Sonic generator for use with a timing and data collection system for a live sporting event

A sonic generator for starting and stopping a game clock, said sonic generator including:

• A) a button;
• B) a microcontroller unit configured to generate a sonic signal having a specific sonic fingerprint, said sonic signal generated in response to actuating said button;
• C) a speaker for amplifying said sonic signal;
• D) an antenna configured to transmit said sonic signal to a base station;
• and
• E) a radio chip set for two-way voice signal communication with said base station.

A method of starting and stopping a game clock comprising acts of:

• A) configuring a base station to store at least one unique sonic signal fingerprint, said base station being communicatively coupled to a game clock;
• B) configuring a button-actuated sonic generator to transmit a single sonic signal corresponding with exactly one of said unique sonic signal fingerprints, said sonic generator being communicatively coupled with said base station and configured to transmit a voice signal to said base station;
• C) providing a means to determine a match between said unique sonic signal fingerprint and said unique sonic signals, said means to determine a match being communicatively coupled to said base station;
• and
• D) depressing a button on said sonic generator, wherein the depression of said button starts or stops said game clock if a match between said sonic signal and one of said sonic signal fingerprints is determined by said means to determine a match.