Tips & Tricks

Both Scouts

• Be there early so you can settle in. Oftentimes, getting onto the network before the stadium begins to fill up will allow you to maintain good connectivity throughout the game

• Utilize your pregame time to:

  • • Write down unique identifiers for your key players (arm sleeves, gloves, etc.)

    • Define spotter responsibilities 

    • Orient yourself with the scoreboard, clocks, etc., especially if it’s your first time at that particular stadium

• There is no substitute for live practice! If you want to hone your skills, attend a local HS/youth football game and chart in Training Banjo. There is no limit to the number of practice games you can complete

• Trust your eyes

• Be prepared for rain/inclement weather

• Buy and bring your portable charger

• Keep the training website open in a second tab (if connectivity is strong enough)

• Don't get too caught up in being a fan. Enjoy yourself and even celebrate with the people around you when appropriate. All we ask is that you enter the data first!

Play Scout

• Watch the ball until the ball carrier is going down. Enter a preliminary yard line right away

• Immediately look for the side judge closest to the play, as they will have their hand in the air (or foot on the yard line) where the ball will be marked

• Know who QB1 is for both teams. Verify if he is in at the beginning of each possession

• On 1st, 2nd, and 3rd down, you should be able to enter Regular Formation as soon as the preceding play ends (excluding end-of-half situations)

• Understanding the game situation will allow you to anticipate run or pass in many instances

• Study up on penalties during training

• Take an extra 2-3 seconds on the Confirmation Screen to ensure that you don’t miss any penalty flags or post-play penalties. Be alert for post-play pushing and shoving

• Don't rely too heavily on the stadium PA announcer. Typically, they are good for player identification, but can be unreliable for yard lines

• Don’t go back and edit plays. It is much better to be live and moving forward than trying to fix previous mistakes, and then having to scramble to catch up. Don't get hung up on the minutia or complex events/plays. Get the yard line, possession, and down & distance correct and move on. Remember our motto, "Be right now!"

• The Field Map is for your eyes only. Don't forget to flip the field at the end of each quarter

• Check both teams' rosters the night before. Some teams change their jersey numbers week-to-week

Clock Scout

• Learn the rhythm of the Center, Quarterback, and/or offensive scheme by looking for: 

  • • Head bobs

    • Claps (sometimes a double-clap will be used by the away team)

    • Knee lifts

    • Fast motions (Jet, Loop/Orbit)

• As the play ends, find the side judge closest to the play, as they will signal the status of the clock. The Head Referee (white hat) will mirror this

• When returning from an unexpected stoppage, find the white hat. They will signal to start the clock

• Know the ins and outs of the NCAA clock rules

• Understand the game situation, and when teams might be calling Timeouts

• Don't forget about Official Timeouts!

• Be alert for Penalties and Fumbles

• High-level communication is key in this role. Be an asset to your partner and help in any way you can (player identification, yard line identification, reminders to flip the field, reminders to watch for rotating QBs, etc.)

• Assume the role as the primary point of contact between your in-stadium duo and your game supervisor. Utilize the group chat for all gameday communication

• Many of the stadium clock operators are not very good. Be aware that mistakes can and will happen. And be prepared to edit your Banjo game clock on the fly

Phone Tips

• Use cellular data if possible. Wi-Fi is a backup option in most cases

• Turn off sleep mode and/or change your screen timeout settings to Never

• Close out all unnecessary apps and browser tabs

• For rainy games, utilize your phone inside/underneath your clear poncho

• For hot games, relocate to a shaded area (the concourse or elsewhere) and work from there. An overheated phone does not help us. We would much rather you have a terrible angle with a working device than the alternative. If you do relocate due to potential overheating, please notify your game supervisor

• If you are experiencing issues with your device, keep in mind these Tech Troubleshooting techniques