Watchfire to Debut TouchConnect™ at the 2025 NFHS National Athletic Directors Conference

Watchfire, the official and exclusive scoreboard and videoboard provider for the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), is unveiling the TouchConnect, a scoreboard controller that is transforming game-day operations with a faster, smarter, and more intuitive scoring experience. TouchConnect will make its debut at the National Athletic Directors Conference & Exhibit Show in Tampa, FL, December 12-16, 2025. 

Attendees are invited to visit Booth #1535 to test drive TouchConnect and enter Watchfire’s expanded NFHS anniversary raffle to win a practice timer. 

Developed alongside coaches and athletic administrators, TouchConnect is the next-generation of scoring devices. It replaces traditional keypads and coded interfaces with a modern touchscreen experience that mirrors how sports are actually run. Anyone who understands how a sport is scored can operate the scorer confidently, without needing a manual. 

“We set out to design the most user-friendly controller in high school sports,” said Kyle Dines, vice president of sports, indoor and outdoor advertising for Watchfire. “The TouchConnect eliminates the headaches coaches and operators have faced for years with complicated keypads and confusing interfaces.  If you know how the sport is scored, you can master the TouchConnect in under a minute.”

TouchConnect is built to streamline operations, reduce errors, and keep scoring simple in every environment. Key features include: 

• Sport-Specific Layouts – Touchscreen interfaces tailored for each sport, including football, basketball, baseball/softball, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, hockey, and lacrosse. 

• Fast, Fluid Editing – Long-press to quickly adjust scores, times, and stats without navigating complex menus. 

• Truly Portable – The handheld console detaches from the docking station, giving operators the freedom to score from the sidelines for up to eight hours on a single charge. 

• Seamless System Compatibility – Integrate flawlessly with Watchfire fixed-digit and video scoreboards, clocks, and game displays. 

TouchConnect also supports the volunteer-driven reality of school and community sports. By enabling scoring from anywhere in the venue, the controller makes it easier for parents, teachers, and community members to step in and help without feeling tied to the scorer’s table or intimidated by traditional keypad systems. 

“Our goal was to create a controller you can hand off with confidence,” said Byron Hall, director of product development. “No crash course. No stress. Just game-ready scoring that makes everyone look and feel like a pro.” 

Celebrating 40 Years of the Practice Timer with an Expanded NFHS Raffle 

Watchfire’s practice timer was originally developed by Spectrum by Watchfire (formerly known as Spectrum Scoreboards) in 1986. To kick off a year-long 40th anniversary celebration, Watchfire is offering an exclusive sweepstakes giveaway for NFHS attendees. Visitors to Booth 1535 can enter for a chance to win a segment timer or $5,000 toward the purchase of a new Watchfire scoreboard, videoboard, or scorer’s table. 

Attendees can experience TouchConnect firsthand, explore Watchfire’s full portfolio of scoring and timing technology, and learn how the company’s integrated practice-to-playoffs solutions support athletic programs nationwide.  

For more information about Watchfire sports solutions, visit watchfire.com/touchconnect.