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Example: 2B fields clean and errors on throw to 1B. The way I score on a scorecard is 4E-3.
Example: 2B bobbles hit and throws to 1B late. E4-3
Example: 2B clean field, good throw to 1B, 1B bobbles or drops. 4-E3

If iScore would allow similar input of all who handle the ball with the capability of assigning an error at any point post-hit. Then the credit for assist could automatically calculate as well as the error. This would be a big plus for the program, and up to this point, the only major drawback I have found.

The first two scenarios are just errors on the second baseman. There is no assist to be given. We do not currently distinguish between a throwing and fielding error ... it is just an error. But you can add a note saying it is fielding vs throwing if you would like.

In the second example, iScore only lets you enter the error on the first baseman. We do not assign an assist. You can go into the statistics post game and add an assist to the second baseman if you would like.

Both the ability to track fielding vs throwing errors and the ability to credit assists when a putout is not actually made are on our enhancement list for future prioritization.

As food for thought... in a team sport, shouldn't an assist require a successful outcome? All other sports require this.. football requires the receiver to catch the ball for a QB to get a completion (even if the pass looked perfect). Basketball requires the receiver of a pass to make the basket for an assist to be awarded even if it is a perfect alley-oop that the receiving player slams off the rim. Soccer requires the receiver of a pass to score a goal for an assist to be awarded even if he is in front of an open net and completely blows the kick.

We know the rules of baseball state otherwise in the case of a player dropping a ball thrown to them, but it doesn't seem right. It doesn't take into account things like a shortstop side-arming and having a nasty break on the ball that actually does make it difficult for a first baseman to catch the ball even though it "looks" like a perfect throw. Seems like a very "individual way to score a stat" for a "team sport".

I'm with you, FTM. I've never understood the reasoning behind that. In many cases, it's a judgement call as to whom the error belongs. The shortstop's throw was slightly off, but the first baseman probably could have caught it. If you give the error to the shortstop, they lose the assist chance AND they have an error go against them. Double whammy stats-wise. If you make a judgement call and give the error to first base, the shortstop gets an assist and no error. From one extreme to the other just by virtue of who the scorekeeper believes is more at fault.

Seems like we should give 1/2 errors... like 1/2 a sack in football.

I appreciate the input from you both and agree to a certain extent. As a scorer and statistician for an 11U travel baseball team, I am trying to provide as accurate as possible, information to the coaching staff. At this age, many of the kids are not position specific players as of yet, and are moved around a good bit. It is hard to determine who should really be playing a specific position without knowing the consistency of their fielding and throwing. If a player makes 100 clean fields and throws, but the first baseman errors on them, how, from a statistics stand point, can I give credit to the player who was successful on his part of the play. I agree 100% regarding 1/2 assist. At least that way credit, and errors for that matter, can be given accordingly. I will probably utilize the note function for reference in future games. Thanks again for the input. I really enjoy the program and give it rave reviews. BTW, the first baseman wouldn't make it to 100 errors before he was moved!! Have a great weekend.

thought provoking post ...

There are lots of quirks like this in OBR 10. Whether we agree or disagree with the philosophical reasoning behind it is irrelevant (although admittedly interesting to discuss). Credit the assist with neither passion nor prejudice.