How to Use GameChanger: A Guide for Softball

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As a youth sports parent, I’ve found that keeping track of game statistics, streaming games, and sharing highlights is easiest with GameChanger. Here, I’ll share how I use GameChanger to score and live stream my daughter’s softball games.

What is the GameChanger app?

GameChanger is a mobile app for scorekeeping, stat tracking, and team management in youth sports. It’s popular in baseball and softball but used for other sports too. The app lets coaches, parents, and fans follow games in real-time, access statistics, and watch live video streams of games.

A key feature of GameChanger is its ability to share data across devices. While one person scores the game, others can view the action live from anywhere. This has been a big help for grandparents who can’t make it to every game or parents stuck at work. Of course, we need a volunteer.

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Getting started with GameChanger

Setting up your team

To get started, create a team profile and add your players. Download the app, create an account, select “Create a Team,” choose your sport, enter your team details, and add players to your roster. Then, invite other coaches, parents, and fans to join.

Adding events to your team calendar

GameChanger’s integrated calendar is a useful feature. You can add games, practices, and other team events directly in the app. I’ve found it helpful to be as specific as possible when adding locations. This helps parents who might be unfamiliar with the venue.

Members of the team can subscribe to the calendar and it will tie directly to their own calendar.

Adding the opposing team’s lineup

Let’s play ball. It’s time for a game. One of the challenges I often faced when using GameChanger was adding the opposing team’s lineup quickly and efficiently. Previously, the coaches gave me the lineup after meeting with the umpire. So that’s not a lot of time until first pitch.

First, no need to have the full opposing lineup in there before starting to score the game. Add players as they come up to bat. This flexibility is especially useful when you don’t receive the other team’s lineup in advance.

Here’s the approach I use:

When setting up the game, I look for the option to add the opposing team. Often, the team is already in the GameChanger system. Click on opponent and then search for them by name

Then I check the roster and ensure it’s the right team. Compare it to the coach’s name for example.

As the game begins, quickly add batters to the lineup as they approach the plate. If a player isn’t on the roster, add them on the spot. I typically just put in their numbers if I don’t have their names. Simply click on create player.

One tip I’ve found helpful: if you have a few minutes before the game, try to get the opposing team’s lineup card. I often volunteer to take our lineup to the other team and get theirs in return. This gives me a head start on entering their information into GameChanger.

By using this method, I can start scoring quickly and accurately without letting the opposing team’s lineup become a bottleneck.

Scoring a game with GameChanger

Scoring a game with GameChanger becomes second nature with practice. You start by entering your team’s lineup and the opposing team’s if you have it.

For each pitch, tap “Ball,” “Called Strike,” or “Swinging Strike.” If the ball is hit, you tap “ball in play” and where it went on the field diagram and drag the fielder’s glove to where they fielded the ball.

I’ve learned that it’s crucial to watch the play unfold before recording it in the app. Once, during a complex play, I got caught up trying to record everything immediately and missed some important details. Now, I always watch the full play before entering it into GameChanger.

 

Managing substitutions and special situations

GameChanger has robust features for handling various game situations. For instance, to make a substitution, simply tap on the player to replace, select “Sub Out,” and then choose the player entering the game.

The app also handles special situations like courtesy runners. When a pitcher or catcher reaches base and coach wants to use a courtesy runner, you tap on the player, select “Courtesy Runner,” and then choose the player who will be running. GameChanger keeps track of who ran for whom. And you can easily check who is last available.

Communication with fans

GameChanger includes a chat feature for keeping parents and fans informed.  You can message them when a game is actually delayed or when there’s some important update or something like that.

Live streaming games

Live streaming games has been a game-changer. Ha. It allows family members who can’t attend to watch the action. You need two devices – one for scoring and one for streaming. I use a special mount bracket that attaches to chain-link fences for the streaming device, but a tripod works well for those newer meshy fences.

I always remind parents sitting near the streaming device that their conversations might be picked up by the microphone.

Advanced features and tips

GameChanger can handle special situations like California tiebreaker rules and courtesy runners. To add runners simply click on the base and then find the right runner to place there.

After games, you can view and share a wealth of statistics.

Troubleshooting and common issues

Even with preparation, things can go wrong. Battery life is often an issue, so I always bring a portable charger.

Weather can be a problem too – I’ve used clear plastic pouches to protect devices during unexpected rain showers.

Highlight reels

 

One of my favorite features is creating highlight reels.These highlights get created based on the stats in place entered by the scorekeeper in the app. Quite the neat feature.

From there you can edit and download.

Conclusion

GameChanger has transformed score keeping and live streaming of games. You can even view the current game in the layout of its traditional scorecard.

There’s a learning curve, but don’t be afraid to make mistakes as you’re getting started. The more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll become. The goal is to enhance the sports experience, not complicate it.

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