Incident: Competitor started the timer improperly, only visible with frame-by-frame video analysis

Many instances of results where timers were started in ways that violated Regulation A4b and/or Regulation A4b1 were discovered, but were not visible when viewing footage at full speed.

A4b) The competitor uses their fingers to touch the elevated sensor surfaces of the Stackmat timer. The competitor's palms must be facing down, and located on the side of the timer that is closer to the competitor. Penalty: time penalty (+2 seconds).
A4b1) The competitor must have no physical contact with the puzzle while starting the solve. Penalty: time penalty (+2 seconds).

Previously, the WRC only viewed footage at full speed to determine penalties, based on this incident. After further discussion, the WRC decided to change its approach to use frame-by-frame analysis to determine penalties on certain results as described here, and with the permission of the WCA Board of Directors, to do so retroactively on past results. As a result, the WRC analyzed various results and applied the corresponding penalties to applicable cases.

The approach used by WRC to analyze timer starts in this case can be seen as follows:
1. The video’s frame rate is determined, and the time of the attempt in frames is calculated and rounded up (Example: 0.74 Seconds = 44.4 frames, rounded up to 45 frames @ 60 FPS).
2. The first frame in which the timer could have been stopped is determined. If there are two frames where the timer could have been stopped (i.e. the stop likely happened in between two frames), the earlier frame is selected. At least two members must confirm the timer stop frame.
3. The video is rewound by the number of frames calculated in step 1. The frame that the video ends up on after the rewind is considered the timer start and used as a basis to analyze for penalties. At least two members must confirm the timer start frame.
4. A penalty is only applied if the WRC strongly believes that a violation of the Regulation(s) occurred. This is determined through a vote.

For more details regarding the affected attempts, please see this announcement on the final WRC decision.

The WCA Regulations will be updated to reflect this change in the WRC’s approach.