Scrims, short for scrimmages, are practice matches in which teams play full lobbies without the pressure of an official event. Running them well takes a little planning. This guide walks through the full process, from announcing the session to publishing results.
1. Decide the basics
Before you announce anything, settle:
- Date and time, with a start time and a latest check-in time.
- Number of teams (usually 16 to 20 per lobby) and a waiting list.
- Maps and number of matches. A common rotation is Erangel, Miramar, Erangel, Sanhok, Erangel, Miramar.
- Points table (see our points system guide).
- Rules: allowed devices, no emulators, no teaming, no stream sniping, and penalties for breaking them.
2. Open registration
Publish a clear registration message that lists the format, the fee if any, and the deadline. Collect the team name, tag, logo, and the name and UID of every player. Collecting UIDs is important because they are the only reliable identity: nicknames change, UIDs do not. Verify that the team contact is reachable on the day.
3. Prepare the room
Create a custom room in the game with the correct map, mode (squad, third-person or first-person), and spectator settings. Share the room ID and password only with checked-in teams, and only a few minutes before the start so that outsiders cannot join. Give teams a short, fixed window to enter and tell them the start time is final.
4. Check in and verify
Confirm each team has the right players and that nobody is in two teams. Appoint at least one admin or referee who watches for rule violations and keeps the group chat tidy. Ask teams to record their gameplay if there is a dispute later.
5. Run the matches
Start each match on time, and keep breaks to five or ten minutes. After each match, collect the result screenshots or use your scoring tool so that placement and kill counts are accurate. If a disconnect or bug happens, follow the rule you announced at the start, not a new one.
6. Score and publish
Add the placement and kills for every team after each match. Post the standings after every game so that teams stay engaged. A good scoring tool calculates points automatically, handles tie-breakers and produces an overall table at the end of the day. SSP Statify calculates this automatically and also provides result pages and broadcast overlays.
7. Follow up
Share the final standings within a few minutes of the last match, thank the teams and announce the next session. Teams remember organizers who are punctual and fair. Keeping a record of results across sessions also lets players see their progress; on SSP Statify those records are public on SSPpedia.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting registration stay open until the last second.
- Changing rules mid-session.
- Posting results slowly or without a clear table.
- Not recording who played, which makes disputes impossible to resolve.