Spotting Board
A Spotting Board is a crucial tool used by sports commentators and broadcasters to keep track of players, statistics, and key information during live sports events. Think of it as a customized quick-reference guide that helps announcers deliver accurate commentary without having to shuffle through multiple papers. It can be physical (like a large board or sheet) or digital (on a tablet or computer). Commentators use these to quickly identify players by number, position, and key stats, making their commentary more fluid and accurate. Similar tools include stat sheets and digital broadcasting tablets, but spotting boards are particularly valued for their ease of use during live commentary.
Examples in Resumes
Created and managed Spotting Board systems for NCAA football games
Trained junior commentators in effective Spotting Board usage during live broadcasts
Developed digital Spotting Board templates that improved broadcast accuracy by 40%
Typical job title: "Sports Commentators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Sports Commentators
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Training Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle unexpected technical issues with your spotting board during a live broadcast?
Expected Answer: A senior commentator should discuss backup systems, quick troubleshooting methods, and the ability to continue commentary smoothly while resolving issues. They should mention having paper backups and experience in improvising without losing broadcast quality.
Q: How have you improved spotting board systems in your previous roles?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership in developing better systems, training others, and possibly implementing digital solutions. Should discuss how their improvements made broadcasts more efficient and accurate.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you organize your spotting board for different sports?
Expected Answer: Should explain how they adapt their board layout for different sports, demonstrating knowledge of what information is most crucial for each sport and how to access it quickly during live commentary.
Q: What information do you prioritize on your spotting board and why?
Expected Answer: Should discuss the balance between essential stats, player information, and game situation details, showing understanding of what viewers want to know and what makes commentary engaging.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements you include on a spotting board?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list essential information like player names, numbers, basic stats, and team information, showing understanding of fundamental broadcasting needs.
Q: How do you prepare your spotting board before a game?
Expected Answer: Should describe the process of gathering information, organizing it clearly, and double-checking accuracy before broadcast time.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic spotting board creation and maintenance
- Understanding of essential sports statistics
- Basic live commentary skills
- Game preparation routines
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced board organization techniques
- Quick information retrieval during broadcasts
- Multiple sports commentary capability
- Digital spotting board proficiency
Senior (5+ years)
- System development and improvement
- Training and mentoring junior commentators
- Crisis management during live broadcasts
- Multi-platform broadcasting expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to maintain commentary flow while referencing the board
- Poor organization of essential game information
- Lack of backup systems or contingency plans
- No experience with multiple sports or formats
- Poor understanding of crucial statistics for different sports
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Beyond Spreadsheets: Why Executive Dashboards in ATS Systems Are Your Secret Hiring Weapon
Resume Screening Reinvented: 9 Unconventional Strategies to Discover Top Talent Hidden in Plain Sight
Automated Scorecards in ATS Systems: Your Secret Weapon for Smarter Hiring Decisions
