How did you replay the starts? On the phone display or on the laptop? Did you need any software to make this work?
Ken,
There is NO software required for the Clean Start Window... Using a simple phone camera, you can capture the entire start or finish of a race at the line with clear, defined and audible recordings.
Should a driver wish to review the video after a race, you simply press the play button and it will display on the phone... You can however, link to a laptop and play the video on a larger laptop screen or a Tablet. There are some great phone cameras like the iphone, that record in slow motion, Ultra High Definition and frame by frame. These tools make the review process that much easier than just relying on a CD's recollection.
Here is how we worked the CSW...
During the mill time, we start the recording on the phone at the TEN second mark and we shut the recording off just after the call is made ( ie: good or jump start) What you end up with are clips approximately 13 to 15 seconds long. It doesnt take much phone storage and does not require any external storage. The screens on todays phones are large and visibility is plenty good for reviews.
This is something that is relatively easy to make and the cost is really mitigated by the results. Frankly, once you have participated in a heat where a call was close and you benefitted from it versus being called a jump, and you had the ability to validate that call by review, you will wonder how we have gone so long without something so simple as this.
In the future, we would like to see a RULE in our district (for testing) that requires the CSW at all races and recordings of all starts for review. Additionally, we would like to see a "REVIEW RULE" implemented to allow racers to "appeal" a jump or "appeal" a "NON jump" call. Of course, we would have to address a prehistoric rule of making calls within one lap, but I am sure we can address both issues fairly .
One of the reasons for such a system is to maintain a "cooler heads atmosphere" during the racing day. We all know some will lose their minds or simply become upset with a start call and if there was a process in place where one simple word could defuse any situation, then the word REVIEW is that word. Now, we know time is of the essence at our races, especially when they are large, so a timely review system could go along way in assisting a club without substantial delays. On the other hand, after a few reviews, you will find that there are fewer disputes as the competitors will begin to trust the calls using the CSW and would be LESS likely to ask for a REVIEW.
We all know mistakes happen, we are all people, and sometimes bad calls are made. Sometimes the wrong boat is called for a jump simply because it is of the same color, sometimes during the comotion of a start the CD loses track of all the boats and simply guesses who jumped. There are a number of circumstances that could interfere in a good call and its time to work towards making the start calls easier to make.
Additionally, lets hypothetically say that the boat in front of you was called "GOOD" and you believe that it jumped, you could ask for a "REVIEW" of the start and if that boat was over, then the penalty would be called ( after review) and positions reassigned accordingly. This would eliminate the "ROYALTY" calls that we have seen from time to time.
A Review rule would look something like this:
Startline Review Rule
1) At all district 19 races, the "Clean Start Window" must be used for all starts along with a camera recording device.
2) CD's shall be required to record each and every start of every heat during the race weekend.
3) All Competitors shall have the right to "REVIEW" a start call.
4) Such a Competitor shall put forth a $10 Review Fee upon the immediate conclusion of a heat. Such a fee will be returned if a "call" is overturned, and such a fee will be forfeited to the host club if the "call" stands.
3) During a heat start, should a Competitor be called a "jump" start or a Competitor believes a "NON CALL" was made, the pitman shall notify the CD by saying one word.. "REVIEW".
4) At the conclusion of the heat and the review fee paid, The CD and two independent drivers not involved in that heat will review the recording. Two out of three opinions will determine the ruling of the call in question.
5) If a "call" is overturned, the positions will be sorted out accordingly and the proper points reassigned.
6) If the CD fails to press the record button and there is NO recording of the start, the Driver involved will have the call overturned by DEFAULT.
7) Calls must be clearly visible and defined without obstruction and without guesswork.
8) Once a Driver or Pitman calls out "REVIEW", that driver is obligated to put up the $10 review fee regardless of the outcome.