Match Scheduling for 4 through 16 Teams
MATCH SCHEDULING
Following are regular season game schedules for 4-team through 16-team divisions. These schedules are generally devised to have each team play against every other team at least once during a 12- to 16-game season. With a 4- or 5-team division, each team will play the other teams twice or more. In the larger divisions, further breakdowns are recommended, with teams within a grouping playing each other, and also playing the teams in the other groups in a later round. There are other items which must be considered before the scheduling is completed.
1. With a small number of teams, break the season into at least two rounds, with the winners of each round playing off to decide the division champion. A single round of play for the season can lead to a lack of interest on the part of players, coaches and parents on the teams with poor win/loss records. If a team is a “late bloomer,” the early season losses could discourage them toward the end of the season when they may be playing well but will have no chance to be one of the top division teams. Multiple rounds keep interest high because no matter how the team might be doing in the first round, there is always a later round where they might do better. Some Regions play a regular schedule where teams play each other once or twice. The season then concludes with a single or double elimination playoff where teams are placed in the brackets according to their finish in the regular season standings.
2. Rotate the teams scheduled to play the first and last games each game day. Provide the opportunity for each team to play at various starting times during the season. If a division plays on more than one field, make sure if possible that all teams are scheduled to play on each fields equally during the season.
To use the attached schedules, assign a number or letter to each team in the division, then substitute the team name for the numbers and letters.
Divisions with more than 16 teams can be scheduled using appropriate combinations of schedules with lesser numbers of teams. The RMS also features automatic game scheduling. Regions can establish field availabilities, blocked times/days and the system will schedule games and minimize coaching conflicts.
