Scoring is one of the most time-consuming tasks involved in preparing for and running Night Ops. On the night of Night Ops, we typically stay up an additional 2-4 hours after the event is over in order to enter scores into the spreadsheets and address any issues.
Here is everything there is to know about scoring.
What do we score Patrols on?
We only score patrols on things that are objectively measurable. For instance, it’s impossible to get an objective score for how well a patrol works together when two adults have different standards. How long it takes a patrol to complete a task given a predetermined standard start event and end event – that can be objectively measured.
Patrols are NOT scored on:
- Stealth during the night
- How well we think you worked together as a team
- Supplies you do/don’t have
Patrols are scored based on how they complete a given challenge at a station and how quickly they complete the entire course. There will be a more in-depth explanation of the individual stations in a moment.
How do we calculate scores?
We put a LOT of time and effort into what challenges we do and how we score them to ensure that patrols are judged fairly whether they have 3 members or 8 members.
Scoring is based on knowledge and skill displayed then time and any other tie breakers.
For stations that rely on time, we often will divide time by the number of patrol members to get a metric used in scoring.
For instance, at the water station, if your patrol fails the knowledge/skill portion but is the fast at the relay portion, you will not get first place at that station. The patrol that scores highest on the knowledge/skill portion and has the fastest relay time will get first place at that station.
We process the scoring so that we get a 10 point scale for each station with 10 being the best score. The math behind it varies and is more than can be explained in this post.
One reason we do this is so that a patrols don’t have to win first place at a station to win first place overall.
Note: Final scoring methods may vary depending on the type of challenge done. This is only an example of one of the challenges we do at each station.
Speed
The Fastest ribbon is given to the patrol that completes the event the fastest. We determine this based on their Start Time and End Time
The Start Time is when they have their maps checked off and we release them to begin the course. Initially, we’ll hold patrols until the event begins, then do a mission briefing and release the patrols who have had their maps checked off. If a patrol hasn’t yet had their maps checked off, their time doesn’t start until their maps are checked and we give them “the green light”.
End Time is when their ENTIRE patrol arrives at the Command Station. This means that if 2 members of your patrol run ahead and get there at the same time as another patrol, you have to wait until your entire patrol arrives before we’ll check out your patrol. If multiple patrols are at the command station, get in line.
Morse Code Station
This is the only station that isn’t manned by adults. Patrols have instructions in their Patrol packet about what to do. They will turn in that sheet when their check-in at the Command Station at the end of the event.
We look first at which patrols correctly deciphered the Morse code message and then at how accurate their bears were. For example:
- Patrol A: Correctly deciphered the message. Their bearings were 10 points off from the official bearings. (First place)
- Patrol B: Correctly deciphered the message. Their bearings were 30 points off from the official bearings. (Second place)
- Patrol C: Incorrectly deciphered the message. Their bearings were 10 points off from the official bearings.
- Patrol D: Incorrectly deciphered the message. Their bearings were 30 points off from the official bearings. (Last place)
Fire Station
This station tests your knowledge and application of fire safety procedures and how long it takes for you to apply your fire building knowledge to accomplish a given task. There is a small bonus for if you use flint & steel to light your fire.
First Aid Station
This is the hardest station to score because of the amount of detail.
The Narrator has a checklist of what you should do in a first aid scenario that they will check off as you do them. Remember to communicate what you are doing as you do it so that the Narrator and your team are in the loop.
For example, you could attempt CPR, but if you don’t announce it, the Narrator may not count it as having been done. Also, if you say you are attempting CPR but don’t actually demonstrate CPR, you will not score as well. (The 2022 scenario will not be CPR.)
Night Navigation
Depends on the scenario but this station may take into account:
- How long it takes you to complete the task
- The variance of your bearings from the official bearings is taken into account
- The variance in the location you end up vs the correct location may be taken into account.
Obstacle Course
Formerly called lasers, this station tests your ability to work as a team to navigate an obstacle course. You are scored based on how long it takes to complete the course and how many times your patrol trips a sensor (ie. get hit by a laser beam, sets of an alarm, etc.).
Recon
Formerly called Enemy Camp. This station often takes rates your speed and how many items you get/see (depends on the challenge).
We do not deduct points for how often you are hit by the water guns (which can happen if you make too much noise).
Rope Station
This station primarily uses time as a factor. Other metrics may be used depending on the scenario.
For instance, how many times your patrol member stepped into the “alligator pit” might affect your score.
Teamwork Station
Formerly called the Puzzle Station. This station will be scored as fairly as possible. This is the first year for the event so we are keeping some things a secret, but it will involve a measurable task that requires teamwork.
Water Station
This station tests your knowledge of water rescue & safety and related first aid topics plus involves some form of a relay race.
Your patrol’s total time completing the race is divided by the number of patrol members you have to get your average time. This way, a patrol with 6 people who complete the relay race in 5 minutes will score better than a patrol that has 5 people and completes the race in 5 minutes.
Mechanics of Scoring
Each station is manned by adults with scoring sheets (except for Morse Code station). One sheet = one patrol. These scoring sheets are gathered up, scanned, and entered via Google Forms which sends the information into a Google Sheet where the information is processed using the predetermined formulas.
We are always working toward improving the training that adult volunteers receive so that every adult at a station scores patrols in a similar way. For instance, if one adult gives a patrol 1 minute to strategize before starting a challenge; all adults at that station should be doing the same. This is one reason that we have an instruction script for each station. Consistency is important!
Questions?
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding scoring.