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TIPS FOR BEING A GOOD SCOREBOARD OPERATOR/TIMER
One person the entire gym relies heavily upon is the scoreboard operator/timer. The match doesn't run smoothly if the person in charge of posting the running score and timing isn't right on top of it the entire game.
- The scoreboard operator/timer should be present at the scorers table no later that 20 minutes prior to the start of the match. If you're going to be late please contact the athletic director or event manager to let them know.
- During the pre-match discuss with the R2 what will be their signal to sound the buzzer/horn.
- Never sound the buzzer/horn early unless directed by the R2.
- While the scoreboard score isn't considered to be the official score, it is essential that the score shown on the scoreboard matches exactly the official scorekeeper's tabulation. If there is a discrepancy during the match, the scorekeeper's tally is the official one.
- The scoreboard operator/timer should check with the official scorekeeper several times during each set to make sure they have the right score on the board.
- Once the home team has been established publicly on the scoreboard with the first point of the first set, the home team must remain on that side. Don't change sides for the teams on the scoreboard when they change sides after each set.
- Every rally ends with a point for one side or the other, unless the officials tell you differently.
- When the official blows their whistle to signal a point has been scored, they will extend their full arm towards the service line of the team that just won that point. This is when you add the point to the scoreboard. Don't try to beat them to the punch.
- After the R1 signals which side earned the point, wait two or three seconds before posting the new score. This gives the officials time to watch the point being added. It helps them make sure the score is correct for each point before the next serve. Avoid the impulse to add it as quickly as possible.
- Sometimes the R1 will have a change of mind, or new information will come to light from the R2 or a line judge which can make it less obvious which team earned the point. Waiting a second or two after the whistle will help keep you accurate and avoid having to remove a point from one side to give to the other.
- The R1/R2, scorekeeper, assistant scorekeeper, both coaches, all the players, and fans rely on your ability to keep the scoreboard accurate.
- Coaches often make decisions for substitutions based on what they see on the scoreboard. Be reliable.
- Aside from asking the official score keeper from time to time if your score matches the score sheet, there should be little or no discussion between the scoreboard operator/time keeper during a set. everyone has their job to do and the fewer distractions the better.
PRE-MATCH TIMING SEQUENCE (the time in bold print requires a blast from the scoreboard horn/buzzer)
- One hour prior to the start of the first match (typically the JV match), the countdown clock should be set at 60:00 and started.
- 30:00 the officials arrive court side to begin their pre-match duties.
- 25:00 the officials call ( by whistle only) for the coaches/captains meeting and coin toss.
- 15:15 the R2 blows their whistle signaling a 15-second warning
- 15:00 the serving team (determined by coin toss) takes the court for 6 minutes. (SOUND THE HORN)
- 9:15 the R2 blows their whistle signaling a 15-second warning.
- 9:00 the receiving team takes the court for 6:00. (SOUND THE HORN)
- 3:15 the R2 blows their whistle signaling a 15-second warning.
- 3:00 both teams retreat to their benches and the match is ready to begin when the clock reaches 0:00. (SOUND THE HORN).
- Unless directed by the R2, let the clock countdown to 0:00 and allow the horn/buzzer to sound.
TIME OUTS: At the start of the first set set the scoreboard clock to 1:00. This is the maximum length of a time out. This way the clock is ready as soon as the R1 signals for a time out. Start the countdown clock. The clock should not be started until the R1 indicates the time out. Do not start it when the coach asks for it.
- Do not stop the countdown clock UNTIL directed to by the R2. Both teams have a full minute if they choose to use it. The R2 determines the end of the timeouts and will direct the scoreboard operator/timer when to sound the buzzer/horn. If they don't give you the signal to stop it, let it run down to the buzzer/horn.
- As soon as the time out is over and the R1 beckons for serve, re-set the countdown clock to 1 minute, ready for the next time out.
- Each team is allotted two time outs per set. If your scoreboard has the option, you should display the number of time outs remaining; e.g. 2, 1, or 0, for each team. That is what T.O.L. or T. O. R. means (Time Outs Left, or Time Outs Remaining) Coaches sometimes rely on the number of time outs posted on the scoreboard. There is a penalty for requesting a third time out, even if the scoreboard is wrong.
TIMING IN-BETWEEN SETS
- When the R1 indicates the set has ended, set the timer/countdown clock to 3:00 and let it run.
- Let the clock run down to 0:00, and let the buzzer/horn sound unless directed by the R2 to stop it early.
- When the time between sets is over and the R2 directs you, re-set the clock to 1:00 in anticipation of the next time out.
(updated, January 6, 2023)