Charity Run/Walk competitions in the Boise, Idaho area are rarely judged by certified racewalk judges. As a result, the Boise area Treasure Valley Fitness Walkers and my human resource management students at Boise State University have collaborated with racewalk judging ideas that have been used in several races. Each idea is inexpensive. We feel each idea balances the need for fair walking competition and the need to keep charity officials from being nervous about disqualifications and losing future charity walkers. All of the following ideas have been successfully used in the Boise area.

1. Before the race begins, a race official can announce that "All walkers should walk. At least one foot should always be on the ground. If a walker runs, the walker can be disqualified by race officials." Such statement also can be on the race application form.

2. Before the racewalk begins, a race official can ask a racewalker to show the right and wrong way to racewalk. This demonstration attempts to teach those who have never racewalked and gives some advertising for racewalks. Demonstrations have worked best for small (50 to 200 participant) races so everyone can see.

3. In many charity races, walkers and runners start at the same spot. In this case, walkers can start five minutes later than the runners. Though some walkers will catch up to runners, at least walkers will know who is ahead of the walking pack at the start.

4. Walkers can wear race numbers that are a different color than runner's race numbers. Walkers can also have different numbers than runners. For example, walker numbers can be from 1000 to 2000 and runners can be from 0 to 999.

6. Walkers can finish in different chutes from the runners.

7. Walkers can take a different race routes than runners.

8. Walkers can be separated into two categories. In one Boise race, competitive racewalkers were in one division and noncompetitive walkers were in another division. The competitive racewalkers would receive awards whereas the noncompetitive walkers would not. Those groups of walkers would have different race numbers and colors.

9. After a race ends, if three walkers claim that a certain walker ran, a clearly designated race official can disqualify the "walker" or bump the individual to a lower award level. If feasable, multiple first, second, or third place awards can be given.

10. Unusual times can be checked at the end of the race. If a twelve-year-old child wins the walking race in near world record time, race officials can check with other walkers about that racer. Race officials can be told by racewalkers what usual walking times are expected in the race.

11. The "walker" should have a chance to appeal any decisions in front of the race official before awards are announced. Appeals can be made through a demonstration of the "walker's" walking technique, interviews with other walkers, and analysis of the "walker's" racing time. Appeals should be made as quickly as possible after the race. "Walkers" who are disqualified or warned should be treated with great courtesy.

12. At the awards ceremony or during award calculations, race officials can ask racers (don’t mention specific names) to voluntarily pull themselves out of walking awards if they feel they did not deserve a walking award.

13. Race application forms can state race officials should have a right to refuse awards for any reason.