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 may range from a couple events per season to every week. They are typically unsanctioned and target local racers. Tier 3 events are used as a fun and consequence free way to give racers experience. These events typically attract under 150 athletes and provide a limited set of categories open to anyone.

Examples include:

• regional race series
• weekly club races

Citizen Events

These are once per season events that are typically sanctioned by the provincial sport governing body They target citizen racers who may be competing for cash or equivalent prizes or simply out for fun. These events can attract any numbers of racers from less than 100 to thousands depending on popularity.

Examples include:

• loppets
• ski marathons