Start with capacity, not the draw. Work out how many slots each pitch can hold, reserve matches that depend on earlier results, then place group games around team rest.
Calculate raw capacity
An 18-minute match plus two-minute changeover creates a 20-minute slot. Four pitches across a six-hour window give 72 theoretical slots, but a reliable schedule leaves contingency.
slots per pitch = floor(usable minutes ÷ (match minutes + changeover minutes))
Reserve dependent matches first
A semi-final cannot start until its qualifiers are known. Protect transition time between the last group result and the first knockout kick-off.
Place group matches in rounds
Round structure makes rest gaps and simultaneous referee demand easier to see.
- Round 1: A1 v A2; A3 v A4.
- Round 2: A1 v A3; A2 v A4.
- Round 3: A1 v A4; A2 v A3.
Check teams, not only pitches
- Previous match end.
- Next kick-off.
- Walking time between playing areas.
- Applicable age or competition rest rules.
Keep an unscheduled queue
A visible Needs pitch state is safer than placing a match in a bad slot merely to make the planner look complete.
Use draft revisions
When a team withdraws or a pitch becomes unavailable, review the entire revision before selecting Publish changes.
Worked example: eight teams
Two groups of four create 12 group matches. Add two semi-finals and a final for 15. Dividing 15 by four pitches is not enough: rest and phase dependencies decide the real answer.