Hardware Check
Do you have enough tablets and mounting hardware? If not contact DartConnect for rental options.
Darts Thrown Year-to-Date
Ready To Run A Digital Steel Event?
Whether you are a sole operator or leading event staff, players rely on the Tournament Director to have the knowledge and skill to run a smooth, on-time competition. While DartConnect makes it easier than ever, it is critical to understand the responsibilities and to designate the right person to execute the associated tasks associated with each role.
Download our Tournament Director’s Overview for a quick breakdown of Digital Steel you can share with others:
4 Roles & Responsibilities
Behind Every Great Event Is Well Prepared Staff.
Make sure you and your colleagues are up to speed on these critical areas:
REGISTRATION
Be prepared and avoid the long lines associated with on-site registration!
Basic skills include:
- Registering participants for the tournament
- Checking in players for each competition
- Handling peak registration periods
CASHIER
On-site payment requires accepting and approving paid entries!
Basic skills include:
- Starting and ending event registration
- Accepting and confirming entries
- Verifying lists and basic troubleshooting
BRACKET OPERATOR
DartConnect enables anyone to run multiple competitions simultaneously!
Basic skills include:
- Creating competition brackets
- Managing live events
- Accommodating the unexpected
TABLET MANAGER
Players make mistakes: Be prepared to assist and troubleshoot tablets!
Basic skills include:
- Validating sufficient WIFI – critical
- Setting up and breaking down tablets
- Helping players with tablet & scorekeeping issues
Understanding Digital Steel Events
REGISTRATION
Regardless of which method you choose, event staff can manually add new players to the tournament list, approve a player into an event or mark a player ineligible.
Tournament List Build
Not everyone on the tournament player list will participate in a given competition. DartConnect always keeps staff in control of who is approved for each event.
Overview
When running a competition, DartConnect provides you with two editable player lists: 1) The Tournament Player List and the 2) The Event Participant List. If you are running a tournament that contains a single competition, then these may be identical. If you are running a tournament with multiple competitions (events), then the tournament player list consist of ALL players (Men, Women, Youth, No Shows), while each event will only contain the relevant participants.
This enables staff to work with a single list of players for a particular tournament, or as an evergreen list that carries over from tournament to tournament, to reduce data entry.
DartConnect provides multiple options for populating the tournament list, and they are populated below.
Individual competitions can be populated one of two ways: 1) The Master Roster Tool enables the control desk to Select/Add/Edit players for each competition. 2) The On Site Registration Kiosk and Cashier System, enables the players to self register while the control desk monitors payment and approves entries.
We strongly recommend the second option if you are offering on-site registration
Online Player Check-In
DartConnect Check-In allows players to add themselves to the master tournament list utilizing a simple link. This can be accessed online 5 days before the competition date and used on site as well. Take advantage of this feature to reduce staff data entry.
Note:
- Players cannot register for individual events (competitions)
- Players cannot pay entry fees
- This process requires a player to use their email address to ensure a unique player identity – this reduces the effort required on their behalf when they go to register for individual events (competitions), since they are now a known entity in the tournament list
Providing a Player list vis Spreadsheet or CSV File
If the tournament has an existing pre-registration process, staff can send a specially formatted spreadsheet of players to DartConnect.If this is your intention:
- Notify DartConnect at least ONE WEEK in advance so we can schedule the process
- Provide the sheet at least 24 hours before the event so both parties can proof entries
- Download the template here:
Utilizing a Prior DartConnect Tournament List
If you have already conducted a DartConnect tournament, that participant list can be imported into a new tournament. Please inform DartConnect of the relevant tournament list when you submit your event request.
Furthermore, if you have a tournament series or tour or event just a regular player “group”, DartConnect can set up an “organization” list that is “ever-green”, enabling staff to add and edit as needed.
Utilizing the Master Roster Tool
The Master Roster Tool has been designed to allow you to manually enter and edit players to the tournament player list as needed.
This is also where you will populate individual competitions, utilizing the tournament player list, or a completed event (competition).
This is ideal for smaller events, or events with minimal player turnover. For larger player lists, we strongly recommend utilizing one of the other options to reduce the amount of data entry.
Master Roster Tool How To
Utilize the Roster Tool to confirm or select players from the tournament player list. Ideal for smaller events and those with preregistration.
Overview
THIS TOOL IS FOR EVENT STAFF USE ONLY
The Master Roster Tool enables the event staff to manage the tournament player list.
Players can be added to the list from the following sources:
- Public check-in (requires player to enter email address)
- Manually Added with “Add New Player Button”
- Uploaded from a CSV File (contact DartConnect)
- List imported from a previous event that used Digital Steel (contact DartConnect)
Note:
- The ONLY methods for adding a player without an email is by manually entering them into the Master Roster using “Add New Player” or if the player list was uploaded from a file.
- Players must have a unique email and can not use the same email as another player in the tournament.
Important: Players must appear on this list BEFORE being selected to participate in individual events in the tournament. Below are the options for adding players who will be included for a specific draw:
- Registration Kiosk / Cashier System
- Master Roster – Export Players Tool
Basic Layout & Navigation
- Add a player to the list – click to enter player info (use this to add players without email address)
- Click any player’s name to edit their player info
- Set same nationality for all players missing nationality flag
- Refresh page to update player list and event status
- Player Counts – click button to show/hide retired players
- Click “X” to “retire” an unwanted player from the list (primarily used to remove duplicate players) – name will become gray and italicized
- Type Name into Search field to find a specific player
- Click Check Mark to reveal player email
- Export Players (when applicable – see page 3)
- Event List dropdown menu
- Toggle list hygiene tools
Adding a new player or editing player info
How To Add a New Player to the Master Roster:
- Click “Add new player”
- Fill in player info and click “Add Player”
- Click “Cancel” to close form
Note: This is the only method for adding a player without an email address.
How To Edit a Player’s Information:
- Find the player in the list and click on their name
- Make corrections such as name spelling or email address
- Click “Update” to save changes
- Click “Cancel” to close form
- Note: Players that are already drawn into a bracket will not have updates applied (such as name spelling corrections) until the next time they are drawn into an event.
Important:
When adding a new player, make sure you refresh areas that need the update applied, including:
- Registration Kiosk
- Custom bracket builder
- Swap player tool in bracket program
Resolving duplicate player records
Using Hygiene Tools:
- Click “Show Hygiene Tools” to open the following tools:
- “Show Potential Duplicates” will list all similar player names
- “Missing Email” will show all players missing an email address
Resolving Duplicate Players:
- If duplicates are father & son: add Jr./Sr. to surnames
- If same player with different emails, retire unwanted record (ask player which to keep)
- If different players with the same name, edit to differentiate (make one “John” and the other “Johnny” or use a nickname)
Retiring Unwanted Players
Reasons for “retiring” players:
- Remove a duplicate player record
- Prevent an unwanted player from being selected for events
Note: Players can not be retired if they are actively participating in a live event. A retired player is prevented from participation in ALL future events in a tournament, but will still be listed on DCTV for events they played in.
How to retire unwanted players:
- Find the player in the list and click the Red “X” on the right hand side of the player’s record to retire them
- Retired players will appear in italics with grayed out text
Exporting a player list to the bracket program
Player exporting is typically used for events that DO NOT USE the registration kiosk/cashier system (ex: pre-registration, small blind draws, etc).
How to do a basic player export:
- Select Event and Source List
- Use the menus at the top of the Master Roster Tool to select the event you are working with and the Source Menu for selecting players
- Select “Master List” as the source menu unless you are selecting players for the follow-on stage of a group play event (see Group Play section for more information)
- Select Players
- Put an “X” in the checkbox to the left of all players to include in this event’s draw
- Check your total player count in the yellow box at the top
- Click gray button, “Hide Ineligible” to show only the players you’ve selected
- When you are confident that you have the right # and correct players, click the red “Export Players” button
- A box will appear to take you directly to the bracket program to generate the bracket or group play, or continue working with the Master Roster Tool
Help Resources & Documentation
Basic Guide – 1 page
- Print this document as a handy desk reference with helpful reminders and troubleshooting tips
Detailed Instructions – 3 pages
- Contains expanded help info with screenshots
Registration Kiosk How To
For larger events, with multiple competitions, we recommend using this option. Utilizing on-site tablets, players self-select for each event, and then proceed to the cashier station for payment and approval.
Overview
The Registration Kiosk & Cashier system replaces the paper-slip registration system and eliminates data-entry.
Ideal for tournaments that do the following:
- Majority of event registration is done onsite and closes just before the event begins
- Has a mix of multiple concurrent events (singles, pairs, blind draws, triples)
- Has a large number of participants
You may choose to NOT use this system if your tournament:
- Uses pre-registration
- Is a small event with less than 32 players
- Has only a single or just a few events (such as 501 singles only)
Installing the Registration Kiosk
To install the Registration Kiosk on a tablet or PC, use the link in your Event Portal or open Safari or Chrome and go to:
ep.dartconnect.com/reg
Type above link into the browser address field
Next, select your event from the list and confirm by tapping Yes to load the kiosk.
Important!
Make sure the kiosk is saved to the tablet’s home screen using the same process as saving the scorekeeping app to home screen.
To make the app full screen and accessible with a home screen icon:
See DartConnect’s “save to home screen” instructions – Click Here
Once finished, you’ll see the following icon:
Event Registration Process
How to register for an event:
- From the home screen tap green button “Tap to Continue”
- Select player name, use alphabet links at top of screen to find player by surname
- If registering a team (pairs, triples, quads) pick the first player, then pick the team event on the next screen before selecting partners
- Select event, if a team event, proceed to select remaining partners
- Confirm selections are correct, click “That’s Right” to confirm or “Cancel” to start over
- Player proceeds to cashier to pay or may start a new registration
Pro Tips
Follow these recommendations for preventing long lines and delays:
- For at least the first event, assign extra staff to provide “concierge service” and help guide players through the unfamiliar registration process. For a weekend tournament, this is typically only necessary for the first day and part of the second day.
- Set up your registration area to miminize lines and backups:
- Set up a tablet with Public Check-In at the beginning of the registration area for players to add themselves to the Master Tournament List
- Spread out registration kiosk tablets along a long table so players have breathing room; position this so that a backed up waiting line can feed into available stations
- Position the cashier at the end of the process, with room for lines to form during peak registration times (typically the last 30 minutes before registration closes)
- During peak times, deploy staff with additional handheld tablets for check in and registration when line gets backed up
- Consider adding another cashier station during peak times and when multiple events are open at the same time
Save the Registration System to Your Home Screen - Apple (Safari)
PRO TIP: Lock the Registration System to the Tablet
Prevents players from navigating away from the registration program. Follow these instructions:
With the Registration System website loaded in Safari, do the following:
1
2
1
Step 1: Click on the “Share” icon.
2
Step 2: Click “Add to Home Screen”
When finished, you should see the following icon on one of your home screen pages:
Save the Registration System to Your Home Screen - Android (Chrome)
PRO TIP: Lock the Registration System to the Tablet
Prevents players from navigating away from the registration program. Follow these instructions:
1) With the Registration System website loaded, open the Google Chrome Browser Menu (the dots or lines on the left of the navigation bar)
2) Select: Add to Home Screen
3) Close the browser and look for the icon on your home page
1
2
1
Step 1: Click on the “Browser Settings” dots
2
Step 2: Click “Add to Home Screen”
When finished, you should see the following icon on one of your home screen pages:
Recommended Stands for Kiosk Tablets
$4.99 at IKEA
Display your registration tablets at an ergonomic angle perfect for tabletop display.
At just $4.99 USD and available from Ikea, these tablet stands are an ideal way to set up your onsite registration kiosk.
DartConnect highly recommends this affordable solution for Digital Steel Pro events.
Help Resources & Documentation
Basic Guide – 1 page
- Print this document as a handy desk reference with helpful reminders and troubleshooting tips
Detailed Instructions – 10 pages
- Contains expanded help info with screenshots
Registration Kiosk Troubleshooting
Event is Missing From Menu
Problem: Event is not listed
Solution:
- First, make sure the event was made active by the Cashier.
- Tap “Cancel” to return to main screen and update list with new events.
- Event list will also update whenever a new registration is completed.
- Last resort! Refresh the app or close and relaunch it. All else fails, delete the app from home screen and open browser to reinstall it.
Player Name is Missing
Problem: Player is missing from list
Solution:
- Make sure the player is listed in the Master Roster Tool player list, add them if necessary
- After they are added to the Master Roster, refresh the registration system to update the list, then look for them again
- Player list will also update whenever a new registration is completed
- Tablets must be connected to Wifi to receive updates
- Remember! Use the Master Roster Tool to add a player who doesn’t have an email address
Duplicate Players
Problem: There are duplicate players in the list
Solution:
- Use the Master Roster Tool to find and resolve duplicates by editing players.
- Common issues and solutions:
- Players are father & son — add Jr. / Sr. to surnames
- Checked in twice with different emails, retire record with unwanted email (may need to ask player which to keep)
- Two people with same name, “John Smith” – find a way to vary names, such as: Jr./Sr., “John/Johnny”, use a nickname instead etc.
- Once resolved in the Master Roster Tool, refresh Registration System to update player list
- Player list will also update whenever a new registration is completed
Help Resources & Documentation
Basic Guide – 1 page
- Print this document as a handy desk reference with helpful reminders and troubleshooting tips
Detailed Instructions – 10 pages
- Contains expanded help info with screenshots
CASHIER
Cashier How To
Overview
The Cashier System is the most important part of the entire Digital Steel system as it is the gatekeeper that ensures your event player lists are accurate.
Along with the registration kiosk, this system prevents the following common registration errors:
- Duplicate entries (ex: when both players in a doubles/pairs event enter and pay)
- Players put in the wrong event (ex: mixed pairs team entered into men’s pairs event)
- Closing a blind draw with an uneven # of players
- Paper entry slip misplaced before the draw is done
Installing the Cashier Station
To install the Cashier Station on a PC, use the link in the Event Portal or access it from inside the bracket program Tools menu:
Opening & Closing Events for Registration
To open an event:
- When you first open the registration system, ALL Events will be unavailable for registration
- Click the “Inactive” tab at the top to see a list of events
- Click on the name of events you wish to open for registration
- Note: inside the kiosk, if more than 3 events are open, only the first 3 will be listed — click “More Events” at the bottom of that list to see the additional events
To close an event:
- Click the “Open” tab, then go to an individual event page
- Click the Red “Close Event Registration” button on the right hand side
- Event will no longer be available in the Registration Kiosk
To re-open a closed event:
- Click the “Closed” tab
- Click on any event in the closed list to reopen it
- The event should now appear as available in the Registration Kiosk
Accepting registrations
How to process registrations:
- Click the green “Open” tab
- Click the event button under “Choose Your Event” to open a specific event’s page
- Click green button “Check for Updates” to manually update pending registration list (this will automatically update when a registration is processed)
- Click on any registration in the pending list to open the confirmation popup
- DOUBLE CHECK that this registration is correct, that all players listed are correct and that the correct event has been selected.
- If the registration is INCORRECT, click “Remove” and have the customer re-do the registration process with the correct information
- If the registration is CORRECT, click “Confirm” – player(s) will now appear in the participant list on the right hand side and will be included in the draw
- Click “Cancel” to return this entry to the pending list
Pro Tips:
- Check that the players are the correct GENDER for the event they have selected. (Be careful of “Mixed” events – examine ALL player names)
- Repeat the player names for team events back to the player to confirm correct players have been selected
- Repeat the selected event back to the player to confirm they have selected the correct event
“Gary Anderson for Men’s Singles 501, is that correct?”
Removing players from an event
To remove a player from an event after you’ve accepted them:
- Click the “Add/Remove Player(s)” button on top right side of that event’s cashier page
- You will be taken to the tool in the bracket program (see picture below) that will allow you to manually add or remove players
- Click on any player to remove them from the event
- For team events, you can remove one player and then replace them by finding an alternate player using the name search fields
Common reasons this is needed:
- Registration is a mistake (ex: men’s doubles team acccepted for the mixed doubles event)
- Player withdraws and asks to be removed
Help Resources & Documentation
Basic Guide – 1 page
- Print this document as a handy desk reference with helpful reminders and troubleshooting tips
Detailed Instructions – 5 pages
- Contains expanded help info with screenshots
BRACKET OPERATOR
Bracket How To - Knockout
Overview
Running a Knockout / Elimination bracket is composed of the following:
- Generating the Bracket – doing a random draw, seeded draw or custom built bracket
- Assigning Boards – sends match assignments to respective tablets and player notifications
- Accepting Results & Updating Bracket – recording scores and advancing winners
- Marking Event Complete – last step after final winner is selected
To stay up to date on the latest updates and new features – Click Here
GUIDED MODE - New 2019 November
Introducing “Guided Mode”
Video: Guided Mode Demo
- Use Guided Mode if you are new to DartConnect Event Services, or if it has been a while since you ran an event.
- Guided Mode walks you through each step of event setup to ensure your competition is set up correctly and ready to go when you are.
- In-line help and link to SOS Emergency Instructions will take you quickly to important information right when you need it!
- Don’t like change? The Standard Mode is still available from the tools menu!
Generating Knockout / Elimination Bracket
After adding players to the event, the Bracket Creation wizard will guide you through the following steps:
How To Generate a Knockout / Elimination Bracket
- Select bracket type:
- Random Draw (most common)
- Random Draw with Seeds
- Custom bracket (manual build)
- For Random Draw, select “Bye Assignment”:
- Grouped (Byes grouped at top and bottom)
- Distributed (Byes evenly distributed throughout)
- Review bracket preview
- If acceptable, save the bracket
- Click “Generate Bracket” button again to redraw
- Open Backup Window
- Print a bracket backup (Save as PDF is recommended)
- Proceed to Run Event to assign boards and update results
Need to redraw the bracket after you’ve saved it?
- Open Tools Menu and select “Redraw Bracket’
- Select event to redraw
- Type the code displayed on screen into the field below it
- Click “Rollback Event”
- Event will return to state prior to drawing bracket, player list remains intact but changes can now be made
- Click Home Icon in upper left to continue managing event
DartConnect’s Random Draw Methodology Explained – Click Here
Assigning Boards & Accepting Results
Boards are not yet assigned
Assigning Boards:
- Click the gray square to the left of any match to open board selection list
- Select a board from the board selection list, this will send the match listing to the tablet and notifications to players
- To remove a board, click on the board icon – click gray box again to assign a new board
- Publishing board calls – clicking the blue button will send match listings to tablets, board calls to DCTV and player notifications. Use this to control when this information is released to the public. (watch a video). Drag the publishing control box if it obcures your view.
- Note: If a player appears with a red background and a dotted outline, this indicates they are “On Hold” and actively playing in a concurrent event.
Board 1 is assigned to this match
Accepting Results:
- When a match is saved on a tablet, a blue box (“toast”) with the result will popup in the bottom right corner of the bracket
- Hover over the blue box and the screen will dim and zoom to the respective match
- Click “accept”‘ to advance the winner of this match and release the board for another match
- Use “Auto-pilot” to automatically accept results (Note: we recommend using this to process a long queue of results, be careful about monitoring this to make sure new matches are given board assignments when ready)
- If an incorrect result is recorded, follow the “Undo” instructions below to make a correction
- You may receive special different color toasts for the following situations:
- Forfeits or Disqualifications (you will need to manually advance the winner of this match)
- Score conflict – a result for this match was already recorded with a different winner or score (dismiss the toast and manually correct match result using the “Undo” tool)
- Note: These special toasts will suspend Auto-Pilot until dismissed
Match Results “Toast”
Marking Event Complete:
- When the final winner is selected, a message will appear asking you to mark the event complete, click “Ok”
- On the next screen, click the event name and confirm you wish to close the event
- To re-open event, go to “Manage Event Status” and click on the event you wish to re-open
How to Undo an Error
If you have advanced the wrong player or recorded an incorrect score:
- Click Green Button “Undo (OFF)” in upper-right toolbar to toggle Undo Mode to ON
- Click on the name of the player/team who was incorrectly advanced
- You will see the player/team name moved back to previous position
- Now select the correct winner and re-input correct score (if prompted)
- Click Red Button “Undo Mode (ON)” again in upper right to toggle Undo Mode Off (IMPORTANT) and save changes
How to do a Seeded Draw
Video: How to do a seeded draw
If you are doing a seeded draw, such as a BDO/WDF ranked 501 singles, follow these steps during “Create Event” process:
- Select “Random Draw with Seeds” when generating your event bracket.
- Drag and drop seeded players into “Seeds” field, then click “Ok”.
- Next, confirm seeds are properly ordered. Drag players to make any adjustments. Click “Ok” to accept seed order and generate bracket.
- After generating bracket, examine the Preview to check seeded player placement. Start over if needed or proceed as usual.
How To Build a Custom Knockout Bracket
When your singles bracket can not be generated using DartConnect’s computer draw or seeding method, you can manually construct your bracket match-by-match to fit exactly what you require.
If you have a pre-drawn bracket, you can replicate it in Digital Steel using this tool:
Note: Use the Player Search fields in the upper left corner to quickly find a player. Click on player name or the red BYE button to insert them into the match container.
Once you select two opponents, they will appear as a match with players in match containers (see picture below).
How to build a custom bracket:
- You should first have your bracket written out with all first round matches filled in, INCLUDING ANY FIRST ROUND BYES, similar to this:
- Build the bracket one match at a time, translating the above bracket into a linear match list that looks like this:
- Replicate the matches from your prefilled list as shown above.
- When finished, review your match list and compare to your prefilled bracket to identify and correct any errors.
- Use the +, arrows or trash can to add, move or delete a match.
- To swap out a player, click on their name to remove them and put a different player in their place.
- When finished, click “OK”. You will be automatically taken back to the Wizard to complete the bracket set up.
Help Resources & Documentation
Basic Guides
- Knockout Elimination – 2 pages
- Print this as a handy desk reference with helpful reminders, best practices and troubleshooting tips
Videos
- Demo: Guided Mode User-Friendly Interface Length 02:41
- How to do a seeded draw – Length 04:13
- Publishing Board Calls – Length 03:18
Detailed Instructions
- Knockout Elimination – 45 pages (Contains expanded help info with screenshots)
Other
Bracket How To - Group Play Round Robin
Overview
Running a Group Play event is composed of the following:
- Creating Groups – create seeded groups, random groups or manually built groups
- Assigning Group Boards – sends match assignments to respective tablet and player notifications
- Recording Results – accepting match scores
- Marking Event Complete – after all match results are recorded, this is required to initiate group rankings in the Master Roster Tool for selecting players to advance to the next stage
- Ranking Players & Advancing To Next Stage – In the Master Roster Tool there are special tools to manage tie breakers and automatically advance group winners to another KO or Group Play competition
To stay up to date on the latest updates and new features – Click Here
GUIDED MODE - New 2019 November
Introducing “Guided Mode”
Video: Guided Mode Demo
- Use Guided Mode if you are new to DartConnect Event Services, or if it has been a while since you ran an event.
- Guided Mode walks you through each step of event setup to ensure your competition is set up correctly and ready to go when you are.
- In-line help and link to SOS Emergency Instructions will take you quickly to important information right when you need it!
- Don’t like change? The Standard Mode is still available from the tools menu!
Generating Groups
After adding players to the event, the Group Play wizard will guide you through the following steps:
How To Generate a Group Play / Round Robin Event:
- Create Groups – select the number of groups you want to create
- Choose whether or not you are seeding groups
- If seeding players, choose seeds from the player list and manually assign them to groups
- Populate Groups – generate groups randomly or manually assign players to groups
- Review Groups – if acceptable click “Complete” to save or “Previous” to recreate groups
- Proceed to Run Event
Videos:
Need to redraw the groups after you’ve saved them?
- Open Tools Menu and select “Redraw Group Play’
- Select event to redraw
- Type the code displayed on screen into the field below it
- Click “Rollback Event”
- Event will return to state prior to drawing bracket, player list remains intact but changes can now be made
- Click Home Icon in upper left to continue managing event
Assigning Boards & Accepting Results
Assigning Group Boards:
- Click “Add a Board” to add one or more boards to a group
- Select “Auto Assign Boards” to automatically assign boards using a custom range of board #s
- Click “Ok” when finished
Hide / Show Results:
- Choose whether or not you want live scores, results and rankings to be publicly available on DCTV
- You can turn this on and off at any time using the Tools Menu
- When event is marked complete, results will automatically be made public
Accepting Results:
- Publishing board calls – clicking the blue button will send match listings to tablets, board calls to DCTV and player notifications. Use this to control when this information is released to the public. (watch a video). Drag the publishing control box if it obcures your view.
- When a match is saved on a tablet, a blue box (“toast”) with the result will popup in the bottom right corner of the bracket
- Hover over the blue box and the screen will dim and zoom to the respective match
- Click “accept”‘ to advance the winner of this match and release the board for another match
- Use “Auto-pilot” to automatically accept results (Note: For group play, you can leave this on for the entire competition)
- If a score is incorrect, it can be manually edited in the “Review/Record Results” tab which will update the bracket program, DCTV and the ranking tool in the Master Roster
- You may receive different color toasts for the following situations:
- Forfeits or Disqualifications (you will need to manually advance the winner of this match)
- Score conflict – a result for this match was already recorded with a different winner or score (dismiss the toast and manually correct match result using the “Undo” tool)
- Note: These toasts will suspend Auto-Pilot until dismissed
Match Results “Toast”
Mark Event Complete:
- When the final match score is recorded, a message will appear asking you to mark the event complete, click “Ok”
- On the next screen, click the event name and confirm you wish to close the event
- After event is closed, select the event in the Master Roster Tool to approve group rankings and to select players for the next stage of competition (if applicable)
- To re-open event, go to “Manage Event Status” and click on the event you wish to re-open
Ranking Players & Resolving Ties
After you have marked your Group Play event complete:
How to Rank Group Players
- In the Master Roster Tool, select the Group Play event from the Event List menu
- Event should say “Initiate Ranking” status next to event name (if not, make sure event was marked complete)
- Select your ranking methodology from three options:
- Option 1 – will attempt to use both leg differential and head to head record to resolve ties
- Option 2 – will use head to head record to resolve ties
- Option 3 – ranking will be assigned manually for all players
- For 1 & 2, you will have the option to override rankings if necessary – use this feature if you have players play a tie-breaker match
- Once rankings are correct accept them to move to the next step
Advancing Winners to Another KO or Group Play:
- In the Master Roster Tool, select the follow on event from the “Event List” Menu
- Next, select the original Group Play event from the “Source Menu”
- There are three options for advancing players:
- Mapped/Auto-Seeded Brackets – will automatically generate a bracket that seeds selected players (make sure seeding matches your seeding rules – to preview the mapping process, click here)
- Random & Custom Brackets – choose this to advance players to a completely random draw or to custom build a bracket using your seeding rules
- Manual Selection – select any players from the event regardless of ranking to create a random draw or custom bracket
- After players are selected, review list to confirm, then Export Players to bracket program
- Follow standard procedures for generating a Knockout or Group Play event
How to Set Up a Tie-Breaker Match
If a tie must be resolved by playing an additional match, do the following:
For standard matche format (2 opponents, standard game):
- This can be set up to play on the app and marked as a Tie-Breaker match in the results section of DCTV
- On the match listing screen, select “Create an Event Match”
- Select the green button for the Group Play event
- Select the green button labeled “Tie Breaker”
- Select players from the player list, then click “cork for start”
- Select the # of legs to be played and then the game type
- Play match out and return to rankings to resolve ties
For non-standard matches (3 or more opponents and/or non-standard game such as “high score after 9 darts”):
- Score the match manually without the app
- Play match out and return to rankings to resolve ties
Advancing Group Winners to Next Stage
After Group Play rankings are accepted, follow these steps:
Advancing Winners to Another KO or Group Play:
- In the Master Roster Tool, select the follow on event from the Event List Menu
- Next, select the original Group Play event from the “Source Menu”
- There are three options for advancing players:
- Mapped/Auto-Seeded Brackets – will automatically generate a bracket that seeds selected players (make sure seeding matches your seeding rules – to preview the mapping process, click here)
- Random & Custom Brackets – choose this to advance players to a completely random draw or to custom build a bracket using your seeding rules
- Manual Selection – select any players from the event regardless of ranking to create a random draw or custom bracket
- After players are selected, review list to confirm, then Export Players to bracket program
- Follow standard procedures for generating a Knockout or Group Play event
Help Resources & Documentation
Basic Guides
- Group Play Round Robin – 2 pages
- Print this as a handy desk reference with helpful reminders, best practices and troubleshooting tips
Videos:
- Demo: Guided Mode User-Friendly Interface Length 02:41
- Basics of Group Play Setup – Length 16:42
- Publishing Board Calls – Length 03:19
- How to set up Doubles/Pairs Group Play – Length 04:52
Detailed Instructions
- Group Play Round Robin – 2 pages
- Contains expanded help info with screenshots
Bracket SOS Emergency Instructions
I need to make a player change after the bracket is saved
You can change any players, teams or Byes in the first round of a bracket for any match that has not yet started. This is commonly used to fill a Bye spot to accommodate a late entry or to add someone that was left out.
How to use the “Swap Player” tool.
- From the Tools Menu, select “Swap Player”
- Scroll through the first round match list to find the player or Bye that you wish to swap out and click on the player name
- Select the new player from the available player list (make sure new player(s) are checked into the Master Roster), then click Ok to confirm
- If player has not checked in, add them to the Master Roster and then refresh the bracket program to update the available player list
- The bracket page will now auto-refresh to reflect the change
- Be patient, it can take several seconds for the change to be applied
- If screen appears stuck, refresh the page and check the bracket to see if new player is listed, if not try again
I need to redraw the bracket
If for any reason you need to re-draw your Knockout or Group Play event after you have saved it, you can use “Roll Back Event” to reset the event as long as no matches have been started.
The event will return to the state just before the draw was done, with the player list intact (you can now make player changes before re-generating the bracket).
How to redraw bracket or group play:
- Open Tools Menu and select “Redraw’
- Select event to redraw
- Type the code displayed on screen into the field below it
- Click “Rollback Event” button
- Event will return to state prior to drawing bracket, player changes can be made
- Click Home Icon in upper left to continue managing event
I’ve advanced the wrong player/team as the winner - how do I fix this?
If you have advanced the wrong player or recorded an incorrect score.
How to use the “Undo” tool:
- Click Green Button “Undo (OFF)” in upper-right toolbar to toggle Undo Mode to ON
- Click on the name of the player/team who was incorrectly advanced
- You will see the player/team name moved back to previous position
- Now select the correct winner and re-input correct score (if prompted)
- IMPORTANT: Click Red Button “Undo Mode (ON)” again in upper right to toggle Undo Mode Off (button is green), save changes and continue updating bracket.
A match is not appearing on the tablet
First, check the following:
- Double-check that the board has been assigned in the bracket program
- Check that tablet is successfully connected to Wifi and has an Internet connection, if no Internet, connect tablet and try again to update match list
- Try to resolve above issues before resorting to manual match creation
If necessary, create the match manually – FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
- Click button: “Create an Event Match”
- Pick the correct event from event menu
- Select game from game menu, player roster will now open
- Select players from roster – there are duplicate player lists on the left and right. Pick one player/team from the list on left, then pick opponent from list on right.
- Click green “Cork for Start” button
- Pick the # of legs for this match if prompted
- Now play match as usual
NOTE:
- Results will not be reported automatically, players must report winner and score to event staff
- On DCTV this match will appear at the bottom of match results list
TABLET MANAGER
Tablet Set Up & Breakdown
Tablet Preparation Checklist
When first setting tablets up for the tournament, follow these steps:
- Power on devices
- Connect each device to WiFi Internet
- Download the scoring application and save to home screen
- Check for app updates (see link at bottom of Welcome screen)
- Select red “Tournament” button and then select green button that lists your event
- Select red “Check for Updates” button on tournament page if event is not listed
Pro Tip: Pre-set the board #
- After logging into the tournament, enter the board #
- App will show the match listing screen with no matches
- When matches are sent from the bracket program, they will automatically appear
- Leave the tablet in this state and new matches will appear whenever the board is assigned
End of Tournament Breakdown
When the tournament is over, follow these steps:
- Exit tournament and return to app Welcome Screen
- Make sure all matches have been saved (Gold Button on Welcome screen will say “All Matches Saved”)
- If matches need to be saved, make sure tablet is connected to WiFi and let sit until saving is complete
- Log out of the app with the link at the bottom
- Power down device to prevent an empty battery at the next event
Help Resources & Documentation
Basic Guide – 2 pages
- Print this document as a handy desk reference with helpful reminders and troubleshooting tips
Tablet Troubleshooting
Common Scorekeeping Errors
Coming soon…
Match is Missing from Tablet
Follow these instructions if match listings are not being sent to the tablet (for example, if WiFi goes out):
First, check the following:
- Double-check that the board has been assigned in the bracket program
- Check that tablet is successfully connected to Wifi and has an Internet connection, if no Internet, connect tablet and try again to update match list
- Try to resolve above issues before resorting to manual match creation
If necessary, create the match manually – FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
- Click button: “Create an Event Match”
- Pick the correct event from event menu
- Select game from game menu, player roster will now open
- Select players from roster – there are duplicate player lists on the left and right. Pick one player/team from the list on left, then pick opponent from list on right.
- Click green “Cork for Start” button
- Pick the # of legs for this match if prompted
- Now play match as usual
NOTE:
- Results will not be reported automatically, players must report winner and score to event staff
- On DCTV this match will appear at the bottom of match results list
Match Isn’t Appearing on DCTV
Follow these instructions if match listings are not being sent to the tablet (for example, if WiFi goes out):
First, check the following:
- Double-check that the board has been assigned in the bracket program
- Check that tablet is successfully connected to Wifi and has an Internet connection, if no Internet, connect tablet and try again to update match list
- Try to resolve above issues before resorting to manual match creation
If necessary, create the match manually – FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
- Click button: “Create an Event Match”
- Pick the correct event from event menu
- Select game from game menu, player roster will now open
- Select players from roster – there are duplicate player lists on the left and right. Pick one player/team from the list on left, then pick opponent from list on right.
- Click green “Cork for Start” button
- Pick the # of legs for this match if prompted
- Now play match as usual
NOTE:
- Results will not be reported automatically, players must report winner and score to event staff
- On DCTV this match will appear at the bottom of match results list
Match Results Are Not Reporting to Bracket Program
Follow these instructions if match listings are not being sent to the tablet (for example, if WiFi goes out):
First, check the following:
- Double-check that the board has been assigned in the bracket program
- Check that tablet is successfully connected to Wifi and has an Internet connection, if no Internet, connect tablet and try again to update match list
- Try to resolve above issues before resorting to manual match creation
If necessary, create the match manually – FOLLOW THESE STEPS:
- Click button: “Create an Event Match”
- Pick the correct event from event menu
- Select game from game menu, player roster will now open
- Select players from roster – there are duplicate player lists on the left and right. Pick one player/team from the list on left, then pick opponent from list on right.
- Click green “Cork for Start” button
- Pick the # of legs for this match if prompted
- Now play match as usual
NOTE:
- Results will not be reported automatically, players must report winner and score to event staff
- On DCTV this match will appear at the bottom of match results list
STAFF / PLAYERS / FANS
Leveraging DCTV
Overview
If you are familiar with DartConnect, then you realize what a benefit DCTV is for players and fans, both onsite and away. However, DartConnect also provides specific advantages for tournament staff. We highly recommend utilizing a spare tablet or laptop to monitor the competition progress.
Match Assignments / Board Calls
DartConnect sets a timer for each match assignment, once a board has been assigned. Utilize this view to see which matches are holding up the competition. They are automatically grouped into 5 minute buckets: Recent, 5+ Minutes, 10+ Minutes, 15+ Minutes.
On Site Tip: While anyone can refernce their phone to determine if they have a board call, staff can use DCTV to power a TV that will scroll through the match assignments.
Pro Tip: If you are running a “Board Champion Event”, provide the tablet managers/floor officials with a tablet so they can monitor the match list order, the live match progress, and review results all from a single screen.
Definition – “Board Champion Event”: This is a specific type of elimination competition, in which participants play all of their matches on the same board, until a single player has “won” the board. Once all of the boards have been won, the champions continue play in the “Finals Bracket”, which is simply the top of the overall bracket, normally consisting of the top 32, 16, 8 winners. Often, these matches are played on boards that neither competitor played on previously.
Match Problems
Inactive Matches: If a match appears to be inactive, you can instantly access the live match to see if it is due to slow play, if the match has been abandoned or has not been saved. This allows staff to deploy resources as needed, to rectify the situaion.
Incorrect Matches: If a scoring error has been made, that results in the wrong player winning a leg or advancing in the competition, the match report provides a quick reference for resolving the discrepancy and correcting the result in the bracket program.
Registration Confirmation
If there is one player insecurity, it is the worry that their registration for a completion has not been properly processed. While the Master Roster Tool provides this information immediately, any staff member can access “Registration Confirmation”, from any device, and alleviate the player’s anxiety.
Get Help and Network with Other Tournament Organizers!
We have created a private Facebook Group (DartConnect Digital Steel Users Group) where you can ask to “+ Join Group.” Look for this button under the cover photo…
We look forward to constructive criticism, ideas, and any other feedback to help make your life as an administrator easier. NOTE: This group is restricted to users of DartConnect Event Services.