Interface for showing gain/loss of points during an activity (e.g. playing a game)

Suppose in a game like a racing game, you earn points for certain activities and lose points for certain activities. Example: you earn points every time you dodge an obstacle and you lose points every time you stumble over an obstacle. You can gain points up to infinity, but when you lose too many points and your balance comes to zero you die.

What is the best way to communicate this to the player? I am sure I have seen many examples of this sort of this when I used to play games, but I don't play games anymore and can't recall any good examples off the top of my head.

So any pointers would be appreciated.