Configure Subcaptions

Subcaptions are the individual scoring elements within a caption. They define what judges actually enter scores for and appear on judge tablets and score recaps.

What Are Subcaptions?

Subcaptions are the building blocks of your scoring system. While categories group judging areas and captions define judge roles, subcaptions are the specific criteria being evaluated.

Example hierarchy:

Category: Visual
└── Caption: Visual Ensemble (VE)
    ├── Subcaption: Technique (T) - Max 50 points
    ├── Subcaption: Composition (C) - Max 30 points
    └── Subcaption: Achievement (A) - Max 20 points

Creating a Subcaption

1. Open your scoring system
2. Navigate to the caption where you want to add the subcaption
3. Click Add Subcaption
4. Enter the required fields:

• Name - Full subcaption name (e.g., "Technique")
• Initials - Short abbreviation (e.g., "T")
• Maximum Score - Highest possible score (e.g., 100)

1. Configure optional settings
2. Click Save

Subcaption Settings

Basic Settings

Recap Score Display

• Raw - Shows the score exactly as entered by the judge
• Calculated - Shows the score after applying multiplier/divisor

Example:

• Judge enters: 80
• Multiplier: 1, Divisor: 2
• Raw display: 80
• Calculated display: 40

Ratings Tab

Ratings translate numeric scores into descriptive text. This helps groups understand their performance level at a glance.

To add a rating:

1. Click Add Another Rating
2. Enter:

• Max Score - Upper bound for this rating level
• Text - Description to display (e.g., "Excellent")

Example Rating Scale:

With this scale:

• A score of 85 displays as "Excellent"
• A score of 72 displays as "Good"

Subcaption Calculations

Each subcaption's contribution to the caption total is:

Subcaption Total = Max Score × Multiplier ÷ Divisor

The sum of all subcaption totals within a caption determines the caption's point value.

Example:

The Subcaption Display

When viewing a caption, subcaptions appear in a table showing:

This helps you verify point values add up correctly before using the scoring system.

Managing Subcaptions

Edit a Subcaption

1. Click the pencil icon in the subcaption row
2. Modify settings
3. Click Save

Remove a Subcaption

1. Click the pencil icon to open the subcaption
2. Click Remove (bottom-left, red button)
3. Confirm the removal

View Subcaption Details

The subcaption list shows key values at a glance:

• Name
• Maximum Score
• Multiplier
• Divisor
• Calculated Total

Common Configurations

Simple Equal-Weight Subcaptions

Each element worth the same maximum points:

Technique: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 1 = 100
Creativity: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 1 = 100
Achievement: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 1 = 100
Caption Total: 300 points

Weighted Subcaptions

Different elements have different point values:

Technique: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 1 = 100  (40%)
Creativity: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 2 = 50  (20%)
Achievement: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 1 = 100 (40%)
Caption Total: 250 points

Scaled-Down Scores

Convert larger entry scales to smaller totals:

Content: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 10 = 10
Execution: Max 100, Mult 1, Div 10 = 10
Caption Total: 20 points

Judges enter 0-100, but the system treats it as 0-10.

Best Practices

Keep Maximum Scores Consistent

• Use the same max score across similar subcaptions (e.g., all 100)
• Apply multipliers/divisors to adjust weights instead of varying max scores

Use Clear, Descriptive Names

• "Technique" not "T"
• "Music Achievement" not "MA"
• Match terminology from your judging criteria documents

Keep Initials Short

• 1-3 characters work best
• Initials appear on judge tablets and condensed recaps

Test Your Math

• Verify calculated totals match your intended point structure
• Check that category totals align with your scoring philosophy

Document Ratings Clearly

• Use consistent rating scales across subcaptions
• Make rating descriptions meaningful ("Superior" vs. just "S")

Troubleshooting

Subcaption not showing on judge tablet

• Verify the parent caption is assigned to the judge at the event
• Check that the subcaption was saved successfully

Score totals not adding up

• Review Multiplier and Divisor settings
• Ensure no accidental zero divisors (not allowed, but check values)
• Verify Maximum Score is set correctly

Ratings not displaying

• Ensure ratings were saved with the subcaption
• Check that Max Score values cover all possible scores
• Verify recap/summary visibility settings

"Divisor must be larger than 0" error

• Divisor cannot be zero or negative
• Use a positive number (typically 1 if no adjustment needed)

Related Articles

• Captions
• Categories and Sections
• Creating a Scoring System