Clubs and recreation
Draft a schedule for a small recreational tournament
Start from the total time and the number of playing spaces, then work out how many matches fit. Assign pairings round by round, give each participant a rest gap, and check the whole grid before sharing it.
A text to start with
We are running a small [sport or game] tournament for [number] participants: [names or codes]. We have [number] playing spaces from [start time] to [end time]. Each match takes about [minutes] and players need at least [minutes] between matches. The format is [round robin or other]. Draft a schedule showing participant, round, opponent, space, start time and rest gap.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Tournament schedule grid
Format: [ ] Number of participants: [ ] Playing spaces available: [ ] Venue start and end time: [ ] Match length: [ ] Minimum rest gap: [ ] Required matches in total: [ ] Round: [ ] Participant: [ ] Opponent: [ ] Space: [ ] Start time: [ ] Rest gap since last match: [ ] Bye assigned to: [ ] Repeated pairings found: [ ] Overlapping assignments found: [ ] Rule for late or absent players: [ ] Approved by: [ ] Repeat the item block as needed.
Repeats, overlaps and tight turnarounds
Check that no pairing appears twice unless your format allows it and that every required pairing appears once. Scan each time slot for a participant assigned to two spaces at once. Measure the gap between each person's consecutive matches against your minimum, including the walk between spaces. With an odd number of participants, spread the bye fairly and count it. Confirm the last match ends before the venue closes, allowing for the delays you consider likely. Compare the total number of matches with what the format requires.
Ask another agent to check the result
Audit this schedule cell by cell. List every duplicate matchup, every participant booked in two places at once, and every rest gap shorter than the stated minimum. Count total matches against what the format requires and report any that are missing.
Test the grid and plan for slips
Read the schedule from each participant's point of view and note who plays back to back. Fix problems by changing the round order before touching start times. Decide in advance what happens if a participant is late or absent, and who may rearrange matches. Share the final version only after the organizer approves it.