Participant Verification: Identity & Performance

Overview

To maintain the integrity of results and ensure a fair experience, ErgZone offers advanced verification tools. These features are optional and can be enabled for any competition for an additional fees.

1. Identity Verification (via Stripe)

Organizers can require participants to verify their identity and/or nationality during registration. This is the "gatekeeper" tool that ensures every entry is tied to a unique, real person.

• Automated Verification: ErgZone integrates with Stripe Identity to securely verify government-issued documents. Athletes upload an ID and take a selfie; Stripe’s AI confirms the match. .
• Manual Review & Overrides: If a document is slightly worn or the lighting is poor, Stripe may flag it for review. The organizer can then manually approve the entry via the Web Admin.
• Alternative Documents: If an athlete lacks the required automated document (e.g., a Passport), the system allows them to submit an alternative government ID for manual evaluation by the organizer.
• Workout Lock: While a registration is Pending, the athlete is locked out of competition workouts. Access is only granted once the identity is cleared.

2. Performance Verification (Photo Validation)

This tool ensures that the registered athlete is actually the one on the machine.

• The 10-Second Interval: The ErgZone app captures a photo of the athlete every 10 seconds throughout the entire session.
• Organizer Audit: Organizers can scroll through a gallery of these photos in the Web Admin to verify the athlete remained consistent and that equipment requirements were met.
• Transparency: Photos are also available to the athlete in their workout summary, fostering a culture of accountability.

3. Verification Links (YouTube)

A highly flexible tool for events that require specific visual proof that cannot be captured by a still photo.

• Custom Rules: Organizers define what the video must contain. Common rules include showing the athlete on a scale (Lightweight verification) or showing the machine's serial number.
• Post-Workout Submission: Once the workout ends, the athlete is prompted to paste their YouTube link directly into the result summary.
• Use Cases: Ideal for world record attempts, equipment validation, or distance-specific proof.

4. Results Management & Rejection

The Web Admin serves as the "Control Room" for the organizer to enforce competition standards.

• Validation Process: Organizers review the submitted data, photos, and video links.
• The "Reject" Button: If a performance is deemed invalid or the verification is insufficient, the organizer can reject the result.
• Leaderboard Impact: A rejected result is immediately removed from the public leaderboard. The athlete is notified via the app so they can address the issue or re-attempt the session if the rules allow.

Implementation Example: 2026 World Rowing Virtual Series

The 2026 World Rowing Virtual Series utilizes this suite of tools to manage a global field of participants:

• Identity: Stripe Identity and manual review are used to verify the nationality of every participant.
• Performance: Photo validation is enabled to provide a visual audit of sessions.
• Weight Classes: The YouTube link field is used to collect weigh-in videos for all lightweight category competitors.

Note to Organizers: These features require an additional setup fee. To discuss configuration options for your event, please contact ErgZone support.