Judging runs in the web browser. There is no app to install, but the device has to stay on the judging page for hours, keep working when the WiFi drops, and never lose a score. These are the specs that make that reliable.
Best choice: a 10 inch tablet (iPad or Android) on the latest software, plugged into power.
Tablets (recommended)
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| iPad model | iPad 6th generation (2018), iPad Air 3, iPad mini 5, any iPad Pro from 2017 on | iPad 9th generation (2021) or newer |
| iPadOS | 16.4 | Latest version |
| Android OS | Android 10 | Android 13 or newer |
| Memory (RAM) | 3 GB | 4 GB or more |
| Processor | Octa-core, 2019 or newer (Snapdragon 600 series, MediaTek Helio G80 or similar) | Snapdragon 700 series, MediaTek Dimensity or newer |
| Screen | 8 inch | 10 inch or larger |
| Free storage | 2 GB | 4 GB or more |
Avoid entry-level "Go edition" Android tablets and any tablet with 2 GB of RAM. They reload the page when memory runs low, which interrupts scoring.
Laptops
| Spec | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
| Mac | macOS 12 Monterey | Latest macOS |
| Chromebook | Still receiving ChromeOS updates | Still receiving ChromeOS updates |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 (8th generation) or AMD Ryzen 3 | Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or Apple M1 or newer |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are not suitable. Chrome stopped updating on those systems at version 109, and the judging screens run slowly there. A banner warns you if your browser is too old.
Phones
A phone works as an emergency backup if your main device fails. The screen is too small for a full day of judging, so use a tablet or laptop as your main device.
Browser
| Device | Use |
|---|---|
| iPad or iPhone | Safari |
| Android | Chrome |
| Windows or Chromebook | Chrome or Edge |
| Mac | Chrome or Safari |
- Update the browser before event day.
- Open the judging link in the browser itself, not inside WhatsApp, Gmail or another app. Links opened inside another app use a separate storage area that the app can clear, which can wipe your offline score queue.
- Do not use private or incognito browsing. It deletes your saved scores when the window closes.
Internet
- Each judge device uses about 30 MB of data per hour, roughly 250 MB for a full day.
- Plan for at least 2 Mbps per judge device. A steady connection matters more than a fast one.
- The organiser should provide a dedicated WiFi network or hotspot for judges, separate from the public venue WiFi.
- Bring mobile data as a backup: about 1 GB for each day you judge.
If the connection drops, keep judging. Your scores are saved on the device and sync when you reconnect. See "Using Offline Mode".
Power and Settings
- Bring your charger and sit near a power point, or bring a power bank. The screen stays on all day.
- Turn off Low Power Mode or Battery Saver. It can let the screen switch off and slow down syncing.
- The judging page keeps the screen awake on current browsers. On older devices, set Auto-Lock to Never (iPad: Settings, Display and Brightness, Auto-Lock) for the day.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb so calls and notifications do not cover the scoring screen.
- Install software updates the day before, never on event morning.
Before Event Day Checklist
- Check your device meets the minimum specs above
- Update the operating system and browser
- Sign in and open your assigned event to confirm you can see it
- Pack your charger, a power bank and a cable long enough to reach the table
- Make sure you have mobile data as a backup