Fully automatic time (abbreviated
FAT) is a form of
race timing in which the clock is automatically activated by the starting device, and the finish time is either automatically recorded, or timed by analysis of a
photo finish. The system is commonly used in
track and field as well as
horse racing,
dog racing,
bicycle racing,
rowing and
auto racing. In these fields a photo finish is used. It is also used in competitive
swimming, for which the swimmers themselves record a finish time by touching a touchpad at the end of a race. In order to verify the equipment, or in case of failure, a backup system (typically manual) is usually used in addition to FAT.