Digital scoreboards can often be used for multiple sports if they are a multi-sport or programmable scoreboard, which is a great option for many sports venues and schools. For instance, an AFL scoreboard can also be used as a cricket scoreboard, as well as for soccer, rugby league, or rugby union.
How do multi-sport LED scoreboards work?
A multi-sport scoreboard is simply a single digital scoreboard that can be configured to display different information (e.g. tries, goals, runs) depending on the sport being played.
Typically, a multi-sport scoreboard uses:
- A scoreboard controller – a handheld controller, tablet, or laptop
- Sport-specific software – the controller changes the scoreboard display, depending on the sport
- Different layouts for different sports
- Different sections of the LED display area, depending on the different sport functions displayed
Example of Multi Sport Scoreboard Display Information
MultiSport Scoreboard Components for AFL, Rugby League, Soccer, Cricket & Rugby Union
| Sport | Information Displayed Depending on Model | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCORE TOTALS | SCORE COMPONENTS | PERIOD | GAME CLOCK | TEAMS | BATTERS | |
| AFL | Golas, Behinds | |||||
| Rugby League | Tries, Goals, Field Goals | |||||
| Soccer | Goals | |||||
| Cricket | Batter Runs, Overs, Bowlers | |||||
| Rugby Union | Tries, Conversions, Goals, Field Goals | |||||
MultiSport Scoreboard Components for Netball, Basketball & Futsal
| Sport | Information Displayed Depending on Model | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCORE TOTALS | SCORE COMPONENTS | PERIOD | GAME CLOCK | SHOT CLOCK | TEAMS | FOULS | POSSESSION | |
| Netball | Goals | |||||||
| Basketball | Points | |||||||
| Futsal | Goals | |||||||
Benefits of multi-sport scoreboards
A multi-sport scoreboard can provide more flexibility, especially for multi-sport venues, and may be a more cost-effective option, when compared to providing a unique scoreboard for each sport.
| Scoreboard Features | Benefits |
| Wireless controller | Easy operation |
| Multi-sport mode | Switch between sports |
| Programmable Display | Different layouts |
| Video Display | Display ads, promotional videos, and replays |
What to look for in a multi-sport scoreboard?
- Programmable software
- Wireless or network controller
- Multiple display layouts
- Sport specific consoles within the same controller
- Expandable displays
- Customisable messaging or branding
- Video display (optional)
Most of the well made multi-sport scoreboards can also integrate with features like sirens or buzzers, separate shot clocks, timing systems, referee controls, and video display.
Important Multi-Sport Scoreboard Considerations
Genuine multi-sport scoreboards are not simply a scoreboard with multiple labels displayed. The software and controller need to be able to support the multiple sports being played. The display must also have enough digits and the correct functionality for the most demanding sport you play e.g. a sport like basketball that requires the display of teams, scores, period, game clock, fouls, timeout, requires more digit space, etc.
Cost Effective Multi-Sport Scoreboards
A cost-effective option for venues that play a limited number of sports (e.g. AFL and Cricket) is a premium or hybrid fixed digit digital scoreboard. For instance, the electronic AFL team names become batter names, and the scores change to batter totals, overs, etc.
(add premium and hybrid AFL / Cricket scoreboard image)
Buy Australian Made multi-sport scoreboards
AusSport has been manufacturing quality LED and fixed digit digital scoreboards for over 25 years, and we are now one of the largest and best sports scoreboard providers in Australia. Give the AusSport team a call today to enquire about a multiple sport scoreboard for your club.
