> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.etonecarg.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Resolution and Scope Tools

> Find the right entity, scope, and bounded schedule window before the host deepens into sports truth or watchability.

Find the right entity, scope, and bounded schedule window before the host deepens into sports truth or watchability.

Use this family when the workflow fits this source-ownership boundary. Move to the tool page once you know the exact job and scope.

## Sequencing habits

* Resolve only when the host truly lacks the right scope.
* Keep schedule-style flows bounded before branching into deeper tools.

## Decision guide

| Tool                                                                                       | What it helps with                                                                                                                                                            | Primary data source(s)                                                                                                            |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [`resolve_entities`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/resolve_entities)                   | Resolve fuzzy sports language into bounded candidates with provider refs, crosswalk confidence, and disambiguation options.                                                   | GSD Lookup primary                                                                                                                |
| [`list_schedule`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/list_schedule)                         | Return the competitive deep-sports schedule for a bounded sport, competition, competition season, series, series season, or participant scope.                                | GSD Lookup primary                                                                                                                |
| [`list_watchable_schedule`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/list_watchable_schedule)     | Return bounded schedule rows enriched with grounded watchability semantics when available, otherwise return truthful evidence-backed fallback rows with explicit limitations. | Dedicated availability primary when provisioned, otherwise bounded sports-truth rows plus explicit fallback watchability evidence |
| [`list_live_slate`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/list_live_slate)                     | Return what is live or imminently live from GSD sports truth, with optional watchability overlay when the availability contract is provisioned.                               | GSD Lookup primary, dedicated availability overlay optional                                                                       |
| [`get_competition_structure`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/get_competition_structure) | Return normalized competition structure and hierarchy for a league or competition season.                                                                                     | GSD Lookup primary                                                                                                                |

## Tool-by-tool guidance

### [`resolve_entities`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/resolve_entities)

* Job: Resolve fuzzy sports language into bounded candidates with provider refs, crosswalk confidence, and disambiguation options.
* Source ownership: GSD Lookup primary
* Use it when: the host does not yet know which sport, competition, competition season, series, participant, or venue the user means.
* Do not use it when: the caller already has a stable provider ref and only needs schedule, standings, watchability, or event detail.

### [`list_schedule`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/list_schedule)

* Job: Return the competitive deep-sports schedule for a bounded sport, competition, competition season, series, series season, or participant scope.
* Source ownership: GSD Lookup primary
* Use it when: the question is about the sports calendar itself and GSD should remain the source of truth.
* Do not use it when: the product is explicitly asking what is watchable; use `list_watchable_schedule` or `list_live_slate` instead.

### [`list_watchable_schedule`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/list_watchable_schedule)

* Job: Return bounded schedule rows enriched with grounded watchability semantics when available, otherwise return truthful evidence-backed fallback rows with explicit limitations.
* Source ownership: Dedicated availability primary when provisioned, otherwise bounded sports-truth rows plus explicit fallback watchability evidence
* Use it when: the user is really asking what can be watched in a bounded window.
* Do not use it when: the answer must stay purely competition-first or when the host needs standings, actions, or stats.

### [`list_live_slate`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/list_live_slate)

* Job: Return what is live or imminently live from GSD sports truth, with optional watchability overlay when the availability contract is provisioned.
* Source ownership: GSD Lookup primary, dedicated availability overlay optional
* Use it when: Use it for what-is-on-now, live slates, and watchability-first entry points.
* Do not use it when: Do not use it to answer standings, historic season questions, or non-bounded schedule browse flows.

### [`get_competition_structure`](/sports-mcp-server/tool-reference/get_competition_structure)

* Job: Return normalized competition structure and hierarchy for a league or competition season.
* Source ownership: GSD Lookup primary
* Use it when: the host needs the tournament tree, phase layout, or season hierarchy before calling deeper tools.
* Do not use it when: Do not use it if the product only needs current standings, one event, or watchability.

## Next steps

* Use [Tool Catalog](/sports-mcp-server/tools/tool-catalog) when you want the full 1.4.1 surface in one place.
* Use [ID Acquisition and Tool Sequencing](/sports-mcp-server/tools/id-acquisition-and-tool-sequencing) when the host still needs provider refs or a safer tool order.
* Use [Prompt-to-Tool Mapping](/sports-mcp-server/prompt-to-tool-mapping) when you want a proven low-token workflow for a real user prompt.