How to Create a Schedule
Looking to create a schedule? Whether you're asking "How do I make a schedule?", "How do I create a league schedule?", "How do I schedule my teams?", or "How do I do my schedules?", the process always follows the same workflow.
Before TeamSideline can generate a schedule, you'll need to:
- Configure schedule defaults (one-time setup)
- Create a league
- Add one or more divisions
- Configure the division settings
- Add your teams
- Add your available game time slots
- Generate the schedule
Each step is explained below.
Step 1: Configure Schedule Defaults (One-Time Setup)
Before creating your first schedule for a sport, review your scheduling defaults.
From Schedules:
- Select the Defaults tab.
- Configure the scheduling defaults for each sport.
These defaults become the starting point for future leagues.
Note: You only need to configure schedule defaults once unless you want to change them later.
Step 2: Create a League
Every schedule belongs to a league.
From Schedules:
- Click Add League.
- Enter:
- League Name
- Sport Type
- Season
- Click Add.
Your new league will appear in the Current Leagues list.
Step 3: Add a Division
Once the league exists, create the division(s) that will be scheduled.
- Click the Edit icon next to your league.
- Add a division.
- Click the Edit icon next to the new division.
This opens the Configuration page for the division.
Step 4: Configure the Division
On the Configuration page, set the scheduling rules for the division.
Examples include:
- Number of games
- Scheduling preferences
- Rotation settings
- Other scheduling options
These settings determine how TeamSideline builds the schedule.
Step 5: Add Teams
Select the Teams tab.
Create or add every team that will participate in the division.
Important: The schedule cannot be generated until all teams have been added.
Step 6: Add Time Slots
Select the Time Slots tab.
Create the available dates, times, and fields/courts where games can be played.
Important: Time slots tell TeamSideline when and where games are allowed to be scheduled.
Step 7: Generate the Schedule
Select the Schedule tab.
From here you can:
- Generate the schedule
- Review the results
- Make adjustments if needed
- Save or publish the schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create a schedule?
Start by creating a league, then add your divisions, teams, and time slots before generating the schedule.
Why can't I generate my schedule?
The most common reasons are:
- Teams haven't been added.
- Time slots haven't been created.
- Division configuration is incomplete.
Do I need to configure schedule defaults every season?
No. Schedule defaults are typically a one-time setup for each sport and only need to be updated if you want to change your default scheduling preferences.
Can I have multiple divisions in one league?
Yes. A league can contain multiple divisions, and each division has its own teams, scheduling settings, and schedule.
Need a Visual Walkthrough?
If you prefer to learn by watching, visit the TeamSideline Help Tutorials section by going to Help > Online Training from the left menu for step-by-step video demonstrations of the scheduling process. These tutorials walk through creating leagues, configuring divisions, adding teams and time slots, and generating schedules so you can follow along as you build your own.
Tip: Many administrators find it helpful to watch the tutorial first, then use this article as a reference while creating their schedule.