> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.runonrufus.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.runonrufus.com/rufus-cloud/race-app/penalty-and-bonus.md).

# Penalty & Bonus

The **Penalty & Bonus** view allows judges to apply time adjustments or status changes to participants during race operations. All actions are synchronized with **RUFUS Race Manager (RRM)** and remain fully audit-visible.

This view is used when Race Control needs to modify classification or participant status based on official decisions.

<figure><img src="/files/JRJxmznkgQsiC8r7Jsxd" alt="" width="360"><figcaption><p>Penalty &#x26; Bonus Screen</p></figcaption></figure>

## What Penalty & Bonus Does

The Penalty & Bonus module sends race actions that directly affect participant results.

It allows judges to:

* Add time (Penalty)
* Subtract time (Bonus)
* Change participant status (DNS, DNF, DSQ, DNQ)

These actions are recorded as Race App actions and are visible in the Race Notifications panel inside Race Manager.

## Selecting a Participant

To apply an action:

1. Enter the bib number.
2. Confirm the participant preview.
3. Choose the desired action mode.

The participant preview shows:

* Name
* Race distance
* Category

Always verify the correct athlete before sending.

## Applying a Penalty

A **Penalty** adds seconds to the participant’s time.

Steps:

1. Select **Penalty (+)**.
2. Enter the number of seconds.
3. Add a clear reason.
4. Press **Send**.

Best practice:\
Always include a specific reason. This is audit-visible inside Race Manager and may be reviewed post-race.

Example reasons:

* Drafting violation
* Missed checkpoint
* False start
* Penalty box

## Applying a Bonus

A **Bonus** subtracts seconds from the participant’s time.

Steps:

1. Select **Bonus (-)**.
2. Enter the number of seconds.
3. Add a reason.
4. Press **Send**.

Bonuses should be used only when authorized by Race Control.

## Status Changes (Exclusion)

The **Exclude** mode allows you to change a participant’s status:

* DNS (Did Not Start)
* DNF (Did Not Finish)
* DSQ (Disqualified)
* DNQ (Did Not Qualify)

Status changes modify classification and are immediately visible in Race Manager.

Always provide a clear and descriptive reason for traceability.

## Live Activity Integration

All Penalty & Bonus actions appear in **Live Activity**, showing:

* Participant
* Action type
* Seconds applied (if applicable)
* Reason
* Sending status

Statuses:

* Pending
* Sending
* Sent
* Failed

If offline, actions queue and sync automatically once connectivity returns.

## Audit and Traceability

Penalty & Bonus actions are:

* Append-only
* Logged at Cloud level
* Visible in Race Manager
* Linked to the judge name used at login

This ensures full operational accountability.

## Operational Best Practices

* Confirm bib before applying changes.
* Always include detailed reasons.
* Coordinate via Team Chat before applying major status changes.
* Monitor Live Activity to ensure actions are Sent.
* Avoid duplicate submissions.

## Summary

Penalty & Bonus allows controlled and traceable participant time adjustments and status changes directly from the field. Every action is synchronized with Race Control and recorded for audit and post-race review.