vbl-mcp
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@vbl-mcplist clubs in Antwerp"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
vbl-mcp
MCP (Model Context Protocol) server for the public Basketball Vlaanderen (VBL) API — the vblcb.wisseq.eu backend used by basketbal.vlaanderen. Read-only.
Repository: github.com/jmolinasoler/vbl_mcp · Public instance: vblmcp.valvestudio.io
See examples/ for ready-made MCP client configurations (Claude Code, Hermes, stdio-only clients via mcp-remote) and a /vbl Agent Skill that runs the right queries from a single slash command. Deployment is via render.yaml, a one-click Render Blueprint. See the API key guide for provisioning, client configuration, rotation, and troubleshooting.
Official API documentation: ApiDocV2.pdf (source).
Terms of use (from the official document): the APIs may only be used to integrate match calendars, results and standings on websites of clubs affiliated with Basketbal Vlaanderen vzw. Any other party or use requires contacting info@basketbal.vlaanderen.
Features
Two transports: stdio (local MCP clients) and Streamable HTTP (
/mcp) for deployments.Status dashboard at
/(HTTP mode): uptime, active sessions with client name/IP/last activity, tool-usage counters and a recent-calls log — so you can see who is using the server. Auto-refreshes every 15 s; stats are in-memory and reset on restart.Health endpoint at
/health: JSON with uptime, session/call counters and a cached (60 s) reachability check of the upstream VBL API.Login-protected dashboard: a username/password account (seeded from
ADMIN_USERNAME/ADMIN_PASSWORD) guards the status page and the admin API. Passwords are scrypt-hashed, sessions are HTTP-onlySameSite=Strictcookies persisted across restarts, and repeated failed logins are rate-limited./healthstays public for container health checks.Multiple accounts with roles: the seeded account is an admin and is the only one that can create further accounts (dashboard Users panel or
POST /admin/users) — there is no self-service signup. A plain user holds at most 3 active API keys and only sees and revokes their own; an admin has unlimited keys and can revoke anyone's.API key management from the app: create and revoke keys from the dashboard once signed in (or via
/admin/keys). Keys can also be seeded viaMCP_API_KEYS(hermes:key1,claude:key2); all of them require theX-API-Keyheader on/mcp.Usage metering per request: every tool call records estimated tokens in/out (≈ characters ÷ 4) and duration. Aggregates per key and per tool are persisted to disk as the basis for usage-based billing; the dashboard shows per-request consumption and per-key totals.
Related MCP server: nba-mcp
Tools
Tool | VBL endpoint | Description |
|
| All clubs, with optional filter on name/city/region/stam number |
|
| Club detail: teams and their poules, website, address, venues ( |
|
| Registered members of a club (players, coaches, …) |
|
| All matches of all teams of a club |
|
| Team detail: official standings of its poules, roster ( |
|
| Calendar and results of one team |
|
| Full calendar and results of a poule (series) |
|
| Official standings of a poule (rangNr, wedPunt, ptVoor/ptTegen, …); falls back to standings computed from played matches |
|
| Full match detail (rescheduling history optional) |
|
| Digital scoresheet (DWF) lineups; |
Local development
The project is developed test-first — see the testing & TDD guide for the workflow and the test harness (fake VBL upstream, in-memory MCP client, isolated HTTP app).
npm run test:watch # red-green-refactor loop
npm run check # typecheck + full suite, same as CIgit clone https://github.com/jmolinasoler/vbl_mcp.git
cd vbl_mcp
npm install
npm run build
# stdio mode (default) — for Claude Code / Claude Desktop
npm start
# HTTP mode — dashboard on http://localhost:3000
npm run start:httpClaude Code
The repo ships a .mcp.json, so opening this directory with Claude Code registers the server automatically (stdio). To register it globally:
claude mcp add vbl -- node /path/to/vbl_mcp/dist/index.jsTo use a deployed instance over HTTP instead:
claude mcp add --transport http vbl https://your-domain.example/mcp
# with auth:
claude mcp add --transport http vbl https://your-domain.example/mcp --header "X-API-Key: <key>"Claude Desktop
{
"mcpServers": {
"vbl": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/vbl_mcp/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}Environment variables
The server is configured entirely through the environment. On Render these are
set in the blueprint or in Dashboard → Environment; locally, export them
before npm run start:http.
Variable | Default | Purpose |
|
| HTTP listen port. Render sets this itself |
|
| Interface to bind. Every interface by default, as PaaS hosts require |
| – | Set to |
| – | Seed API keys, comma-separated and optionally labeled: |
| – | Dashboard account, created on first start. Unset = the dashboard stays public |
| – | Password for that account. Only used to create it; changing it later from the UI wins over the variable |
|
| Login session lifetime |
| – | Optional |
|
| Where users, sessions, API keys and usage metering are persisted ( |
Dashboard login
Set ADMIN_USERNAME and ADMIN_PASSWORD and the account is created on first start; from then on / asks for a login and the admin API accepts that session. The password is only read to create the account — changing it from the UI is permanent, and restarting with the old variable does not reset it.
Passwords are hashed with scrypt and a per-password salt; the plaintext is never stored.
Sessions are opaque, HTTP-only,
SameSite=Strictcookies (which is also the CSRF defence for the admin endpoints),Securewhen the request arrives over HTTPS. They live in the store, so a restart does not sign you out.Changing your password signs every browser out, including the current one.
After 10 failed attempts for a username+IP, logins are refused for 15 minutes.
Leaving
ADMIN_USERNAMEunset keeps the dashboard public, as it was before this feature, so upgrading an existing deployment cannot lock you out. The page then shows a warning banner — the dashboard exposes client IPs and usage, so configure an account on any public instance.
Accounts & roles
The seeded ADMIN_USERNAME account is an admin. Admins create every other account from the dashboard's Users panel or the API; users cannot register themselves.
admin | user | |
Create / list / delete accounts | yes | no |
API keys | unlimited | max 3 active |
Keys it can see and revoke | all, with their owner | only its own |
Sessions, client IPs, call log | yes | no |
# create a normal user (admin session or X-Admin-Token)
curl -X POST https://your-domain/admin/users \
-H "X-Admin-Token: $ADMIN_TOKEN" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"username":"player","password":"at-least-8-characters"}'
# add "role":"admin" for another operator
curl https://your-domain/admin/users -H "X-Admin-Token: $ADMIN_TOKEN" # list
curl -X DELETE https://your-domain/admin/users/<id> -H "X-Admin-Token: $ADMIN_TOKEN"Deleting an account signs it out and revokes its keys (usage stays for billing); an admin cannot delete itself. Accounts created before roles existed are treated as admins on upgrade, so nobody gets locked out. See the API key guide for the full permission matrix.
API keys & usage metering
Sign in and the dashboard gains a key-management panel: give the key a label (one per client) and hit Create API key — the full key is shown only once. Revoking a key immediately returns 401 to its clients. A non-admin sees its own keys and its remaining quota (3 active keys); creating a fourth returns 403 until one is revoked.
The same operations are available as an admin API, authorized by your login cookie or by X-Admin-Token if you set ADMIN_TOKEN for scripts:
# create
curl -X POST https://your-domain/admin/keys \
-H "X-Admin-Token: $ADMIN_TOKEN" -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"label":"hermes"}'
# list with usage (requests, errors, tokens in/out, per-tool breakdown)
curl https://your-domain/admin/keys -H "X-Admin-Token: $ADMIN_TOKEN"
# revoke
curl -X DELETE https://your-domain/admin/keys/<id> -H "X-Admin-Token: $ADMIN_TOKEN"Every tool call is metered: estimated tokens in (arguments) and out (response), computed as ≈ characters ÷ 4, plus duration and error flag. Aggregates per key and per tool are persisted in DATA_DIR/store.json — GET /admin/keys is effectively the billing export (scoped to your own keys unless you are an admin). The dashboard additionally shows the last 50 calls with their individual consumption.
Deploying on Render
render.yaml at the repo root is a Render Blueprint: a Docker web
service in frankfurt on the free plan, /health as the health check, and a
generated ADMIN_PASSWORD / ADMIN_TOKEN. It is set up for testing — read
"Free instances" below before putting real clients on it.
Render is the only supported deployment target: the Dockerfile exists so
Render can build the service, not as a distributable image.
Option A — Blueprint (recommended)
In Render: + New → Blueprint, connect this repository and pick the branch.
Render reads
render.yamland shows the service. It prompts forMCP_API_KEYS— on the free plan, fill it in (see "Free instances"); with a disk attached you can leave it blank and mint keys from the dashboard.Apply. The first deploy builds the
Dockerfile.Open Environment and copy the generated
ADMIN_PASSWORD, then sign in athttps://<service>.onrender.com/asadmin.
Edit render.yaml before applying to change region or plan.
Option B — from the dashboard
+ New → Web Service, connect the repository, Language: Docker.
Health Check Path:
/health.On a paid plan, under Advanced → Add Disk, mount a disk at
/app/data(any size; 1 GB is plenty) so users, sessions, API keys and usage metering survive redeploys.Add
ADMIN_USERNAMEandADMIN_PASSWORDso the dashboard requires a login, plusDATA_DIR=/app/dataand optionallyADMIN_TOKEN/MCP_API_KEYS.Create the service. Render assigns
https://<service>.onrender.comand terminates HTTPS at its proxy.
Free instances
Render's free plan does not support persistent disks, so on free the
store.json lives on an ephemeral filesystem and every redeploy, restart or
idle spin-down wipes the dashboard users, the API keys minted from the UI and
all usage metering. What survives is what comes back from the environment:
the ADMIN_USERNAME / ADMIN_PASSWORD account is recreated at each start, and
MCP_API_KEYS is re-imported into the fresh store. So on free, set
MCP_API_KEYS if you want a client to keep working across restarts — a key
created from the dashboard will stop authenticating.
Free instances also spin down when idle, so the first MCP request after a pause waits for a cold start.
Making it persistent
Once you are past testing, in render.yaml switch plan to starter and
uncomment the disk: block (mounted at /app/data, matching DATA_DIR), then
re-apply the blueprint. Users, sessions, keys and metering then survive
redeploys, and keys minted from the dashboard become the normal way to
provision clients.
Trade-off: a disk means no zero-downtime deploys — Render stops the old instance before starting the new one — and the service cannot scale past one instance. Neither matters here: the store is a single JSON file that only one instance may own.
Notes
Render injects
PORT(10000 in the blueprint) and the app binds0.0.0.0, so no port configuration is needed beyond the variable.ADMIN_PASSWORDis only read to create the account. Once a disk is attached, changing the password from the UI is permanent and the variable never resets it.
After deploying, at https://<service>.onrender.com:
/— status dashboard (who is connected, tool usage)./health— health check (JSON, includes upstream VBL API reachability)./mcp— MCP Streamable HTTP endpoint for clients./admin/users— accounts (admin only);/admin/keys— API keys and usage.
GUIDs
Club:
BVBL1004(Antwerp Giants)Team:
BVBL1004HSE 2— team GUIDs contain two spaces; pass them exactly as returned byget_clubPoule:
BVBL26279180NAHSE11A(Top Division Men 1, season 2026-27; the 4 digits afterBVBLencode the season)Match:
BVBL26279180NAHSE11AAB
Notes
The API only serves current-season data; past seasons are purged.
Field names are Dutch (
naam= name,plaats= city,uitslag= result,gespeeld= played,tT/tU= home/away team,wedPunt= competition points,ptVoor/ptTegen= points for/against).The officially documented endpoints are the five wisseq methods in the table (
OrgDetailByGuid,OrgMatchesByGuid,RelatiesByOrgGuid,TeamDetailByGuid,TeamMatchesByGuid).OrgList,PouleMatchesByGuid,MatchesByWedGuidand the DWF endpoints live on the same backend and are used by the official website, but are not part of the PDF.Errors use standard HTTP status codes (400, 404, 500, …) per the official document.
License
MIT — © 2026 Julio Molina Soler. Note that the license covers this server's code only; usage of the VBL API itself is subject to the terms quoted at the top of this README.
Available Tools
10 toolsget_clubGet club detailA
Get details of one club by its GUID (e.g. BVBL1004): teams and the poules (competitions/series) each team plays in, website, address, venues (accomms) and board members (bestuur). Team GUIDs and poule GUIDs returned here can be used with get_team, get_team_matches and get_poule_matches.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| club_guid | Yes | Club GUID, e.g. BVBL1004 |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. It discloses the exact return content categories (teams, poules, website, address, venues, board members) and notes that returned GUIDs can feed into other tools. It does not cover error/empty-result behavior, but for a simple read operation this is sufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences carry the essential information with no filler. The first sentence front-loads the action and resource, and the second sentence adds valuable routing context for downstream tools.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
There is no output schema, so the description must explain what the call returns, and it does so by enumerating teams, poules, website, address, venues, and board members. It also connects returned GUIDs to related tools. It could mention how to discover the club GUID (e.g., via list_clubs), but the provided context is otherwise sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% and there is only one parameter, so the schema already documents club_guid. The description adds an example value and notes that returned GUIDs are reusable downstream, but it does not materially expand the meaning of the parameter itself. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('Get details'), a specific resource ('one club'), and an explicit identifier type ('by its GUID'), with an example format. It also names what the result contains, making it clearly distinct from list_clubs and other sibling tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear context for use: when you need full club detail and associated team/poule GUIDs for downstream calls. It does not explicitly state when not to use this tool versus alternatives like list_clubs or get_club_members, so it falls short of a 5.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_club_matchesGet club matchesA
List all matches (played and upcoming) of every team of a club, across all its competitions. Each match has home/away team, date, time, venue, poule and result (uitslag, empty if not played yet; gespeeld = J means played).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| club_guid | Yes | Club GUID, e.g. BVBL1004 |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden and does so well: it states that both played and upcoming matches are returned and explains the result semantics ('uitslag' empty when unplayed, 'gespeeld = J' indicates played). It does not mention ordering or pagination, but these are minor for this read-only list operation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two tight sentences: the first front-loads the action and scope, the second enumerates the returned match fields and their meanings. There is no filler, repetition, or unnecessary elaboration.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a one-parameter list tool with no output schema, the description is complete: it specifies the input scope, the full set of matches returned, and the key output field semantics. Nothing essential for invoking the tool or interpreting its result is missing.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already provides 100% coverage for the single club_guid parameter, including a descriptive example. The description adds no new parameter-specific detail beyond reinforcing the 'club' concept, so the baseline score of 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('List') and a clearly bounded resource: all matches of every team of a club, across all competitions. This explicitly distinguishes it from siblings like get_team_matches, get_poule_matches, and get_match.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description clearly establishes the intended use case: retrieving a club-wide view of all matches across teams and competitions. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusion criteria, but the scope statement provides enough context for an agent to select it over narrower match-listing tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_club_membersGet club membersA
List the registered members (players, coaches, officials) of a club. Can be a large list; use the search parameter to filter by name. Returns relGuid, name, first name, birth date, gender and category.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| search | No | Case-insensitive filter on member name | |
| club_guid | Yes | Club GUID, e.g. BVBL1004 |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
There are no annotations, so the description carries the full behavioral disclosure burden. It warns about list size ('Can be a large list'), suggests a mitigation (search filter), and explicitly enumerates the returned fields (relGuid, name, first name, birth date, gender, category). It does not disclose pagination or any limits, but for a read-only listing tool this is reasonable.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three short sentences, each carrying distinct information: purpose, size/search advice, and return fields. It is front-loaded with the core purpose and contains no filler or redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with no output schema, the description helpfully lists the return fields, and the schema covers all parameters. The main unanswered question is whether the return list is paginated or truncated when unsearchable, but the size warning mitigates that concern. Overall it is sufficiently complete for an agent to decide to call it and know what to expect.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, with both club_guid and search already explained in the schema. The description adds only a restatement that search filters by name, and does not clarify matching semantics beyond the schema's 'case-insensitive filter.' Therefore it meets the baseline for schema-covered parameters but adds little beyond it.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description opens with a specific verb and resource: 'List the registered members (players, coaches, officials) of a club.' This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_club_matches and get_poule_standings, which target different resources. The explicit scope (players, coaches, officials) removes ambiguity about what the tool returns.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not name an alternative tool or state explicit when-to-use/when-not-to-use conditions. It does imply the use case through its purpose, and it gives practical guidance: 'Can be a large list; use the search parameter to filter by name,' which tells an agent when to supply the optional parameter. This is more than no guidance, but it lacks the explicit alternative routing seen in stronger definitions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_matchGet match detailA
Get full details of one match by its match GUID (e.g. BVBL26279180NAHSE11AAB, as returned by the *matches tools). Includes teams, venue, officials and planning status. Set include_history to true to also get the raw rescheduling history.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| match_guid | Yes | Match GUID, e.g. BVBL26279180NAHSE11AAB | |
| include_history | No | Include the verbose planHistorie field (default false) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description carries the burden of explaining behavior. It discloses the returned data categories and the conditional include_history behavior. It does not cover not-found/error cases, but the read-only nature and effect of the optional flag are clear.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two compact sentences front-load the action and key identifier, list what the response contains, and explain the optional flag with no filler or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple 2-parameter lookup, the description covers purpose, identifier provenance, returned content, and optional behavior. The only notable gaps are no mention of error/not-found behavior and no explicit guidance on when to prefer get_match_lineup.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3, but the description adds value by giving an example GUID, stating that the GUID comes from the *matches tools, and clarifying include_history returns 'raw rescheduling history' rather than just the verbose field.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
States a clear verb and resource ('Get full details of one match'), identifies the key identifier (match GUID with example), and lists what is included (teams, venue, officials, planning status), which distinguishes it from list/lineup siblings.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides clear context: use this tool to fetch a single match by GUID, and the GUID comes from the *matches tools. It does not explicitly contrast with get_match_lineup or the list-style sibling tools, so it stops short of a 5.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_match_lineupGet match lineup (DWF)A
Get the digital scoresheet participants (players and coaches of both teams, with jersey numbers) of a match. Only available once the digital match form exists — returns null for matches without DWF data (e.g. far in the future or past seasons).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| match_guid | Yes | Match GUID, e.g. BVBL26279180NAHSE11AAB |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. It reveals the availability constraint (requires digital match form) and the null-return behavior for matches without DWF data, which are the key non-obvious behaviors. It does not mention error behavior for invalid match_guid, but the covered behaviors are the most important for correct invocation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences deliver the core purpose, the exact data included, and the key edge case without any wasted words. The primary function is stated first, with the availability caveat following naturally.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple one-parameter lookup with no output schema, the description explains what is returned, what it includes, and when it returns null. It is slightly light on the exact return shape (e.g., whether a list or object is expected), but the prose is sufficient for an agent to invoke and interpret the result correctly in most cases.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, and the sole parameter match_guid is documented with an example. The description adds little beyond the schema, but the schema already provides sufficient semantic meaning, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description identifies the exact resource (digital scoresheet participants: players and coaches with jersey numbers) and the action (get), making it unambiguous. It also differentiates this from sibling match/team tools by focusing specifically on lineup participants rather than match metadata, standings, or team lists.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear contextual guidance: the tool only works when a digital match form exists and explicitly signals that null is returned for matches without DWF data. It does not name alternative tools for such cases, but the null-return explanation gives an agent enough context to decide when this tool is appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_poule_matchesGet poule matchesA
List all matches of a poule (competition/series), e.g. the full calendar and results of 'Top Division Men 1'. Poule GUIDs come from get_club (e.g. BVBL26279180NAHSE11A).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| poule_guid | Yes | Poule GUID, e.g. BVBL26279180NAHSE11A |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. The phrase 'List all matches' and 'full calendar and results' implies a read-only operation and indicates the returned content broadly. However, it does not disclose details like ordering, pagination, match statuses, or what happens when a poule has no matches.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences with no filler. It front-loads the core action and scope, gives a concrete example, and then states the GUID source. Every sentence contributes useful information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one required parameter and no output schema, the description is largely complete: it states the resource, scope, example, and parameter provenance. It could be more complete by mentioning the shape of the returned matches or any default behavior, but the low complexity makes this a minor gap.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already documents poule_guid with an example, so the baseline is 3 for high schema coverage. The description adds value by explaining where the GUID comes from (get_club) and clarifying that poule_guid identifies a competition/series. This provenance is useful beyond the schema text.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('List'), a clear resource ('all matches of a poule'), and clarifies the domain term by calling it a competition/series with a concrete example ('Top Division Men 1'). This scope distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_club_matches or get_team_matches without ambiguity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear context on when to use the tool: when you need all matches or the full calendar/results of a poule. It also provides a direct prerequisite by stating that poule GUIDs come from get_club, which helps an agent build the correct call sequence. It does not explicitly name alternative tools, but the usage context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_poule_standingsGet poule standingsA
Get the official standings (rangschikking/klassement) of a poule. Returns teams ranked with games played (wedAant), competition points (wedPunt), wins/losses and points scored/conceded. Falls back to standings computed from played matches if the official ranking is not exposed for this poule.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| poule_guid | Yes | Poule GUID, e.g. BVBL26279180NAHSE11A |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses a key behavioral trait: it falls back to computed standings if the official ranking is not exposed. It also describes what data is returned, making the tool's behavior predictable.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is compact, front-loaded with the core purpose, and every sentence earns its place. It combines purpose, output details, and fallback behavior without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description sufficiently explains the return values and the fallback behavior. With one required parameter and a clear example in the schema, an agent has everything needed to select and invoke the tool correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
There is only one parameter, poule_guid, and the schema already describes it with a concrete example. The tool description does not add extra parameter-level detail, but with 100% schema coverage the baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states a specific action ('Get the official standings') and resource ('of a poule'), and names the return content. It also distinguishes itself from sibling match-related tools by focusing on standings, not matches.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The intended use is clear: retrieve standings for a poule, with an explicit fallback when official rankings are unavailable. It does not explicitly name sibling alternatives, but the resource and purpose are distinct enough that an agent can infer when to select this tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_teamGet team detailA
Get details of one team by its team GUID (e.g. 'BVBL1004HSE 2' — note team GUIDs contain spaces, pass them exactly as returned by get_club). Includes the official standings of every poule the team plays in, the player roster (spelers) and the staff list (tvlijst, e.g. coaches).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| team_guid | Yes | Team GUID, e.g. 'BVBL1004HSE 2' (keep the spaces) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description carries the behavioral burden. It is transparent about the returned content (standings, spelers, tvlijst) and the space-sensitivity of the GUID. It does not discuss errors or response format, but for a simple getter this is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two efficient sentences. The main action is front-loaded, the critical GUID caveat follows immediately, and the output content is summarized without padding.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a one-parameter getter with no output schema, the description names the three main result sections and the input caveat. It could mention absence/error behavior, but the tool is simple and the core calling contract is complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema already documents team_guid at 100% coverage, but the description adds practical semantics: example value, the fact that GUIDs contain spaces, and the instruction to pass them exactly as returned by get_club. This goes beyond the schema baseline.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
States a specific verb and resource: 'Get details of one team by its team GUID.' It also enumerates what the details include (standings, roster, staff), which sets it apart from siblings such as get_club and get_poule_standings.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Clear context: use the team GUID returned by get_club and pass it exactly, with the space caveat. It does not explicitly list exclusions like 'for matches use get_team_matches', but the content list implies when this tool is the right choice.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_team_matchesGet team matchesA
List all matches (played and upcoming) of one team across all its competitions. Each match includes date, time, venue, opponent, poule and result.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| team_guid | Yes | Team GUID, e.g. 'BVBL1004HSE 2' (keep the spaces) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the transparency burden. It adds meaningful behavioral detail: the list spans all competitions, includes both played and upcoming matches, and each entry exposes date, time, venue, opponent, poule, and result. It does not mention pagination or null-result behavior for unplayed matches, but the core behavior is clearly disclosed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no filler. The main action is front-loaded, followed by scope and return fields, every clause earning its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema exists, so the description appropriately enumerates the returned fields (date, time, venue, opponent, poule, result). It is complete enough for a simple list call, though it could specify that 'result' is absent or null for upcoming matches.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, and the team_guid parameter already has an example and a keep-the-spaces note. The description adds no further parameter-level meaning beyond 'one team', so the schema carries the weight; the baseline 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses the specific verb 'List' with a clear resource: all matches of one team across all competitions, including played and upcoming. This scope distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_poule_matches and get_club_matches without needing to open their schemas.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The phrase 'of one team' implies the intended use case (team-level match lookup) but does not explicitly mention alternatives or when-not-to-use cases, such as 'use get_club_matches for all club matches' or 'use get_poule_matches for a poule'. The context is clear enough, but the guidance is implied rather than stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_clubsList clubsA
List all Basketball Vlaanderen clubs (organizations). Optionally filter by a search string (matched against name, city, region and stam number). Returns guid, naam (name), plaats (city), regioNaam (region) and stamNr for each club. Use the guid with the get_club* tools.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| search | No | Case-insensitive filter on club name, city, region or stam number |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description must carry the full transparency burden. It discloses the return fields and the optional search behavior, and its read-only nature is inferable from 'List'. However, it omits potential behavioral traits such as pagination, ordering, or result-size limits, which would matter for a list-all tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences front-load the core purpose, then cover filtering, return fields, and downstream usage. There is no redundancy or filler; every sentence earns its place, including the cross-reference to get_club* tools.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple optional-parameter list tool with no output schema, the description covers the essentials: what is listed, how to filter, the exact fields returned, and how to consume the guid. It would benefit from a note on pagination or list size, but given the 1-param schema and read-only nature, it is nearly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema already provides 100% coverage for the single parameter, describing it as a 'Case-insensitive filter on club name, city, region or stam number'. The description's mention of the search string merely restates the schema's meaning and adds no new semantic detail, so it stays at the baseline for high schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The opening sentence 'List all Basketball Vlaanderen clubs (organizations)' names a specific verb and resource, and the qualifier 'all' distinguishes it from singular get_club* siblings that fetch individual records. The return-field list further clarifies the payload, leaving no ambiguity about what this tool produces.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The final sentence 'Use the guid with the get_club* tools' explicitly guides the agent to the follow-up tools, implying this listing tool is the entry point for club lookups. It does not formally state when not to use it, but the sibling names and 'get_club*' reference make the workflow clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
10 tool updates
v0.5.0- First observed
get_club - First observed
get_club_matches - First observed
get_club_members - First observed
get_match - First observed
get_match_lineup - First observed
get_poule_matches - First observed
get_poule_standings - First observed
get_team - First observed
get_team_matches - First observed
list_clubs
TDQS
Scored across 10 tools
Each tool targets a distinct entity or scope: clubs, club sub-resources, teams, poules, individual matches, and lineups. Even though three tools list matches, their scope is clearly differentiated as club-wide, team-specific, or poule-specific.
Tool names consistently follow a get_/list_ + resource pattern, with hierarchical names like get_club_members, get_team_matches, and get_poule_standings. The single use of list_clubs instead of get_clubs is a conventional exception, not an inconsistency.
Ten tools is a well-scoped size for a read-only basketball federation API. Each tool provides a meaningful slice of data without redundant overlap, covering clubs, teams, matches, standings, and match details.
The tool surface covers the complete read workflow from discovering clubs down to individual match lineups. Missing operations like create/update are not gaps for this read-only domain, and optional depth such as rescheduling history and DWF lineups is available.
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