August 11, 2006
Horseshoe Canada Scorekeeping
Horseshoe Canada Association
About Scorekeeping
On the NHPA website, you'll find information about "Scoring methods and Scoresheets", excellent information provided by Duane Goodrich. You can visit that page at: http://www.horseshoepitching.com/gameinfo/scoring.html.
You'll find samples of scoresheets, blank one and filled one showing the correct way to keep score. There is also a modified scoresheet to help the scorekeeper proof for errors.
About scorekeeping errors, the late Merv Lichty, our computer pioneer, wrote a text on August 3, 1983 titled "Verifying Horseshoe Scoresheets". We'll try to make this text available to you in the near future. Merv explained the step by step procedure of verifying scoresheets, along with examples. As Merv stated: "When scoresheets are turned in to the official's desk at the completion of a game it is not just a simple matter of posting the results to the summary sheets. The scorekeeping is, after all, being done by humans, and humans have been known to make mistakes. They are not intentional of course, but if the players themselves have not been watching the scoreboard too carefully, the error may go undetected. As a result there is a certain ritual that must be followed to ensure that the numbers on the scoresheets are correct before they are entered to master summary sheet. (...)"
There are a few proofing methods (formulas) used to check scoresheets. Duane gives one on the aforementioned webpage. Here are two proofing methods that can be used:
1. Quick method
Takes less time but can leave some errors undetected. You calculate the following:
WINNING PLAYER:
Number of ringers X 3 (A) + single points X 1 (B) = (C)
LOSING PLAYER:
Number of ringers X 3 (A) + single points X 1 (B) = (D)
After adding the ringer points and single points, the difference between C and D must equal the difference between the winning and losing players' final score (ex.: 40-15 = 25). If it does not equal there is certainly an error.
2. Longer method
The final score is made of two things: the live ringers (usually indicated by an "O") and the single points. Their addition must equal the final score. This method, more precise, consists in adding these two things, plus the dead ringers which must be the same for both players. You calculate the following:
WINNING PLAYER:
Live ringers X 3 + single points X 1 = (A)
Cancelled ringers = (C)
LOSING PLAYER:
Live ringers X 3 + single points X 1 = (B)
Cancelled ringers = (C)
A and B must equal the final score for both players. Cancelled ringers (C) must be equal on both sides! Adding the live and cancelled ringers for each player should give you their ringer total.
Here are a few tips about verifying scoresheets:
- Make sure all the information is written on the score sheet (class, date, names of the players, etc...).
- Make sure that the total of shoes pitched match the reality and that no lines were ommitted!
- Recount the number of ringers
- Use one of the proofing methods described earlier (preferably the longer method).
- If the proofing method reveals there's an error, it can come from the following factors if the difference is:
- - 3, 6, 9 or any multiple of 3, the error is probably related to ringers, miscount or ringer missing on the sheet. In rare cases it can come from an error in the score (ex.: adding 9 to the score when 6 points were scored).
- - not a multiple of 3 comes from single points ommitted, miscounted or rarely from an error in the score (ex.: adding 7 to the score when 6 points were scored).
- Except for the rare errors in the score, when correcting an error, always assume that the score is right. Ex.: if a ringer is missing, don't modify the score, add the missing ringer!
- A score sheet filled properly, i.e. with the "X" and "O", and points well indicated when scored, is much easier to check. If you face a sheet not filled properly don't hesitate to add or correct the information (ex.: by circling an "X" written for a live ringer) to make the verification easier.
- A score sheet whose game looks unfinished (ex.: final score not showing the required minimum of points to win, or required number of shoes), may be because the scorekeeper forgot to mark the last end. Ask the players and scorekeepers...
Here are 4 exercizes (with their solutions) to test your ability to check scoresheet:
ScoresheetCheck.PDF (in PDF format - 410k)
Note: players, scorekeepers, judges, etc... are encouraged to follow clinics on how to keep score and verify scoresheets. If more people know how to keep score properly and verify scoresheets, errors will be detected fastly and less errors made.
Horseshoe Canada resolution passed in 2002 - Calgary
Once a game is over, the score sheet is signed by both players, the win or loss stands.
The score sheet may be corrected to enter the stats.
Your suggestions are welcomed!
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