Eagle Eye Timing Systems provide state-of-the-art photo-finish timing technology that meets and exceeds the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.

Our systems are designed to ensure precise timing for competitive events, adhering to the recommendations of the World Athletics governing body.

Fully Automatic Timing Definition

Fully Automatic Timing – or FAT – is the standard required today by every regulatory body in Track & Field. In general, the requirements of an approved FAT system include:

1) The timing must be started automatically by the signal from the starting apparatus (like a starter pistol in Track and Field).

2) It must be capable of timing to a precision of at least 1/100th second.

3) The system must be capable of producing printed images showing the proof of the resulting times.

FAT is mandated for record ratification at all levels, from the World Athletics (WA), United States Track & Field Association (USATF), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS).

If, and only if, a timing system meets all of these requirements, can it be used to sanction meet results for new state, national, and international records. Are FAT Systems.

Of note, while FAT is considered 100fps or higher, it may be more appropriate to utilize higher frame rates to assist with breaking ties.

Certification by Governing Body

Photo-finish systems are not technically certified by specific governing bodies such as World Athletics, USATF, NCAA and NFHS.

Instead they must meet published technical specifications. Eagle Eye timing systems meet and exceed all rulebook specs for the above organizations

Required Testing & Certification

The primary "new" protocol for photo-finish calibration in sports, as recommended and often required by governing bodies like World Athletics (TR19. 13(165)) and the NCAA, is that timing equipment must be certified and recalibrated by the manufacturer or an accredited lab at least every four years.

Each Eagle Eye timing system is tested and confirmed for accuracy before shipping. Each new system is considered certified and legal for a period four years (the duration listed in the rulebooks).

Certificate of Compliance

As of November 2025, rulebook authorities have provided little guidance.

Timers who wish to return their system for testing to meet WA or NCAA guidelines may contact us at support@eagleeyetrack.com for details.

As the maker of Eagle Eye timing systems, we are committed to conducting the necessary certification process required and provide the appropriate documentation.

Of note, the NFHS does not require recalibration or testing.

Mandatory Recertification Interval

The most significant standard is the regular, mandatory maintenance and certification interval of a maximum of four years.

Eagle Eye systems are designed to not only meet but exceed the standards set forth by various governing bodies in athletics:

World Athletics: Our timing systems comply with the recommendations of the World Athletics governing body, ensuring international competition standards.

USA Track & Field (USATF): Our systems meet or exceed USATF rulebook requirements, providing confidence for competitions at all levels.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): We adhere to NCAA standards, ensuring that our timing solutions are suited for collegiate events.

National Federation of High Schools
It is important to note that while our systems meet rigorous standards, the National Federation of State High School Associations does not mandate specific fully automatic timing standards in their rulebook. This allows for flexibility in timing methods while still providing our customers with a reliable and advanced timing solution.

Conclusion
Eagle Eye Timing Systems is committed to providing innovative solutions that enhance the accuracy and reliability of athletic timing.

Our photo-finish systems are equipped with advanced features, such as Zero Test Mode and superior frame rates, making them a top choice for event organizers.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our customers have a clear understanding of the capabilities of our systems and the compliance standards we uphold.

Eagle Eye photo-finish timing systems feature a Zero Test Mode that allows users to validate synchronization with starting devices, such as starting guns.

This mode is crucial for ensuring the system responds instantaneously to the start of an event. The overall delay for signal processing in this test mode is less than 1 millisecond, guaranteeing exceptional timing precision.

The purpose of the Zero Test Mode in the Eagle Eye Timing System is to allow users to validate and ensure proper synchronization between the timing system and starting devices, such as starting guns. This mode serves several key functions:

1. Validation of Synchronization: It enables users to test that the timing system accurately responds to the start signal provided by the starting device, ensuring that both systems are fully synchronized.

2. Minimizing Delay: The Zero Test Mode significantly reduces the overall delay in signal processing to less than 1 millisecond, which is crucial for achieving high accuracy in timing events. This quick response is essential for competitive sports where fractions of a second can determine outcomes.

3.Enhancing Reliability: By conducting tests in this mode, users can confirm the reliability and functionality of the timing system before an event, ensuring that it operates as intended.

4. Increasing Confidence: This feature provides event organizers and athletes confidence the timing system will deliver precise and accurate results during competitions.

In summary, the Zero Test Mode is vital for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the Eagle Eye Timing System in competitive athletic events.

Eagle Eye photo-finish systems confirm frame rates greater than 1,000 frames per second (fps), enabling accurate capture of every moment during an event.

This high frame rate translates to a measurement accuracy of a thousandth of a second, ensuring that athletes are timed accurately, down to the finest detail.

High Accuracy: The system must be accurate to at least 1/100th of a second (0.01s), but high-level competitions prefer and use systems accurate to at least 1/1000th of a second (0.001s).

In summary, the frame rate itself is less important than the overall system's ability to provide a fully automatic, digitally synchronized, and highly accurate (to at least 0.01s, preferably 0.001s) time linked to the official start signal, using a line-scan method.