Frequently Asked Questions
Please know that most of these questions and answers are related to the Clubs located in Southern Nevada and therefore could differ from answers for the same questions in different locations.
May I volunteer to eScribe?
Of course you can! It's best if you are an experienced Scribe and have some familiarity with the Timer Console. If you are completely new to the game, you can learn by sitting with a volunteer who has done the task before.
About eScribe #1
You must have prior Scribe experience and we are happy to teach you eScribe which is done ringside (as usual) on a keypad attached to a computer. It is helpful if you have a general comfort level with a computer keyboard and mouse or touch pad.
About eScribe #2 + Timer
eScribe + Timer is a one-person position who must have prior Scribe and Timer experience. Recording of faults is done with pen and paper on a Fault Sheet similar to how it used to be done on Scribe Sheets. Timer Console is checked to be sure eyes are on and in alignment; and that it starts, continues to run, and stops as expected.
In F.A.S.T., three people are needed because Timer is started by hand for each run and the Console settings are changed at designated height and class changes.
A Little History about eScribe
eScribe (electronic scribing) was created by Steve Herwig, AKC Agility Field Rep & Event Analyst. Since 2007, it has been in use at the AKC Nationals, Invitationals, and the World Team Tryouts.
Judges' calls for exhibitors' runs are scored using a computer and a customized keypad. The Timer Console is plugged directly into the computer and run times are entered automatically. The scores are picked up by a wireless connection to the Secretary computer at approximately 60 second intervals.
In 2011, I (Zee Marie) asked Steve if I could please use it at local agility trials. Upon approval from AKC (along with close monitoring) and updates to the code to include scoring for the Table obstacle, plus F.A.S.T and Time 2 Beat classes, we first used it at the STCA trial on October 8-9, 2011. It was well received, and we were given approval to use it at the next trial.
Steve and I have been working together to make updates where desired, and it just keeps getting better. AKC has given approval for me to continue to use eScribe, and it continues to be well received by judges, exhibitors, and volunteers alike.
Some benefits:
- Run time is no longer entered by hand; only if there is a problem with the Timer Console itself.
- Scribe notations are no longer entered by hand. Edits are only made at the request of the judge.
- Discrepancies between Scribe #1 and Scribe #2 are resolved ringside after each run and include clarification from the judge when needed.
- Fault Logs are printed with multiple runs on a sheet of paper instead of Scribe Sheets (one run per sheet) saving paper, toner, wear and tear on a printer, electricity, and so on.
- Audit Logs are printed for the judge which are easy to review and saves a lot of time compared to reviewing Scribe Sheets.
- A Results laptop may be used to display results typically within 60 seconds of an exhibitor's run. In addition, this laptop can be combined with a Dymo Duo Turbo Label Printer for print-on-demand armband and ribbon labels.