> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://velas.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ScoreboardAPI: VelaBoard's Singleton Entry Point

> ScoreboardAPI is the static entry point for VelaBoard. Use it to check initialization status, access the handler, and read the Minecraft server version.

`ScoreboardAPI` is the singleton entry point for VelaBoard. All access to scoreboard functionality starts here.

<Note>
  `ScoreboardAPI` is initialized by the VelaBoard plugin automatically — you do not instantiate it yourself.
</Note>

## Methods

### `ScoreboardAPI.isInitialized()`

Returns `boolean` — `true` if VelaBoard has been initialized and is ready to use.

Use this as a safety check before calling any other `ScoreboardAPI` methods. Calling other methods before initialization can result in exceptions.

```java theme={null}
if (!ScoreboardAPI.isInitialized()) return;
```

***

### `ScoreboardAPI.getHandler()`

Returns `ScoreboardHandler` — never `null`.

The main gateway to creating and managing scoreboards. Throws `NullPointerException` if called before VelaBoard has been initialized.

Always guard calls to this method with `isInitialized()`.

***

### `ScoreboardAPI.getMinecraftVersion()`

Returns `String` — the Minecraft version the server is currently running.

```java theme={null}
String version = ScoreboardAPI.getMinecraftVersion();
// e.g. "1.20.1"
```

***

## Safe usage pattern

Always verify that VelaBoard is initialized before accessing any API methods.

```java theme={null}
if (!ScoreboardAPI.isInitialized()) {
    getLogger().warning("VelaBoard is not loaded!");
    return;
}
ScoreboardHandler handler = ScoreboardAPI.getHandler();
String version = ScoreboardAPI.getMinecraftVersion();
```