roster

Roster generally refers to a list of individuals who are part of a group or organization. It is used to identify who is eligible, available, or assigned to a particular task or role. Rosters can cover employees, athletes, military units, volunteers, or committees. A roster may include names, positions, status, contact information, and sometimes contractual or eligibility data. The term implies a standing record that is periodically updated to reflect changes such as hiring, transfers, promotions, injuries, or departures. In sports, the roster is the official pool of players eligible to participate in games.

In professional sports, leagues set limits on roster size and designate different categories, such as active roster, reserve, development, or practice squads; teams manage rosters to balance competitiveness with salary, cap, and rules compliance. Roster moves include signing new players, waivers, trades, releases, and calls up from development squads. Rosters are often subject to eligibility and medical rules, and can influence game strategy and cap management.

In workplaces, a roster often refers to shift schedules that assign workers to time slots or duties. Roster management tools help planners assign personnel, track availability, and ensure coverage while complying with labor regulations and union agreements. Public rosters provide transparency about who represents an organization in competitions, on boards, or in committees. Across contexts, rostering supports planning, accountability, and coordination by maintaining an organized list of participants and their status. The word comes from the concept of a roll or roll call of names.