A scorekeeper is typically in charge of documenting the points scored during a sporting event, and declaring a winner. He might also be responsible for keeping track of other statistics, such as the number of passes or interceptions. He might record these important facts manually, electronically, or both.
This person can work during football, basketball, baseball, and soccer games, as well as many other sports. A scorekeeper must be knowledgeable about how the game is played. He should also be familiar with any special rules adopted by the organization he is working for. Ideally, he is an impartial party with no connections to any of the teams involved.
In many sports arenas, the score is displayed on electronic scoreboards located on both ends of the facility. These devices may also show the amount of time remaining. A scorekeeper might be responsible for keying in points as they are earned, so they will be visible to spectators. He could also be in charge of stopping the clock, by pressing a button during time-outs for example.
When tracking the statistics of a competition, the scorekeeper normally does so from a booth very high up in the stadium. This is so he can have an unobstructed view of the event as it progresses. He normally receives a roster of each team's players in order to be able to properly credit the right person with scoring points. He might also call the plays during a game, over a loud speaker or broadcast system, for the benefit of those watching.
A scorekeeper may attend a class or seminar in order to learn his duties. This training can include going over the rules and regulations of the game, equipment training, and ethics. He may be required to take a test on the course material before being allowed to work at a sporting event.
This person is ideally very dedicated to the position he holds. He should arrive at the game early and plan to stay late. While it is being played, he must take care not to become distracted, so he can accurately record events as they unfold.
Many times, a scorekeeper performs his duties as a volunteer, which means he is not paid. Other times, he may receive a small amount of money for doing this work. Whether paid or unpaid, this professional performs an important function by making an official record of a game's outcome. This service greatly benefits coaches, players, and fans alike.