Scoring Modes

LiveScoreboard supports four scoring modes. You choose the mode per category, so a single event can mix scoring styles — for example, additive for junior divisions and rubric scoring for seniors.

Score as a Judge1:01

Additive scoring

Judges add points across one or more criteria. The final score is the sum of all criteria scores, averaged across all judges.

Best for: Dance, gymnastics, cheerleading, talent shows, figure skating — any discipline where judges grade multiple qualities and add them up.

How to configure:

• Set one or more criteria (e.g., Technique, Artistry, Execution)
• Set a minimum and maximum value for each criterion (e.g., 0–10)
• Optionally set the step increment (e.g., 0.1 for decimal scoring)

How judges score: Each judge opens the participant on their phone and enters a value for each criterion. The system calculates the total and running averages automatically.

Deductive scoring

Judges start from a maximum score and subtract points for specific deductions. The final score is the starting value minus all deductions, averaged across judges.

Best for: Gymnastics compulsory routines, martial arts kata, figure skating (technical program), any format with a predefined deduction table.

How to configure:

• Set the starting (maximum) score (e.g., 10.0)
• Define your deduction presets — common deductions judges can tap quickly (e.g., "Fall: -1.0", "Step out: -0.5")
• Judges can also enter custom deduction amounts

How judges score: Each judge taps deduction buttons as they observe the performance. Taps accumulate and subtract from the starting score in real time.

Rubric scoring

Judges score against structured criteria, each with its own weight and scale. The final score is a weighted average across all criteria and judges.

Best for: Detailed assessments where different qualities have different importance — science fairs, speech competitions, complex artistic evaluations.

How to configure:

• Define criteria sections (e.g., "Technical", "Artistic")
• Within each section, set individual criteria with a description, maximum score, and weight
• Weights determine how much each criterion contributes to the final score

How judges score: Judges work through each criterion one at a time, entering a value for each. The interface shows the rubric clearly to ensure consistent application.

Rubric scoring is available from Tier 4 and above.

Match scoring (head-to-head)

Two competitors face each other directly. Judges score each period independently. The system determines a winner based on points, technical advantage, or judge decisions.

Best for: Martial arts (taekwondo, BJJ, boxing, kickboxing), wrestling, combat sports — any 1v1 format with rounds or periods.

How to configure:

• Set the number of periods
• Configure point types (e.g., technical points, penalties, golden point)
• Set the winning conditions (by points, technical superiority, unanimous decision)
• Designate a Lead Judge who records the final decision

How judges score: Each judge sees both competitors side by side. They award points and penalties using quick-tap buttons per period. The Lead Judge confirms the result at the end.

Match scoring is available from Tier 3 and above.

Choosing the right mode

If your competition...	Use
Judges add up a score from parts	Additive
Judges subtract from a perfect score	Deductive
Different qualities have different weights	Rubric
Competitors face each other 1v1	Match

What's next

• Inviting and Managing Judges
• Setting Up Your TV Display
• Plan Comparison — check which scoring modes are included in your plan