A revolutionary athletics innovation developed by the sport, for the sport is quietly transforming the way races begin across the UK. Since its inception in 2016, TESS – The Electronic Start System – has matured into a reliable and widely used alternative to traditional starter equipment, enhancing both safety and efficiency in track and field competition.

As first reported in 2019 following an innovation award from European Athletics, the project began when UK Athletics set out to explore modern alternatives to long-standing practices involving traditional starting devices. Experienced Level 4 starter Chris Wood was asked to explore a viable solution – one that would be intuitive for officials, clear for athletes, and simple to deploy at all levels of competition.

The first TESS systems were taken up by Scottish Athletics in 2018, followed by Athletics Northern Ireland. Despite a pause in competitions during the pandemic, development accelerated behind the scenes, resulting in a refined and modular system ready for widespread use.

As of May 2025, more than 70 TESS systems are in operation across the UK, from grassroots club meets to national championships. Whether in Orkney or Plymouth, local leagues or major invitationals, TESS has become a familiar and trusted part of the starting procedure.

“The feedback has been consistent – TESS does exactly what it promises. It’s reliable, practical, and designed to make the official’s job easier and the athlete experience smoother,” said Chris Wood, developer of the system.

The system’s modular design is a key strength. At its core is a Control Unit that triggers the start, activates Photo Finish timing, and sends commands to wireless horn sounders and synchronized flash units. It’s a setup that improves clarity for both athletes and officials.

Key components include:

– Horn Sounders for delivering the start signal across the stadium.

– Remote Flash Units to assist timekeepers and spectators.

– Radio Microphones for clear commands from starters.

– Wireless Recall Fobs to safely recall a race when needed.

The most widely adopted setup is the “Club System” – a comprehensive, portable configuration that suits a wide range of event types.

TESS is now used at events including the English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish Championships, BUCS, the Manchester International, Loughborough International, English Schools, County Championships, and even the World Transplant Games.

As athletics continues to embrace innovation, TESS stands as a homegrown success story – a modern solution informed by deep knowledge of the sport, now helping to shape its future from the first sound of the start.

UKA CEO Jack Buckner said: “This has been a great scheme from the outset – practical, forward-thinking, and rooted in the needs of our officials and athletes. It’s superb to see the sport benefitting from such innovation, and we hope TESS continues to grow and go from strength to strength.”