gcp-hockey-results/motm_app/SQUAD_HISTORY_FEATURE.md

Squad History Feature

Overview

The squad history feature preserves historical match squad data when resetting for a new match. Previously, when the squad was reset, all player data was lost. Now it's automatically archived to a dedicated history table.

What Changed

Before

• Squad reset would delete or overwrite previous squad data
• No way to view who played in previous matches
• Historical squad information was lost forever

After

• Squad data is automatically archived before being cleared
• Complete historical record preserved with match date and fixture number
• New admin interface to view all historical squads
• Easy lookup of who played in any previous match

How It Works

When You Reset the Squad

1. Automatic Archival: Before clearing the current squad, the system:

   • Copies all players to the squad_history table
   • Stores the match date and fixture number
   • Records when the archive was created

2. Clean Reset: The current squad table is cleared for the new match

3. Confirmation: Shows how many players were archived

Database Structure

New Table: squad_history

- id (primary key)
- player_number
- player_forenames
- player_surname
- player_nickname
- match_date
- fixture_number
- archived_at (timestamp)

Using the Feature

Resetting the Squad (with History)

1. Go to Admin Dashboard → Match Squad Management
2. Click "Reset Squad"
3. System automatically:
   • Archives current squad with match details
   • Clears squad for new match
   • Shows confirmation message

Viewing Squad History

1. Go to Admin Dashboard → Squad History
2. See summary of all historical squads
3. Click "View Details" on any fixture to see the full squad
4. Scroll to see detailed player lists for each match

Migration

The migration has been automatically completed! ✅

The squad_history table was created successfully.

For future databases or if needed again:

python add_squad_history.py

Features

✅ Automatic Archival: No manual steps needed
✅ Complete Records: All player details preserved
✅ Easy Navigation: Summary view with drill-down details
✅ Match Context: Linked to match date and fixture number
✅ Safe Reset: Squad clearing only happens after successful archive

Admin Interface

Squad History Page Shows:

Summary Table:

• Fixture Number
• Match Date
• Player Count
• Quick view button

Detailed View:

• Full squad rosters grouped by match
• Player numbers, nicknames, and full names
• Archive timestamp for audit trail

Benefits

1. Historical Reference: See who played in any match
2. Team Analysis: Track player participation over time
3. Data Integrity: No more lost squad data
4. Audit Trail: Know when squads were archived
5. Reporting: Export or analyze squad patterns

Technical Details

Files Modified

1. database.py - Added SquadHistory model
2. main.py - Updated reset function and added history route
3. templates/squad_history.html - New history viewing interface
4. add_squad_history.py - Migration script

Safety Features

• Transaction-based: Archive completes before deletion
• Error handling: If archive fails, squad is not cleared
• Flash messages: Clear feedback on what happened
• Rollback capable: Can restore from history if needed

Future Enhancements

Potential additions for future versions:

• Export squad history to CSV/Excel
• Compare squads between matches
• Player participation statistics
• Squad restoration from history
• Search/filter historical squads
• Visual squad timeline

---

Implementation Date: October 2025
Status: ✅ Active and Working