{"id":3825,"date":"2023-02-28T00:44:53","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T22:44:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/raceid.com\/organizer\/?p=3825"},"modified":"2024-06-12T15:15:26","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T13:15:26","slug":"can-i-use-google-forms-to-process-race-registrations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/raceid.com\/organizer\/registration-tools\/can-i-use-google-forms-to-process-race-registrations\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Use Google Forms to Process Race Registrations?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Article updated 12 June 2024.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Are you considering using Google Forms<\/a> to take registrations for your race, but unsure if it\u2019ll do the job? This article will help you in the decision making process. We look at the pros and cons of using Google Forms and compare those to RaceID (or using a proper Event Management System for races in general!).<\/span><\/p>\n

About Google Forms\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n

Google forms is a web-based tool that creates forms (surveys, quizzes and questionnaires) quickly and easily. It\u2019s free to use with a Google account – and importantly for race organizers, responses can be downloaded into spreadsheet format. It can also be customized (sort-of) with various templates, and answers can be text, multiple choice, scaled ratings and more. It is designed for use in conducting surveys, gathering feedback and collecting data, either for research or business purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reasons why some race organizers choose to use Google Forms:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. They are new to race organization and think \u201cHey, I just need a list of participants’ names and birthdays, right?\u201d.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. They want the absolute cheapest possible method of gathering basic registration data (free)<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Familiarity with the way Google products work<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Secure payment is not important, they want to rely on participants remembering to bank-transfer or bring cash to the race with them.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. The look or brand of their race is unimportant – the lack of professionalism of a Google Form is of no concern.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Usually, a small race organizer, who is relatively new and maybe wanting to \u2018test out\u2019 being a race director, who feels short on time and has other higher priority tasks to solve in a short space of time will go for such a basic option as a Google Form.<\/span><\/p>\n

    About RaceID<\/span><\/h1>\n

    RaceID is purpose built as an event management system and is specifically designed with both race organizers and participants in mind. RaceID automates the registration process, generates starlists, assigns bib-numbers and takes secure payments. It\u2019s designed to be easy to use but has numerous additional features that race organizers can take advantage of to <\/span>grow their race required for a professional and financially sustainable event<\/b><\/a> – year after year.<\/span><\/p>\n

    RaceID also has two apps for mobile or tablet devices. One app is for organizers with a built in race-timing function and automatic start-list and result lists, as well as participant messaging function.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The participant app is designed so that racers can find and enter a race in just two clicks. Participants can also follow friends and all historic results are securely saved. If you\u2019re not familiar with the app, I usually describe it as a cross between Airbnb and Strava.<\/span><\/p>\n

    RaceID vs Google Forms Chart<\/span><\/h1>\n

    \"Chart<\/h3>\n

    Google Forms<\/span><\/h3>\n