Final checklist before kick-off: rules, comms, prizes, support

March 25, 2026

Final checklist before kick-off: rules, comms, prizes, support

You are close to launch. Now you need a clean “go-live” plan. This final checklist helps you run a smooth Fantasy Football (is Prediction Game in English) at work.

This is not a player-pick game. It is a match prediction game. People predict scores or outcomes. They earn points. They climb a table.

Use this list for your last checks, your launch checklist, and your go-live moment.

1) Rules: make them clear and short

Short rules reduce admin. They also cut complaints. Keep your rules on one page.

Rules to lock in before kick-off

• What people predict: home win / draw / away win, exact score, or both.
• Points system: simple and fair. Example:
  • 1 point for correct result
  • 3 points for exact score
• Deadline for picks: e.g. 10 minutes before kick-off.
• Late entries: allow or block. If you allow, start them on week 2.
• Tie-breaks: goal difference style rule, or “most exact scores”.
• Code of conduct: no abuse, no spam, keep it friendly.
• Admin rights: name the owner and a back-up admin.

Quick sales tip: Put the rules in your invite message. Then link to the full page. Less friction means more sign-ups.

2) Comms: set a simple rhythm people follow

Good comms drive participation. They also help retention. You do not need lots of messages. You need the right ones.

Your go-live comms plan

• T-7 days: “Game is live soon” teaser. Share prizes and key dates.
• T-2 days: “How it works” message. Include rules in plain English.
• T-24 hours: “Join now” reminder. Add a clear join link.
• Matchday morning: “Make your picks” reminder.
• After matches: share winners, table, and one key stat.

Channels that work in England

• Microsoft Teams or Slack for reminders.
• Email for the launch message and weekly round-up.
• A poster in the kitchen area for offices. Keep it bold and simple.

Message template (copy/paste)

• Subject: Make your predictions before kick-off
• Body: Predict match results. Score points. Climb the table. Picks close 10 minutes before kick-off. Join today.

3) Prizes: choose what fits your group and budget

Prizes create urgency. They also help your campaign feel “real”. Keep prizes fair and easy to deliver.

Popular prize options

• Low cost: bragging rights, trophy, certificate, badge in Teams.
• Mid cost: £25–£100 vouchers, lunch for the winner, extra day WFH (if allowed).
• High impact: charity donation in the winner’s name, team event budget.

Prize structure that boosts engagement

• Weekly winner (keeps late joiners interested).
• Monthly winner (builds habit).
• Season winner (big finish).
• One fun award (e.g. “boldest prediction”).

Fair play check

• State if admins can win prizes.
• State if contractors can join.
• State if prizes are taxed or reported (if needed).

4) Support: plan for questions, not chaos

Support decides if your launch feels smooth. Make it easy for people to get help fast.

Support setup

• Create a shared inbox or chat channel for help.
• Set a response target, like “same business day”.
• Write a short FAQ:
  • How to join
  • How scoring works
  • When picks close
  • What to do if you forgot a pick
  • Who to contact

Data and privacy check (do not skip)

• Only collect what you need (name, email, team name).
• Tell people how you use the data.
• Keep access limited to admins.
• Use trusted guidance for compliance, like the ICO guide to UK GDPR.

5) Final “last checks” before you go live

Use this as your tick list on launch day.

Go-live checklist

• Rules page is live and easy to read.
• Scoring matches the rules.
• Pick deadlines are correct.
• Time zone is correct (UK time).
• Prizes and dates are published.
• Comms are scheduled (first week at least).
• Support channel is live.
• One test user has placed a prediction.
• You have a back-up admin.

Close strong: make it easy to join

A workplace prediction game works best when joining takes under 60 seconds. Keep your message short. Keep your rules clear. Then hit go-live.

If you want higher sign-ups, lead with value. Say what people get. Say when it starts. Then share one link to join your Fantasy Football (is Prediction Game in English) and start predicting.