This is Part 3 of our 3-part tutorial on setting up leagues using OpenSports. In this guide, you'll learn how to create and publish an elimination/playoff bracket using league standings. Before starting, make sure you’ve already created your league and, in most cases, created a round-robin schedule:
Step 1: Start the Elimination Schedule
Navigate to your League Home page
Under Manage Schedules, click Create Elimination Schedule
Step 2: Set Schedule Details
Add a title (e.g., “Playoffs” or “League Cup”)
Set match duration, break time, and toggle on a 3rd place match if needed
Step 3: Select & Seed Teams
Choose the teams that will qualify for playoffs
Drag and drop the hamburger menu (☰) to drop teams into the desired seed order
- Adjustments here will reflect in the bracket preview
Step 4: Add Available Time Slots
OpenSports needs enough time slots to generate your elimination match schedule.
Click Add > Recurring
Round Robin League: Each team plays every other team at least once, it is ideal for recurring leagues spread over weeks which takes longer to complete due to more matches.
Elimination League: Teams are knocked out after a loss, progressing to a final winner. Best for one-time events or single-day tournaments. They are faster to run with fewer matches overall.
Set:
Field(s) and Resources (e.g., Central Tech, Field 1)
Days/times for matches (e.g., Wednesdays, 2 weeks in a row)
Optional: Create exclusions for holidays or unavailable dates
Preview and confirm by clicking Create Availabilities for [X] Matches
Repeat as needed to cover all matches
Step 5: Preview Bracket and Schedule
Bracket Preview: Visualize the playoff bracket and confirm seed order
Schedule Preview: View matches in a calendar or list format
- Filter by location or date as needed
Step 6: Create Elimination Schedule
Click Create Elimination Schedule
Your matches will be created in unpublished mode, this can only be visible to other admins and referees.
Go to the Matches tab and ensure the Elimination Schedule is selected to view and manage playoff matches
Step 7: Edit Matches (Optional)
Admins can make changes before or after publishing:
Edit individual matches: date, time, location
Use Bulk Edit to apply changes to multiple matches
Click into a match to:
View team rosters and RSVPs
Check players in
Assign referees
Edit match details, including notes and time adjustments
Step 8: Publish the Schedule
Return to the League Home page
Click Publish under Elimination Schedule
- Option to notify all registered players to see their playoff schedule. Available for email and push notifications.
Step 9: What Players See
- In the match details page, they’ll see which games are marked as playoff/elimination matches
Congratulations! You’ve completed the full league setup process!
Questions? Send them our way: support@opensports.net