Scoring Duties

[SierraCJ5]

As a first time participant in the upcoming Berger SWN, I want to make sure I uphold my responsibilities as a scorer. I'm not referring to target service, but the actual keeping track of score from the firing line. At our local monthly matches we keep our own score, so my experience is limited in doing this for another shooter. I'm hoping someone can outline scoring responsibilities and what constitutes good performance by a scorer.

Any pointers would be appreciated!

 

[boltman13]

Before the string begins talk to your shooter regarding his or hers prefrences. You must pay attention to the target in case your shooter is cross fired on or they cross fire. You should not interfere with your shooters position, but be able to hear your shooters firing. If you miss a shot, let your shooter know right away, he may be able to help. Don't miss a shot. Communicate.

 

[Immike]

All good advice, I always check that they can hear me clearly. Be loud if necessary. One more thing, It is your job to stop them at the end and make sure the rifle is flagged before it is moved from the line. (All out! Make your gun safe)

 

[Damfino]

The fact you are asking for advice and are looking to learn is a very good sign for your shooter. The only thing I can add to these already very good suggestions is to be sure you and your shooter know when you are going for record. In a match, for me, doing a capable job scoring is just as important as shooting.

 

[Mozella]

When I write scores, I first discuss the bribe; usually beer or sometimes cash. Once that's settled and shooting begins I call out the score and the clock code as I record the number in the appropriate block along with a dot at the corresponding clock position. When the next to last target goes down, I say, "Last shot coming up". When that shot has been launched, I say "That was your last shot". I usually let the shooter add up his own score. Finally, we settle up the bribe and go on to the next relay.

Just kidding about the bribes.

 

[Scott Harris]

Talk with more experienced shooters before the matches to get some pointers. Ask your shooter if they have a particular way they'd like their scores called. Always watch your shooter pull the trigger and/or muzzle blast to know they have fired. Make sure the target goes down. If it goes down when your shooter didn't fire, it's a crossfire or a mess up of some sort in the pits. Don't look up/down the line or try to read wind conditions while your shooter is firing. It's your job to record the score accurately, not look around. If it's necessary to call a line official, I prefer as a scorer to take care of that so the shooter can remain focused on the target and conditions. There are other things you can also do to help your shooter concentrate on shooting, such as calling to speed up in the pits if service is slow. Like it or not, shooting is a team effort; the scorer and puller both need to do their jobs effectively so the shooter can do his/her job. Everyone takes their turn at the line, give the kind of service you want to get in return when you're the shooter.

^THIS^

1. Watch your shooter pull the trigger to verify he/she has fired
2. Verify the target goes down, call for a line official if it does not and ask that the target is pulled and marked.
3. Immediately announce the score and the number of shots fired when the target comes out of the pits, "X, 15-on" for example. Lots of shooters have both ear plugs and ear muffs. So, speak up. This is very important because it gives the shooter a chance to catch a mistake or otherwise challenge the score if he/she disagrees.
4. If you and the shooter think an incorrect score is shown, call a line official to challenge the shot.

There are few things more frustrating than a scorer missing a shot. This is why it is very important to clearly announce the score and the number of shots on target as soon as the target comes up. Then the shooter can relax because he/she knows you are paying attention and that you recorded the correct score.

 

[Immike]

I want to add something that may get overlooked. This is the shooters relay, let him shoot without commenting on bad shots or anything. This can distract from his performance and ability to focus. Strictly report the shot.

 

[davek]

well, as a score keeper I put my scope on the target and watch the target with one eye and the other eye watches the shooter, when he shoots, I follow the trace into the target or where ever the bullets goes, when the target comes up I say to the shooter," Your first shot is a .. what ever, or just the value like "x one on", next shot would be say "10 two on". or "your second shot is a 10" watch the shooter and the target and make sure that there is no problems on the target , if there is tell the shooter, also " your last shot is a x". that or " your out". he then knows he is finished, the score is correct and hopefully he will score your target just as good as you scored his. Davek.

 

[Medic505]

As mentioned above this is a good sign for your shooter, but more importantly, it speaks volumes about you. I've probably griped and complained about poor pit service and poor scoring more than anybody here. The fact that you care enough to provide good service will pay off when the roles are switched. Don't be afraid to ask your shooter if he or she can hear you. Some of us more "experienced" (me included) shooters are slightly deaf as a post. I hope it works out that I get to shoot with you. Knowing that you care enough to do a good job is one less thing your shooter has to worry about.

 

[chkunz]

When I write scores, I first discuss the bribe; usually beer or sometimes cash. Once that's settled and shooting begins I call out the score and the clock code as I record the number in the appropriate block along with a dot at the corresponding clock position. When the next to last target goes down, I say, "Last shot coming up". When that shot has been launched, I say "That was your last shot". I usually let the shooter add up his own score. Finally, we settle up the bribe and go on to the next relay.

Just kidding about the bribes.

There is a lot of great information in this reply as well as all the other replies. I will make one minor point relative to this reply, the scorer does not call out the "clock code" once the competitor goes for record. The scorer calls out the value but not the location on the target, that would be considered as coaching in an individual match and would/could/should result in disqualification. In a team match, coaching is allowed but not in an individual match. There is some great information on this in the rule book.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

I agree with all the above (except the bribery part).

As scorer, your job is to concentrate on what your shooter is doing, and make certain he or she gets proper credit for every shot fired.

Calling out shot values is CRITICAL! I can't tell you how many times I've broken position to ask my scorer if he or she got the last shot. I prefer "X- fifteen on!" but would take "Ten- Fifteen on!"

If I know how many you've written down, I can tell if you are on the same sheet of music with me.

Oh, there is one more thing - be ready for the next shot. Some of us poke along until we catch a condition, then it is belt-fed time.

 

[Highpower-FClass]

Calling out shot values is CRITICAL! I can't tell you how many times I've broken position to ask my scorer if he or she got the last shot. I prefer "X- fifteen on!" but would take "Ten- Fifteen on!"

Totally agree, good, bad or ugly I want to *hear* the score call loud and clear.

 

[Immike]

Totally agree, good, bad or ugly I want to *hear* the score call loud and clear.

Unless it's a really bad shot, then it's acceptable to lower your voice just a little. Lol

 

[Ringostar]

The point about shooters being hard of hearing is bigger than you can imagine. And its not all from shooting! I was scoring one time and before starting the shooter told me that he can't hear much at all. He requested that when he notified me that he was ready to go for record, that I tap his foot to confirm that I understood. You can come up with little way to communicate.

 

[Mozella]

....... snip.......... I will make one minor point relative to this reply, the scorer does not call out the "clock code" once the competitor goes for record. ...... snip..........

Can you point me to a section of the rule book which states calling the "clock code" is considered coaching?

 

[Lbart]

Mozella,
Why would you want to tell a shooter the “clock value” of a shot? The competitor has his rifle scope or spotting scope & can see his hit and analyze its location much better than you can ever describe it to him.

As a shooter I feel my score keeper should tell me the value and shot # as it comes out of the pits. That is all I like to hear from him unless I ask for more. The competitor should be concentrating on his routine and not have to listen to a dialog from the scorer. I don’t think a scorer should ever tell a shooter he is about to fire his last shot. That is nothing but a distraction. After he fires it, then tell him he is “all out”.

 

[chkunz]

Can you point me to a section of the rule book which states calling the "clock code" is considered coaching?

The rule book simply states that coaching is prohibited in individual matches. It would be impracticable for the rule book to list all the things that would be considered coaching.

 

[Mozella]

The rule book simply states that coaching is prohibited in individual matches. It would be impracticable for the rule book to list all the things that would be considered coaching.

That's why I asked because where I shoot F-Class the guy writing score often calls out both the score and the clock code for each shot as well as sometimes notifying the shooter after shot 19 and again at shot 20, especially if the shooter requests it.

Since each shot is marked in F-Class, this information is in plain sight for all to see and mentioning it doesn't involve any kind of judgement call. In other words, we don't consider this to be a violation of the no coaching part of the rule book. However, I shoot in a part of the United States where folks are generally low key and put a good deal of emphasis on being friendly and having fun while at the same time doing our best to win fare and square.

Naturally, some folks might have a different view in some other area of the United States and if mentioning the clock code were frowned on at another range, then the "when in Rome" rule would obviously apply.

Of course, saying something about how much to adjust for a sudden change in the wind, would (I think most would agree) violate the prohibition on coaching.

 

[Medic505]

Mozella,
Why would you want to tell a shooter the “clock value” of a shot? The competitor has his rifle scope or spotting scope & can see his hit and analyze its location much better than you can ever describe it to him.

As a shooter I feel my score keeper should tell me the value and shot # as it comes out of the pits. That is all I like to hear from him unless I ask for more. The competitor should be concentrating on his routine and not have to listen to a dialog from the scorer. I don’t think a scorer should ever tell a shooter he is about to fire his last shot. That is nothing but a distraction. After he fires it, then tell him he is “all out”.

I agree 100% with Larry. I don't need to be told "last round in the gun" or what ever shot it is - " four away" after I pull the trigger. I just want score and # of shot on. I have shot with people that think they are announcing the super bowl. "All Out" works just fine.

 

[chkunz]

That's why I asked because where I shoot F-Class the guy writing score often calls out both the score and the clock code for each shot as well as sometimes notifying the shooter after shot 19 and again at shot 20, especially if the shooter requests it.

Since each shot is marked in F-Class, this information is in plain sight for all to see and mentioning it doesn't involve any kind of judgement call. In other words, we don't consider this to be a violation of the no coaching part of the rule book. However, I shoot in a part of the United States where folks are generally low key and put a good deal of emphasis on being friendly and having fun while at the same time doing our best to win fare and square.

Naturally, some folks might have a different view in some other area of the United States and if mentioning the clock code were frowned on at another range, then the "when in Rome" rule would obviously apply.

Of course, saying something about how much to adjust for a sudden change in the wind, would (I think most would agree) violate the prohibition on coaching.

If you are shooting in a club match and you are scoring for a new competitor the match director may allow you to do it but I would ask first. Just be aware that the prescient for approved, registered, regional or national level competition is that calling out the clock value is considered coaching. Rule 14.3.1 (c) covers the calling out of the shot value by the scorer and cautions that if you do not have the value called out you forfeit the right to challenge the recorded score.