Balla StatsAll Tutorials

Live Match Tracking

Learn how to track matches in real-time with goals, cards, substitutions, and detailed statistics. This guide covers the complete live tracking workflow from lineup to final whistle.

Beginner
12 minutes

Prerequisites

Before starting this tutorial, make sure you have:

  • A scheduled match with teams assigned
  • Players added to both teams
  • Admin or Owner role in the group
What is Live Match Tracking?

Live Match Tracking lets you record match events in real-time as the game unfolds. Every goal, card, and substitution is captured with the exact minute, creating a complete match record.

Real-Time Updates

Events appear instantly for all viewers

Quick Entry

One-tap recording for common events

Auto-Save

All events saved automatically

What You'll Learn
  • Set up the match lineup
  • Start and manage the match timer
  • Record goals and assists
  • Track cards and substitutions
  • Use the event timeline
  • End and finalize the match
1
Set Up the Lineup

Before starting the match, set up the lineup for both teams:

  1. 1Navigate to the match detail page
  2. 2Click on the "Lineup" tab
  3. 3Select starters from each team's player pool
  4. 4Optionally add substitute players to the bench

Lineup Options

  • Starters: Players who begin the match on the field
  • Substitutes: Players available to come on during the match

You can modify the lineup even after the match has started. Changes will be reflected in the match record.

2
Start the Match

When you are ready to begin tracking:

  1. 1Click the "Start Match" button on the match page
  2. 2The match timer will begin counting
  3. 3The match status changes to LIVE
  4. 4You will be redirected to the live tracking view

The match is now live! All connected viewers can see real-time updates as you record events.

3
Record Goals

When a goal is scored, record it immediately:

  1. 1Click the "Goal" button in the quick actions area
  2. 2Select the scoring player from the team list
  3. 3The minute is automatically captured from the match timer
  4. 4Optionally select an assisting player

Player Selection

  • On Field: Shows players currently on the pitch
  • On Bench: Shows substitutes (for corrections)
  • Team Toggle: Switch between home and away team views

Recording Assists

After selecting the goal scorer, you will be prompted to select the assisting player. This is optional but helps build complete match records.

4
Quick Stats Entry

Use the quick stat buttons for common events:

Goal

Record a goal with player and minute

Yellow Card

Issue a yellow card to a player

Red Card

Issue a red card to a player

Assists

Record an assist for a goal

Pro Tip

You can also use the detailed stat entry dialog for additional statistics like shots, tackles, saves, and more.

5
Record Substitutions

When a substitution is made during the match:

  1. 1Click the "Substitution" button
  2. 2Select the player coming off the field
  3. 3Select the player coming on from the bench
  4. 4The substitution is recorded with the current minute

Automatically Updated

  • The lineup is updated to reflect the change
  • The substituted player is moved to the bench
  • Playing time is tracked for both players
6
Issue Cards

Record yellow and red cards when they are shown:

  1. 1Click "Yellow Card" or "Red Card" in the quick actions
  2. 2Select the player who received the card
  3. 3The card is recorded with the current match minute

Yellow Card

A caution. Two yellows in the same match result in a red card and the player is sent off.

Red Card

A sending off. The player must leave the field immediately and cannot be replaced.

When a player receives a red card, they are automatically removed from the active lineup. The team continues with fewer players.

7
Event Timeline

The event timeline shows a chronological record of all match events:

Timeline Shows

  • Minute: When the event occurred
  • Event Type: Goal, card, substitution, or stat
  • Player: Who was involved
  • Team: Which team the event belongs to

Made a Mistake?

Click on any event in the timeline to edit or delete it. You can correct the player, minute, or event type at any time during the match.

8
Half-Time

At half-time, pause the match to review and prepare for the second half:

  1. 1Click "Half-Time" or "Pause" when the first half ends
  2. 2Review first-half events in the timeline
  3. 3Make any corrections if needed
  4. 4Click "Resume" or "Start Second Half" when ready

Half-Time Checklist

  • Verify all goals are correctly recorded
  • Check that cards are assigned to the right players
  • Review substitutions for accuracy
9
Extra Time and Stoppage Time

For matches that require extra time or stoppage time:

  1. 1At the end of each half, click "Add Stoppage Time"
  2. 2Enter the number of additional minutes (1-10)
  3. 3The timer will display the stoppage time notation (e.g., 45+3')
  4. 4For knockout matches, extra time periods are automatically available
  5. 5Extra time consists of two 15-minute periods

Extra Time Periods

Extra time is standardized at 30 minutes (two 15-minute halves). This is only available for knockout matches that end in a draw after regular time.

When to Use Stoppage Time

Add stoppage time at the end of each half to compensate for delays. The referee determines the amount based on stoppages during play.

10
End the Match

When the match is complete:

  1. 1Click "End Match" or "Full Time"
  2. 2Review the final match summary
  3. 3Confirm to finalize the match record

What Happens Next

  • Match status changes to COMPLETED
  • Final score is calculated from recorded goals
  • Player statistics are aggregated
  • Season standings are updated (if applicable)
  • Match report becomes available

Match Complete!

The match record is now finalized. All statistics, events, and the final score are permanently recorded and visible on the match detail page.

Advanced Tips

Multiple Recorders

Multiple admins can track the same match simultaneously. Events sync in real-time via WebSocket updates.

Auto-Resume

If you close the browser or lose connection, the match continues. Simply navigate back to the live tracking page to resume recording.

Auto-Save

Every event is saved immediately. You never need to manually save - all data is persisted in real-time.

Common Issues

Timer Not Starting

  • Ensure you have clicked "Start Match" (not just opened the page)
  • Check that you have admin permissions for the group
  • Refresh the page if the timer appears stuck

Stats Not Appearing

  • Verify the match status is LIVE (not SCHEDULED)
  • Ensure players are in the lineup before recording stats
  • Check that you selected the correct team for the event

Wrong Player Selected

  • Click on the event in the timeline to edit it
  • Change the player to the correct one
  • The event will be updated throughout the system

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