Thanks for reaching us here. Hopefully this FAQ article helps answer your questions!
Q: What are the rules for the Square pool?
A: Pool members login and click grid squares to claim them.
Grid numbers are hidden from your members until you decide to show them or the Tournament begins, whichever comes first.
Unlike the Super Bowl where there is only ONE game, members' squares are theirs for EVERY game, starting with the round you choose.
At the end of every game, we automatically compare the last digit of both teams' score is to determine a winner.
We will list each individual winner as well as aggregate count of how many times each pool member has won.
Q: Do you have a women's square pool format?
A: No, we only have a women's bracket pool available.
Q: How do members make pick their squares?
A: Members of your Squares pool will simply login to the website and click the square(s) they want. We also provide the option for Administrator's to enter the names of "guests" into squares, for those that don't want to register and log in. Members of your pool can join and participate from anywhere in the country ... or the world.
Q: How are winning squares picked?
A: Winning boxes are determined by looking at the final score of each game. The top row of numbers (horizontal) represents the winning team while the side (vertical) represents the losing team.
Q: Can members see other members picks on the grid?
A: Pool members see the squares grid and all other pool members picks online, in real-time.
Q: Can the squares grid be printed out?
A: The completed squares grid can also be printed out and distributed so members don't need to be near a computer to see who has won.
Q: Can the commissioner assign numbers to the X & Y axis or can it be done randomly?
A: Grid numbers can be randomly assigned or custom assigned by the Administrator for each grid, through the commissioner console > grid settings > axis numbers on the grid are:
Q: Can I limit the number of squares a member can pick?
A: Administrators can specify the maximum number of boxes that a member can pick. This number can be different for each grid in a pool. Go to your commissioner console > grid settings > maximum number of squares allowed per member:
Q: Can I add more than 1 grid?
A: Add new grids to your existing pool in seconds. They'll all be handled under a single login for you and your members. You will select "Grid Management" > add a grid:
Q: What is the cost per grid?
A: Your pool can contain an unlimited number of grids. The total cost to run an College Basketball Tournament Squares pool for up to 100 members is $19.95 PER GRID.
Q: Can I change what round the grid starts in?
A: Yes, but you need to remove all current picks, if any. If no picks, you can go to your commissioner console > grid settings > select: grid beings in >
Q: Can I change my grid size?
A: Yes, with an empty grid, you can select a 100/50/25 square grid. If your grid has current picks in it, you will need to delete the picks first. You will go to your commissioner console > grid settings > select: number of squares on grid.
Q: Can I change the teams for the X & Y axis?
A: Yes, go to your commissioner console > grid settings > select: axis labels:
Q: Can I label numbers on my grid?
A: Yes, go to your commissioner console > grid settings > toggle ON/OFF number each pickable square on grid:
Q: My grid is full, how can I lock and show the X & Y Axis?
A: You will go to your commissioner console > grid management > toggle ON show axis numbers NOW and lock grid:
Q: What happens if all of my squares aren't filled?
A: If you end up with empty squares make sure you formulate a plan in the case that a blank square wins (e.g. no one wins, first to the right wins, etc.). There are no settings for this. Just make sure to communicate your decision to your members.
Q: How does payment work? How do members pay for squares and how does the commissioner pay out the money?
A: While we have many people use our site for fundraising, please be aware that we do not collect or distribute any money from participants...we simply charge a small fee to you, the pool commissioner, for hosting the pool.
Any fundraising you do will need to be collected outside of our website (possibly through PayPal or another service). You will have the ability to keep notes for each member. Just make sure you are in compliance with your local fundraising laws.
Q: Do people need to join my pool in order to pick their squares?
A: The short answer is No.
As the commissioner, you can manually enter squares for people by simply clicking on a square and selecting the "Assign to a Guest" option.
While it is preferable to have people register and join your pool to manage their own squares, we give you the option to skip this step, if you prefer.
Q: How can I track payment on my squares grid?
A: If you are running a fundraiser using our Squares format and want to track donations, go to Grid Options -> Grid Settings and turn on the 'Track Fundraising Donations' setting. You can then return to the grid and toggle the $ icon.
Q: How do people pay to enter my pool?
A: While we have many people use our site for fundraising, we do not collect or distribute any money from participants ... we simply charge a small fee to you, the pool commissioner, for hosting the pool. Any fundraising you do will need to be collected outside of our website (possibly through PayPal or another service). You will have the ability to keep notes for each member on our website and can deactivate/delete members at any time. Just make sure you are in compliance with your local fund raising laws.
Q: Can I change the numbers after each game/round?
A: No, the numbers can not be changed. This format doesn't have the same issue that you would have in football where some numbers were more advantageous than others. In basketball, all numbers should have a similar chance of winning.