Scorers opinions please

[Skoontz]

Looking through old photos, I noticed there was a time apparently when boats did not have to have the black with white numbers, or white with black numbers contrasting background.

And, for an example, I know someone who has a neon yellow boat that if the numbers were big enough in black, should be seen from pretty far away, not that I would ever do that with rules being rules.

So, question posed, is, did you scorers notice any significant difference in being able to read the numbers once the B on W, or W on B contrast has been used?

[dwilderacer]

Yes We Did!

The change was needed, and yes it makes a difference.

The biggest problem with the old rule was that it garnered different interpretations. And since hardly anyone has ever seen their own boat, at speed, from the judges stand, owners would always push the spirit of the rule. Reality is that the numbers serve a purpose, at that is so the scorers can ID and score the boat. If the scorer cannot read your number, It is useless. Factor in that the boats are at speed, in packs, behind spray ,tullies ,and ducks, and all of a sudden it becomes a challenge for crew.

I ask that anyone that wants to run minimal, or confusing numbers, should spend some time as a scorer. I'm sure that your volenteering would be appreciated and you will see the other side of the coin. Our racing is for the driver, but it is sustained by a almost purely volenteer Staff. Lets try to make life easy on all those that spend sooo much of their time so we might enjoy our sport.

[Skoontz]

Thanks, Dan. I was just wondering, cause, I never have scored, well you know what I mean

So then let me ask this one....Since you are a west coast guy and most likely have scored your share of inboards, why are they still allowed to run without the contrast and are they as difficult to score as the stock boats?

[sponsonhead]

Easy

That's simple: Inboards are bigger boats, and with a bigger boats, and they usually don't have 12 boats in a heat.

As a race official who frequently works on the judge's stand, I can tell you that at our local races, both myself and the other officials often cue visually off of other things in addition to numbers: color of lifejacket, helmet, way the driver sits in the boat, how the boat looks on the water, etc.

However when you get into a full field heat, especially at something like an outboard divisionals or Nationals when there are multiple boats that are not from your own region, or boats you may be unaccustomed to see on a regular basis, all you have are the numbers to go on as a sure-fire, consistent way to identify the boats.

Back to the inboards for a sec: not only are they bigger on the water, cowlings, profiles, colors are all a little easier to see, so numbers aren't always critical. That being said, I can tell you every official I know, Outboard, Inboard, OPC, UL or whatever, would always like to see clear, legible numbers.

R-19

[Skoontz]

Thanks Patrick!

Was just wondering how it evolved I guess. I have to redo KT's numbers, and am making them 14"x8" or 9, whatever fits.

I have to finish a fuel tank that I'm mounting on the left side read and going to number right over it, but this time I'm going white backing, black numbers so you can see them through the spray.

[bill boyes]

Bill, Patrick said it correctly. You most likely do not have an Inboard rule book so I will quote the rule. Rule 9.6 pg 18 all boat numbers shall be a minimum of eight inches in height with a one and half inch stroke using block style numbers in a strongly contrasting color on a vertical surface. A FIFTY POINT penalty will be given if numbers are deemed illegible.
Now go to the General Racing rule 5 para 10 page xiv and read what it says. (Kt should have a rule book) Pay attention to the last sentence.
I agree that many Inboard numbers do not comply with the rule and the owners should be advised and warned and if they do not comply by the next event assess a 50 point penalty or a DQ.

[bill boyes]

Thanks Patrick!

Was just wondering how it evolved I guess. I have to redo KT's numbers, and am making them 14"x8" or 9, whatever fits.

I have to finish a fuel tank that I'm mounting on the left side read and going to number right over it, but this time I'm going white backing, black numbers so you can see them through the spray.

Bill, read rule 6 page 16. Para 2 says it is recommended that hydroplanes deck numbers. Frankly, it is very hard to see deck numbers from the judges stand and are not needed.

[dwilderacer]

Deck #'s

I agree with the optional deck #'s. You have been able to read side #'s for several seconds by the time you can read a deck # off of a small hydro.

[Dancingbear1961]

Spacing

Not only can the numbers themselves be in question, but the letter spacing can distort the legibility also. I have seen many billboards with letters that squeeze together, appearing to form a new word entirely. (Whether intentional or not) And they have some mighty big text on display. If letters/numbers are properly spaced, they are much more distinguishable. Font selection is important also. Block letters are much more distinguishable than decorative text. Don't forget, it's not only the scorers that view the numbers. Referees, turn judges, safety personnel, family/crew, spectators, announcers, etc.

[Kev43V]

LOL i think a few drivers do not want the turn judges to be able to read their numbers LOL (98 percent joking)

[Skoontz]

Bill:

What do I need to do to train to be a scorer? That would help solve many questions through experience.

[Kev43V]

Bill:

What do I need to do to train to be a scorer? That would help solve many questions through experience.

Other than the chief scorer. All you have to do is sign up to help on the judges stand. They will be more than happy to get you started

[Dancingbear1961]

Scoring

www.apba-racing.com
Volunteer!
1st. Read the rule book. Know the rule book.
2nd. Read the scorer's handbook.
3rd. Take scorer's test.

This way you know pretty much what to excpect. There is a lot more to scoring than just calling numbers at the start.

[Skoontz]

www.apba-racing.com
Volunteer!
1st. Read the rule book. Know the rule book.
2nd. Read the scorer's handbook.
3rd. Take scorer's test.

This way you know pretty much what to excpect. There is a lot more to scoring than just calling numbers at the start.

Good advice, however, since the rule book regarding stock numbers is clear, until you get to the part where discretionary zingers were tossed into the mix, I wanted to know how the rule evolved from paiting numbers old school vs with the back ground....

So, on my futures calender, after I assemble a new Merc, (Thank you George) that will be next on my agenda.