FINAL REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Purpose of the EP Committee- This committee was formed at the September Bay Area Orienteering Club's Board of Director's meeting with the mission of examining the state of the art of electronic punching and making recommendations to the board. In the process, we intend to determine whether the technology is appropriate for BAOC and whether the advantages would justify the necessary expenditures by the club and entrants. Alternative systems, acquisition, and implementation schemes will be examined with recommendations.
2. What is electronic punching?- EP is a system that replaces the use of the control card and needle punches. Instead of a card, the competitor caries a small microchip device (E-card.) At each control there is an electronic "punch" (control unit.) When put in contact with a control unit, the E-card acquires the time and code number of the control visited. Data from each competitor's run is then downloaded at the finish to provide near instant results with splits. E-cards would be available for rent or sale at the event or from vendors.
3. Fad or wave of the future?- Except for a trial of Emit at a small GAOC event this month, EP has not been used in the US. BAOC would be one of the first, if not the first, club to adopt EP. There are many unknowns as to its practicality. It has caught the eye of some as a fancy new toy that is fun to use and will attract more people to orienteering. The committee feels, however, that the novelty of the technology is not sufficient reason to consider it for BAOC. More important are practical advantages it might offer the sport. The committee has gathered information, primarily from the UK and Scandinavia where it appears EP has gone beyond the fad stage. Electronic punching is now well established in Europe. It has been used in elite events for over five years and is now used at all IOF elite events. It was has been used successfully at most of the large multi-day events, each with thousands of competitors. Norway now boasts a 90% rate of EP vs. conventional punching events. Some events there have seen a 30% increase in attendance with the introduction of EP. Clubs in England are buying the systems and using them at their smallest events. Over a thousand British orienteers own their own e-cards.
4. How is it used? There are two competing systems, SportIdent of Sweden and Emit of Norway. The following are the basic steps involved in the operation of he two systems. A more complete description can be found in the Appendix.
1. SportIdent- The competitor carries a finger-tip sized unit and "punches" it into a control unit at the start, each control, and the finish. SI e-cards easily fit into the control unit which responds with a beep and LED flash. The competitor unit stores the time and control number of each location visited. The competitor data is downloaded into a laptop computer via a master station in the post-finish line chute. Splits can be printed and handed to the finisher at that moment as well as inserted into results that include leg by leg statistics. Each competitor unit has a unique serial number that is read by the master unit. A competitor database just be maintained that links each ID to a name and competitive class. This is to enable the software to "check punches" and compile results. OL-Einzel software, supplied by SportIdent, allows for the maintenance and importing of records. OL-Einzel is also a event management software that allows for the definition of courses and controls, generation of start lists, and production of results. Control units are programmed to synchronize time, awake and to sleep, and have a control number by SIMAN software through the master unit [help with the English please]. SI competitor units supposedly have an unlimited life expectancy and are guaranteed for 10 years.while the control units need a AA battery change after about 200 hours of use.
2. Emit- The Emit system is similar to SportIdent. The Emit competitor unit fits into the control unit in a particular orientaion to obtain punching data as well as a manual (pin and paper) backup mark. Emit control units are not programmable and the batteries will last a number of years. The competitor units are expected to last a couple years before an exchange is necessary. The competitor data is also downloaded via a master unit at the finish. The basic tasks of the Emit software is similar to OL-Einzel including entry management, individual splits printing, and results publishing.
3. Others- There are no other major manufacturers of EP available to BAOC. Related new technology is coming along (and it always will be) including GPS tracking, transmission of splits from the field, automatic timing, etc. It is not clear at this time when such capabilities will be commercially available or whether there will be any compatibility problems. The current issue of Orienteering World has a good rundown of the state of the art.
4. General system operations- The people responsible for e-punching at an event have [new] as well as traditional tasks to perform. E-cards are distributed to competitors in exchange for a fee. They can be sold or rented. A database must be maintained that links e-card ID numbers to the competitor name and course class. The database is permanent for those who own cards and would be updated on the day for new assignments and rentals. [This provides increased efficiency in record keeping and results production. ] Based on the course setter's design, control units must be organized and/or programmed (SI) and then placed in the woods in the days before an event. For important competitions, control units are expected to be on stands. (Control markers would still be expected to have their existing punches for back-up and non-EP use.) The control units and stands would need to be collected after the event and perhaps reprogrammed and moved for a following day of competition. Control units must go under routine maintenance before and after an event to replace batteries and double check integrity. On the day of an event, e-punching officials must set up and maintain personal computing and peripheral devices. They must be trained in advance to use specialized software that allows for new entries and the processing of results. In the finish [chute], an e-punch official would instruct the competitors to insert their card for download, print a copy of their splits, and respond to and manually override any punching corrections (e.g. change or course, missing punch, etc). Complete results can be printed periodically. Compiled and statistically processed splits may be published to the internet after courses close.
5. Pros and cons of EP as opposed to traditional needle punching
1. PROS
1. For the competitor
1. Provides instant splits for all
2. Avoids carrying card
3. Easier to punch
4. Split processing capabilities
5. Training applications
6. Juniors love it
2. For the organizers
1. Eliminates laborious punch checking
2. Faster, automated results processing
3. Precision timing
4. More accurate, automatic Punch checking
5. No need to fill out or issue punch cards
6. Can prevent voided courses in some circumstances
7. Precise timing for OT
8. Eliminates need for manned controls
9. Allows convoluted course design
10. EP specialists can assist with other functions (vetting, results processing, etc.)
11. Attract participants to orienteering
12. Can be integrated with event management software
13. Could attract volunteer help (e.g. techies who would not want to manually check punches)
14. Results can include splits
2. CONS
1. For the competitor
1. Cost of e-card
2. Possibility of system failures
3. Requires carrying descriptions separate from card
4. Some club members may feel there is nothing in it for them
2. For the organizers
1. Possible increased workload
2. Learning curve
3. Need for technical expertise
4. Requires maintenance of master data base
5. Cost of system
6. Management at the finish line
7. Prep of units at each event
8. Requires stands
9. Units must be put in the field and retrieved
10. Vandalism and theft
11. Takes manpower from other functions
12. Increased equipment responsibilities
13. Danger of obsolescence
3. Special Problems -Control units are expensive, making vandalism and theft more of a problem, particularly on White and Yellow courses. Data entry for people who do not own E-cards or have not pre-registered pose particular data entry problems.
4. Why provide electronic punching?- The benefits of EP can be grouped into three main services:
1. Eliminates the need for manual punching, punch checking, and time calculation.
2. Eliminates the need for manned controls and thereby enables a map of any size to be used for advanced courses.
3. Provides printed splits to the competitor on the spot and automatically calculates and compiles results for the entire event.
6. Major concerns of he EP Committee- EP has been shown to benefit competitors as well as organizers in Europe. However, the committee has several concerns as to how significant they will be for BAOC. The above Pros and Cons raise several important questions including:
1. Will implementation require more work on the organizational end than it will save?
2. Will we be able to develop the expertise and manpower necessary to make use of the system once it is purchased?
3. Is the economic cost of the system too much to justify the benefits?
4. Which System is best for BAOC?
5. Should we wait for new technology before investing?
6. Will one group of the membership benefit more than another, say competitive vs. non-competitive, beginners vs. advanced? If the club as a whole is paying there is the potential for divisiveness if the benefits are not proportional?
7. Is there a tendency to favor EP as an attraction in itself rather than as a tool for improving the sport?
7. Conclusions- The committee concludes that EP may very well be right for BAOC. However, the matter is complex and several important questions cannot be answered at this time.
1. It is apparent that considerable additional work-power and expertise will be required to implement and operate EP and keep track of equipment. The technology does have the potential, however to increase efficiency in the long run. Regardless, the committee is unanimous in that adoption of EP should be contingent on the policy of no net increase in the workload of the meet directors.
2. Much depends on BAOC improving procedures for recruiting volunteers and maintaining a knowledgeable workforce. We do not have the same organizational efficiency that you find in many of the European clubs that are using EP efficiently. It is essential that BAOC adopt a special program to oversee and operate EP. The Cadre concept outlined in a following section is recommended.
3. EP is expensive. It would increase the cost to the competitors at the event and require substantial initial capital expenditures by the club. Because of the several unknowns surrounding the decision, the Committee recommends a very cautious approach in expenditures to limit the club's financial risk.
4. After looking at the alternatives, the Committee believes the SportIdent is the clear choice for BAOC based on cost, ease of use, availability, competitor preferences, and experiences in other countries. We believe this is the system that will come to the US. Reports are that it is the easiest to use, the manufacturer is more responsive to deal with, BAOC has what is probably the only operational experience in the country, and SI cards are less expensive. Most of the detailed information we have gathered has been on SI. Tests of the two systems are taking place in England and a comparative report will be available to us in early December.
5. The potential for obsolescence has been raised as a major concern, nationwide as well as in this committee. Will what we purchase now be incompatible with technology on the horizon? Are there additional features coming that would be bought more economically by waiting? SportIdent assures us that the additional features now in the works will be included by the time we would be ready to order and that SI equipment will be compatible with future improvements.
6. Benefits to individual orienteers should cut across all groups. It is difficult to anticipate who will be most enthusiastic...perhaps the more competitive, the more advanced juniors. The pros and cons indicate potential benefits and shortcomings for all orienteers. Some special problems can be associated with possible theft of expensive units exposed on or near trails of White and Yellow courses. Regulars are more likely to own their own e-cards simplifying data entry on the day. Newcomers and those renting e-cards may pose additional problems for data entry at the event or in compiling results.
7. It is important not to be lured by the glitter of fancy new technology. It will not pay for itself through the attraction of new orienteers in general much less for any particular event. EP can have genuine benefits for both competitor and organizer. Whether it is reasonable to expect them to be worthwhile for BAOC is the question.
8. Implementation alternatives. The cost estimates are as stand-alone alternatives, not cumulative or in combination. (see Appendices B and D)
1. Purchase a starter system
1. Cost: $1,400-2,100 for BAOC share
2. Advantages:
1. Limited cost. Much of the cost could be recovered from demonstration events (up to $300 each)
2. Would save on rental cost if that option is selected for Sierra 2000 (about $800)
3. SI has been proven effective
4. If the next generation comes along tomorrow, we still have a fully usable system.
5. The only option with cost-sharing opportunity. Scarborough Orienteering has offered to purchase approximately half the system (see Appendix B) limiting BAOC exposure
6. It provides a test vehicle prior to the big one yet does not forgo a) and b) at a later time.
7. If BAOC decides against keeping the equipment, it should have good resale value. The e-cards will be easily salable to individuals and there will be other clubs looking for EP equipment.
3. Disadvantages: Not without some risk in terms of investment, time and effort.
2. Rent for Sierra 2000
1. Cost: $4,000-5,000
2. Advantages: SI support person. Less expensive initially for a large event. GCO can cost share.
3. Disadvantages: Relatively expensive (see below) one-time use with no capital ownership at the end. No trial period before the big event risking failure during the event.
3. Purchase for Sierra 2000
1. Cost: $11,000-14,000
2. Advantages: Provides permanent inventory of equipment necessary for big events. Could rent to GCO for their two-days.
3. Disadvantages: Very expensive. No trial period. Overexposure if EP not accepted by BAOC.
4. Recommended alternative- A comparison of the pros and cons leads this committee to recommend immediate purchase of a fully operational Basic System. The primary factor is the cost comparison with renting from SI and the opportunities to test and to cost share. This alternative does not obviate the a or b alternatives but could complement either as the board decides. The bare bones alternative was considered to have insufficient base units for the usual complement of advanced courses. See Appendix D for more of the committee's rationale.
5. Cost Estimates- Estimates are based on the SI price list and quotes from the manufacturer. The committee recommends some additional authorization to cover variables.
1. Shipping cost estimates are very rough except for the Bare Bones alternative, which came from SI. Much will depend on the carrier but international airfreight is not cheap.
2. The lodging for support under the rental option is very preliminary
3. Customs duty, if any, is unknown.
4. SI stands are expensive as would be there shipping. The committee recommends looking into alternative sources.
5. Rental rate for holders, if any, is not included
6. Operation of the SI system will require at least one laptop computer, a printer and power source. The committee expects the EP Cadre would use personal equipment for the near term.
7. Discounts are possible but not expected. SI has offered free holders for the Bare Bones alternative.
8. The exchange rate for the Euro changes. There may also be transaction fees depending on the method of payment.
6. Cost recovery-As noted elsewhere in this report, EP can generate income to help offset costs. Demo events can be expected to draw additional attendance; cards, a large share of the cost most certainly will pay for themselves. The cost of renting equipment for Sierra 2000 (excluding cards) could conceivably be paid for by raising entry fee by approximately $3 per day, depending on attendance. Such a raise could also go a long way toward a purchase. EP may result in higher attendance overall. There is the possibility of minor income form renting out of equipment.
9. Cooperative agreement- BAOC would enter into a cooperative agreement wherein they would share in the purchase ownership and use of the basic as consistent with the recommendations of this report. The committee has drafted a proposed cooperative agreement. The Scarborough Orienteering participation is contingent on the adoption of the recommendations of the report.
10. The "Cadre" concept- The committee feels strongly that any system that may be adopted should require no net additional workload on the meet director or course-setter or require specialized expertise on their part. The committee is also concerned that without a consistent source of expertise and manpower the system could be underused or misused. Rather than add to traditional duties, including recruiting for events, an independent EP operation, a permanent cadre of specialists and assistants, to actually carryout all EP operations at events much as does our current registration function. This cadre unit could provide spin-off benefits such as vetting and results processing which could lessen the existing traditional workload. The committee recognizes that it would not be easy to keep this unit staffed. Recruiting assistance at events is an ongoing problem. Hopefully there will be enough enthusiasm for the new technology and time savings to offset the problem. The requirements will not be unique BAOC. The cadre would have to be self sufficient in recruiting and, perhaps, serve as the driving force in implementation of EP at local events. This committee would be willing to help organize such an approach.
11. Survey and initial recruiting- Following approval by the Board and the first demo event, this committee will conduct a recruiting campaign to determine interest and jump-start the cadre. 
12. Implementation events
0. Demonstration events- Depends on purchase of a basic SI system
1. At least one and up to three demo events are recommended
2. Joe Scarborough has offered to organize an EP event at JMP in the "Backroads" mold as soon after delivery of he equipment as possible
3. This committee will operate the EP system
4. All proceeds will go toward payment for the system
5. May include EP for beginners and intermediates
6. To demonstrate what is involved to future operators
7. To prepare for Sierra 2000
1. B meets- The equipment and services would be available to meet directors for appropriate events prior to Sierra 2000. If EP is an effective tool, its use should not be limited to a meet every year or two. Furthermore, use of an EP system only at A meets would not justify purchase of a full system or justify sale of e-cards. EP could be provided in conjunction with B or C meets as demos according to "a" above. This may divert some ordinary B meet income toward paying for the system.
2. Sierra 2000- If EP is used, this could be the first major event in the US to do so. This would provide certain bragging rights for BAOC as well as special support from the manufacturer. Any equipment already owned by BAOC would be available and reduce rental expenses. However, if not properly prepared, the workload could be unjustified and the success of the venture in jeopardy. The committee recommends that the Board consider purchase and/or rental of equipment for this event based on the results of the trial period. The feasibility of the system and value to the membership is necessary to justify the expenditures involved
13. .Availability and price of e-cards- E-cards would be available for rent from the club at events much as are compasses now. In Europe, sales are via vendors although BAOC may also want to provide a sales service. Scarborough Orienteering plans on offering e-cards for sale.
1. Rental-A rental of $2 for one day and $1.50/day for a multi-day event is recommended.
2. Sale- sales price of $24 would be similar to the price in the UK and probably adequate for vendor sales. The committee proposes a promotional sale price of $19 for orders received prior to placing an order with SI to encourage people to acquire their own cards. If BAOC decides not to deal with sales (and tax implications) it should be noted that cards will be available from vendors (probably four in the US including SO.) It may be worth investigating further why UK clubs do not sell cards.)
3. Why a separate rental fee?- This recommendation was not reached lightly. BAOC already has one of the highest entry fees of any O-club in the country. But what about the BAOC situation?
1. The advantages of the technology do not come without considerable cost that ultimately must be paid by the membership.
2. Much of the costs will have to be paid out of existing revenues. However, a large share of the overall expense of EP is in the E-cards, which are not logically to be paid for by the membership at large.
3. The responsibility of the competitor for e-cards has been well established in Europe where it has become another required tool like the compass.
4. The high cost is a basic consideration in deciding whether or not to adopt EP.
5. Rental is important to encourage card sales. Without individual ownership of cards, much of the advantage would be lost.
6. Purchase is very inexpensive considering the SI cards are guaranteed for 10 years and have an unlimited life during which the owner has no recurring cost.
7. Alternative sources of funding are not apparent..
8. SI-cards have about twice the value of the compass we rent for $1 per day
9. The rates are similar to what are being proposed in Britain.
10. These rates are commensurate with the value of the cards. Compasses worth less than half the value of the card are rented for $1/day (with no multi-day discount.)
4. Why charge rental at the Sierra 2000? The entry fees have been announced and it may be considered inappropriate to tack on another charge. Highland 99 faced a similar problem. EP was not contemplated when the rates were established. Card rental is always in addition of entry fees. The added cost goes with adding the feature. It is a very small amount in the overall cost of attending the event.
14. Renting out the System- BAOC may want to rent its EP system to other clubs. Some on the committee have doubts about how this would work. Safeguarding the investment would be a major concern. GAOC, DVOA , COC and APOC already have expressed interest. The Board should establish a policy during the trial period, including rental rates and cost sharing with GCO for the Sierra 2000.
15. Recommendations- Itemized recommendations are in Appendix E. Essentially, the committee believes EP has the potential to serve BAOC well. However, major concerns regarding cost, difficulty of operation by event organizers and recruiting adequate expertise require a measured approach. We feel we can best accommodate these needs and concerns through purchase of a basic system followed by a test phase before committing large sums necessary to handle large events. We recommend that $2,300 for BAOC's share of a basic SI system be authorized. Scarborough O would acquire an approximately $1,400 share for the remainder. It is recommended that the equipment director be authorized to negotiate a suitable cost sharing agreement with SO.

1. Authorize purchase of BAOC's share of a basic SportIdent EP system as shown in Exhibit B.
2. Approve the draft cooperative agreement with Scarborough Orienteering
3. Approve one to three demonstration events with the proceeds going toward the cost of the EP system. The demos could be in conjunction with B or C meets.
4. Approve the establishment of an EP Cadre to oversee equipment and use.
5. Set an agenda item for the March BOD meeting regarding BAOC adoption of EP and use at the Sierra 2000.
6. Set rental rates for competitor's card at $2.00/day for one-day and $1.50/day for two day events and a sales price of $24.
7. Adopt a policy that EP is to provide zero impact on the overall workload of the meet directors and course-setters.

 APPENDIX B

Figures represent the estimated cost of each option alone.

by James Scarborough

SportIdent- The SportIdent package consists of hardware and software features. The bread and butter of the hardware are the competitor unit (e-card) and the control unit. The SI competitor unit appears as a simple twig of plastic hence its name "finger stick." About 1.5" long and the diameter of a pencil, it straps securely to the competitor’s finger with a thumb-compass style elastic band. Inside the competitor unit are battery-powered electronics that accept and store control "punching" information. SI claims the e-card has an unlimited life.. A SportIdent control unit is about 4.5" x 2.5" x 1.25". It has a hole in the top to accept the finger stick. The control unit is weatherproof and houses an LED and beeper for optional visual and audio punching confirmation as well as a [#] AA battery pack. It is similar in appearance to the control unit is the master unit and serves to interface the SI hardware to a personal computer through a serial cable. E-cards fit into the master unit for downloading of splits. Control units couple to the master unit through a linking rod to receive programming information. The SI e-card, control unit, and master unit are the elements of providing punching and timing. The e-card is carried by the competitor from start to finish of his orienteering course to interact along the way with control units.

Control unit hardware can be programmed to serve various functions including a clear station, start station, individual controls, and the finish station. So a competitor would progress around a course in the following manner: At the pre-start the competitor clears any old punch information from his e-card using a clear station. At the start line, the competitor inserts his e-card into the start unit and begins orienteering when the unit beeps. This precise moment or an assigned start time can be used to calculate the runner’s result. Upon locating each control, the competitor inserts his e-card into the control unit located at the marker. The control unit then beams the race time and control code to the competitor unit. It also itself logs the time of arrival of that competitor for future reference if needed. Control units can be programmed to confirm the punch with a visual flash and/or discrete tone. The two or more finish units are placed on the finish line and provide a time stamp of the end of competition. As with the start information, the precise finish time can be later overridden with information from an independent system. Confined to the post-finish-line chute, the competitor is required to insert his competitor unit into the master unit. All information stored on the e-card is downloaded to the event organizer’s computer. OL-Einzel is the software supplied by SportIdent to, in part, process SI card information into results. It is the OL-Einzel competition software that reads the e-card via the master unit. The competition software checks that the competitor legally completed his course and provides opportunity for manual manipulation/correction of the e-card data. OL-Einzel compiles overall results as well as leg by leg statistics for a competitive class. Results can be exported to a system printer or written as an HTML or text file.

In order for the SI system to function smoothly on race day, the hardware must be prepped as well as competitor and course information entered in advance. OL-Einzel is used to encode the topology of the event’s courses as well as store competitor information. In order to "check punches" an e-punching system needs to know in what order each competitor is supposed to visit which controls. Similar to other orienteering event management software, OL-Einzel provides a scheme to define control codes, delineate a course from a series of those controls and assign competitive classes to the courses. OL-Einzel then requires an entrants' database that identifies at least each competitor’s e-card serial number and competitive class. The entrant database can be imported from event, club, or federation records using an interchange format. When the information from competitor’s e-card is submitted in the finish chute, OL-Einzel uses the incoming serial number to look up the competitor’s class in the entrants' database. Knowing the competitive class enables the software to check the e-card punching information for correct order and so forth. As already stated, if the run is valid the total time can be inserted into the results accompanied by the splits for enhanced reporting.

The sister of the competition software, OL-Einzel, is the hardware programming software SIMAN. SIMAN is used to program and manage the inventory of control units. The programming software communicates with the control units via the master station with the help of a simple coupling dongle. SIMAN programs the control unit with its function (i.e. clear, start, control, or finish), control number (if applicable), and the official date and time. The later effectively synchronizes the control units so the time encoded to the competitor units is consistent. Additionally SIMAN gives the control units a user determined window of when to be "awake" and expect e-cards on race day. (The control units otherwise are in sleep mode to conserve battery power.) At this time the software can also query each control unit’s battery supply and estimate if it will indeed remain awake for as long as requested. Control units can be programmed and placed in the terrain in the days before the competition

Emit- The overall concept of Emit is not very different from SportIdent. There are, however, some particular hardware differences that influence organizing logistics. Most importantly is the fact that Emit control units are not so power hungry and are actually guaranteed for five years. That is they may be left in the forest (in the equivalent state of an "awake" SI unit) without fear of battery depletion. With the Emit system, the competitor units could be seen more as the "active" unit. They are also guaranteed for five years before an exchange would be required. Another conspicuous difference in the Emit e-card is its shape and consequent physics of punching. Rather than simply slipping the pencil shaped SI card into a hole, the larger and flat Emit card must be oriented and "snapped" into the control unit face. Attention must be paid to quickly yet effectively accomplish the act of punching. This design is necessary to accommodate Emit’s unique non-electronic backup punching. In addition to the electronics to record an electronic interaction, the Emit e-card is fitted on the underside with a piece of thick paper. When pressed into a control unit, the competitor unit is left with a unique indentation following the theory of needle punches.

The committee considered recommendations for EP at the Sierra 2000 in the event the BOD agrees on a trial period and authorizes a system for that event. We discussed the options of renting versus purchasing a system. Initially we considered a rental alternative of for 60 control units and 300 cards. However, it may be desirable to have and additional 30 units to facilitate hanging bags for 2-day events. We found that renting a system would cost around $6300 to rent 90 units and 300 cards for the 5 days of competition. If we rented, we would spend a large amount of money, but not have any equipment to use for other events either before or after the Sierra event. However, if we purchase such a system, (60 units and 300 cards), the cost would cost about $11,000. For 90 units and 300 cards the cost would be about $13,700. We felt this was too large an expenditure for the club to make at this time without knowing exactly how the system would work for the specific needs of BAOC. Joe suggested a trial period using a "bare bones" system with Scarborough Orienteering sharing in the cost and risk. Such a " starter kit" of 20 control units and 50 cards for around $2,600. In order to better accommodate more courses and events, we decided it would be best to purchase a basic system of 30 units and 50 cards for around $3700, plus shipping and customs. Scarborough Orienteering has offered to pay for approximately half of the cost of a $2800 system this cost, so the net cost to BAOC would be $2,300. This would give us an opportunity to try out the system with minimal monetary risk on advanced courses at upcoming B meets this winter and spring. We would also develop some expertise in using the system that will be most helpful for the Sierra 2000 event. By March, we could then make a recommendation on whether the benefits of EP outweigh the work and expense needed to expand the system to offer it for white, yellow, and orange courses. To offer EP on W, Y, and O courses, we would probably need another 30 controls (for a total of 60) and another 50 cards (for a total of 100) at an additional cost of $3000. Also, at the March board meeting, the board could then decide on how to provide EP for the Sierra 2000 O Fest. This will require renting some additional units and cards, the number of which depends on how many units and cards the board decides to purchase. *

*[This event optimally would require 90-100 units and 300-400 cards. We would need to have enough units so that we could put out all of the advanced and orange controls (approximately 70-80 for the 2 days) by Friday for the weekend events, and hang the 20-25 W and Y controls the on the morning of the competition. If the board decides to purchase a total of 60 units and 100 cards, we would only have to rent 30-40 units for 2 days (instead of 5) at a cost of around $300, and rent another 200-250 cards. Rental fees paid by the entrants would cover the club's expense of renting. If the board decides not to purchase any additional units over the initial starter set, we could rent the additional 60 units at a cost of $1165 for the 5 days and the 250-300 cards necessary.]

The committee feels that EP can be used at A meets, B meets, and training events. The advantages of EP are providing the state of the art technology for the competitors, virtually instantaneous results, individual split times as the competitor leaves the finish chute, and final results that will include the split times of all competitors. BAOC, as one of the largest clubs in the US, and also as the host of the USOF Convention, should take a leadership role in EP, and provide it at the Sierra 2000 O Fest. The word of mouth that we are considering offering EP at the Sierra 2000 event has generated a lot of interest and may increase attendance at that event.