tournament, will allow us to validate features in a real setting, stress-testing automated scheduling, on-site scorekeeping, and communications, then refine the product with user feedback, software malfunctions, and necessary upgrades. Overall, SportSavvy will combine smart software with hands-on education to revitalize community sport. SportSavvy will be developed at JMU, driven by students, and designed to evolve with every season. Why it’s Innovative: AI where it matters: Instead of generic tools, SportSavvy employs scheduling logic tuned to real constraints: limited courts/fields, fair rest periods, officials’ availability, and travel/time windows. 1. Community-first design: The interface will be built around small staffs and volunteers. Organizers will be able to launch events in minutes, not days. 2. Local insights: Over time, anonymized participation patterns help departments choose formats (e.g., 3v3 vs. 5v5), optimize time blocks, and plan facility use more effectively. 3. Built for teaching and research: Every feature doubles as a learning object where students can examine algorithms, user flows, operations, and outcomes, turning sport tech from a concept into a living lab. Interdisciplinary by Design: This project brings two distinct disciplines together in a way that mirrors the modern sport industry. Computer Science program students will lead software architecture, data models, UX prototyping, testing, and AI/automation features. Hart School (Sport & Recreation Management) students will drive event operations, officiating workflows, fan and participant communications, and market research with recreation departments and clubs. Faculty co-mentors guide both tracks, ensuring rigor and real-world relevance. The result: a single, integrated product where technology and sport operations are co- created. Competitive Landscape and Why It’s Not Enough: Several platforms occupy adjacent spaces: SportsEngine, LeagueApps, Tourney Machine, GotSport, and TeamSnap Tournaments. These tools can be powerful, but for many community organizers they are cost-prohibitive, feature-heavy, or tuned to travel/elite programs rather than neighborhood play. Others require long contracts, complex setup, or add-on fees for capabilities (e.g., payments, messaging, live scoring) that small events need day one. SportSavvy’s edge is fit and focused: streamlined workflows, education pricing, and community-ready defaults that reduce training time and eliminate hidden costs. Sustainability and Growth: Madison Trust support ($25,000) funds a working beta, the UREC pilot, and an initial series of community events in high-interest sports (e.g., basketball, pickleball, flag football). From there, we will: • Institutionalize the Lab: Make SportSavvy a standing course/lab experience, with annual cohorts improving features, dashboards, and training modules.
Madison Trust 2026 Project Proposal
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