Designing
a Usable Entry Form
One
area often over looked when designing an effective race
application is the entry form. This is the portion of
the application that the race entrant fills in with their
personal data. This information is then entered into a
computer for results processing. If done correctly, results
processing and after race follow-up is a much easier task.
Avoid
straight lines – Try to avoid using straight lines
for critical information. Lines allow for too much creativity.
Lines (or fill in the blank) allow users to write in cursive.
This can be difficult to read depending on the legibility
of the handwriting so printing is preferable. This is
especially true during race day registration when an entrant
in nervous or hurried and will scribble information. Instead
use blocks (see sample
entry form). This way you force the entrant to
print, thus saving valuable time during data entry and
reducing the need for name spelling corrections after
the race is over. Also make sure the blocks are large
enough to write in. Small blocks will defeat the purpose
of trying to keep the information legible.
Give
clear instructions – It a good idea to point out that
the entry form should be filled in neatly and be complete.
I like to include the following instruction on top of
the entry: “Please print neatly and fill out completely
(entries without age and gender will not be eligible for
age group awards.)”. It is surprising the number of
people who neglect to fill in their age and gender. Figuring
out their gender usually is not much of a problem unless
you are dealing with non-gender specific names like Pat
or Chris.
Get
the Vitals – The main part of your application should
ask for first name, last name, address, city, state, zip
code, age and gender. The mailing information is important
if you plan to send this year's entrants an application
for next year’s event. Age and gender are important for
age group awards.
Get
the Extras – In today’s electronic society email has
become very common. Email address information is worth
gathering for several reasons. First, it will allow you
to send updates on your event to entrants and it will
give you another avenue for marketing future events. Not
everyone has an email address, however almost everyone
has a phone. Gathering phone numbers can be critical if
for example you need to postpone at the last minute. Race
directors in New England are faced with this challenge
every winter.
Special
divisions – Where applicable special categories (for
example weight divisions and team/club designation) should
be included on the entry form.
Waiver
of Liability – The content of the waiver varies depending
on a number of variables (municipalities, sponsors, weather
conditions, etc.). There are other factors such as wheelchair
athletes, baby joggers or pets you need to consider. All
this needs to be included in your waiver. The Road Runners
Club of America provides a boilerplate for waiver content.
For more information see www.rrca.org. It is also a good idea to check
with your legal council on this matter.
Signature
– Do not accept any applications that are not signed.
If the runner is under 18 then a parent or guardian needs
to acknowledge the Waiver of Liability by signing.
No
Refunds – If you do not intend on giving refunds,
make sure to spell this out on your entry form.
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