Linking SwissSys to ChessRoster
Linking SwissSys to ChessRoster lets the two systems exchange data automatically. Once linked, SwissSys can download your registered players directly from ChessRoster, and results sync back to your tournament page without manual file uploads.
Prerequisites
- SwissSys v11 installed on a Windows computer
- A ChessRoster account (sign up at chessroster.com )
How the Linking Flow Works
The link uses a browser-based authorization flow:
- SwissSys opens a page on chessroster.com in your default browser, passing a unique instance identifier.
- ChessRoster’s login page detects the linking request and, once you’re signed in, generates a short-lived 8-character token.
- Your browser is redirected to the ChessRoster linking page, which immediately attempts to send the token back to SwissSys using a
swisssys://protocol handler. - SwissSys intercepts the protocol callback and redeems the token with ChessRoster to receive a session credential.
- ChessRoster stores a session that authenticates all future SwissSys requests on your behalf. The session is valid for six months.
You only need to do this once per SwissSys installation. The connection persists until you unlink it, reinstall SwissSys, or the session expires.
Linking Your Account
Start the linking process from SwissSys
In SwissSys, open the Internet menu and select the option to connect or link to ChessRoster.
SwissSys will open a page on chessroster.com in your default browser.
Log in to ChessRoster
If you are not already signed in, the browser will show the ChessRoster login page. Sign in to your account.
After sign-in, ChessRoster automatically generates a token and redirects your browser to the linking page.
Wait for confirmation
The linking page displays a spinner while it attempts to automatically send the token back to SwissSys using the swisssys:// protocol handler. SwissSys polls for the result every two seconds.
When the connection is confirmed, the page shows a checkmark: “SwissSys Connection Successful!”
Close the browser tab
Once you see the success message, you can close the browser window and return to SwissSys.
If the Automatic Connection Doesn’t Work
If SwissSys doesn’t respond to the protocol handler within 10 seconds, the linking page switches to manual mode and displays an 8-character token code on screen.
Click the copy icon next to the token, then switch to SwissSys and click “Enter Token Manually”. Paste or type the token exactly as shown — it is case-sensitive.
The token expires after 5 minutes. If it expires before you enter it, restart the linking process from SwissSys to generate a new one.
What the Link Enables
Once linked, SwissSys and ChessRoster can exchange:
| Data | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Player registrations | ChessRoster → SwissSys | Names, ratings, federation IDs, section assignments |
| Registration changes (new/withdrawn/updated players) | ChessRoster → SwissSys | Polled by SwissSys; feature under active development |
| Pairings and results | SwissSys → ChessRoster | Published automatically after each sync (v11.76+) |
| Tournament standings | SwissSys → ChessRoster | Visible online in real time |
Troubleshooting
“Missing required parameters” error
This means the linking page was opened directly in a browser rather than through SwissSys. Always start the process from inside SwissSys.
Token expires before you can enter it
The token is valid for 5 minutes. Restart the process from SwissSys to get a fresh one.
Linking page spins but never confirms
The swisssys:// protocol handler may be blocked or not registered. Switch to the manual token method: copy the token shown on screen and enter it in SwissSys using the manual entry option.
Already linked to a different ChessRoster account
Disconnect the existing link from within SwissSys (Internet menu → disconnect or unlink option), then repeat the process with the correct account.
SwissSys can’t reach ChessRoster
Verify your Windows computer has internet access. Firewall or proxy settings may block outbound connections on some networks. Try connecting on a different network to isolate the issue.
Related Topics
- How It Works — Overview of ChessRoster and SwissSys integration
- Uploading Events — Manually publish results using a file upload
- SwissSys Documentation — Full SwissSys reference