The Pros and Cons of Electronic Score Sheets

by Toby Guidry, Assistant Communication Director

While the BJCP does not run competitions directly or dictate how they must be run outside of the Sanctioned Competition Rules, a frequent inquiry is the subject of electronic scoresheets. Competition organizers are free to use any scoresheet they want in any format they want (paper or digital) provided the form used still provides feedback to entrants. Below is a high-level summary of general pros and cons when considering the use of electronic scoresheets. 

Electronic Scoresheet Benefits

1. Increased speed or feedback – In our modern world, handwriting skills have lessened and most of us can type, even on virtual keyboards with our thumbs, far faster than we can write. Electronic scoresheets may allow some judges to judge more quickly or to provide a higher amount of feedback in the same time.
2. No having to decipher a judge’s handwriting – As a corollary, handwriting quality has suffered since we do so little of it. Typed responses are easily read and do not have to be interpreted.
3. Facilitates online distribution of scoresheets – It is starting to become more common for scoresheets to be scanned and emailed instead of sent via traditional snail mail. Electronic scoresheets would eliminate the need to scan paper sheets. The electronic distribution could even be timed to happen automatically when results are released.
4. Reduction of paperwork – If scoresheets and flights are all tracked electronically, software can be designed to generate cover pages and flight sheets automatically.

Electronic Scoresheet Concerns

1. Electronic device damage –  Seeing a judging session happen with no spillage at all is fairly rare. Paper scoresheets can be dried or discarded and replaced; tablets, phones or laptops could be damaged, creating a liability for the competition. 
2. Inconsistent judging experience – If judges bring their own devices, laptops, iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets would all potentially provide different challenges for a single scoresheet design. Screen sizes would also impact experience and efficiency, as would the ability of the competition to troubleshoot technical difficulties across devices and platforms. 
3. High costs – If a competition wants to provide devices, this is going to create a significant expense which will have to be offset by higher fees or sponsorships. Additional costs may be needed to secure a high-quality wifi network, depending on the judging location. 
4. Increased IT Support – More expertise for logistics (printing, networking, etc.) will be needed. Judges will have varying levels of technical skills and some judges may require significant training or help using a digital scoresheet. The process for rolling electronic scoresheets out would require the ability to code the backend process and either set up networking for printing or accessing the back-end servers for transmission of completed scoresheets.
5. Judging and typing with only two hands – Many experienced judges use their dominant hand to write while tasting and holding the beer with their other hand. Using a keyboard, either virtual or physical, will require them to either sacrifice speed by typing one-handed or require them to put down the sample to type with both hands.
6. Technology failure – Electronic devices, wifi networks and programs can fail and interrupt the ability to judges to fill out or submit their  digital scoresheets. Contingency plans would be needed in case of technology failure, such as having enough paper scoresheets on hand to still complete the competition.