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Electronic Timing

Electronic timing is optional. Every lesson in this curriculum works without it. But if your school or organization has access to a SPORTident system, it adds automated checkpoint verification and time tracking.

Do You Need It?​

Electronic timing serves two purposes:

  1. Verifying that students visited checkpoints in the correct sequence
  2. Recording elapsed time

Both can be accomplished without electronics:

  • Verification: letter codes on scorecards, stickers, clothespins, or manual punches (see Checkpoints)
  • Timing: a stopwatch or class timer

Electronic timing is most valuable when you want precise individual times (for repeat-and-improve activities like Animal-O) or when you are running many students through courses and want automatic results.

SPORTident System​

SPORTident is the electronic timing system used in most of the world for orienteering events. Participants carry a small timing card (SI card) that they tap against an electronic box at each checkpoint. The box records the visit with a beep and flash.

How It Works​

  1. Clear your SI card at the CLEAR station (yellow sign)
  2. Start by tapping the START station (green sign). Your time begins
  3. Visit each checkpoint in order, tapping the SI box at each one. Listen for the beep
  4. Finish by tapping the FINISH station. Your time stops
  5. Download at the computer to see your time and verify your course

Equipment Needed​

  • SI stations (one per checkpoint, plus CLEAR, START, FINISH, and DOWNLOAD stations)
  • SI cards (one per student or pair)
  • Computer with download station
  • EasyGec or EasyGecNG software for results

EasyGecNG​

EasyGecNG is Navigation Games' customized version of EasyGec software. It provides checkpoint sequence verification and elapsed time reporting, designed for school and camp use.

Features include:

  • Pre-built course files for Navigation Games animal sets
  • Simple synchronization with SI stations
  • Results display for students and teachers
  • Data export for analysis

Timing Approaches​

Individual Timing​

Each student's time is tracked separately. This encourages skill improvement through repeat attempts. Keep the emphasis on personal improvement and accuracy rather than raw speed, especially for beginners.

Class-Wide Timing​

The whole class works against a single clock. This builds teamwork and emphasizes how individual contributions affect group outcomes. Useful for Score-O and relay formats.

Resources​