FAQ

Please Note:

If you have questions about your pool, please contact your pool administrator directly.

  1. How do I create a pool?
  2. Do you have playoff pools?
  3. Help! I can't logout or login!
  4. What are the differences between Draft pools, Open pools and Box pools?
  5. How do I add teams (poolies) to the pool?
  6. Oops! I created the wrong type of pool. Now what?
  7. How do I login as the pool administrator?
  8. How much is your service ?
  9. When is the pool payment due?
  10. How do I pay for my pool?
  11. How large of a pool can I run on your site for my $20?
  12. I am participating in multiple pools on Officepools.com, but I can't seem to login to my other pools. What do I do?
  13. Is payment secure on your site ?
  14. What scoring categories do you have?
  15. What happens if I miss the payment date?
  16. As the Administrator, why do I have to give you my email address when I create a pool?
  17. Where do you get your stats from?
  18. Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
  19. Do you have any suggestions or comments for the Officepools staff?
  20. Want to advertise on OfficePools.com?
  21. What browsers do you support?
  22. Is Officepools.com a gambling site?
  23. Is there any way to reset the boxes in my pool back to the default template you ʺcurrentlyʺ use?
  24. How do I create teams?
  25. I ran a pool last season - I don't want to type in all the team names again - what do i do?
  26. I cannot select any goalies or teams - what do I do?
  27. How do I go about starting my draft using the Draftroom feature?
  28. Where do I set the time of my Online Draft?
  29. I have created a bunch of pools, how do I delete them?
  30. I am the Admin running the Draftroom and one of my guys is offline and I need to pick for them - what do I do?
  31. I am trying to add a certain player to a box using the box pool editor and it wont let me. Why?
  32. Why is the picklist report showing players/teams not in the playoffs?
  33. My pool is created - how are the stats updated?
  34. When are the stats final?
  35. Are the stats real time?
  36. I have a correction you guys should make. What should I do?
  37. My goalie played almost the whole game and his team won - why did I not get the points?
  38. How do I enter our previously drafted teams to the site?
  39. How do I get a list of all teams, their real names and email addresses?
  40. How can I tell if a team has paid or not?
  41. Why aren't teams showing up in my picker?
  42. Why aren't goalies showing up in my picker?
  43. I want to print out my box pool template but I cannot find the PDF.
  44. Can I change the pool name after I have created it?
  45. I am running a Box Pool (or Open Pool) how can I make it so people don't see each others picks?
  46. Why are people not able to pick any more than one team using the invite code?
  47. How do participants enter their own teams (selections) to the pool after they log in?
  48. How do poolies edit their picks once they have a team?
  49. What can I do about the injuries - the injuries don't look up to date?
  50. I have paid for my box pool but do not like the template I have chosen. What can I do?
  51. Is there any fast way can see if someone has the same players on their team as another?
  52. I have some teams that are being added late - what will happen to their points from the games they missed?
  53. I have handed out my own sheets and want to enter the teams, now what?

How do I create a pool?

Creating a pool can be done in seconds. On the Home Page click the Create a Pool button. This opens up the Create a Pool window - select the type of pool you would like and click the appropriate Create Pool button. We require your unique pool name, administrator password and email plus the guest password for your poolies. On our Config page we set standard defaults for the season length and other settings such as the standard scoring system which is 1 point for a goal and 1 point for an assist. We have Help available on-screen for every setting to guide you. Once your pool is created you can login with your administrator password and add the players that were selected by your poolies. You can change your pool settings at any time.

Do you have playoff pools?

Yes! We support both regular season pools and playoff season pools. You can create regular season pools at any time during the regular season. Towards the end of March we will post preliminary box pool templates and will allow pools to be created for the playoffs. Keep in mind that often the final pairings are not decided until the final games on the last Sunday before the playoffs begin so picks made early may not be valid.

Help! I can't logout or login!

We see this from time to time - Internet Explorer can only handle a couple of cookies per site. So, when it gets too many it just stops allowing any more. We have built a couple of pages you can visit that will clear all the cookies for our site only. It seems to work fairly well. Some people have reported that you need to do a reboot as well to make it work. Make sure that you only have 1 browser window open when you click the link or else all bets are off. If you have troubles even after hitting these pages, please notify us and we will work with you to get more information about the situation. Here is the link to the Clear Cookies pages: http://www.officepools.com/pool/auth/clear-cookies and http://officepools.com/pool/auth/clear-cookies You must click on BOTH links to make this work.

What are the differences between Draft pools, Open pools and Box pools?

In a draft pool, no player can be held by more than one participant - called a "poolie". All of the pool participants take turns drafting their players (we call these "picks" as both players and NHL teams can be drafted in some pools). The drafts are usually held in serpentine fashion; that is, the team picking first in the odd rounds will pick last in the even rounds. The picks can either be entered manually by the pool admin or the draft can be done online using our Draftroom.

This type of pool requires considerable in-depth knowledge of players beyond the top tier of NHL stars. As each player may only be selected by a single team draft pools are best for smaller pools.

Open pools differ from draft pools in that player picks are not unique - in these pools multiple teams will pick, for example, Crosby and Stamkos. As open pools allow duplicate picks these pools can be large - poolies can be invited by email to create their teams and make their picks online though the pool admin can enter them or make changes. In a box pool players of a similar caliber (i.e., forwards, defencemen, superstars, rookies) are grouped together and a fixed number of players are selected from each group or box. Everyone simply picks a set number of players. Thus, multiple participants can have the same player on their roster or team. Box pools can have a large number of entrants so box pool picks are typically made online by each poolie though the pool admin can enter them or make changes.

Officepools staff use their expertise to create box pools prior to the season beginning. Admins can select any of these. Admins can also edit the templates provided for their own pool if they want to adjust the players in the boxes - OR they can create their own box pools from scratch.

How do I add teams (poolies) to the pool?

Please login to your pool using your admin password and click on the 'Team Editor' link. Click the 'Add Team' button to add poolies and their players to your pool.

Oops! I created the wrong type of pool. Now what?

No problem - the pool types are virtually identical - the main difference between them is how you make picks - unique (typically Draft Pool) or not unique - two options (Open Pool) where all teams pick any player or where picks are restricted by the use of a Box Pool template.

To change pool types use the Admin console, under Config over on the right side is a link called "Type". Click this and you can change to one of the other pool types. Changing pool types will keep all of your teams and their picks. However, if you change to a Box Pool and you have existing picks you need to use the Clear Picks function as it is highly likely that existing picks will be invalid (these will show in the Standings in red).

How do I login as the pool administrator?

From the home page select the season, type the name of the pool and your admin password in the appropriate boxes. Click the Login button. If you are already logged into a pool as a guest click the Admin link and enter the Admin password. Click Login. That's it. Note that you can be logged in as a team to use Trash Talk as well as be logged in as the pool admin at the same time.

How much is your service ?

Our service is $20 for each pool that you run - regardless of pool size. We give you a free trial for the first few weeks each season.

When is the pool payment due?

Payment is about 3 weeks after the season begins. We give the pool admin plenty of warning before we require payment.

How do I pay for my pool?

Please login to your pool using your admin password. You will see the 'Pay' link in the menu bar just above your pool name. Only admins can see the 'Pay' link and pay for the pool. Once the pool is paid for the 'Pay' link is replaced with a the link to the payment receipt.

How large of a pool can I run on your site for my $20?

There is no limit to the size of pool you can run at Officepools.com for any of the pool types - Draft, Open or Box. However, we suggest that large pools use either Open or Box Pools as these support emailing of team invitations as well as online team creation - removing the need for the pool admin to manually create the teams and enter all the picks.

I am participating in multiple pools on Officepools.com, but I can't seem to login to my other pools. What do I do?

Please remember to use the Logout link on the right of the page, when you are trying to move between pools. We list your active pools starting with the most recent one you accessed on the home page. Simply click a displayed pool name to automatically guest login to a pool.
Important: we support access to ONE pool at a time within any browser - you cannot be logged into multiple pools within the same browser session. This is to ensure you do not get multiple tabs and windows open for multiple pools simultaneously as confusion would certainly follow!!
Yes - you can view as many pools simultaneously as you have browsers installed on your computer - one in IE, one in Firefox, one in Chrome etc.

Is payment secure on your site ?

We've been taking online payments for 10 years. This wouldn't be possible if we didn't always make sure we put the protection of the customer's information first. Payment processing is routed through a commercial payment processor, E-xact.com, to ensure that all information is encrypted and safe. Officepools does NOT store credit card numbers.

What scoring categories do you have?

We have a comprehensive offering of scoring categories for skaters, goalies and teams:

Scoring Categories Forwards/Defence Goalies Teams Enforcer Rookie Custom
Assists X X X X X
Blocked Shots X X X X
Empty Net Goals X X X X
Even Strength Goals X X X X
Fights X X X X
First Goal of Game X X X X
Game Winning Goals X X X X
Games Played X X X X X
Games Started X X
Giveaways X X X X
Goals X X X X X
Goals Against X X X
Goals For X X
Hat-Tricks X X X X
Hits X X X X
Losses X X X
Overtime Assists X X X X
Overtime Goals X X X X
Overtime Loss X X X
Overtime Win X X X
Penalty Minutes X X X X X
Plus / Minus X X X X
Power Play Assists X X X X
Power Play Goals X X X X
Saves X X X
Shootout Attempts X X X X
Shootout Game Winning Goals X X X X
Shootout Goals X X X X
Shootout Loss X X
Shootout Win X X
Shorthanded Assists X X X X
Shorthanded Goals X X X X
Shots X X X X
Shutouts X X X
Takeaways X X X X
Team Goalie Assists X X
Wins X X X

What happens if I miss the payment date?

Your guests will not be able to login - though you will still have Admin access so that you can pay for the pool. Also, your stats will still be automatically updated regardless of payment.

As the Administrator, why do I have to give you my email address when I create a pool?

We need this for three reasons. The first is so we can email you your pool name and password so you can keep a record of it in case you forget it. The second reason is if you do lose that email and forget your password we need to have a unique way to know that you are the administrator. The third is so that your own poolies can email you through Officepools.com with questions about the pool such as "What are the trading rules?" We don't use that information for anything else unless you have opted in to receive updates from OfficePools.com.

Where do you get your stats from?

Unlike many other sites we pay a yearly fee to receive our stats as opposed to aggregating them ourselves. This helps us ensure that we're always getting up to the minute information.

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?

Email our support staff at help@officepools.com Reminder: for quicker service it is important that we know the name of your pool. Please include it in your email. Thanks from the Officepools staff.

Do you have any suggestions or comments for the Officepools staff?

We appreciate any and all feedback you might have. Please email us at: feedback@officepools.com

Want to advertise on OfficePools.com?

Please contact Curtis at: curtis@officepools.com

What browsers do you support?

We have built Officepools.com to run well on most modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Mobile versions of browsers will also work. We do recommend that you download the most recent versions for the best possible experience.

Is Officepools.com a gambling site?

No, Officepools.com is run as a service to our users - we do not accept any wagers.

Is there any way to reset the boxes in my pool back to the default template you ʺcurrentlyʺ use?

No, once you select a template, that becomes yours for the life of the pool. You are then in complete control. The only way to go back to the original is to either manually recreate it or to create another pool and select the template you want. If you have paid for the pool already then we will have to transfer the payment but that might take several days. Do not pay until you are satisfied with your pool.

How do I create teams?

Login as the Admin and use the Team Editor to create your teams and select the players.

I ran a pool last season - I don't want to type in all the team names again - what do i do?

The Create Pool page for both Draft and Open pools gives you the option to populate teams, picks and players from last season. For Box Pools we suggest you login to last year's pool, go to the Pool Invites page and click the link for the copy and paste version of the email addresses you used last year. After you create the new box pool for the current season you can simply paste these into the Pool Invites page.

I cannot select any goalies or teams - what do I do?

Selections for all positions are driven by the scoring categories - if you want to select goalies or teams you need to define their scoring - then they will be displayed in the Team Editor.

How do I go about starting my draft using the Draftroom feature?

First read the Help Articles - one for Admins and one for Teams.
The short version - make sure your settings are correct - especially for the number of players, Scoring Categories, Draft Order and Position Mix. Then click the Draftroom Options link, follow the directions in the help. Make sure you turn on Enable Draftroom as this allows your poolies to login to it. There is an indicator beside each team their log in status - once all are ready simply click the Start button and off you go!

Where do I set the time of my Online Draft?

You will do this manually. Setting the time and coordinating your poolies is up to you.

I have created a bunch of pools, how do I delete them?

Go into the Admin section and on the lower left there is a menu option to delete your pool. Only un-paid pools can be deleted. This is not reversible so be careful.

I am the Admin running the Draftroom and one of my guys is offline and I need to pick for them - what do I do?

Click the Stop button, make their pick, click the Start button and the Draft will continue in order.

I am trying to add a certain player to a box using the box pool editor and it wont let me. Why?

The Editor will only allow players to be in one box at a time - you probably have him already.

Why is the picklist report showing players/teams not in the playoffs?

The Picklist report has a number of options - make sure you check the checkbox Exclude not in playoffs.

My pool is created - how are the stats updated?

The stats are updated and reflected in your standings automatically each game day within minutes of each game being over.

When are the stats final?

The NHL can make corrections at any time. However, give it a week after the season is over and you should be safe. PS - You can check out all the Corrections on the Home page or under Help.

Are the stats real time?

Game update is in real time, standings are updated as soon as we get final scoring for each game - usually within 5 minutes after each game ends. Games that are final show as Final in the Game Update window.
Also, any changes that will affect the pool standings (ie scoring calculations) are instant. What changes affect scoring? Whenever and admin adds or change a team, modifies scoring or we are sent a new stat for a game the standings reflect the change immediately. No waiting!!

I have a correction you guys should make. What should I do?

Be patient. Please wait at least 24 hours before you submit a ticket to us - we are sent corrections almost daily. Check NHL.com first.

My goalie played almost the whole game and his team won - why did I not get the points?

The goalie that is playing in the net when the winning goal is scored is credited with the win.

How do I enter our previously drafted teams to the site?

Login to the Admin section and enter the picks using the Team Editor.

How do I get a list of all teams, their real names and email addresses?

As an Admin, visit this link

How can I tell if a team has paid or not?

As the pool admin you need to track this yourself - we can help - visit this link

Why aren't teams showing up in my picker?

You must set team scoring first in the Pool Scoring page.

Why aren't goalies showing up in my picker?

You must set goalie scoring first in the Pool Scoring page.

I want to print out my box pool template but I cannot find the PDF.

Login as the Admin, go to the box pool builder page and the PDF is there. Or just grab it from here:www.officepools.com/pool/create/box

Can I change the pool name after I have created it?

No. Be very careful when selecting your pool name the first time. Keep it short, don't put the year or the season in it. Remember, your poolies have to type it.

I am running a Box Pool (or Open Pool) how can I make it so people don't see each others picks?

Set the Guest Access Start Date to on or after the Entry Cutoff Date - that way nobody has access to the Standings and other people's teams until after everyone has made picks.

Why are people not able to pick any more than one team using the invite code?

Each invite code should be sent to one and only one person - each code is unique and is intended to create one team. You should have set the pool to not be invite only and sent out the generic pool entry link instead.

How do participants enter their own teams (selections) to the pool after they log in?

They don't login to make picks - you send them an email invite using the pool invites page. This is for Box Pools and Open Pools - for Draft pools typically the Admin enters all the picks unless they pool uses the online Draftroom.

How do poolies edit their picks once they have a team?

They should have received an Edit Link via email. Clicking this link is the only way they can go back and edit their team. If they did not supply a valid email address the admin will need to add one to their team. The Admin then clicks the ʺForgot Password" link, enters the email address in the box provided and clicks Go. This triggers an email to this address that will include the Edit Link and guest login details.

What can I do about the injuries - the injuries don't look up to date?

We get updated injuries via our stats feed whenever our stats provider sends an update - this can happen multiple times a day. Note that injured players often will play a game while still being flagged as injured - this will not be updated until the next day. Remember that most GM's are not all the forthcoming about injuries.

I have paid for my box pool but do not like the template I have chosen. What can I do?

If nobody has entered yet we suggest you edit your current template - there is no way to switch to another. If people have made picks using the old template clear them using the Clear Picks link and have them re-enter their picks.

Is there any fast way can see if someone has the same players on their team as another?

Yes - run the Overlapping Picks Report.

I have some teams that are being added late - what will happen to their points from the games they missed?

All teams are calculated equally - from the pool start date to the pool end date - inclusive - regardless of when they were created.

I have handed out my own sheets and want to enter the teams, now what?

You should set up a Box Pool, then go into the page in the admin called :"Box Pool Builder" - this is where you re-create the sheet you sent out. Then, go create the team in the "Team Editor" and enter your picks. It would be easiest to click on the wrench icon next to the name so as to pull up something that looks like your sheet. In the future, you can save yourself a ton of work by creating your sheet using our system first and then send out invites in the "Send Invites" section - this will send each person a link that they then can enter their own picks and even allow them to edit them up until the entry cutoff time. Pay careful attention to the Guest Access time of your pool, usually you set that to the same time as your cutoff so other poolies cannot see each others picks.