Five checks before sending the final football squad list

A squad list may pass between the coach, kit coordinator and families before it becomes an order document. Every hand-off can add a duplicate row, lose a size or mix up two teams. A calm final review is more useful than rushing a file that everyone assumes someone else has checked. Name one person responsible for the final version, then make these checks with a second reader.

1. Confirm the team and the people on it

Start with the team name, season and age group or division so the list cannot be confused with an old squad. Compare names against a current internal roster. Look for duplicates, alternative spellings and players who have left the group. If coaches or goalkeepers need different garments, mark that in a separate column rather than assuming the recipient knows the distinction.

2. Review spelling and personalisation line by line

Read names aloud or ask each player to confirm their own row. Check accents, hyphens and preferred lettering; spreadsheets can alter some characters automatically. Separate names intended for printing from names used only for internal size administration. If the team chooses numbers, confirm every assignment is deliberate and that a blank row is not an oversight.

3. Verify the garment and size for each person

Each person should have a clear size for the correct item, checked against the product’s size information. Do not guess from age or from a different garment model. If shirt and shorts sizes differ, record them separately. Mark unresolved questions rather than filling gaps with assumptions.

4. Reconcile totals and control the version

Count the rows and compare the result with the expected number of players and staff. Check that the size totals match the underlying entries, and remove old hidden tabs or comments that could confuse the reader. Save the file with a date and version number; mark earlier copies as superseded.

5. Ask another person to review independently

A fresh reader often notices what the spreadsheet’s creator no longer sees. Ask them to check sample rows from the beginning, middle and end, then compare the totals. Once the list is ready, consult the order information and send any remaining questions through contact. Submit only the file the club has actually approved.

Handle late changes without creating another error

A useful final review also defines what happens when someone spots a change. Ask for corrections to go to one coordinator, who updates the master file and records what changed. If a player changes size after the first check, note both the old and new entry so a reviewer can confirm that only the correct row was affected. Avoid sending replacement lists through several channels. Once the master is updated, another person can briefly inspect the changed cells and recalculate the totals.

Decide how to handle uncertain answers too. If a player has not yet checked the product’s size information, mark the row as pending rather than selecting a size just to fill the table. The same applies to a name or number still under discussion. A list with a few clearly labelled open points is safer than a file that looks complete but depends on guesses. Save the final approved copy separately from the working draft and record who checked it.