With the release of the new Timex watch that connects to the 3G network without a phone to offer real time positioning, the proliferation of cameras like GoPro, VIRB, etc being mounted to everything that moves, and apps being created for iPhone & Android that can do just about everything else these days, do you think WTC will start to look at their rules on passive electronic devices & make adjustments? It seems that allowing some technology will be unavoidable (e.g. 3G integration into watches), but should they also start allowing other passive devices that are currently banned?
I get the rules that do not allow 2-way communication devices, which is why I doubt we will see any changes for apps on a smartphone. But should passive recording & one-way transmission devices be permitted, or should WTC stick with the current rules & continue to blanket ban nearly all technology outside of GPS watches?
They will have to adapt. Technology will force them to adapt or they will be left behind. Athlete tracking is the next big thing for spectators so it’s only a matter of time
They will adapt eventually. I think their main concern is distraction from either communications or from unauthorized music players. Aside from that the gadgets themselves aren’t the concern.
They will adapt eventually. I think their main concern is distraction from either communications or from unauthorized music players. Aside from that the gadgets themselves aren’t the concern.
But that’s where the grey line is drawn. If it was a hard line at communication devices and music players, I get it. But GoPro cameras & live tracking via cellular device is banned. That’s what I think is behind the times.
I’m not sure your embedded premise really makes logical sense. There are a lot of sponsors for Pro Football, etc, whose products are not allowed on the field.
Certainly, however, IM and others will have to adapt to emerging technology.
I’m not sure your embedded premise really makes logical sense. There are a lot of sponsors for Pro Football, etc, whose products are not allowed on the field.
Certainly, however, IM and others will have to adapt to emerging technology.
GoPro & Timex are WTC sponsors. Their products have a direct use & application on an Ironman course.
Let’s look at the list of NFL sponsors. The ones in bold are pretty much the only ones that could be used in a game situation & all but one (Bose) are used:
Anheuser-BuschBarclaysBose - Sideline headsets are MotorolaBridgestoneCampbell Soup CompanyCastrolDairy Management, Inc. (DMI/National Dairy Council) - Chocolate Milk maybe, but I bet there is some kind of dairy product in that locker roomExtreme NetworksFedExFrito-LayGatorade - Found on every sideline & poured on every winning coachGeneral MotorsLenovo - Lots of computers are used to make a game run smoothlyMarriottMars SnackfoodMcDonald’sMicrosoft - See Lenovo above
Kinect for XBOX 360SurfaceWindows 8National Guard (Promotional Partner only)NetAppNews AmericaPapa John’sPepsiProcter & Gamble
CoverGirlDuracellGilletteHead & ShouldersOld SpiceTideVicksQuakerSAP AmericasVerizonVisaUSAA
Does the new Timex watch do audio? If so yep, folks would abuse it.
Embedded 3G chipset in the watch itself - Live Tracking via 3G (no phone required)
SOS Mode (safety alerts, no phone required) - 4GB of Music storage space - Instant messaging application (no phone required)
Bluetooth Smart sensor support
Touch screen
I would think that the three key features in bold are the ones that would not pass the letter of the WTC law
So if the watch does not have a speaker in it to hear the stored music, seems it would be legal?
True, but what about the ability to send & receive messages?
Does the new Timex watch do audio? If so yep, folks would abuse it.
Embedded 3G chipset in the watch itself - Live Tracking via 3G (no phone required)
SOS Mode (safety alerts, no phone required) - 4GB of Music storage space - Instant messaging application (no phone required)
Bluetooth Smart sensor support
Touch screen
I would think that the three key features in bold are the ones that would not pass the letter of the WTC law
So if the watch does not have a speaker in it to hear the stored music, seems it would be legal?
Interesting question. If someone wants to be an idiot and use texting on that while in a race, go for it.
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True, but what about the ability to send & receive messages?
True, but what about the ability to send & receive messages?
Interesting question. If someone wants to be an idiot and use texting on that while in a race, go for it.
But isn’t the whole reason for banning cell phones from the course to prohibit remote two way communication of any form?
Again, great question. I have only seen the words audio, which all phone type devices do. So to have a device that only does text,
well, someone can write Charlie and ask.
True, but what about the ability to send & receive messages?
Interesting question. If someone wants to be an idiot and use texting on that while in a race, go for it.
It’s not that simple. With Live Tracking via 3G & Instant messaging you can actually can receive real-time help from your coach, without having to type anything, just read his instructions, which is easy enough.
True, but what about the ability to send & receive messages?
Interesting question. If someone wants to be an idiot and use texting on that while in a race, go for it.
It’s not that simple. With Live Tracking via 3G & Instant messaging you can actually can receive real-time help from your coach, without having to type anything, just read his instructions, which is easy enough.
Great point, outside assistance.
But, here is the existing rule
Illegal Equipment. Any participants who any time uses, wears or carries a headset, radio, headphones, personal audio device, or any other item described in Section 3.4(i) shall be assessed a variable time penalty
i. Unauthorized Accessories. No participant shall, at any time during the event, use or wear a hard cast, headset, radio, personal audio device, or any other item deemed dangerous by the Head Referee. Any violation of this Section shall result in a variable time penalty.
So, the 3.4i would cover.
Seems USAT might need to update the rules to make it real clear if this would be legal or not.
But isn’t the whole reason for banning cell phones from the course to prohibit remote two way communication of any form?
I think there are two things here:
USAT doesn’t allow any audio device, whether it’s one-way or two-way. Any device capable of generating audio falls into this category, including smart phones. You can carry a cell phone with you for emergency purposes, but it has to stay turned off and stored away. If you need to use it, get off the course to make the call then rejoin the race. Can’t have a smart phone mounted on the handlebars, for example.
WTC has a separate rule against any video recording equipment.
Once they figure out how to make money (or publicity) with it, the rule change will follow. I’m just surprised they haven’t cracked this nut yet. As for the worry about outside assistance, I just don’t see it being that big of a deal. If competitors want to pay for coach time for someone to give them split info then it just gives more employment opportunity in the sport. My inclination would be to go for a model where everyone who wants the info uses apps that can make their location public. In other words, if you want to use location based technology then the data is available for producing a real time map of the race and other things that could be useful for spectators near and far.
