Technology Customized for Your Business.
Technology Customized for Your Business.

Normalized Scoring System (NSS)

 

Fairness. Efficiency. Transparency.

 


What is NSS?

The NSS is a powerful competition scoring software originally created for fiddle contests but adaptable to any competition. It ensures consistent point scales and eliminates point spread bias, so all judges have equal influence on outcomes.

 


Why Choose NSS?

  • Combat Point Spread Bias
    Judges tend to vary how many points they award between participants. NSS standardizes scores so one judge’s broader scoring range doesn’t disproportionately affect results.
  • Accurate, Real-Time Results
    Replace manual calculations and spreadsheets. NSS delivers results within minutes of entering final scores - ensuring timely, reliable outcomes.
  • Greater Accountability in Judging
    Gain visibility into judge behavior, spot anomalies, and maintain the integrity of scoring.
  • Tested and Trusted
    With over 20 years in use at national and regional competitions - including the Grand Master Fiddler Championship, Twin Lakes National Fiddler Championship, and Kentucky State Fiddle Championship - NSS has a proven track record.


Key Features

  • Uniform Scoring Across Judges
    Prevents judges with wide point spreads from dominating outcomes.
  • Flexible Scoring Options
    Supports traditional numerical scoring alongside ranked scoring to suit your preference.
  • Historical Records & Insights
    Track detailed judge scores and evaluate judging patterns for process improvement.
  • Fast Results Delivery
    Printable results ready in approximately three minutes after score entry.
  • Single Point of Contestant Information Tracking
    Registration module allows complete tracking of contestants information, number of entries, number of players and automates scoring sheets setup.

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Why NSS Raises the Bar

  • Efficiency: Speeds up scoring and frees up time for event coordination.
  • Fairness: Level scoring across judges eliminates undue influence.
  • Insightful: Historical data empowers organizers to refine judging.
  • Flexible: Compatible with traditional scoring while offering advanced ranked options.
  • Instructive: Allows for entry and reporting of judges' comments so a contestant can gain further insight into their performance and scores.

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What Users Say about the NSS

 

“The Normalized Scoring System is the best I have encountered over the past 40 years as a competitor and judge.  It accommodates any number of judges, uses accrued scoring or not, drops high and low scores or not, and most importantly from my perspective as a competitor, it normalizes the raw scores, making the result as fair as humanly possible.  You cannot go wrong with it.  Give it a try!” Daniel Carwile, Fiddle Educator, Recording and Performing Artist, World Series of Fiddling Champion, U.S. Grand Master Fiddle Champion, Twin Lakes National Grand Champion. 

 

“The Grand Master Fiddler Championship utilizes the Normalized Scoring System software. It is innovative, easy to use and understand, and effective. It has helped guarantee that each judge's scoring has equal influence on the outcome making the GMFC one of the most fairly judged competitions.” Howard Harris, CEO and Co-Founder, Grand Master Fiddler Championship.

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Ready to Elevate Your Competition?

Make your scoring process Faster. Fairer. Smarter. Reach out to Carnes Group today to license the Normalized Scoring System (NSS) and bring precision and credibility to your event.

 


How to Get Started

  1. Pick Your License  - choose based on your need for setup assistance or consultation.
  2. Add Optional Services - for remote or onsite support to ensure smooth scoring operations.
  3. Contact Carnes Group - to purchase or inquire further, click Contact US or email Carnes Group at NSS Inquiries.

 

Download NSS Information Sheet
NSS - Info Sheet 2 page.pdf
Adobe Acrobat document [369.8 KB]

 

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