The Race Notifications widget provides real-time communication between race judges using the RUFUS Race App and race operators working in RUFUS Race Manager (RRM).
It allows race control teams to receive important alerts, decisions, and field updates directly inside the timing interface without interrupting race operations.
Notifications are displayed in chronological order and include contextual information such as:
- The judge who created the alert
- The checkpoint location
- The timestamp of the notification
- Additional descriptive notes when available
This system helps race operators maintain awareness of events happening across the course.
Widget Placement
The Race Notifications widget can appear in two different layouts depending on user preference.
Attached Mode
In attached mode, the widget is docked to the bottom of the interface.
This layout keeps notifications visible while minimizing interference with other parts of the user interface. It is ideal when operators want to monitor alerts continuously during race operations.
Floating Mode
In floating mode, the widget appears as a movable panel above the interface.
This allows race operators to reposition the widget anywhere on the screen while working with other race management views.
Floating mode is useful when notifications need to remain visible while interacting with other panels such as:
- Event Control
- Participant Editor
- Results
- Device Monitoring
Expanded and Collapsed Views
The widget can be displayed in two states.
Expanded View
In expanded mode, the widget shows the full list of notifications.
Each alert card includes:
- Notification title
- Judge name
- Checkpoint location
- Time of creation
- Optional description
This view is typically used when race operators want to review multiple alerts or monitor notifications in real time.
Collapsed View
In collapsed mode, the widget shows only the most recent alert.
This compact view minimizes screen usage while still keeping the race team informed of the latest notification.
Users can expand the widget at any time to see the full alert list.
Notification Categories
Race Notifications are grouped into categories to help organize communication between race officials.
Race Alerts
These notifications report events observed by race judges on the course.
Examples include:
- Lead runner passing a checkpoint
- First female or male participant passing
- Suspicious race situations
- Participants running without a bib
- General race observations
Race alerts help race control monitor race dynamics and detect potential issues quickly.
Penalty & Bonus
This category shows notifications related to penalties or bonuses applied to participants.
Examples include:
- Time penalties for rule violations
- Time bonuses granted by race officials
- Adjustments made during race review
These notifications provide transparency when race decisions affect participant results.
Team Chat
The Team Chat section allows race officials to communicate directly with the race control team.
Messages may include:
- Operational updates
- Course status reports
- Equipment issues
- Coordination between checkpoints
This communication channel keeps race operations synchronized across the event.
Notification Information
Each notification contains contextual information that helps race operators understand the situation quickly.
Typical notification data includes:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Notification Title | Short description of the alert |
| Judge Name | Race official who generated the notification |
| Checkpoint | Location where the event occurred |
| Timestamp | Time when the alert was created |
| Description | Additional details provided by the judge |
How Notifications Are Generated
Race Notifications are generated directly from the RUFUS Race App used by judges on the course.
Judges can:
- Send alerts
- Report race situations
- Apply penalties or bonuses
- Communicate with race control
Once submitted, notifications appear immediately in RRM, allowing the race control team to react quickly.
Summary
The Race Notifications widget acts as a real-time communication bridge between the course and race control.
It allows race operators to:
- Monitor race events live
- Receive alerts from judges
- Track penalties and bonuses
- Communicate with the race team
With flexible layout options and real-time updates, Race Notifications help ensure race operations remain coordinated, informed, and responsive throughout the event.
For more information visit the related article about the RUFUS Race App.