Quote Originally Posted by PLuto View Post
I dont know how is it in UK, but on international scene (and also in Czech for example) there are photocells 40 cm behind the start line and they are connected to printer and clocks. It is automatic process and if there is jump start, it is printed and no other chance than to give penalty. But for sure, photocell is not just on start line, so if you start just before zero and cross the line earlier (but in time for line of photocell), it is ok.
Hi Pluto
Many events in the UK, but not all, have a timing beam on the start line but the regulations say that a jump start, even with a beam, has to be reported by the timekeeper. It is then a Clerk of the Course decision whether to apply a penalty. As the standard penalty in the UK is 1 minute (not 10 s) many clerks don't apply the penalty unless the report and the clocks show 2 seconds or more. This makes stage timing to 0.1 seconds nonsense and frustrates me. Having worked in results on many events to both UK and FIA regulations, I much prefer the FIA system.