A game in the Sunday league will soon be confusing to players. The referee stops the game, the people in the crowd have no idea how much time is left, and a volunteer changes plastic numbers on a board which cannot even be seen by most of the spectators. However, LED lights have quietly sorted out the problem. They inform the audience, they help clubs manage their games, and they give local sponsors somewhere to advertise.
From flip cards to real-time information
Just recently, a local scoreboard would be a person standing near the board, switching the number cards after each goal scored. This process took time, was prone to errors, and could not even be seen from the other end of the field.
The scoreboard is replaced by the electronic scoreboard with real-time data. The basic data consists of the score and the game clock, whereas, in case of other sports, the data may include the periods, halves, sets, fouls, or the remaining time. There should be the shot clock for basketball, the sets for volleyball, and the running clock for football.
There are three components located behind the scoreboard: the LED panel which is visible, the control panel, and the software programmed for the rules of the game being played. The operator can either be a club volunteer using a hand-held remote control or a computer. They push buttons, and the number changes before everyone’s eyes.
Can the crowd actually read it?
While a scoreboard may look impressive on the website page for the product, it could actually be of no use in an actual stadium setting. There are three main factors which determine if the scoreboard will be legible to spectators.
Indoor halls are an easier option. Control over light is possible, distances are shorter, and a medium-sized poster will suffice. The more difficult scenario is that of outdoor grounds: scoreboards built for football pitches require large enough numbers to be legible from across the stage, and must have enough visibility to be legible in direct sunlight. Something that may appear perfectly legible at 4 p.m. in the winter time will not be legible at all at noon in summer.
This is the reason why choosing a scoreboard must not rely on getting the biggest screen. Manufacturers of specialized equipment like Pixel design electronic scoreboards in various sports environments, whether outdoor fields or multipurpose sports complexes.
Beyond the score
After getting an effective display, the club will be able to use it for something else. The scoreboard is the only thing that everyone in the ground watches several times in a minute, which makes it something more than just keeping score.
Clubs can make use of it to display their name, colours and badge, helping a small pitch create a sense of home stadium for the club. It could also help to convey messages to the spectators in the stands, like the kick-off time, car park reminder, or a thank you note for the volunteers.
The other obvious element is sponsors. Many local businesses have a problem finding advertisements that target those people who live close by, a board that fans will be staring at all day helps solve that problem. Some football teams even take things one step further with LED video scoreboards, which can be used to display club logos or sponsor messages in between gameplay pauses.
None of this is needed, and having a scoreboard that displays the score would be an important improvement all by itself. However, it is useful to know of this possibility before buying.
What to check before investing
Prior to price comparisons, it is useful to clear up some basic facts.
Which sports will use it. One table is needed for a pitch dedicated to football that is different from a board used for both basketball, futsal, and volleyball. In case various sports are played on the same venue, inquire whether the software can change the sport effortlessly.
Indoor or outdoor. Outdoor screens should take into consideration light from the sun, rain, dust, and changes in temperature. While indoor screens do not have to do so, the latter should also take into account the size of the screen with regard to the length of the hallway.
Maintenance. Ask about what happens if something fails, how soon replacement parts can be delivered, and what will happen regarding the repair work. The dysfunctional scoreboard lying dormant for three weeks is much more of a problem than the ancient plastic cards.
Ease of use. In most cases, the person running the scoreboard at such places is not going to be a professional. She is usually someone who has been trained for around ten minutes and also has many other things to do that day. If the controls are not clear, mistakes are bound to happen.
Final thoughts
A nice scoreboard need not be fancy. The important thing is that everybody on the field, be it the family on the side-lines or the player on the benches, knows what is going on without asking. It may seem like a minor change for some local teams but it makes match day very organized.