The Timekeeper
Timekeeper is just one of those jobs, depending on the electronic system being used, that’s either really quite pleasant or… a challenge to say the least. The main job of the timekeeper, as the name might suggest, is to control the athletes’ clock in line with the calling order. However, sometimes this may also involve taking information from the Chief Marshal, via phone or radio, and updating the scoreboard alongside stopping and starting the clock at the right intervals. It really does depend. The new BWL system OWL competition manager, simplifies the role of the timekeeper by taking away the need for phones and radios, as the chief marshal makes the changes directly to the scoreboard as the athlete cards are altered (see here for more information). However, the IWF system still requires the timekeeper to manage both jobs, which honestly, once you settle in, isn’t too bad.
The main thing to remember when you’re timekeeper is that you need to be as focused as possible on that platform, you need to be communicative with the speaker and sometimes the loaders, but mostly, you need to be aware of what’s happening with the scoreboard and the calling order, and with the athlete on the platform. We’ve tried to make the key points to remember for this role as simple as possible, but as always, if you’ve got questions, just drop us a line in the contact us box.
The main role of the timekeeper
- The timekeeper sets and starts the clock for the 10 mins warm up immediately after the presentation of the lifters.
- Once the 10 minutes have expired, the timekeeper then sets the clock for 1 minute for the first lifter.
- As the athlete approaches the bar, keep a very keen eye on the barbell, stop the clock only once the barbell has left the platform. If the athlete does not reach the knees with the bar and replaces it on the platform, restart the clock, stopping it again once the athlete restarts the lift. Remember that once the bar has passed the knee, the athlete can not restart the lift so.
- The clock must be stopped in order for the referees to adjudicate the lift on the electronic system, so pay close attention and ensure you stop the clock.
- If using the OWL CM system, it will very cleverly adjust the clock for the next athlete due on the platform.
- The loaders will now either adjust the weights for the next athlete called, or tighten the barbell collars and re centre the bar dependent on the requirements.
- If you notice the loaders have left the platform, and the bar is ready, alert the speaker to announce the next lifter, after this announcement, you may start the one minute clock for the next athlete.
- During this time, it is important you keep your eye on the scoreboard, as coaches make changes in the warm up area, if you notice a change to the calling order or the weight on the barbell, stop the clock and alert the speaker.
- If the marshal is not able to make weight changes to the scoreboard, you may be required to do this too. Stop the clock as soon as you know that the weight change is for the next athlete due onto the platform. Make the change to the scoreboard, alert the speaker, and then start the clock again.
General rules for the timekeeper
- Each lifter is given one minute in which to start their attempt. The minute begins immediately after the Speaker has finished calling the lifters name and weight attempt.
- When a Lifter attempts two lifts in succession, they are allowed two minutes in-between attempts. (Most electronic systems will set this time interval for you automatically, however it’s a good idea to be prepared in case the electronic system fails).
- A Lifter who is following themselves, and has two minutes on the clock, will be granted only one minute if while taking two lifts in succession the calling order changes and the clock starts for another lifter. This tactic is often used by coaches to force lifters out onto the platform within the minute of their previous lift. This is a tough one to explain, so here’s a link to the IWF resource and a brief example, to hopefully simplify…
- Athlete A, is due to lift 100kg. The Athlete to follow, Athlete B is opening at 105kg.
- Athlete A is successful in lifting 100kgs, and the automatic increment is applied, making their next lift 101kg.
- As such, Athlete A is following themselves, the Clock is set at 2 minutes, the barbell is loaded and the Athlete A’s name is called. The 2 minute clock now starts.
- Then, Athlete A’s coach makes a change, and they go up to 106kg.
- This alters the calling order, and makes Athlete B the next athlete due on the platform.
- So, the bar is loaded to 105kg but just before Athlete B’s name is called and the clock is set at 1 minute, and started.
- Almost Immediately, Athlete B’s coach makes a change to the athlete card, and they go up to 107kg.
- As the next weight on the bar is 106kg, this forces Athlete A back onto the platform following themselves. However, as Athlete B’s timer had started, even just for a second or two,
Athlete A has lost their 2 minute clock, and as such, a 1 minute clock is set and started
Summary
The timekeeper role is an interesting role, one we think it’s a great opportunity to be focused on the platform and really get to experience the competition from a different perspective. Sometimes the role can be busy, if you’re also covering the scoreboard changes – but don’t fret. Pause the clock as soon as you know the changes are for the next athlete called and take your time – it’s better to get it right than to rush. Here’s our key take home messages for the timekeeper role;
- If you aren’t sure – ask the speaker, it’s very rare that a timekeeper would be sitting in isolation, so, use your colleagues and the BWL staff around you if you need help.
- Keep your eye on the scoreboard for changes.
- Be attuned to the lifter on the platform – be sure to stop the clock.
- Enjoy the view of the athletes on the platform – it’s a great spot for enjoying the lifting and practicing your refereeing calls for each lift.