Utilizing the Easy Pool Scheduling System in DC USSSA: A Guide
Introduction: This USSSA University tutorial introduces the Easy Pool component of the DC scheduling system, aimed at event directors managing tournaments. The tutorial highlights efficient strategies for organizing pool games and managing schedules within the DC.USSSA platform.
Accessing the Scheduling System:
Log into your DC account and locate the "University Test Event."
Enter the scheduling system by clicking on the bracket icon next to your event.
Creating Pool Flights:
Initiate the pool schedule by creating a pool flight, a key step for grouping games.
Remember, one pool flight can encompass multiple pools; additional pool flights are necessary only for unique scheduling scenarios.
Seeding and Pool Management:
After adding teams to a pool flight, proceed to the Seeding Report to determine the tournament structure.
For smaller tournaments (up to 16 games), utilizing Easy Pool for game generation is recommended.
Define whether to segment teams into multiple pools or manage them as one large pool, depending on your scheduling preferences.
Easy Pool Scheduling:
Select Easy Pool to manually generate the schedule, ideal for events with fewer games.
Decide on the number of games per team and use the system to create a manageable and efficient schedule.
For larger divisions, an alternative approach (discussed later) might be more efficient.
Game Management:
In the Game Manager tab, manually input game details based on your pre-planned schedule.
Add game times, locations, and matchups, ensuring no team is scheduled for overlapping games.
This tab also allows for quick adjustments and confirms that no duplicate matchups are scheduled.
Reviewing and Adjusting the Schedule:
Review the pool games to ensure the schedule aligns with your event's needs.
The system provides tools for a detailed review, including a grid view for visual confirmation of game scheduling and field assignments.
Alternative Scheduling Approach:
For larger events, consider using the system to auto-generate game slots (without team assignments) based on desired times and locations.
This method allows for a faster setup by eliminating the need to select each detail for every game manually.
After creating the slots, return to the Game Manager tab to assign teams to each game, streamlining the scheduling process.
Conclusion: The Easy Pool feature in the DC scheduling system offers a straightforward method for setting up pool games for smaller tournaments. For larger events, a combined approach of auto-generating game slots followed by manual team assignments can save time.