Scorekeepers are essential to a competition: they track lifters’ results during competitions and ensure verified outcomes afterward. Only trained volunteers can fill this role.
Introduction
If you’re considering volunteering as a scorekeeper for BC Powerlifting Association events, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the tools to the rules and how you can get started.
If you are interested in becoming a scorekeeper then please email the Scorekeepers Chair. There will be periodic training clinics and refresher sessions.
What Does a Scorekeeper Do?
- Accurately record all competitors’ lifts in real time
- Verify and cross-check records and results
- Print final verified scores
- Assist in resolving any scoring disputes
Tools & Rules You’ll Use
1. SymPLMeet (Scoring Software)
We use SymPLMeet, a web-based platform designed especially for powerlifting meets. You’ll input lifts, track squat/bench/deadlift attempts, and monitor and manage attempts in real time.
2. IPF Rules (International Powerlifting Federation)
A good working knowledge of IPF rules is required. This ensures consistency, fairness, and standardized scoring across events.
How to Get Started
- Email the Scorekeepers Chair to express your interest
- Attend a training session or refresher course (or check out the resources below)
- Shadow an experienced scorekeeper at your first event
- Join the BCPA scorekeeping volunteer pool
Intro to Scorekeeping
Being a scorekeeper requires you to be comfortable using a SymPLMeet, an easy-to-use tool accessed through a web browser, as well as familiar with some of the IPF rules.
This will walk you through the basics of what you need to know.
Scorekeeping at a competition
How Scoring Works in Competitions:
Set up – Enter all of the lifter information (opening attempts, rack heights, bodyweight) before lifting begins
Live entry – As athletes lift, input their attempts and outcomes
Verification – Cross-check records and results with referees and correct any discrepancies
Submit & publish – At event close, finalize the scores and print the results for awards and medals
This interactive guide below will walk you through the how to put the basics you learned above into practice, and experience how to actually scorekeep. Once you’ve completed this, please email the Scorekeepers Chair to get added to the BCPA’s pool of scorekeepers so you can be paired with someone experienced for your first time scorekeeping.
Resources & References
- SymPLMeet — official scoring tool used in BC meets
- IPF rules — the international standard for competition judgments and scoring
- Email the Scorekeepers Chair to let them know of your interest