To help target information for timing events, it is useful to classify these events into tiers. These tiers are based of the event’s:

• frequency in a season
• sanctioning
• targeted athletes
• impact of results
• number of athletes
• available categories

Tier 1 Events

These are the top level of events run nationally with a around 4 events being run across a country in a season. They are typically sanctioned by the national sport governing body and target national development athletes. Tier 1 events are used as qualifying criteria for international events so the results of these events are generally career altering. These events typically attract 300-800 athletes and offer only competitive categories for the older racers.

Examples include:

• NorAm series
• national championships
• large or highly competitive tier 2 events

 Tier 2 Events

These are provincial level events with around 4 events being run across a province in a season. They are typically sanctioned by the provincial sport governing body and target provincial and club level athletes. Tier 2 events are used as qualifying criteria for provincial teams but still retain an element of fun. These events typically attract 100-400 athletes and provide a full spectrum of age categories and target both competitive and recreating racers.

Examples include:

• provincial level races
• provincial championships

Tier 3 Events

These are regional or club level events that are sanctioned by the provincial sport governing body. They may be primarily for the development stages, inter-club events, or participation-focused community or popular events.

Examples include:

• regional race series
• weekly club races
• loppets
• ski marathons