by Kent Porter
The CD should find someone in which he/she has confidence to keep score. Keeping score is a lot of work and takes dedication; however with proper planning and organization the scorekeeper’s job will seem effortless.
Besides a computer and printer, you will need two pieces of software – the Score! Program itself and the “engine” that makes it work. Both programs are absolutely free and are easily downloaded from the following links:
Download Score! Software v 2.22
Download Java Runtime Environment (JRE)
Once you have downloaded the necessary software to your computer, you are ready to install.
1. Create a new folder and name “your contest”
2. Locate the zipped score program. Now right click and select extract all.
3. Select “next”.
4. Select “Browse”.
5. Find new folder named “your contest” highlight and choose “OK”.
6. Select “Next”
7. Select “Finish”. The folder will open displaying the extracted files.
8. Select and read the “Read me text document” completely and follow its instructions.
9. Now select “Score”(executable Jar File) and follow the on screen prompts.
10. Be sure to name your contest! Now under “Rule Set” select “Custom Rules” then select “Customize….” Find the box labeled “Special” Classes. Select “Seniors” All other settings should be ok if only hosting a typical two day contest. Now back out and close score program and restart. This will activate the Senior’s class on the pilot’s page. Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced and Unlimited pilots, fifty five years and older are eligible to compete for the seniors class championships. Basic is NOT INCLUDED. (BASIC pilots are not included because they do not fly an Unknown & the % would be off)
11. The first time you run the program the help page is displayed. I encourage everyone to read this carefully!
12. Close the help page and Restart the Score program, the “enter/edit pilots” page is displayed. This is where you navigate and control the program.
13. Creating a new pilot: Select “Create New Pilot” Complete all lines. It is very important to include as much information as possible. You will notice in the “Class” box a check box for “Seniors” If the pilot is Fifty Five years old or older put a check in this box ONLY if the pilot chooses to participate in the program. After creating each pilot it is good to save data by using “Ctrl+S” or select file and save data files. This program will allow you to print the much needed Form 11 that is required by AMA, allow you to print a frequency conflict page. Be sure to select the pilot’s correct class. You may want to put a check in the pre-register only box until the pilot shows up and confirms attendance and pays all his fees. If this block is left checked the pilot’s results will be inactive and not shown in reports.
14. Select “Sequences” Located at the bottom left of the page. This is where you will enter your Unknown’s. I like to follow suit and add them in order, starting with Sportsman.
15. Select “Create new sequence”. Be sure you select the correct “Class” and “Type”. Now you can enter the K value in the “#K” blocks. When I enter the descriptions I keep them short and to the point. Example: Loop, Hammer Head, 270 deg turn, etc. I leave out the roll elements. Be sure not to leave out the Sound and ACS and remember they will need the Ints? block checked. Checking this restricts entry to integer (whole) numbers only. Repeat the above for the remainder of the classes unknown’s. You are now ready to start the contest. The following will describe how to enter scores as they arrive.
16. Select “Scores” bottom left of page.
17. At the pilot box type in the pilot number or start to type the pilots name. When the correct pilot is displayed select “Create New Flight”
18. “Score Entry” page will appear. Be sure to check pilots name and class at the top of the page is correct.
19. Select the correct type sequence, Known, Unknown or Freestyle, correct round, Round 1, 2, 3, etc. correct sequence, Sequence 1 or 2, and correct judge, Judge 1, 2, 3, etc. Now check to make sure the correct round is on the score sheet. Correct as needed. Decide which Judge will be #1 and #2 and write the number 1 on judge score sheet 1 and number 2 on judges score sheet 2, etc. It is now safe to input scores from the score sheet. After entering the scores write the raw score somewhere on the score sheet near the sequence scored (this will add reference for auditing the scorer’s accuracy at a later time) and select “OK”. After entering all scores for this pilot use”Ctrl + S” to save data or use the file path in the top left corner. Remember “SAVE OFTEN, SAVE ALWAYS. Although score is configured to save data every 15 minutes by default it is a good idea to save after each pilot entered. It will not hurt! Once all the pilots in this class are entered you can print out a “Results Page”.
20. Select the “Reports” tab in the top left corner.
21. Select “Results”. Uncheck the classes and types that you do not want to print on this page and select “OK” If you have a large class you may have to shrink the page before printing. Always use “print preview” before printing the results to aid in fitting results on one page.
- Sound Score = 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. No Half Points! If a pilot receives a sound score of three (3) or less for the same sequence from two or more judges, notify the CD immediately!
K-Factors: Basic = 3, Sportsman = 6, Intermediate = 9, Advanced = 12, Unlimited =15
- Airspace Control Score = 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. No Half Points!
K-Factors: Basic = 3, Sportsman = 6, Intermediate = 9, Advanced = 12, Unlimited =15
- Break penalty. Be sure to assess break penalties as close to the maneuver as they occur. Penalties are assessed to sequences raw score so placement is not real important.
- Remember: If you have any doubts ask the CD. As a scorekeeper please do not make rule decisions! This is the CD’s responsibility. If score sheets are unclear or impossible to interpret please give them to the CD ASAP to be corrected.
VERY IMPORTANT! Before the final contest results are printed have the CD or contest coordinator to audit the score program. Let them choose randomly through the score sheets and check the scores against the scores input into the Score program. If all pass…. Great job!!!!! Now… go to “File” àcontest settings à Points à insert a check into, Compute and include “points” on Results Report
Print out results on individual pages to give to CD for Awards Ceremony Make two copies so you can post result on Results Board after ceremony.
This is a basic guide to getting started. Many seasoned scorekeepers have different preferences on how they utilize the David Smith’s “Score!” Program.
Using Dave Smith’s outstanding scoring program for IMAC Contests helps getting the info on the IMAC website is easy! Dave’s program automatically generates the reports in a format that is ready for posting to the website and all you have to do is get these files to the CD. Sounds easy (and it is) but let’s look at the quick steps to do this…
Step 1
Locate the data files in the folder where Score! is installed. Among all the files in this folder will be the 5 files you need to send:
allpilots.dat
prefs.dat
pilots.dat
flights.dat
sequences.dat
Step 2 If you have WinZip, simply zip these files into a single ZIP file. If you are running Windows XP or Vista, you can use the built-in compression software by selecting the files (CTRL-Click on each of the report files), RIGHT CLICK on one of the selected files, and select Send –> Compressed (Zipped) Folder. NOTE: If you are not familiar with WINZIP you can simply send the 5 DAT files attached to a single email.
Step 3
IMPORTANT - The results MUST BE SUBMITTED TO and APPROVED BY your IMAC regional director. Once approved, the regional director will complete the submission to the website.
Thank you for your dedication to IMAC.