In many sports, a competition number is used to identify and differentiate the competitors taking part in a competitive endeavour. For example, runners in a race may wear prominent competition numbers so that they may be clearly identified from a distance. Competition numbers are differentiated from uniform numbers in that the former are used for a specific event (for example, competition numbers worn by marathon runners) while the latter persist over time through multiple events, seasons, or sometimes an entire career (for example, uniform numbers worn by Major League Baseball players).
Competition numbers may also be called bib numbers when worn on bibs over, or affixed to, the athletes' tops.[1][2] With new technology, bibs might contain timing chips for electronic identification.[3][4] In addition to identifying an athlete, many high profile events also imprint sponsor logos. In such high profile events, bib numbers are mandatory. Failure to wear them could make an athlete subject to disqualification.[5]
- ^ "What are Bib Numbers and Racing Bibs?". runningcount.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- ^ Rossen, Jake (August 15, 2016). "Why Do Some Olympic Athletes Wear Paper Numbers?". mentalfloss.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- ^ "BibTag System". mylaps.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- ^ "Innovative Timing Systems Chips". innovativetimingsystems.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
- ^ "Rules: Event Entry & Registration Requirements". lamarathon.com. Los Angeles Marathon. Retrieved April 10, 2020.