Counting runners at the start.

[fozzy]

Any number of my examples above that have the potential for double or mis-counting

This is why I favour the SI system - it reduces the mis-counting error - you must dib at each CP and the finish and download. And you can include an extra check at the start if required.

Barring technical failure (which is unlikely - happens very rarely at orienteering events) and idiocy, you will always get an accurate count. If necessary, it can be backed up with "traditional" paper recording as well.

[fozzy]

Richard, 'idiocy' or at least 'human beings' is/are the key word(s) I'm sorry to say. As a marshal in charge of a PBR changeover point over several years, I have had runners not knowing how to 'dib', failing to 'dib', failing to hand over the dibber or the outgoing pair failing to collect, attempting to double 'dib' outside the SI tolerance, and on and on. Technology is only as good as the people using it. This is my point; we can try to develop methods of running fell races as reliably and safely as possible, but unless everyone co-operates and plays their part, we will always suffer problems from time to time. The key to safeguarding everyone including the RO is to acknowledge those flaws exist.

True and I completely agree

[Welsh Harrier]

what happened when the contact & emergency contact numbers of the "missing" runner were phoned (before searchers were sent out)?

in any case, this is another example of a "short" count

I'm still waiting for an example of a "long" count - i.e. where a runner is still out but the finish check tallies...

Welsh Harrier - did you ever find out how they thought this had happened to you?

Yes - an unregistered runner had come through ahead of me!!

My best idea yet is that we should all have chips on our shoulders!

[DazTheSlug]

Yes - an unregistered runner had come through ahead of me!!

was the unregistered runner somehow coincidentally wearing your number?

if not, how were you ticked off?

surely RO's don't rely purely on bulk counts?

[wynn]

Seems to me that regardless of how you plan, life and runners can and will balls it up..... we have a system that mostley works for us..
1. only give numbers out on the day - this gives you a true count of runners
2. have very experienced marshals - especially finish and results
3. check the carpark and don't assume
4. check the tops checkpoints
5. ban anyone failing to notify you of a retirement and let the fra know what has happened