VAFA iPads

[bigwaz]

The VAFA is keen to introduce iPads (I presume with Wireless Internet) for scoring/timekeeping, so that the website can accurately display live match updates.

While I think this is a great initiative and is terrific in theory, I feel that it could prove more of a hinderence to clubs than anything else.

It would be neat to be able to check half time scores at other games, and it could also save a lot of running around after matches with scorecards.

However, my guess is that the iPad won't replace the old system, it will just add to the timekeepers responsibilities. Scorecards would still need to be kept in case of internet problems etc....

 

[Scribe]

Whether it's an iPad or a laptop with WiFi capability, I don't know if there's much of a difference. Perhaps HQ could provide each club with a cost price unit and absorb it into our affiliation fees?

 

[bigwaz]

Whether it's an iPad or a laptop with WiFi capability, I don't know if there's much of a difference. Perhaps HQ could provide each club with a cost price unit and absorb it into our affiliation fees?

Absorbtion is unlikely!

I think it makes more sense to provide a web application, and let the clubs fill in the data with the device of their choice. Laptop, desktop, smartphone etc.

 

[game on]

I'm currently working on an I-Pad statistic application for teams. Would anyone be interested in this? It could be an added benefit to buying an i-pad for each club.

Are all teams within a club expected to upload scores, inc u19's?

 

[Chazz M Michaels]

Not the smartest people over at HQ!

Purchasing an $800 ipad for the sole reason of inputting data? People's phones can't already do that?

You can get 10" netbooks for $300, at least they've got keyboards.

There is no benefit of an ipad over a netbook/notebook, let alone an everyday phone in this situation.

I'm guessing we've got Apple fan boi's in HQ.

What a stupid idea.

Bigwaz, you're on the money with the webapp idea.

 

[Rooster1979]

Great initiative with some work could be fantastic. Here's my suggestion.

1 - Web App for timekeepers / scorers to keep scores. Possibly include goal kickers in this info as well so this work doesn't have to be completed after the game. Use any computer you have available or phone if one isn't available

2 - Live scores available on the VAFA website, as scorers update information it becomes available

3 - Perhaps an iphone / android phone app so users can see these live scores divided by grade easily. That would also be a great sponsorship oppurtunity. Maybe even sell the app for a couple of bucks to offset the cost, I'm sure most people with an interest in VAFA footy would be happy to fork that out to keep up to date with their own team when they're not at the game.

 

[Brad Goodman]

It won't necessarily be iPads, they are just using that as a generic term at the moment. It they go through with it I dare say they'll source some cheaper no-name brand tablets or similar devices.

 

[bigwaz]

Great initiative with some work could be fantastic. Here's my suggestion.

1 - Web App for timekeepers / scorers to keep scores. Possibly include goal kickers in this info as well so this work doesn't have to be completed after the game. Use any computer you have available or phone if one isn't available

2 - Live scores available on the VAFA website, as scorers update information it becomes available

3 - Perhaps an iphone / android phone app so users can see these live scores divided by grade easily. That would also be a great sponsorship oppurtunity. Maybe even sell the app for a couple of bucks to offset the cost, I'm sure most people with an interest in VAFA footy would be happy to fork that out to keep up to date with their own team when they're not at the game.

I like point 3. If it was a nice interface it might make me shell out $5.

Also, the VAFA could charge a subscription fee for live scores.

 

[Rooster1979]

I like point 3. If it was a nice interface it might make me shell out $5.

Also, the VAFA could charge a subscription fee for live scores.

Maybe the clubs could get some of that, seeing they'll be doing all the work

 

[majicjman]

Its a good idea but you need to have a person to do this most clubs are already hard pushed to get the amount of helpers required each game day so if you can not find someone it will be just another avenue for the VAFA to fine our arses and raise more money

 

[Rooster1979]

Its a good idea but you need to have a person to do this most clubs are already hard pushed to get the amount of helpers required each game day so if you can not find someone it will be just another avenue for the VAFA to fine our arses and raise more money

Agreed, if your updating online, clubs shouldn't be required to hand in the current paper version from the time keepers. Doing this, if it goes ahead, should be instead of writing it on a bit of paper. The goal umpires will obviously still have paper versions as a backup

 

[bigwaz]

Agreed, if your updating online, clubs shouldn't be required to hand in the current paper version from the time keepers. Doing this, if it goes ahead, should be instead of writing it on a bit of paper. The goal umpires will obviously still have paper versions as a backup

Good point about the goal umpires. The timekeepers wont need a card at all... However majicman is right, it will be a challenge to train Joe Blows grandfather to use an iPad

 

[Brad Goodman]

The idea is for the tablet to be used as the timekeeping and scorecard device, so no extra work.

 

[majicjman]

But one other small problem is that at some grounds the time keepers are sat at some poxy old table out in the weather last i heard ipads do not llike to be wet ,
just a thought

 

[Shaz]

The home timekeeper would have the "ipad" whilst the away would be required to keep time with the standard clock and possibly card.

I'm not sure about timekeepers doing the goal kickers as they're supppose to be watching the umpires more than the players and can become a problem when it needs to be checked at the end of the game to make sure it's correct. I'm a team manager so know that end of game joy and have had some experience doing timekeeping for games where time-on was required i.e. not setting the clock and let it run.

 

[The Final Word]

Name me one thing, other than touch screen functions, that the iPad has that a laptop, netbook or PC doesn't already do.

What on earth is this talk about apps to do stuff that can already be done by devices that a club almost certainly has?

Here's your "Timing App" http://www.online-stopwatch.com/countdown-timer/

 

[Fish 20]

the idea of an app for iPad/iPhone will never happen, especially if the VAFA were to develop their own application. I'm told a very ordinary app costs at least around $100,000 to develop which VAFA HQ wouldn't be willing to invest, & why would/should they when the current method or a more cost effective method is available?

Sporting Pulse already have an iphone app, maybe that could be developed further to provide live results.

 

[sidewinder]

Yeah great! One wrong sweep and all the data is lost, including the game time. Brilliant. Wake up Ammos HQ. The people in premier div who want that sort of info wont pay for it!
The lower ranked clubs dont have enough volunteers on matchdays let alone the time to sit face-down in a computer while a game is on. Too much pissing on at HQ. Fine at finals time perhaps. Oh, maybe the interchange cards could be electronic also!!!