Scoreboard Judo is a specialized digital tool designed for officiating and following the sport of judo. It provides a clear, functional interface for managing match timing, scoring, and penalties directly from a mobile device or tablet, making it an essential utility for referees, coaches, and tournament organizers.
What is Scoreboard Judo?
Scoreboard Judo is a dedicated scorekeeping and timing application for the sport of judo. Its primary purpose is to replicate the official competition scoreboard digitally, ensuring accurate and easy-to-follow match management. The app is targeted at judo referees, competition organizers, coaches, and even avid fans who want to track matches precisely. It handles all core aspects of a judo bout, from the main timer to complex scoring scenarios.
Why Should You Use Scoreboard Judo?
Users choose Scoreboard Judo for its sport-specific functionality and convenience. It eliminates the need for bulky physical scoreboards by turning a standard tablet into a powerful officiating tool. The main advantages include its large, clear display for easy visibility, comprehensive scoring system that mirrors official rules, and the ability to remotely control the scoreboard via a separate app.
Key Features of Scoreboard Judo
The core functionalities of Scoreboard Judo are built around the official rules of the sport:
Match Timer: A large, clear countdown timer that switches to tenth-of-a-second precision for the final minute.
Scoring System: Dedicated buttons for registering Ippon, Waza-ari, Yuko, and Koka scores for each competitor (white and blue).
Osaekomi (Pin) Clock: A dedicated timer for tracking hold-downs, which can automatically award a score if it runs its full duration.
Penalty Tracking: Easy-to-tap buttons for adding Shido penalties to a competitor's record.
Auto-Scoring Logic: The app can automatically add a Waza-ari score when an Osaekomi clock reaches 15 seconds, or apply other rules-based score adjustments.
Additional Features
Bluetooth Remote Control: The primary Scoreboard Judo display can be wirelessly controlled via a separate free app, "Scoreboard Remote," allowing a referee to manage the match from the tatami.
Customizable Layout: Users can change the on-screen layout through the settings menu to show all functions centrally for easier access.
Competitor Details: Fields to input and change the competitor's name and weight division directly on the scoreboard interface.
Audible Buzzer: Features a loud, clear buzzer sound to signal the end of a match or timer.
How to Download and Install Scoreboard Judo
1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Tap the search bar and type "Scoreboard Judo."
3. Select the correct app from the search results.
4. Tap the "Install" button.
5. The app will download and install automatically onto your device.
How to Use Scoreboard Judo
1. Open Scoreboard Judo after installation.
2. Familiarize yourself with the interface: the main timer, blue/white score and penalty buttons, and the Osaekomi clock.
3. Tap "Edit" to input competitor names and weight classes if needed.
4. Use the large, colored buttons to register scores and penalties during a match.
5. Control the main timer and Osaekomi clock with their respective start/stop buttons.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
The interface is highly specialized for judo, making it intuitive for those familiar with the sport.
The large, bold fonts ensure the scoreboard is visible from a distance.
It is a cost-effective solution compared to professional electronic scoreboard hardware.
The remote control functionality adds significant convenience for referees.
Cons
The free version contains advertisements.
Bluetooth remote control requires downloading and configuring a separate application.
The interface, while functional, is utilitarian and may not be visually modern.
Is Scoreboard Judo Safe to Use?
Yes, Scoreboard Judo is safe to install and use. As a utility app focused solely on scorekeeping, it does not require invasive permissions that risk your privacy or data security. It primarily needs permission to use Bluetooth for its remote control feature and network access, likely for serving advertisements in the free version.
Compatible Apps or Tools
The primary compatible tool is the Scoreboard Remote app, which is a free, separate application that allows for Bluetooth control of the main Scoreboard Judo display. This creates a two-device system ideal for running a match smoothly.
FAQs
Is Scoreboard Judo free?
Yes, there is a free version supported by ads. The app description mentions Bluetooth connectivity for one remote in the free version.
Can I use it on an iPhone?
The provided description indicates it is on the Google Play Store, suggesting it is currently an Android-only application.
How do I connect a remote device?
You must install the free "Scoreboard Remote" app on a second Android device and pair the two via Bluetooth within the apps.
Does the app automatically calculate the winner?
While it automatically applies scores based on rules (like a successful hold-down), the referee must still interpret the final score to determine the winner.
Can I change the language?
The app description does not mention multi-language support, so it likely operates in English or Japanese only.
Conclusion
Scoreboard Judo is a highly practical, niche application that successfully digitizes the essential tools for running a judo competition. Its strength lies in its focused functionality, catering specifically to the sport's regulations. For referees, clubs, or tournaments looking for an affordable and portable scoring solution, Scoreboard Judo is a compelling option worth installing.
