5 min read
Who can be a helper
Anyone with a phone can help. Helpers do not need an account or the app store — they open a link, see the live race clock, and tap runners as they pass. No training, no stopwatch math.
Share the meet link
Every meet has a single shareable link. Send it in your team group chat the morning of the race. When a helper opens it, their phone locks onto the same official clock as everyone else on the course.
- 1Open the meet and tap “Share with helpers”.
- 2Send the link by text or your team messaging app.
- 3Helpers open it and pick the checkpoint they are covering.
Assigning checkpoints
Post helpers where splits matter most: Mile 1, Mile 2, and the finish are a great default. Each helper claims a checkpoint so you always know who is covering what.
Double coverage is fine
Two helpers on the same checkpoint? XC Splits keeps the cleanest tap per runner, so extra hands only make timing more reliable.
Tips for clean taps
- Stand a few meters past the line so runners are clearly through it.
- Tap on the torso crossing, not the first stride into view.
- If you miss someone, keep going — you can add a late tap in seconds.