How to Run a Football Scoreboard in a Grade School Game

It’s never too early to start teaching children football fundamentals and proper technique. The hits may not be as intense, but the scoring basics remain the same. Be sure to check with the local rules depending on the organization running the game. For instance, lower school-age football leagues won’t include the extra point kick after a score, nor will they use field goals. The refs also won’t use the same play clock used in high school and college, and some younger leagues don’t even keep score.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check with the refs before the game to make sure the point system and clock management are understood. Ask for a written guideline or make notes of your own so that you can operate the scoreboard consistently.

    • 2

      Turn the scoreboard to the “On” position and check that the bulbs in the electronic scoreboard light up.

    • 3

      Click “New Game” to clear out the previous game settings.

    • 4

      Hit the “Quarter” or “Period” button until the scoreboard flashes “1.” There are four quarters total in a standard game, so press this button every time you need to change quarters.

    • 5

      Press the “Clock” button to turn the clock on or off, depending on if the league is keeping time. The time will be the same each quarter. If the ref wants you to stop the clock during the game, press this button to stop and start the game clock.

    • 6

      Press the scoring buttons, usually marked by a “+1” or a “+10,” for both the home and guest teams anytime a score is made. Touchdowns are six points, extra points are either one or two points and a safety is two points.

    • 7

      Press the “Down” button to toggle between downs. There are four downs total, ten yards to go to get another first down.

    • 8

      Press the “Yards to Go,” or “YTG” button to change the yards away from a first down. For instance, assume the play is a first down and ten to go. If the offense gains five yards, press the “YTG” button to display “5” on the scoreboard.