Kata Panel Scoring with Auto-Drop
Kata panel scoring (the Kata Points format) is the numeric system: each judge scores every performance, the highest and lowest scores can be dropped, and the result decides the ranking. It pairs with the ranking-list bracket, where competitors perform in order instead of head-to-head. One shared scorer computes every kata score in the app, so the operator board, the TV and the final placements always agree.
Panel configuration
Set the panel on the Kata Points card in Scoreboard Setup:
| Setting | Options |
|---|---|
| Judges | 3, 5 or 7 (default 5) |
| Score Range | Lowest and highest valid score, default 5.0 – 10.0 |
| Increment | Score step, default 0.1 |
| Drop High / Low | On or off (default on) |
| Method | Average (default), Median or Sum of the scores that count |
A division's own judge count, when set on its bracket, takes priority over this tournament-wide setting.
Entering scores
Competitors appear in performance order. After each kata the operator types one score per judge and presses Submit & Next. The board checks every score before it saves:
- A blank judge is never counted as zero. A panel with a missing score does not produce a result.
- Scores outside the range, or off the increment, are refused with a message under the field.
Judges can also score from their phones. When phone voting is on for the mat, Use the phones' scores fills the empty fields with what arrived. See Judges voting from their phones.
If an athlete doesn't perform, use Mark absent: they get no score and no placement, and it can be undone.
Declared kata
Every kata performance can record which kata the athlete announced. The picker takes a number or a name (for example "25" or "Heian") from the official WKF list of 102 kata. Anything not on the list is kept as typed. The TV shows the kata name.
Optional repeat rule: in Scoreboard Setup → Kata rules, turn on Different kata each round from 3rd kyu (incl. Dan). When an athlete at 3rd kyu or above picks a kata they already performed in the division, the operator gets a warning. 10th to 4th kyu may repeat. The operator can override the warning by entering a reason, which is saved with the kata. The rule is off by default and applies to every kata format.
The auto-drop
With drop on and a five-judge panel, the single highest and single lowest scores are dropped and the other three count. A panel of 7.0 / 7.2 / 7.5 / 7.8 / 8.0 keeps 7.2, 7.5 and 7.8; the 7.0 and 8.0 are dropped automatically.
Three-judge panels: with only three judges, nothing is dropped even when Drop High / Low is on, so all three scores count.
Ranking and results
The division ranks by final score, highest first. The TV shows each competitor's total once the panel is complete and updates the standings as each one finishes. Final placements flow into results and certificates like any other division.
Ties
When two athletes have the same final score, the board applies the WKF tie-break: the higher dropped low score wins, then the higher dropped high score. If they are still level, the tie stays unresolved: both share the place and are flagged until the operator records how it was broken.
To resolve it, press Resolve next to the tie flag, set the order, choose Re-performance (new kata) or Panel decision, enter the reason and press Save tie-break. The reason is required and stays on record with the scores.
Corrections
Scores can be edited after submitting; edits recalculate the ranking and reach the server. For a decided match in a bracket, see Re-score.