High score

Eight masters students at the University of Warwick have developed an electronic scoring system for national rhythmic gymnastics competitions that is designed to be as effective as more complicated Olympic-style scoring systems, but produced for a much lower price.

Rhythmic gymnastic scoring in Britain is performed manually. The system is time-consuming and can be prone to error. The Warwick system replaces manual scoring with a computerised process that is adaptable for use in other sporting competitions.

The system consists of keypad-style entry of data by judges that is controlled by a master judge's terminal. The data is transferred automatically to the master scorer's computer to calculate the final mark.

The system was tested at a national rhythmic gymnastics competition with excellent results and feedback from British gymnastics officials. It compares favourably in performance and flexibility to the Olympic standard scoring system developed by Longines of Switzerland.

Details: www.warwick.ac.uk