Timing System Integration Guide
Connect professional timing systems like SportIdent to automatically import race results, match participants by bib numbers, and seamlessly integrate timing data with your event management.
What is Timing System Integration?
Automated Result Import
Import timing results directly from professional timing systems with one click—no manual data entry required.
- • Import finish times automatically
- • Match results to participants
- • Real-time result updates
Smart Category Mapping
Intelligent mapping between timing categories and your registration categories ensures accurate result placement.
- • Automatic category suggestions
- • Flexible mapping configuration
- • Validation and error checking
Seamless Integration
Results integrate automatically with scoring, standings, and participant profiles—all your systems work together.
- • Auto-calculate points
- • Update live standings
- • Link to participant accounts
Supported Timing Systems
SportIdent
Professional Timing System
Industry-leading timing system used worldwide for orienteering, running, cycling, and multi-sport events.
More Coming Soon
Additional Integrations
We're actively working on integrations with more popular timing systems.
Getting Started with SportIdent
Step 1: Connect Account
Connect Your SportIdent Account
First, connect your SportIdent account to enable timing system integration. Your API key is encrypted and stored securely.
Log in to your SportIdent account and navigate to Settings → API Access to generate your API key
Navigate to your Covaera dashboard and click the "SportIdent" tab in the sidebar
Paste your SportIdent API key and click "Connect Account" to test the connection
See confirmation that your SportIdent account is connected and ready to use
Step 2: Assign Bib Numbers
Assign Bib Numbers to Participants
Bib numbers are the critical link between timing results and registered participants. Make sure every participant has a bib number assigned.
Go to Event Dashboard → Attendees tab → Use the "Assign Bib Numbers" tool to automatically or manually assign numbers
Bib numbers can be assigned during the registration process if you enable that option in your event settings
Edit individual attendee records to add or update bib numbers as needed
Without bib numbers, timing results cannot be automatically matched to participants. Assign bib numbers before race day!
Step 3: Configure Event
Connect SportIdent to Your Event
Link your SportIdent timing system to your specific event and configure the integration settings.
Go to Event Dashboard → Timing System tab
Click "Connect SportIdent to Event" and enter your SportIdent Event ID
Use the "Test Connection" button to verify your timing system is properly configured
Step 4: Category Mapping
Configure Category Mapping
Map your timing system categories to your registration categories to ensure results are properly categorized.
Automatic Suggestions
The system automatically suggests category mappings based on your registered participants. Simply review and adjust as needed.
Step 5: Import Results
Sync Timing Data
Once your event is complete, sync timing data with one click. Results are automatically matched to participants and integrated with scoring.
Click "Sync Timing Data" to fetch results from SportIdent and import them automatically
Results are matched to participants using bib numbers with intelligent category validation
Results automatically integrate with scoring, standings, and participant profiles
Understanding Category Mapping
Category mapping ensures timing results are correctly matched to your registration system, even when category names differ between systems.
Why It Matters
How It Works
Import Options
Allow Category Mismatch
Import results even if category names don't match exactly
Skip Unmatched Bibs
Skip timing results that don't have matching participant records
Overwrite Existing
Replace existing results when re-importing timing data
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Error: "No attendee found for bib X"
The timing result couldn't be matched to a registered participant.
- • Verify the participant has the correct bib number assigned in the Attendees tab
- • Check for typos in bib number assignments
- • Ensure the participant's registration status is "active" (not cancelled)
- • If needed, manually assign the correct bib number and re-sync
Warning: Category Mismatch
The timing category doesn't match the participant's registration category.
- • Review and update your category mappings in the Timing System tab
- • Enable "Allow Category Mismatch" if the categories are close enough
- • Verify participants are registered in the correct categories
- • Contact SportIdent support if their categories are incorrect
Error: Connection Test Failed
Unable to connect to the timing system API.
- • Verify your API key is correct and hasn't expired
- • Check SportIdent Event ID is entered correctly
- • Ensure your SportIdent account has API access enabled
- • Re-connect your SportIdent account from the dashboard
- • Contact support if the issue persists
Info: No Timing Results Found
The sync completed but no timing results were available.
- • Verify the event has finished and timing data is uploaded to SportIdent
- • Check the SportIdent Event ID is correct
- • Wait for timing data to be processed by SportIdent (may take a few minutes)
- • Try syncing again after a short delay
Best Practices
Before the Event
- ✓Connect your SportIdent account well in advance
- ✓Assign bib numbers to all participants before race day
- ✓Configure category mappings ahead of time
- ✓Test the connection to verify everything works
- ✓Provide bib numbers to participants with their registration confirmation
After the Event
- ✓Wait for SportIdent to fully process all timing data
- ✓Review the sync report for errors or warnings
- ✓Resolve any category mismatches or unmatched bibs
- ✓Verify results are correctly displayed in standings
- ✓You can re-sync anytime if corrections are needed
For Accuracy
- ✓Use consistent category naming between systems when possible
- ✓Double-check bib number assignments for accuracy
- ✓Review category mappings before first sync
- ✓Enable "Skip Unmatched Bibs" to avoid importing incorrect data
- ✓Keep a backup of timing data from your timing system
Pro Tips
- →Save category mappings for recurring events
- →Test with a small event first if you're new to timing integration
- →Communicate bib numbers clearly to participants
- →Have a backup plan for manual result entry if needed
- →Contact support if you need help with complex category mappings
Ready to Get Started?
Connect your SportIdent account now and start automatically importing timing results for your events.