Tracking Flags

A tracking test would not run smoothly without an ample supply of flags for marking tracks on plotting day.  Here are some general instructions for making your own set of flags.

*Note:  Samples of flags should be made and tested in your fields before you make an entire set.

TD:

 A complete set of TD flags should include 10 flags or more per track.  You may need more site flags if you have hilly terrain:  as follows:

• Up to 5 corner flags,
• 1 drop flag
• 2 sight flags.
  

Size and Color:

TD flags should be 12” x 13” or larger in size and brightly colored to make them more easily visible on a TD track.  Primary colors such as red, yellow, and blue work well for many clubs.  It is helpful to have different color for each track that is being laid.  By having different colored flag sets, the problem of a tracklayer confusing the flags of one track with the flags of another when two or more tracks are plotted in the same or adjacent
fields is reduced or eliminated.

Within a track set, a good combination of flags is:  9 flags of one color and a drop flag that is very different.  Using the same color for the start flags and the corner flags in the set is convenient, because it permits the track to be referred to by the color of its start flags.

Another method of making the two start flags distinct is to use material with a pattern on it, such as checks or flowers, on a background color which is the same as the color of the corner flags.

The drop flag should be a different color or striped.  The difference in the drop flag color and design will help the tracklayer's attention to the fact that an article needs to be dropped at this point.

TDX:

A complete set of TDX flags includes 15 flags per track, (more site flags if the terrain is hilly), as follows:

• 1 start flag,
• Up to 7 corner flags,
• 2 intermediate drop flags,
• 1 end flag,
• Up to 4 sight flags.
•  4 - 6 cross-track flags

Size and Color:

As with the TD flags, TDX flags should be of a size and color that is easily visible in poor lighting conditions and from considerable distances.  TDX flags should be at least 14” x 15” or more in size. 

It is best if the start, corner, and sight flags (a total of 12) are all the same bright,
primary color.  The 2 drop flags should be distinctively different (such as
red and white striped) and the end flag should be distinctively different from all the other flags in the set (flowered, striped, checked, etc.).

As with TD Flags, if TDX Tests are planned that will have more than four tracks
and a spare, it is desirable to have sets of at least four different colors.  This avoids any tracklayer problems if parts of two or more tracks are plotted in the same or adjacent fields.

Cross-Track Flags should be very different in color and design from the colors of
all the flags used to mark the tracks themselves.  The best color choice for cross-track flags may be a red and white check, pale green, or plain white.  Each track will require as few as four to as many as six cross-track flags, depending on the layout.  A good average may be six.  Therefore, if a full test with six tracks and a spare is envisioned, thirty-five cross-track flags may be needed.

FLAG RECIPE

Size

* Note - Flags can be made in  rectangles, or triangles.  

The following is a sample of triangles.

• TD flags should be 12” x 13”or larger  in size after stitching.
• TDX flags should be 14” x 15” or larger  in size after stitching.
• Flagpoles should be approximately 3’ or taller  in length and 7/16” to ½” in outer diameter.

Flag Material

Flags can be made from any medium weight material in a variety of colors and patterns.  Material normally used for men’s shirts works well in cotton, synthetic, or a blend, as does metallic material, or even medium weight plastic.  The material should be durable, but not too heavy.  Material should be cut in the shape of a triangle and hemmed on all sides for durability.  The straight side of the triangle must be seamed to form a pocket.  The flagpole will be slid into the completed pocket.

Flagpoles

Flagpoles can be made from 7/16” to 1/2” wooden dowel rods, or pvc pipe.  Cutting or shaving one end of the pole will make it easier to insert into the ground.  A finishing nail (headless nail) can also be inserted into one end of a wooden dowel, which approximately ½ of the nail length left showing.  This will also assist inserting the pole into the soil.  Consideration should be given to the weight of a finished set of flags when deciding on the size and type of material used for the flagpoles. Electric fenceposts made of fiberglass can also be used for flag poles and can be purchased for a reasonable cost from your local farm and feed store.

Method of Attachment

Once the flag material has been cut and stitched, slip the dowel or pvc pipe through the pocket on the straight side of the flag.  Glue, staples, or small nails may be used to secure the flag to the top of the dowel.  If the material is secured with glue, staples, or small nails, be sure that it can be easily removed if it becomes necessary to wash the flag material.

Example 

FLAG RECIPE

Based on ½” seam allowances, cut material in 13” x 14” rectangles for TD flags or 15” x 16” rectangles for TDX flags.  Fold the rectangle in ½ to form 2 triangles.  Cut on the centerfold.  Once cut, fold over the long edges of the triangle, pin, and stitch.  Fold material to form a ½” seam on the short leg of the triangle and stitch to form a pocket for the dowel.

1 yard of 45” material without a nap will make approximately 14 TD flags or 12 TDX flags.

 Example