (PDF)Printable version for ringside. The page above has the same content.
Before the class
Confirm the eyes on the timer poles are aligned and ready. The display should show Eye #1 2 in the lower left corner.
Standard, Grand Prix, Steeplechase, Jumpers and Pairs
- Press GO when the judge gives you a ready signal, usually a thumbs up.
- Starting and stopping is automatic. Just confirm the clock started: you will hear the beep and see the time climbing.
- If the timer stops mid-run and you hear the beep, press RESTART. Not the big black button.
- When the timer stops, read the time to the scribe.
Gamblers and Snooker
These classes may use a start line rather than a start jump, which means starting the clock by hand.
- Press GO when the judge signals ready.
- With a start jump, the clock starts automatically. Confirm the beep.
- With a start line, press the big black START/STOP button yourself. The judge will show you the line. Start the clock when the dog crosses it, not the handler.
- If the timer stops mid-run, press RESTART.
- With a finish jump, the clock stops itself. If the dog doesn't take it, press START/STOP and tell the scribe "no time."
- With a finish line in Snooker, stop the clock by hand. Sometimes the dog takes a while to cross it, so be patient.
- In Snooker, if the judge blows the whistle, keep the clock running until the dog crosses the finish line or takes the finish jump. The dog is not eliminated. Snooker is the only class where that is true.
Changing horn options
For Snooker and Gamblers, horn options change with the jump heights. The judge gives you the list of option numbers.
- Press SETUP.
- Press NEXT CHOICE four times, until the display reads "Set Game Horns".
- Press ENTER.
- Press NEXT CHOICE until you see the option you want.
- Press ENTER, wait two seconds, then press SETUP.
If something goes wrong
| Problem | What to do |
|---|
| Need a previous dog's time | Press PREV as many times as needed to step back to it |
| Timer failed to start | Press HORN to alert the handler and the judge |
| Timer stopped mid-run | Press RESTART, not the big black button |
Before you volunteer
Say it's your first time and someone will run the box with you for a class. Timing earns Doggie Bytes toward class fees and entries.
See all volunteer roles