Recording a match

This guide covers everything that happens on the match screen — from starting the first sector to awarding Player of the Match at the end.

The match screen

When you open an active match, the screen is laid out for quick, one-handed use on a phone:

• Score display at the top — your team on the left, the opposition on the right. Tap either side to add a goal for that team.
• Event buttons in the centre — quick access to goals, substitutions, and other events.
• Sector indicator — shows which sector you are in (for example, "Sector 1 of 2" for a match played in halves).

The screen stays on while a match is active, so you do not need to keep unlocking your phone on the touchline.

Sectors

A sector is a time period within the match. Most leagues play halves (2 sectors), but younger age groups often use thirds (3 sectors) or quarters (4 sectors). You choose the number of sectors when you create the match.

Sectors give your stats more context. You can see when goals were scored relative to the period, and with a Pro subscription the timer tracks exactly how long each sector lasts.

Starting and ending sectors

Tap Start to begin the first sector. When the referee blows for the break, tap End Sector. If there is another sector to play, tap Start again. When the final sector ends, tap End Match to mark the game as complete.

You do not have to end a sector at exactly the right second. The important thing is that events are grouped into the correct period — a goal scored in the second half should be logged while sector 2 is active.

Logging goals

Tap the goal button (or tap your team's score) and choose Goal. A list of your players appears — tap the scorer. You can then optionally select an assisting player. If there was no assist, skip it and save.

For opposition goals, tap the opposition's side of the scoreboard. You do not need to name their players — the goal is simply added to their tally.

The score updates on screen immediately, and if you have shared the match link, spectators see the update within a few seconds.

Other event types

Beyond goals, you can record several other event types. None of these are compulsory — log whatever is useful for your team.

Own goals

Use this when one of your players accidentally puts the ball into their own net. Select the player responsible. The goal is counted for the opposition, but the own goal is attributed to your player in their individual stats.

Fouls

Log fouls committed by your players. This feeds into season stats and helps you spot patterns — a player who consistently picks up fouls in the first sector might benefit from a conversation about discipline.

Corners

Record corners won by your team. Corners contribute to the Creativity Rating in your season stats, giving credit to players who create pressure in the attacking third.

Dribble ons

A dribble on is when a player beats an opponent with the ball at their feet. It is a useful measure of individual attacking contribution, feeding into both the Attack Rating and Creativity Rating.

When to use each

If you are new to Touchlines, start with goals only. Once that feels comfortable, add substitutions. Then layer in fouls, corners, and dribble ons as you get the hang of the flow. There is no penalty for leaving event types out — your stats simply reflect what you choose to record.

Substitutions

You can make substitutions in two ways:

From the player list

Tap the substitution button, select the player coming off, then select the player coming on. The substitution is logged with the current sector and time.

From the pitch lineup

If you have set up a pitch lineup (available with a Pro subscription), you can drag a player from the bench onto the pitch. The player they replace moves to the bench automatically, and the substitution event is created for you.

Both methods produce the same result. Use whichever feels quicker on the touchline.

Editing events after the fact

Mistakes happen — you might tap the wrong scorer or log a goal in the wrong sector. Everything is editable.

Edit or delete an event

Open the match detail and scroll to the event feed. Tap the event you want to change. You can:

• Change the scorer or assisting player.
• Change the event type (for example, converting a goal to an own goal).
• Delete the event entirely.

Changes take effect immediately and the score recalculates to match.

Correcting the score

If the score looks wrong, check the event feed first. The score is derived from the events — adding or removing a goal event will update it. You do not edit the score directly; you edit the events that make up the score.

This means the score is always consistent with the event log. If it says 3–1, there will be exactly three goal events for your team and one for the opposition.

Player of the Match

After a match is complete, you can award Player of the Match. Open the match detail and tap Player of the Match. Select the player from your squad list.

The award appears on the match detail page and counts towards the player's season POTM tally on the Stats page. You can change your selection at any time — there is no deadline.

Coach notes

With a Pro subscription, you can add free-text notes to any completed match. Open the match detail and tap Coach Notes. Write whatever is useful — tactical observations, things to work on at training, individual feedback.

Coach notes are private. They are visible only to you and are never shown on shared match links or to spectators.