top of page

Learn

What each button does!

​

RUN SCREEN — Button Explanations

  • Judge Lock
    Locks the interface so that only the run screen can be accessed and operated. Prevents accidental taps during a run.

  • Current Runner
    Displays the athlete currently running the course. Tapping their name will allow you to Skip (Move the end) or DNS (Log their results as did not start).

  • Add Event
    Creates a new event/session for recording runs.

  • Event Selector
    List that lets you switch between different events. Tap to change.

  • Start/Stop
    Starts or stops the main timer for the run.

  • Reset
    Resets the timer and all scoring for the current run.

  • Next
    Moves to the runner on the course. Saves the current run to results and brings up the next runner.

  • Finish
    Marks the run as complete. Saves the time, score, and obstacle log.

  • +1 pt
    Adds 1 point to the athlete’s score for partial completion or clear.

  • +2 pts
    Adds 2 points to the athlete’s score for a full clear.

  • Fail
    Marks the athlete as having failed (full fail). Ends the run completly.

  • Miss
    Records a “miss” such as failing to hit a target, touchpoint, or bonus element. Only records 0 pts and allows the run to continue.

  • Obstacle Log
    Shows a list of actions recorded during the run (completions, fails, points, etc.). If you tap on their name you can edit point values mid run.

  • Run (Tab Bar)
    Navigates back to the main Run screen.

  • Settings (Tab Bar)
    Opens the Settings screen.

  • Results (Tab Bar)
    Opens the Results screen.

 

SETTINGS SCREEN — Button Explanations

  • Save Data
    Saves all current settings, obstacles, runner lists, and configuration changes.

  • Obstacle Add
    Adds a new obstacle to the course list. Select 1 or 2 pts for each obstacle.

  • Undo Last
    Reverses the most recently added obstacle to the list.

  • Clear
    Clears the entire obstacle list.

  •  

    Obstacle List Section

  • Name
    Displays the obstacles name. Tapping the name allows renaming, changing the point value or adding a note for future. 

  • Up Arrow
    Moves the obstacle up in the order.

  • Down Arrow
    Moves the obstacle down in the order.

  • X
    Deletes the obstacle from the list.

 

  • Runner Order Add
    Adds a new athlete to the run order.

  •  

    Runner List Section

  • Name
    Displays the runner’s name. Tapping the name allows renaming and adding a note for future

  • Up Arrow
    Moves the runner up in the run order.

  • Down Arrow
    Moves the runner down in the run order.

  • X
    Deletes the runner from the list.

 

  • Secondary Timer

Displays another timer at the bottom of the run screen. Completly independent from the main timer. Used to time rest breaks or time between runs. Start/Stop/Reset all work seperate to everything else.

  • Time Limiter
    Enable/disable a countdown time cap for runs (e.g., 60 seconds). If enabled, runs auto-end at the limit.

  • Vibration (App Only)
    Toggles device vibration feedback on/off.

  • Dark/Light Mode
    Switches the app theme between light mode and dark mode.

  • Sounds
    Opens the sound configuration menu.

  •  

    Sounds Submenu

  • 1 pt
    Select the sound played when +1 is pressed.

  • 2 pts
    Sound for +2 scoring.

  • Miss
    Sound played when a Miss is recorded.

  • Fail
    Sound played for a failed run.

  • Finish
    Sound played when finishing a run.

  • Start (No Sound)
    Option for starting a run silently.

  • Start (Standard)
    Default start beep/tone.

  • Start (Double Click)
    Double-click to start the run. First click plays 3 warning beeps (Boop, Boop, Boop) and the second click will play the starting beep (Beep) and start the run.

 

  • Close Settings
    Exits the Settings screen and returns to Run.

  • Credits
    Shows acknowledgements and relevant info.

  • Clear App Data
    Wipes all saved events, results, obstacles, and runners — resets app to default.

 

RESULTS SCREEN — Button Explanations

  • Clear Results
    Deletes all recorded run results from the active event.

  • Export Results (App Only)
    Exports results using device-native features (e.g., into local files). Works on mobile apps only.

  • Obstacle Analytics
    Shows statistics for each obstacle: fail rates, completion rates, point distribution, etc.

  • Download Obstacle Analytics (App Only)
    Downloads obstacle analytics as a file.

  • Athlete Name
    Filter or select results from a specific athlete and then you can edit results or change what you need.

  • Close Results
    Closes the Results screen and returns to Run.


 

 

How to Use Ninja Timer in 10 steps

 

1. Getting Started with Ninja Timer

 

1.1 Install & Open the App

  1. Open Google Play.

  2. Search “Ninja Timer”

  3. Tap Install → Open.

  4. The splash screen will load with the Ninja Timer icon.
     

 

1.2 First-Time Setup

When the app loads, you will start on the Run tab.

  1. Tap Settings (bottom of the screen).

  2. Choose optional setup items:

    • Dark Mode toggle

    • Vibration On/Off

    • Start Sound Mode (normal / none / double-tap start)

    • Enable Sounds (for points, misses, finish etc.)
       

 

1.3 Navigate the Dashboard

The bottom menu has 3 tabs:

Run

Timing runs, scoring obstacles, managing athletes mid-event

Settings

Change rules, time limits, sounds, app options

Results

View event scores, edit results, export CSV, analytics

 

 

1.4 Create Your First Event

  1. At the top bar on the run screen → swipe through events.

  2. In the event list, type a name into “New Event”.

  3. Tap Add.

  4. Tap the event name to activate it.

(Long-pressing an event name lets you delete it.)

 

 

1.5 Create Your First Training Session

A “session” is just an event with obstacles + athletes.

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Scroll to Obstacles.

  3. Add obstacles one-by-one (more in Section 2 below).

  4. Scroll to Run Orders.

  5. Add athletes.

  6. Return to the Run tab.

  7. Your first session is ready.

 

 2. Event Setup & Management

 

2.1 Add Obstacles

  1. Go to Settings → Obstacles.

  2. Type an obstacle name.

  3. Choose 1pt or 2pt scoring value.

  4. Tap Add.

  5. Repeat for each obstacle.

  6.  

Extra features included in your app:

  • Undo removes the last obstacle.

  • Clear All wipes the entire list.

  • Edit Obstacle: Tap obstacle name → edit name or points.
     

 

2.2 Reorder Obstacles Mid-Event

To reorder:

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Long-press or tap the obstacle in the list.

  3. Use the Edit modal to rename obstacles in a new order.

  4. If needed, delete and re-add obstacles in the right order.

 

 

2.3 Add Athletes, Divisions, Heats

  • Name

  • Notes

  • Ability to skip

  • DNS tagging

  • Run order shuffle

  • Import run order via text
     

To add an athlete:

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Scroll to the Runners Section.

  3. Type their name.

  4. Tap Add.
     

To reorder athletes:

  • Tap Shuffle Run Order in Settings.

  • Or manually skip athletes during the run:

    • Tap the athlete name → Skip sends them to the bottom.
       

To apply divisions/heats manually:

  • Add them into athlete names (e.g. “Sam – U13”).

  • Or use notes when editing runners.
     

 

2.4 Set Up Scoring Rules & Time Limits

  • Time Limiter Mode

  • Countdown Mode

  • Per-event time limits

  • Start sound modes

  • Judge Lock

     

 

3. Timing & Scoring Tutorials

 

3.1 Start a Run

  1. Go to the Run tab.

  2. Select the correct event at the top.

  3. Check Current Runner at the header.

  4. Tap Start

  5. If using double-start mode:

    • Tap once → warning beep

    • Tap again → timer starts
       

 

3.2 Log Obstacle Results in Real Time

The scoring buttons are:

  • +1 Point (Yellow)

  • +2 Points (Orange)

  • Miss (Dark Red)

  • Fail (Red – ends run)
     

How the scoring engine behaves:

For 1-point obstacles:

  • Tap +1 → instantly scores +1

  • Tap Miss → logs Miss

  • If it's the last obstacle → auto Finish
     

For 2-point obstacles:

  • Tap +1 → marks pending 1-point

  • Tap +1 again → finalizes 1

  • Tap +2 → upgrades to 2

  • Tap Miss → overrides pending and finalizes Miss

Pending obstacle is shown live in the obstacle list.

 

 

3.3 Using Stopwatch Mode vs Time Limiter Mode

Stopwatch Mode (normal):

  • Counts upward until stop or fail.

Time Limiter:

  • If enabled, once time = limit → auto fail
     

 

3.4 Using the Secondary Timer

(Example: rest periods, stage bonuses, transition timing)

  1. In Settings, enable Secondary Timer.
     

  2. On the Run tab:

    • Start/Stop secondary timer separately

    • Reset when needed

  3. The timer runs independently from the main timer.
     

 

3.5 Edit Scores After Run

After a run:

  1. Go to Results.

  2. Tap an athlete.

  3. Edit:

    • Individual obstacle times

    • Points

    • Total time

    • Qualified status

    • Notes

  4. Tap Save.
     

 

3.6 Finishing a Run

At the end of the last obstacle:

  • Run auto-finishes

  • A color flash sequence plays

  • Finish sound plays (if enabled)

Or manually tap:

  • Finish

Then:

  • Tap Next to save the run and go to the next athlete.

 

4. Athlete & Heat Management

 

4.1 Add Athletes

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Scroll to Athletes / Runners section.

  3. Type the athlete’s name.

  4. Tap Add.

  5. They will appear in the run order list.
     

 

4.2 Add Notes, Ages, or Divisions

Currently, division/age fields aren't separate, but the app supports notes per athlete inside the result editor.

To use:

  1. Run at least one run OR go to Results.

  2. Tap the athlete in the results list.

  3. In the editor, add notes such as:

    • “U13 Boys”

    • “Beginner”

    • “Needs spotter on warped wall”

  4. Tap Save.
     

 

4.3 Flag Performances

From the results editor:

  1. Open Results tab.

  2. Tap an athlete.

  3. Enable or disable flags:

    • Qualified

    • Reviewed (Add written Notes)

Flags appear next to athlete names in the results table.

 

 

4.4 Mark an Athlete as DNS (Did Not Start)

From the Run → Current Runner:

  1. Tap the athlete name (“Current: ___”).

  2. Choose DNS 

  3. A result is added with:

    • 0 points

    • Time = 0

The runner is then moved to the next athlete automatically.

 

4.5 Skip an Athlete

If someone isn’t ready:

  1. Tap Current Runner.

  2. Press Skip Athlete.

  3. They will be moved to the bottom of the run order.

 

4.6 Shuffle Run Order

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Tap Shuffle Run Order.

  3. Confirm.

  4. The athlete's reorder randomly using a specail shuffle method.

 

 

4.7 Import Run Order (Bulk Add)

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Select Import Run Order.

  3. Paste a list of names (one per line).

  4. Tap Import.

This instantly replaces all current athletes.

 

5. Results & Analytics

 

5.1 Viewing Event Results

  1. Open Results tab.

  2. Tap an athlete to edit their run.
     

 

5.2 Editing Results

Inside the result editor:

You can modify:

  • Obstacle points

  • Obstacle split times

  • Total run time

  • Qualification

  • Notes

  • Review status

  • Obstacle-by-obstacle values (Miss/1/2)

Tap Save to update the event.

 

 

5.3 Export Results to CSV

  1. Go to Results.

  2. Tap Export Results.

  3. Choose a sharing method (AirDrop, email, Google Drive, etc.)
     

The CSV includes:

  • Position

  • Name

  • Qualified

  • Points

  • Time
     

 

5.4 Obstacle Analytics

Your app automatically calculates:

  • Completion percentages

  • Average times per obstacle

  • Total misses, 1-point scores, 2-point scores

  • Fastest/slowest times

  • Overall course difficulty

  • Athlete counts

  • Average course time

  • Fastest and slowest run
     

To export:

  1. Go to Results.

  2. Tap Obstacle Analytics.

  3. Tap  Download Obstacle Analytics

It will generate a full analytics CSV for coaches.

 

 

5.5 Creating Leaderboards & Podiums

  1. Go to Results.

  2. Screenshot or export CSV.

  3. For podiums, the first 3 athletes become 1st, 2nd, 3rd.
     

 

6. Audio & Visual Feedback

 

6.1 Enabling Sound Effects

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Toggle Enable Sounds.

You can independently toggle:

  • Start sound

  • 1-point sound

  • 2-point sound

  • Miss sound

  • Fail sound

  • Finish sound

 

 

6.2 Start Sound Options

Inside Settings → Start Sound Mode:

  • None

  • Normal Start

  • Double Start (warning beep + final beep)
     

 

6.3 Visual Feedback While Timing

The app uses color flash effects for accuracy:

Action Flash Colour

Start = Green

1 Point = Yellow

2 Points = Orange

Miss = Dark Red

Fail = Deep Red

Finish = Multi-colour sequence

These help judges confirm scoring instantly.

 

7. Training & Practice Guides

 

7.1 Using Ninja Timer for Personal Training

  1. Create a New Event called "Training" or "Practice".

  2. Add obstacles you want to train.

  3. Add only your name as the runner.

  4. Use Run tab to record each attempt.
     

 

7.2 Tracking Personal Bests

After each run:

  1. Go to Results.

  2. Compare your current time/points vs previous attempts.

  3. Use notes like “PB on warped wall” or “New total score”.
     

 

7.3 Create Mini-Events

For short sessions:

  1. Create a new event.

  2. Add only 2–3 obstacles.

  3. Set Time Limiter or Countdown mode if desired.

  4. Run multiple quick attempts.
     

 

8. Advanced Features

 

8.1 Custom Scoring Rules

You can customise:

  • Point value per obstacle (1 or 2)

  • Time limiter

  • Judge Lock

  • Start sound mode

  • Per-event time limits

Go to Settings → adjust as needed.

 

 

8.2 Head-to-Head Mode (Multi-Device Required)

  • Use two phones, same obstacle list.

  • Start timers at the same time using double-start mode.

  • Compare Results tab side-by-side.

 

 

8.3 Backups & Restores (Local Save)

Our app autosaves:

  • Events

  • Results

  • Obstacles

  • Athletes

  • Settings

  • Timestamps

You can also manually save:

  1. Go to Settings.

  2. Tap Save Data.

And reset:

  1. Tap Clear All Data (dangerous action).

  2. Confirm the deletion.
     

 

9. Tips & Tricks

 

9.1 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to press Next after finishing a run

  • Using 2pt obstacles without knowing about the pending 1-point

  • Leaving Time Limiter on when running a free-form event

  • Judge Lock turned on → prevents switching tabs
     

 

9.2 Make Your Event Look Professional

  • Add athlete divisions in names (e.g. “Sam – U15”).

  • Export results and share them instantly with parents.

  • Use consistent obstacle naming across events.

  • Turn on Start Sound Mode → Double for high-accuracy starts.

  • Enable Finish sound for crowd feedback.

 

 

9.3 Coaches: Save Time & Accuracy

  • Use the progress bar to track obstacle completion.

  • Miss or Fail buttons help judges quickly record DQs.

  • Secondary timer is perfect for rest periods.

  • Use shuffling for randomised training.

 

10. Community & Engagement

 

10.1 Share Results Live

Ways you can share:

  • Export CSV and upload to Google Sheets (auto-refresh leaderboard).

  • Take screenshots of Results tab for parents.

  • Post podium graphics on social media.
     

 

10.2 Create Highlight Reels

  1. Record runs with your phone.

  2. Combine with obstacle logs + times.

  3. Use apps like CapCut, Insta Reels, TikTok.
     

Ideas:

  • Athlete PB moments

  • Full course clear highlights

  • “Fastest Time of the Night” clips
     

 

10.3 Athletes Tracking Their Progress

Tell athletes to watch:

  • Their total course points

  • Obstacle split times

  • Whether they improve on repeated obstacles

  • Notes you add (coach feedback)

This helps them build confidence and see growth.

​

bottom of page