Editing Help:Reconstructing tournament results (section)

== 2. Build a list of participating teams ==

A surviving entry list or tournament draw is often the most useful starting point.

Potential sources include:

* Official tournament draws and pool assignments.
* Registration databases such as [[PBLeagues]].
* Preliminary and final score sheets.
* Event posters and announcements.
* Team registration and travel announcements.
* Photographs identifying participating teams.
* Live-stream schedules and recorded matches.
* Contemporary tournament reports.

An entry list confirms that a team was scheduled or registered to participate. It does not necessarily establish that the team played.

Cancelled entries, withdrawals, replacement teams and byes must be distinguished from actual competitors.

=== Use previous and subsequent events ===

Teams often participate in multiple rounds of the same series.

If a team is confirmed at one event, investigate its participation in other events from that season. Check the team's social media history, published rosters and tournament reports.

This is a research lead, not evidence of attendance.

A team competing in Round 1 cannot automatically be included in Round 2 or Round 3.

Likewise, a team that appears in season standings may have earned points in only some of the events.

=== Account for team name changes ===

Teams may compete under different names, abbreviations or squad designations.

Examples include:

* A full team name versus an abbreviated name.
* Numbered squads such as Team 1 and Team 2.
* A renamed team.
* A combined or temporary tournament entry.
* A team competing with guest players.

Do not merge teams solely because they share players, sponsors, home fields or similar names.

Follow [[Help:Naming conventions]] when identifying teams and creating internal links.