Scorekeeper #1 Priority
Correct name + correct line + correct score order.
Every competitor’s name must match the scores you write—and scores must always be recorded in the same judge order: Far Judge → Center Judge → Near Judge.
Write legibly.
Scorekeeper Workflow (Keep the Ring Moving)
- Call order loudly and consistently:
“John Smith up. Susan Jones on deck. Charlie Fredericks in the hole.” - When the competitor does their intro – mark the line for their scores:
Make sure you’re writing on the correct line for the correct person! - While they compete, do admin (don’t watch the routine):
- Double-check the previous competitor’s math (use calculator + quick mental check).
- Mark likely medalists (dot/circle).
- Prep the next sheet or confirm presence and plan order.
- When judges flash scores:
- One scorekeeper YELLS SCORES LOUDLY (far judge to near).
- Write the three numbers immediately in the fixed order Far → Center → Near.
- Do NOT do math right after scores are called.
Immediately call the next three competitors, then return to math while the next person is competing.
Goal: Always keep someone competing.
- Avoid “wrong line” errors (the most common mistake):
If someone is missing (bathroom / finding a partner / gear), it’s easy to slide scores onto the wrong name. When you call – listen that thats what they say in the intro and mark the line where the scores go.
- Do not call the same people first every event:
- Event 1: top → bottom
- Event 2: bottom → top
- Event 3+: mix (middle → down, then top → down) or shuffle (DBN/BB especially)
Sometimes head table pre-juggles order—follow that if provided.
- End of sheet requirements:
- Center Judge reviews and signs the scoresheet before it leaves the ring.
- Scorekeeper prints their own name clearly at the bottom.
- ALWAY write full names neatly in designated spaces.
Math Rules (No Excuses)
- Calculator required for totals and placements.
- Mental check required as a backstop (example: 9+9+9 = 27, then add decimals).
- Triple-check totals for anyone in medal contention.
- There are a million youtube videos on decimal math – make sure you can do the math problems below:
- 9.6 + 9.5+ 9.4 = _______ .6 + .5 + .4 = 1.5 + 27= 28.5
- 9.2 + 9.4 + 9.4 = ________
- 9.6 + 9.5 + 9.9 = ______
Competitor Check-In Protocol
- Name + last name match roster
- Confirm age / gender / rank (right division)
- Sparring gear check (if applicable): foam headgear w/ face shield, foam hand/foot, mouthpiece, groin cup (males)
- Make two loud call-outs for absentees; mark late arrivals
- Late Entry Rule (KickFEST): allowed until the last competitor has been scored and placements announced—add to roster and proceed
Forms & Weapons Notes (Deductions / No-Score)
- Weapon drop: score 9.0 = last place
Tie Breakers
- First tie: Center Judge score breaks the tie
- Second tie: highest side judge score breaks the tie
- Repeat event and point if all scores are tied.
Ring Efficiency Standards
- Keep two groups moving: one competing, one staging / medals / gearing up (wrangler helps)
- Pre-brief next event while medals are issued
- Keep extra mats staged for techniques / falling
- Rotate judges for quick water breaks—never leave ring unmanned
- Judges stay for the full event – can’t swap til event (not group) switches.
- You can be proactive with “what’s next,” but don’t overstep—check with the Center Judge before directing competitors
use score sheet for reference in watching video
Bye = you don’t have a match
# of People # of Byes
8 0
7 1
6 2
5 3
4 0 (or 4) start in the semi-final area with 4 competitors
3 Use Round Robin Sheet
1 or 2 people use special rules **See arbitrators/head table
If you have 5-7 competitors, you have byes –
Put the byes in first.
Considerations on giving byes and pairings:
Seperate people from same school if you are at a multi-school event.
Giving a bye can greatly increase the chances or medaling. Should normally be random. But – in a young kids divisions- *maybe help out a kid who hasn’t gotten anyth medals yet.
Maybe- separate the best two competitors – just so 2nd best doesn’t get eliminated in 1st round – you are making a judgment call you shouldn’t by doing this
Normal Rule: Assign Byes RANDOMLY
*maybe! helping competitors is not fair and impartial – use random assignments for all but the youngest competitors. Anything but separating same school competitors at multi-school events is you being impartial and unfair – use with great discretion and clear, good intentions. NO Favoritism for your friend or school mates – use random selection or alphabetical last names if you are worried you are not being impartial. The giving of a bye to a YOUNG kid without a medal is a nice action to insure that all competitors have good experiences.
KickFEST Scorekeeper Knowledge Test
Name: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
1.
The #1 priority for a scorekeeper is matching the correct ______________ with the correct ______________.
2.
Scores must always be written in the same judge order:
________ Judge → ________ Judge → ________ Judge.
3.
When judges show their scores, one scorekeeper should read them ___________ while the the second ______________________ them -always in the same _________.
4.
Scorekeepers should NOT do the math immediately after scores are called. Instead they should call the ______________________________ – then do math.
5.
1st get scores with the right person – but the second goal of the scorekeeper is to keep the ___________________________. There is always someone _______________.
6.
When a competitor steps forward and introduces themselves, the scorekeeper should immediately ________ ______ _________ where their scores will be recorded…so that we always match the name and the score.
7.
The most common scorekeeper mistake is writing scores on the wrong __________ – or _____________ the decimals incorrectly.
8.
For calling order:
Event 1 starts from the __________ of the sheet.
Event 2 starts from the __________ of the sheet.
Start event 3 (if its not sparring) from the ___________ of the sheet if the names are appearing in the same order each time.
9.
Before the score sheet leaves the ring, the __________ ___________ must review and sign it. The ____________________ must also sign their name clearly.
10.
Scorekeepers must use a __________ to calculate totals, but also verify using ____________ math – results should make sense based on who got the best scores.
11.
If a competitor drops their weapon, they receive a score of _____.____ and place __________.
12.
In a tie situation, the first tie braker is the __________ Judge’s score.
If still tied, the __________ side judge score breaks the tie.
13.
If you are doing a bracket with 3 people – use ____________ __________. If their are 4 people, that means there are _____________ BYES. Start at Semifinals.
14.
You have 6 competitors. How many BYEs do you have? _________
Do Names or BYE’s go on the Bracket first?? _______________
15.
How do you know where to write the BYE and the names on the brackets? _________________________________________ * hint – look at a bracket sheet.
Bonus Math (Required Skill)
16.
Round Robbin outcome is that each of the 3 people won 1 match and lost 1 match. How do you calculate the placement? _________________________________________
17.
When do you NOT use the 5 point spread rule to stop a match?
______________________________________________________________.
Bonus Math (Required Skill)
Calculate the total scores.
- 9.6 + 9.5 + 9.4 = __________
- 9.2 + 9.4 + 9.4 = __________
- 9.6 + 9.5 + 9.9 = __________