Add comprehensive validation system with runtime configuration

Implements a flexible validation framework for student rankings, team assignments, and team composition with administrator-configurable rules and thresholds.

Validation System:
- Reflection-based rule discovery eliminates manual registration
- Base classes (RequiredEventTypeRuleBase, EventCountThresholdRuleBase) reduce code duplication by ~250 lines
- 12 validation rules covering event requirements, counts, and team constraints
- Configurable severity levels (Warning/Error) per rule type
- ValidationService with caching for optimal performance
- Rules apply contextually (StudentRanking, StudentAssignment, TeamComposition)

Configuration & Admin UI:
- ValidationSettings admin page for editing thresholds and severity levels
- ChapterSettings admin page for editing chapter information
- Settings stored in Data/appsettings.json for runtime configuration
- JSON config works in both development and production environments
- Auto-creates Data directory and config template on first run

User Experience:
- ValidationWarnings component displays inline warnings/errors
- Integrated in Event Ranking, Registration, and Team Assignment pages
- Color-coded severity indicators (warning yellow, error red)
- Includes "Too Many Regional Events" rule (max 3 recommended)

Technical Improvements:
- Template Method pattern for rule base classes
- Singleton rule instances with lazy initialization
- Configuration loaded via IConfiguration with fallback to defaults
- Safe JSON updates preserve other appsettings sections

Core/Validation/IValidationRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+namespace Core.Validation;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Interface for all validation rules
+/// </summary>
+/// <typeparam name="TEntity">Type of entity being validated (Student, Team, StudentEventStatistics, etc.)</typeparam>
+public interface IValidationRule<TEntity>
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Execute the validation rule against an entity
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="entity">Entity to validate</param>
+    /// <param name="config">Validation configuration</param>
+    /// <returns>Validation warning if rule is violated, null otherwise</returns>
+    ValidationWarning? Validate(TEntity entity, ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Determines if this rule applies to the given context
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="context">Validation context</param>
+    /// <returns>True if the rule should be executed in this context</returns>
+    bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context);
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/BaseRules/EventCountThresholdRankingRuleBase.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Base class for validation rules that check event counts against thresholds for student rankings
+/// Similar to EventCountThresholdRuleBase but works with Student entities instead of StudentEventStatistics
+/// </summary>
+public abstract class EventCountThresholdRankingRuleBase : IValidationRule<Student>
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the actual count to validate
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract int GetCount(Student student);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the threshold value from configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract int GetThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Check if the count violates the threshold
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract bool ViolatesThreshold(int count, int threshold);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the severity from configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// The validation warning code
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string Code { get; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Build the display message
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string GetMessage(int count, int threshold);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Icon identifier for the warning (can be null)
+    /// </summary>
+    protected virtual string? IconIdentifier => null;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Build additional metadata beyond the standard fields
+    /// </summary>
+    protected virtual Dictionary<string, object> BuildAdditionalMetadata(Student student, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        return new Dictionary<string, object>();
+    }
+
+    public ValidationWarning? Validate(Student entity, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        var count = GetCount(entity);
+        var threshold = GetThreshold(config);
+
+        if (!ViolatesThreshold(count, threshold))
+            return null;
+
+        var metadata = new Dictionary<string, object>
+        {
+            { "StudentId", entity.Id },
+            { "StudentName", entity.FirstNameLastName }
+        };
+
+        // Add any additional metadata from derived class
+        foreach (var kvp in BuildAdditionalMetadata(entity, config))
+        {
+            metadata[kvp.Key] = kvp.Value;
+        }
+
+        return new ValidationWarning
+        {
+            Code = Code,
+            Message = GetMessage(count, threshold),
+            Severity = GetSeverity(config),
+            Context = ValidationContext.StudentRanking,
+            IconIdentifier = IconIdentifier,
+            Metadata = metadata
+        };
+    }
+
+    public bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context) =>
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentRanking ||
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentRegistration;
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/BaseRules/EventCountThresholdRuleBase.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Base class for validation rules that check event counts against thresholds
+/// Eliminates duplication across TooManyEvents, TooFewEvents, and TooManyRegionalEvents rules
+/// </summary>
+public abstract class EventCountThresholdRuleBase : IValidationRule<StudentEventStatistics>
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the actual count to validate
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract int GetCount(StudentEventStatistics statistics);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the threshold value from configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract int GetThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Check if the count violates the threshold
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract bool ViolatesThreshold(int count, int threshold);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the base severity from configuration (can be overridden for critical thresholds)
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract ValidationSeverity GetBaseSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Optionally check for critical threshold that escalates to Error severity
+    /// Returns null if no critical threshold applies
+    /// </summary>
+    protected virtual int? GetCriticalThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config) => null;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Check if count violates critical threshold (for escalation to Error)
+    /// </summary>
+    protected virtual bool ViolatesCriticalThreshold(int count, int criticalThreshold) => false;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// The validation warning code
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string Code { get; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Build the display message
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string GetMessage(int count, int threshold);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Icon identifier for the warning (can be null)
+    /// </summary>
+    protected virtual string? IconIdentifier => null;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Build additional metadata beyond the standard fields
+    /// </summary>
+    protected virtual Dictionary<string, object> BuildAdditionalMetadata(StudentEventStatistics statistics, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        return new Dictionary<string, object>();
+    }
+
+    public ValidationWarning? Validate(StudentEventStatistics entity, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        var count = GetCount(entity);
+        var threshold = GetThreshold(config);
+
+        if (!ViolatesThreshold(count, threshold))
+            return null;
+
+        // Check for critical threshold escalation
+        var severity = GetBaseSeverity(config);
+        var criticalThreshold = GetCriticalThreshold(config);
+        if (criticalThreshold.HasValue && ViolatesCriticalThreshold(count, criticalThreshold.Value))
+        {
+            severity = ValidationSeverity.Error;
+        }
+
+        var metadata = new Dictionary<string, object>
+        {
+            { "StudentId", entity.Student.Id },
+            { "StudentName", entity.Student.FirstNameLastName },
+            { "EventCount", entity.EventCount }
+        };
+
+        // Add any additional metadata from derived class
+        foreach (var kvp in BuildAdditionalMetadata(entity, config))
+        {
+            metadata[kvp.Key] = kvp.Value;
+        }
+
+        return new ValidationWarning
+        {
+            Code = Code,
+            Message = GetMessage(count, threshold),
+            Severity = severity,
+            Context = ValidationContext.StudentAssignment,
+            IconIdentifier = IconIdentifier,
+            Metadata = metadata
+        };
+    }
+
+    public bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context) =>
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentAssignment ||
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentRegistration;
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/BaseRules/RequiredEventTypeAssignmentRuleBase.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Base class for validation rules that check if a student has been assigned a required event type
+/// Eliminates duplication across assignment validation rules
+/// </summary>
+public abstract class RequiredEventTypeAssignmentRuleBase : IValidationRule<StudentEventStatistics>
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Check if this event type is required based on configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract bool IsRequired(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Check if the student has been assigned this event type
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract bool HasEventType(StudentEventStatistics statistics);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the severity level for this rule from configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// The validation warning code (e.g., "NO_REGIONAL_EVENT_ASSIGNED")
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string Code { get; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// The display message for the warning
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string Message { get; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Icon identifier for the warning (e.g., "RegionalEvent")
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string IconIdentifier { get; }
+
+    public ValidationWarning? Validate(StudentEventStatistics entity, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        if (!IsRequired(config))
+            return null;
+
+        if (HasEventType(entity))
+            return null;
+
+        return new ValidationWarning
+        {
+            Code = Code,
+            Message = Message,
+            Severity = GetSeverity(config),
+            Context = ValidationContext.StudentAssignment,
+            IconIdentifier = IconIdentifier,
+            Metadata = new Dictionary<string, object>
+            {
+                { "StudentId", entity.Student.Id },
+                { "StudentName", entity.Student.FirstNameLastName },
+                { "EventCount", entity.EventCount }
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    public bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context) =>
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentAssignment ||
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentRegistration;
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/BaseRules/RequiredEventTypeRuleBase.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Base class for validation rules that check if a student has ranked a required event type
+/// Eliminates duplication across NoRegionalEvent, NoOnSiteActivity, and NoIndividualEvent rules
+/// </summary>
+public abstract class RequiredEventTypeRuleBase : IValidationRule<Student>
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Check if this event type is required based on configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract bool IsRequired(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Check if the student has ranked this event type
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract bool HasEventType(Student student);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Get the severity level for this rule from configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config);
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// The validation warning code (e.g., "NO_REGIONAL_EVENT")
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string Code { get; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// The display message for the warning
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string Message { get; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Icon identifier for the warning (e.g., "RegionalEvent")
+    /// </summary>
+    protected abstract string IconIdentifier { get; }
+
+    public ValidationWarning? Validate(Student entity, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        if (!IsRequired(config))
+            return null;
+
+        if (HasEventType(entity))
+            return null;
+
+        return new ValidationWarning
+        {
+            Code = Code,
+            Message = Message,
+            Severity = GetSeverity(config),
+            Context = ValidationContext.StudentRanking,
+            IconIdentifier = IconIdentifier,
+            Metadata = new Dictionary<string, object>
+            {
+                { "StudentId", entity.Id },
+                { "StudentName", entity.FirstNameLastName }
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    public bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context) =>
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentRanking ||
+        context == ValidationContext.StudentRegistration;
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentAssignmentRules/NoOnSiteActivityAssignmentRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentAssignmentRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has been assigned at least one on-site activity
+/// </summary>
+public class NoOnSiteActivityAssignmentRule : RequiredEventTypeAssignmentRuleBase
+{
+    protected override bool IsRequired(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.RequireOnSiteActivity;
+
+    protected override bool HasEventType(StudentEventStatistics statistics) => statistics.HasOnSiteActivity;
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.NoOnSiteActivitySeverity;
+
+    protected override string Code => "NO_ONSITE_ACTIVITY_ASSIGNED";
+
+    protected override string Message => "No On-Site Activity";
+
+    protected override string IconIdentifier => "OnSiteActivity";
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentAssignmentRules/NoRegionalEventAssignmentRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentAssignmentRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has been assigned at least one regional event
+/// </summary>
+public class NoRegionalEventAssignmentRule : RequiredEventTypeAssignmentRuleBase
+{
+    protected override bool IsRequired(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.RequireRegionalEvent;
+
+    protected override bool HasEventType(StudentEventStatistics statistics) => statistics.HasRegionalEvent;
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.NoRegionalEventSeverity;
+
+    protected override string Code => "NO_REGIONAL_EVENT_ASSIGNED";
+
+    protected override string Message => "No Regional Event";
+
+    protected override string IconIdentifier => "RegionalEvent";
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentAssignmentRules/TooFewEventsRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentAssignmentRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has too few event assignments
+/// </summary>
+public class TooFewEventsRule : EventCountThresholdRuleBase
+{
+    protected override int GetCount(StudentEventStatistics statistics) => statistics.EventCount;
+
+    protected override int GetThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.MinRecommendedEvents;
+
+    protected override bool ViolatesThreshold(int count, int threshold) => count < threshold;
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetBaseSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.EventCountSeverity;
+
+    protected override int? GetCriticalThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.MinCriticalEvents;
+
+    protected override bool ViolatesCriticalThreshold(int count, int criticalThreshold) => count < criticalThreshold;
+
+    protected override string Code => "TOO_FEW_EVENTS";
+
+    protected override string GetMessage(int count, int threshold) =>
+        $"Student has {count} events (min recommended: {threshold})";
+
+    protected override Dictionary<string, object> BuildAdditionalMetadata(StudentEventStatistics statistics, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        return new Dictionary<string, object>
+        {
+            { "MinRecommended", config.MinRecommendedEvents },
+            { "MinCritical", config.MinCriticalEvents }
+        };
+    }
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentAssignmentRules/TooManyEventsRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentAssignmentRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has too many event assignments
+/// </summary>
+public class TooManyEventsRule : EventCountThresholdRuleBase
+{
+    protected override int GetCount(StudentEventStatistics statistics) => statistics.EventCount;
+
+    protected override int GetThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.MaxRecommendedEvents;
+
+    protected override bool ViolatesThreshold(int count, int threshold) => count > threshold;
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetBaseSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.EventCountSeverity;
+
+    protected override int? GetCriticalThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.MaxCriticalEvents;
+
+    protected override bool ViolatesCriticalThreshold(int count, int criticalThreshold) => count > criticalThreshold;
+
+    protected override string Code => "TOO_MANY_EVENTS";
+
+    protected override string GetMessage(int count, int threshold) =>
+        $"Student has {count} events (max recommended: {threshold})";
+
+    protected override Dictionary<string, object> BuildAdditionalMetadata(StudentEventStatistics statistics, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        return new Dictionary<string, object>
+        {
+            { "MaxRecommended", config.MaxRecommendedEvents },
+            { "MaxCritical", config.MaxCriticalEvents }
+        };
+    }
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentAssignmentRules/TooManyRegionalEventsAssignmentRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentAssignmentRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has too many regional events in their assignments
+/// </summary>
+public class TooManyRegionalEventsAssignmentRule : EventCountThresholdRuleBase
+{
+    protected override int GetCount(StudentEventStatistics statistics) =>
+        statistics.Events.Count(e => e.RegionalEvent);
+
+    protected override int GetThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.MaxRegionalEvents;
+
+    protected override bool ViolatesThreshold(int count, int threshold) => count > threshold;
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetBaseSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) =>
+        config.TooManyRegionalEventsSeverity;
+
+    protected override string Code => "TOO_MANY_REGIONAL_EVENTS";
+
+    protected override string GetMessage(int count, int threshold) =>
+        $"Student has {count} regional events (max recommended: {threshold})";
+
+    protected override string? IconIdentifier => "RegionalEvent";
+
+    protected override Dictionary<string, object> BuildAdditionalMetadata(StudentEventStatistics statistics, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        return new Dictionary<string, object>
+        {
+            { "RegionalEventCount", GetCount(statistics) },
+            { "MaxRegionalEvents", config.MaxRegionalEvents }
+        };
+    }
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentRankingRules/NoIndividualEventRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentRankingRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has ranked at least one individual event
+/// </summary>
+public class NoIndividualEventRule : RequiredEventTypeRuleBase
+{
+    protected override bool IsRequired(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.RequireIndividualEvent;
+
+    protected override bool HasEventType(Student student) => student.RankedEvents.Any(e => e.EventFormat == EventFormat.Individual);
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.NoIndividualEventSeverity;
+
+    protected override string Code => "NO_INDIVIDUAL_EVENT";
+
+    protected override string Message => "No Individual Event";
+
+    protected override string IconIdentifier => "IndividualEvent";
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentRankingRules/NoOnSiteActivityRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentRankingRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has ranked at least one on-site activity
+/// </summary>
+public class NoOnSiteActivityRule : RequiredEventTypeRuleBase
+{
+    protected override bool IsRequired(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.RequireOnSiteActivity;
+
+    protected override bool HasEventType(Student student) => student.RankedEvents.Any(e => e.OnSiteActivity);
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.NoOnSiteActivitySeverity;
+
+    protected override string Code => "NO_ONSITE_ACTIVITY";
+
+    protected override string Message => "No On-Site Activity";
+
+    protected override string IconIdentifier => "OnSiteActivity";
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentRankingRules/NoRegionalEventRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentRankingRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has ranked at least one regional event
+/// </summary>
+public class NoRegionalEventRule : RequiredEventTypeRuleBase
+{
+    protected override bool IsRequired(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.RequireRegionalEvent;
+
+    protected override bool HasEventType(Student student) => student.RankedEvents.Any(e => e.RegionalEvent);
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.NoRegionalEventSeverity;
+
+    protected override string Code => "NO_REGIONAL_EVENT";
+
+    protected override string Message => "No Regional Event";
+
+    protected override string IconIdentifier => "RegionalEvent";
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/StudentRankingRules/TooManyRegionalEventsRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using Core.Validation.Rules.BaseRules;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.StudentRankingRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a student has too many regional events in their rankings
+/// </summary>
+public class TooManyRegionalEventsRule : EventCountThresholdRankingRuleBase
+{
+    protected override int GetCount(Student student) =>
+        student.RankedEvents.Count(e => e.RegionalEvent);
+
+    protected override int GetThreshold(ValidationConfiguration config) => config.MaxRegionalEvents;
+
+    protected override bool ViolatesThreshold(int count, int threshold) => count > threshold;
+
+    protected override ValidationSeverity GetSeverity(ValidationConfiguration config) =>
+        config.TooManyRegionalEventsSeverity;
+
+    protected override string Code => "TOO_MANY_REGIONAL_EVENTS";
+
+    protected override string GetMessage(int count, int threshold) =>
+        $"Student has {count} regional events (max recommended: {threshold})";
+
+    protected override string? IconIdentifier => "RegionalEvent";
+
+    protected override Dictionary<string, object> BuildAdditionalMetadata(Student student, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        return new Dictionary<string, object>
+        {
+            { "RegionalEventCount", GetCount(student) },
+            { "MaxRegionalEvents", config.MaxRegionalEvents }
+        };
+    }
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/TeamRules/MissingCaptainRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.TeamRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a team-based event has an assigned captain
+/// </summary>
+public class MissingCaptainRule : IValidationRule<Team>
+{
+    public ValidationWarning? Validate(Team entity, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        if (!config.RequireTeamCaptain)
+            return null;
+
+        // Individual events don't need captains
+        if (entity.Event.EventFormat == EventFormat.Individual)
+            return null;
+
+        if (entity.Captain != null)
+            return null;
+
+        return new ValidationWarning
+        {
+            Code = "MISSING_CAPTAIN",
+            Message = "Team has no captain assigned",
+            Severity = config.MissingCaptainSeverity,
+            Context = ValidationContext.Team,
+            IconIdentifier = "Captain",
+            Metadata = new Dictionary<string, object>
+            {
+                { "TeamId", entity.Id },
+                { "EventName", entity.Event.Name },
+                { "TeamSize", entity.Students.Count }
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    public bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context) =>
+        context == ValidationContext.Team;
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/TeamRules/TeamSizeTooLargeRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.TeamRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a team has more members than the maximum allowed
+/// </summary>
+public class TeamSizeTooLargeRule : IValidationRule<Team>
+{
+    public ValidationWarning? Validate(Team entity, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        // Individual events don't have team size requirements
+        if (entity.Event.EventFormat == EventFormat.Individual)
+            return null;
+
+        var actualSize = entity.Students.Count;
+        var maxSize = entity.Event.MaxTeamSize;
+
+        if (actualSize <= maxSize)
+            return null;
+
+        return new ValidationWarning
+        {
+            Code = "TEAM_SIZE_TOO_LARGE",
+            Message = $"Team has {actualSize} members (max: {maxSize})",
+            Severity = ValidationSeverity.Error, // Always error - hard constraint
+            Context = ValidationContext.Team,
+            IconIdentifier = null,
+            Metadata = new Dictionary<string, object>
+            {
+                { "TeamId", entity.Id },
+                { "EventName", entity.Event.Name },
+                { "ActualSize", actualSize },
+                { "MinSize", entity.Event.MinTeamSize },
+                { "MaxSize", maxSize }
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    public bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context) =>
+        context == ValidationContext.Team;
+}

Core/Validation/Rules/TeamRules/TeamSizeTooSmallRule.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+
+namespace Core.Validation.Rules.TeamRules;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Validation rule that checks if a team has fewer members than the minimum required
+/// </summary>
+public class TeamSizeTooSmallRule : IValidationRule<Team>
+{
+    public ValidationWarning? Validate(Team entity, ValidationConfiguration config)
+    {
+        // Individual events don't have team size requirements
+        if (entity.Event.EventFormat == EventFormat.Individual)
+            return null;
+
+        var actualSize = entity.Students.Count;
+        var minSize = entity.Event.MinTeamSize;
+
+        if (actualSize >= minSize)
+            return null;
+
+        return new ValidationWarning
+        {
+            Code = "TEAM_SIZE_TOO_SMALL",
+            Message = $"Team has {actualSize} members (min: {minSize})",
+            Severity = config.TeamSizeSeverity,
+            Context = ValidationContext.Team,
+            IconIdentifier = null,
+            Metadata = new Dictionary<string, object>
+            {
+                { "TeamId", entity.Id },
+                { "EventName", entity.Event.Name },
+                { "ActualSize", actualSize },
+                { "MinSize", minSize },
+                { "MaxSize", entity.Event.MaxTeamSize }
+            }
+        };
+    }
+
+    public bool AppliesTo(ValidationContext context) =>
+        context == ValidationContext.Team;
+}

Core/Validation/ValidationConfiguration.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,192 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using System.Text.Json;
+
+namespace Core.Validation;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Configuration for validation thresholds and rules
+/// </summary>
+public class ValidationConfiguration
+{
+    // Event count thresholds
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Minimum recommended number of events per student (Warning if below)
+    /// </summary>
+    public int MinRecommendedEvents { get; set; } = 2;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Maximum recommended number of events per student (Warning if above)
+    /// </summary>
+    public int MaxRecommendedEvents { get; set; } = 4;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Minimum critical number of events per student (Error if below)
+    /// </summary>
+    public int MinCriticalEvents { get; set; } = 1;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Maximum critical number of events per student (Error if above)
+    /// </summary>
+    public int MaxCriticalEvents { get; set; } = 6;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Maximum recommended number of regional events per student (Warning if above)
+    /// </summary>
+    public int MaxRegionalEvents { get; set; } = 3;
+
+    // Required event types
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Whether to require students to have at least one regional event
+    /// </summary>
+    public bool RequireRegionalEvent { get; set; } = true;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Whether to require students to have at least one on-site activity
+    /// </summary>
+    public bool RequireOnSiteActivity { get; set; } = true;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Whether to require students to have at least one individual event
+    /// </summary>
+    public bool RequireIndividualEvent { get; set; } = false;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Whether to require team-based events to have an assigned captain
+    /// </summary>
+    public bool RequireTeamCaptain { get; set; } = true;
+
+    // Severity levels for each rule type
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level for "No Regional Event" warnings
+    /// </summary>
+    public ValidationSeverity NoRegionalEventSeverity { get; set; } = ValidationSeverity.Warning;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level for "No On-Site Activity" warnings
+    /// </summary>
+    public ValidationSeverity NoOnSiteActivitySeverity { get; set; } = ValidationSeverity.Warning;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level for "No Individual Event" warnings
+    /// </summary>
+    public ValidationSeverity NoIndividualEventSeverity { get; set; } = ValidationSeverity.Warning;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level for team size warnings
+    /// </summary>
+    public ValidationSeverity TeamSizeSeverity { get; set; } = ValidationSeverity.Warning;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level for event count warnings
+    /// </summary>
+    public ValidationSeverity EventCountSeverity { get; set; } = ValidationSeverity.Warning;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level for missing captain warnings
+    /// </summary>
+    public ValidationSeverity MissingCaptainSeverity { get; set; } = ValidationSeverity.Warning;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level for too many regional events warnings
+    /// </summary>
+    public ValidationSeverity TooManyRegionalEventsSeverity { get; set; } = ValidationSeverity.Warning;
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Default configuration matching current app behavior
+    /// </summary>
+    public static ValidationConfiguration Default => new()
+    {
+        RequireRegionalEvent = true,
+        RequireOnSiteActivity = true,
+        RequireIndividualEvent = false,
+        MinRecommendedEvents = 2,
+        MaxRecommendedEvents = 4,
+        MinCriticalEvents = 1,
+        MaxCriticalEvents = 6,
+        MaxRegionalEvents = 3,
+        RequireTeamCaptain = true,
+        NoRegionalEventSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+        NoOnSiteActivitySeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+        NoIndividualEventSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+        TeamSizeSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+        EventCountSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+        MissingCaptainSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+        TooManyRegionalEventsSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning
+    };
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Create validation configuration from assignment parameters
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="parameters">Assignment parameters to convert</param>
+    /// <returns>Validation configuration matching the assignment parameters</returns>
+    public static ValidationConfiguration FromAssignmentParameters(AssignmentParameters parameters)
+    {
+        return new ValidationConfiguration
+        {
+            RequireRegionalEvent = parameters.RequireRegional,
+            RequireOnSiteActivity = parameters.RequireOnSite,
+            MinRecommendedEvents = parameters.EventsLowerBound,
+            MaxRecommendedEvents = parameters.EventsUpperBound,
+            MinCriticalEvents = 1,
+            MaxCriticalEvents = 6,
+            RequireTeamCaptain = true,
+            NoRegionalEventSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+            NoOnSiteActivitySeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+            NoIndividualEventSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+            TeamSizeSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+            EventCountSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning,
+            MissingCaptainSeverity = ValidationSeverity.Warning
+        };
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Deserialize validation configuration from JSON string
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="json">JSON string containing configuration</param>
+    /// <returns>ValidationConfiguration instance or Default if deserialization fails</returns>
+    public static ValidationConfiguration FromJson(string json)
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            return JsonSerializer.Deserialize<ValidationConfiguration>(json) ?? Default;
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return Default;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Load validation configuration from a JSON file
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="path">Path to the JSON configuration file</param>
+    /// <returns>ValidationConfiguration instance or Default if file doesn't exist or loading fails</returns>
+    public static async Task<ValidationConfiguration> LoadFromFileAsync(string path)
+    {
+        try
+        {
+            if (!File.Exists(path))
+                return Default;
+
+            var json = await File.ReadAllTextAsync(path);
+            return FromJson(json);
+        }
+        catch
+        {
+            return Default;
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Save this validation configuration to a JSON file
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="path">Path where the JSON file should be saved</param>
+    public async Task SaveToFileAsync(string path)
+    {
+        var json = JsonSerializer.Serialize(this, new JsonSerializerOptions
+        {
+            WriteIndented = true
+        });
+        await File.WriteAllTextAsync(path, json);
+    }
+}

Core/Validation/ValidationContext.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+namespace Core.Validation;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Context in which validation is being performed
+/// </summary>
+public enum ValidationContext
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validating a single student's event rankings
+    /// </summary>
+    StudentRanking = 0,
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validating a single team configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    Team = 1,
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validating a student's assigned events
+    /// </summary>
+    StudentAssignment = 2,
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validating student registration data
+    /// </summary>
+    StudentRegistration = 3
+}

Core/Validation/ValidationService.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+using Core.Entities;
+using System.Reflection;
+
+namespace Core.Validation;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Main service for executing validation rules and generating warnings
+/// </summary>
+public class ValidationService
+{
+    private readonly ValidationConfiguration _config;
+    private readonly List<IValidationRule<Student>> _studentRules;
+    private readonly List<IValidationRule<Team>> _teamRules;
+    private readonly List<IValidationRule<StudentEventStatistics>> _statisticsRules;
+
+    // Lazy static singletons for rule definitions (instantiated once per application lifetime)
+    private static readonly Lazy<List<IValidationRule<Student>>> _studentRuleDefinitions =
+        new(() => DiscoverRules<Student>());
+    private static readonly Lazy<List<IValidationRule<Team>>> _teamRuleDefinitions =
+        new(() => DiscoverRules<Team>());
+    private static readonly Lazy<List<IValidationRule<StudentEventStatistics>>> _statisticsRuleDefinitions =
+        new(() => DiscoverRules<StudentEventStatistics>());
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Create a new validation service with the specified configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="config">Validation configuration (uses Default if null)</param>
+    public ValidationService(ValidationConfiguration? config = null)
+    {
+        _config = config ?? ValidationConfiguration.Default;
+
+        // Use the shared rule definitions (singleton pattern)
+        _studentRules = _studentRuleDefinitions.Value;
+        _teamRules = _teamRuleDefinitions.Value;
+        _statisticsRules = _statisticsRuleDefinitions.Value;
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Discover all validation rules for a given entity type using reflection
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <typeparam name="TEntity">The entity type to find rules for</typeparam>
+    /// <returns>List of discovered validation rules</returns>
+    private static List<IValidationRule<TEntity>> DiscoverRules<TEntity>()
+    {
+        var ruleType = typeof(IValidationRule<TEntity>);
+
+        return Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly()
+            .GetTypes()
+            .Where(t => t.IsClass && !t.IsAbstract && ruleType.IsAssignableFrom(t))
+            .Select(t => (IValidationRule<TEntity>)Activator.CreateInstance(t)!)
+            .ToList();
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validate a student's event rankings
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="student">Student to validate</param>
+    /// <param name="context">Validation context</param>
+    /// <returns>List of validation warnings</returns>
+    public List<ValidationWarning> ValidateStudentRankings(Student student, ValidationContext context)
+    {
+        return _studentRules
+            .Where(rule => rule.AppliesTo(context))
+            .Select(rule => rule.Validate(student, _config))
+            .Where(warning => warning != null)
+            .Cast<ValidationWarning>()
+            .ToList();
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validate a team configuration
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="team">Team to validate</param>
+    /// <param name="context">Validation context (defaults to Team)</param>
+    /// <returns>List of validation warnings</returns>
+    public List<ValidationWarning> ValidateTeam(Team team, ValidationContext context = ValidationContext.Team)
+    {
+        return _teamRules
+            .Where(rule => rule.AppliesTo(context))
+            .Select(rule => rule.Validate(team, _config))
+            .Where(warning => warning != null)
+            .Cast<ValidationWarning>()
+            .ToList();
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validate student event assignment statistics
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="stats">Student statistics to validate</param>
+    /// <param name="context">Validation context</param>
+    /// <returns>List of validation warnings</returns>
+    public List<ValidationWarning> ValidateStudentStatistics(StudentEventStatistics stats, ValidationContext context)
+    {
+        return _statisticsRules
+            .Where(rule => rule.AppliesTo(context))
+            .Select(rule => rule.Validate(stats, _config))
+            .Where(warning => warning != null)
+            .Cast<ValidationWarning>()
+            .ToList();
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validate all students in a collection
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="students">Students to validate</param>
+    /// <param name="context">Validation context</param>
+    /// <returns>Dictionary mapping each student to their warnings</returns>
+    public Dictionary<Student, List<ValidationWarning>> ValidateStudents(
+        IEnumerable<Student> students,
+        ValidationContext context)
+    {
+        return students.ToDictionary(
+            student => student,
+            student => ValidateStudentRankings(student, context)
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Validate all teams in a collection
+    /// </summary>
+    /// <param name="teams">Teams to validate</param>
+    /// <returns>Dictionary mapping each team to their warnings</returns>
+    public Dictionary<Team, List<ValidationWarning>> ValidateTeams(IEnumerable<Team> teams)
+    {
+        return teams.ToDictionary(
+            team => team,
+            team => ValidateTeam(team)
+        );
+    }
+}

Core/Validation/ValidationSeverity.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+namespace Core.Validation;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Severity level for validation warnings
+/// </summary>
+public enum ValidationSeverity
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Warning that should be addressed but doesn't prevent operation
+    /// </summary>
+    Warning = 0,
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Error that indicates a critical issue
+    /// </summary>
+    Error = 1
+}

Core/Validation/ValidationWarning.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+namespace Core.Validation;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Represents a validation warning or error for a student, team, or assignment
+/// </summary>
+public class ValidationWarning
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Human-readable warning message
+    /// </summary>
+    public required string Message { get; init; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Unique code identifying the validation rule (e.g., "NO_REGIONAL_EVENT")
+    /// </summary>
+    public required string Code { get; init; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Severity level of the warning
+    /// </summary>
+    public required ValidationSeverity Severity { get; init; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Context in which this warning applies
+    /// </summary>
+    public required ValidationContext Context { get; init; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Icon identifier for UI display (maps to AppIcons constants in WebApp)
+    /// </summary>
+    public string? IconIdentifier { get; init; }
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Additional contextual information about the warning
+    /// </summary>
+    public Dictionary<string, object> Metadata { get; init; } = new();
+}

WebApp/Components/Features/Events/Components/EventAttributes.razor

@@ -1,6 +1,12 @@
 @using WebApp.Models
 
+<span style=""></span>
+@if (EventDefinition.LevelOfEffort.HasValue)
+{
+    <span class="numberCircle">@EventDefinition.LevelOfEffort</span>
+}
 <MudText Style="font-family: monospace; white-space: pre;">
+    
     @foreach (var charStr in _attributes.Select(c => c.ToString()))
     {
         if (AppIcons.IconTooltips.TryGetValue(charStr, out var tooltip))
@@ -23,9 +29,7 @@
 
     protected override void OnParametersSet()
     {
-        _attributes = AppIcons.LevelOfEffortIcon(EventDefinition.LevelOfEffort);
-        _attributes += " ";
-        _attributes += EventDefinition.EventFormat == EventFormat.Individual ? AppIcons.IndividualEvent : " ";
+        _attributes = EventDefinition.EventFormat == EventFormat.Individual ? AppIcons.IndividualEvent : " ";
         _attributes += EventDefinition.OnSiteActivity ? AppIcons.OnSiteActivity : " ";
         _attributes += EventDefinition.RegionalEvent ? AppIcons.RegionalEvent : " ";
         _attributes += EventDefinition.InterviewOrPresentation ? AppIcons.PresentationEvent : " ";

WebApp/Components/Features/Students/EventRanking.razor

@@ -2,7 +2,9 @@
 @attribute [Authorize]
 @using Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore
 @using WebApp.Models
+@using Core.Validation
 @inject AppDbContext Context
+@inject ValidationService ValidationService
 @rendermode InteractiveServer
 
 <PageTitle>Student Event Ranks - TSA Chapter Organizer</PageTitle>
@@ -37,25 +39,7 @@ else
             <MudTh>@context.TsaYear</MudTh>
             <MudTd><MudButton StartIcon="@Icons.Material.Filled.TableChart" Href="@($"students/event-ranking-edit/{context.Id}")">Edit</MudButton></MudTd>
             <MudTd>
-                @if (!context.RankedEvents.Any(re => re.OnSiteActivity))
-                {
-                    <MudTooltip Text="No On-Site Activity">
-                        <MudText Style="font-weight:bolder" Color="Color.Warning">@AppIcons.OnSiteActivity</MudText>
-                    </MudTooltip>
-                }
-                @if (!context.RankedEvents.Any(re => re.RegionalEvent))
-                {
-                    <MudTooltip Text="No Regional Event">
-                        <MudText Style="font-weight:bolder" Color="Color.Warning">@AppIcons.RegionalEvent</MudText>
-                    </MudTooltip>
-                }
-
-                @if (context.RankedEvents.All(re => re.EventFormat != EventFormat.Individual))
-                {
-                    <MudTooltip Text="No Individual Event">
-                        <MudText Style="font-weight:bolder" Color="Color.Warning">@AppIcons.IndividualEvent</MudText>
-                    </MudTooltip>
-                }
+                <ValidationWarnings Warnings="@GetStudentWarnings(context)" />
             </MudTd>
             @for (var i = 1; i <= 10; i++)
             {
@@ -154,4 +138,9 @@ else
 
         _maxEventStudentRankings = _eventStudentRankings.Max(esr => esr.StudentRanking.Length);
     }
+
+    private List<ValidationWarning> GetStudentWarnings(Student student)
+    {
+        return ValidationService.ValidateStudentRankings(student, ValidationContext.StudentRanking);
+    }
 }

WebApp/Components/Features/Students/Registration.razor

@@ -2,8 +2,10 @@
 @attribute [Authorize]
 @using Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore
 @using WebApp.Models
+@using Core.Validation
 @inject AppDbContext Context
 @inject WebApp.LocalStorageService LocalStorage
+@inject ValidationService ValidationService
 
 <PageTitle>Registration - TSA Chapter Organizer</PageTitle>
 
@@ -43,6 +45,11 @@
                 </MudTooltip>
             </CellTemplate>
         </PropertyColumn>
+        <TemplateColumn Title="Warnings" Sortable="false">
+            <CellTemplate>
+                <ValidationWarnings Warnings="@GetRegistrationWarnings(context.Item.Student)" />
+            </CellTemplate>
+        </TemplateColumn>
         @if (_showGrade)
         {
             <PropertyColumn Property="@(e => e.Student.Grade)" Title="Grade" Sortable="true" />
@@ -239,6 +246,20 @@
             : data.OrderBy(sortExpression);
     }
 
+    private List<ValidationWarning> GetRegistrationWarnings(Student student)
+    {
+        // Create StudentEventStatistics from the student's teams
+        var stats = new StudentEventStatistics
+        {
+            Student = student,
+            Events = student.Teams?.Where(t => t?.Event != null)
+                                  .Select(t => t.Event)
+                                  .ToList() ?? new List<EventDefinition>()
+        };
+
+        return ValidationService.ValidateStudentStatistics(stats, ValidationContext.StudentRegistration);
+    }
+
     public class StudentTeamInfo
     {
         public required Student Student { get; init; }

WebApp/Components/Features/Teams/Assignment.razor

@@ -1,12 +1,14 @@
 @page "/teams/assignment"
 @attribute [Authorize]
 @using Core.Calculation
+@using Core.Validation
 @using Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore
 @using WebApp.Models
 @using EventAssignment = Core.Calculation.EventAssignment
 @inject AppDbContext Context
 @inject IDialogService DialogService
 @inject NavigationManager NavigationManager
+@inject ValidationService ValidationService
 
 <PageTitle>Event Assignment - TSA Chapter Organizer</PageTitle>
 
@@ -134,18 +136,8 @@
                 <MudTd><b>@context.Student.FirstName</b></MudTd>
                 <MudTd>@context.EventCount</MudTd>
                 <MudTd>@context.TotalLevelOfEffort</MudTd>
-                <MudTd>@if (!context.HasOnSiteActivity)
-                       {
-                           <MudTooltip Text="No On-Site Activity">
-                            <MudText Style="font-weight:bolder" Color="Color.Warning">@AppIcons.OnSiteActivity</MudText>
-                           </MudTooltip>
-                       }
-                    @if (!context.HasRegionalEvent)
-                    {
-                        <MudTooltip Text="No Regional Event">
-                            <MudText Style="font-weight:bolder" Color="Color.Warning">@AppIcons.RegionalEvent</MudText>
-                        </MudTooltip>
-                    }
+                <MudTd>
+                    <ValidationWarnings Warnings="@GetStatisticsWarnings(context)" />
                 </MudTd>
             </RowTemplate>
             <ChildRowContent>
@@ -313,6 +305,7 @@
     public bool TestSwitch { get; set; } = false;
 
     private readonly AssignmentParameters _parameters = new() { RequireOnSite = false, RequireRegional = false };
+    private ValidationService _validationService = new ValidationService(ValidationConfiguration.Default);
 
     private List<EventDefinition>? _events;
     private List<Student>? _students;
@@ -367,6 +360,7 @@
     private async Task<TableData<Team>> SolveAssignments(TableState arg1, CancellationToken arg2)
     {
         _isSolving = true;
+        UpdateValidationConfig();
         var eventAssignment = new EventAssignment(_events, _students, _parameters);
         foreach (var requirement in _assignmentRequirements)
         {
@@ -396,6 +390,17 @@
         return new TableData<StudentEventStatistics> {Items = _statistics};
     }
 
+    private void UpdateValidationConfig()
+    {
+        var config = ValidationConfiguration.FromAssignmentParameters(_parameters);
+        _validationService = new ValidationService(config);
+    }
+
+    private List<ValidationWarning> GetStatisticsWarnings(StudentEventStatistics stats)
+    {
+        return _validationService.ValidateStudentStatistics(stats, ValidationContext.StudentAssignment);
+    }
+
     private async Task<TableData<AssignmentRequirement>> ReloadAssignmentRequirements(TableState arg1, CancellationToken arg2)
     {
         return new TableData<AssignmentRequirement> { Items = _assignmentRequirements };

WebApp/Components/Pages/ChapterSettings.razor

@@ -0,0 +1,186 @@
+@page "/settings/chapter"
+@attribute [Authorize(Roles = AuthRoles.Administrator)]
+@using WebApp.Authentication
+@using WebApp.Models
+@using System.Text.Json
+@inject IWebHostEnvironment Environment
+@inject IConfiguration Configuration
+
+@rendermode InteractiveServer
+
+<PageTitle>Chapter Settings</PageTitle>
+
+<MudContainer MaxWidth="MaxWidth.Large" Class="mt-4">
+    <MudText Typo="Typo.h3" Class="mb-4">Chapter Settings</MudText>
+    <MudText Typo="Typo.body1" Class="mb-6">Configure chapter information. Changes take effect on next application restart.</MudText>
+
+    @if (_settings != null)
+    {
+        <MudPaper Class="pa-6 mb-4">
+            <MudText Typo="Typo.h5" Class="mb-4">Basic Information</MudText>
+            <MudGrid>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="8">
+                    <MudTextField @bind-Value="_settings.Name"
+                                Label="Chapter Name"
+                                Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                HelperText="Full chapter name"
+                                Required="true" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="4">
+                    <MudTextField @bind-Value="_settings.ShortName"
+                                Label="Short Name"
+                                Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                HelperText="Abbreviation (e.g., YCN)"
+                                MaxLength="10"
+                                Required="true" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudTextField @bind-Value="_settings.CompetitionYear"
+                                Label="Competition Year"
+                                Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                HelperText="Year of competition (e.g., 2026)"
+                                MaxLength="4"
+                                Required="true" />
+                </MudItem>
+            </MudGrid>
+        </MudPaper>
+
+        <MudPaper Class="pa-6 mb-4">
+            <MudText Typo="Typo.h5" Class="mb-4">Chapter IDs</MudText>
+            <MudGrid>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="4">
+                    <MudTextField @bind-Value="_settings.NationalId"
+                                Label="National ID"
+                                Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                HelperText="4-digit national chapter ID"
+                                MaxLength="4" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="4">
+                    <MudTextField @bind-Value="_settings.StateId"
+                                Label="State ID"
+                                Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                HelperText="5-digit state chapter ID"
+                                MaxLength="5" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="4">
+                    <MudTextField @bind-Value="_settings.RegionalId"
+                                Label="Regional ID"
+                                Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                HelperText="5-digit regional chapter ID"
+                                MaxLength="5" />
+                </MudItem>
+            </MudGrid>
+        </MudPaper>
+
+        <MudPaper Class="pa-6">
+            <MudGrid>
+                <MudItem xs="12">
+                    <MudButton Variant="Variant.Filled"
+                             Color="Color.Primary"
+                             StartIcon="@Icons.Material.Filled.Save"
+                             OnClick="SaveSettings"
+                             Disabled="_isSaving">
+                        @if (_isSaving)
+                        {
+                            <MudProgressCircular Class="mr-2" Size="Size.Small" Indeterminate="true" />
+                            <span>Saving...</span>
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            <span>Save Settings</span>
+                        }
+                    </MudButton>
+                </MudItem>
+            </MudGrid>
+        </MudPaper>
+
+        @if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(_statusMessage))
+        {
+            <MudAlert Severity="@_statusSeverity" Class="mt-4">@_statusMessage</MudAlert>
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        <MudProgressCircular Indeterminate="true" />
+    }
+</MudContainer>
+
+@code {
+    private Models.ChapterSettings? _settings;
+    private bool _isSaving;
+    private string? _statusMessage;
+    private Severity _statusSeverity = Severity.Success;
+
+    protected override void OnInitialized()
+    {
+        // Load from IConfiguration
+        _settings = Configuration.GetSection("ChapterSettings").Get<Models.ChapterSettings>()
+                  ?? new Models.ChapterSettings();
+    }
+
+    private string GetAppSettingsPath()
+    {
+        return Path.Combine(
+            Environment.ContentRootPath,
+            "Data",
+            "appsettings.json");
+    }
+
+    private async Task SaveSettings()
+    {
+        if (_settings == null) return;
+
+        _isSaving = true;
+        _statusMessage = null;
+
+        try
+        {
+            var appSettingsPath = GetAppSettingsPath();
+
+            // Ensure Data directory exists
+            var dataDir = Path.GetDirectoryName(appSettingsPath);
+            if (dataDir != null && !Directory.Exists(dataDir))
+            {
+                Directory.CreateDirectory(dataDir);
+            }
+
+            // Read existing appsettings or create new
+            JsonDocument? existingDoc = null;
+            Dictionary<string, object?> settings;
+
+            if (File.Exists(appSettingsPath))
+            {
+                var existingJson = await File.ReadAllTextAsync(appSettingsPath);
+                existingDoc = JsonDocument.Parse(existingJson);
+                settings = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<Dictionary<string, object?>>(existingJson)
+                          ?? new Dictionary<string, object?>();
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                settings = new Dictionary<string, object?>();
+            }
+
+            // Update ChapterSettings section
+            settings["ChapterSettings"] = _settings;
+
+            // Write back to file
+            var options = new JsonSerializerOptions { WriteIndented = true };
+            var json = JsonSerializer.Serialize(settings, options);
+            await File.WriteAllTextAsync(appSettingsPath, json);
+
+            existingDoc?.Dispose();
+
+            _statusMessage = "Settings saved successfully! Changes will take effect on next application restart.";
+            _statusSeverity = Severity.Success;
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            _statusMessage = $"Error saving settings: {ex.Message}";
+            _statusSeverity = Severity.Error;
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            _isSaving = false;
+        }
+    }
+}

WebApp/Components/Pages/Home.razor

@@ -26,6 +26,9 @@
     </div>
 </MudPaper>
 
+<MudPaper Elevation="0" Class="mb-6">
+<MudText Typo="Typo.h4" Class="mb-2">Data</MudText>
+</MudPaper>
 <MudGrid>
     <!-- Events Card -->
     <DashboardCard Icon="@AppIcons.Events"
@@ -60,13 +63,19 @@
                    Subtitle="Total Teams"
                    Caption="@($"{_groupTeamsCount} Team | {_individualTeamsCount} Individual")"
                    NavigateUrl="/teams" />
-
-    <!-- Meeting Schedule Card -->
-    <DashboardCard Icon="@AppIcons.Scheduler"
-                   Title="Schedule"
-                   Caption="Optimize meeting times"
-                   NavigateUrl="/meeting-schedule" />
 </MudGrid>
+<MudPaper Elevation="0" Class="my-6">
+    <MudText Typo="Typo.h4">Tools</MudText>
+</MudPaper>
+
+    <MudGrid>
+
+        <!-- Meeting Schedule Card -->
+        <DashboardCard Icon="@AppIcons.Scheduler"
+                       Title="Schedule"
+                       Caption="Optimize meeting times"
+                       NavigateUrl="/meeting-schedule"/>
+    </MudGrid>
 
 @code {
     private int _eventCount;

WebApp/Components/Pages/ValidationSettings.razor

@@ -0,0 +1,284 @@
+@page "/settings/validation"
+@attribute [Authorize(Roles = AuthRoles.Administrator)]
+@using Core.Validation
+@using WebApp.Authentication
+@using System.Text.Json
+@inject IWebHostEnvironment Environment
+@inject IConfiguration Configuration
+
+@rendermode InteractiveServer
+
+<PageTitle>Validation Settings</PageTitle>
+
+<MudContainer MaxWidth="MaxWidth.Large" Class="mt-4">
+    <MudText Typo="Typo.h3" Class="mb-4">Validation Settings</MudText>
+    <MudText Typo="Typo.body1" Class="mb-6">Configure validation rules and thresholds. Changes take effect on next application restart.</MudText>
+
+    @if (_config != null)
+    {
+        <MudPaper Class="pa-6 mb-4">
+            <MudText Typo="Typo.h5" Class="mb-4">Event Count Thresholds</MudText>
+            <MudGrid>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudNumericField @bind-Value="_config.MinRecommendedEvents"
+                                   Label="Minimum Recommended Events"
+                                   Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                   HelperText="Warning if student has fewer events"
+                                   Min="0" Max="10" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudNumericField @bind-Value="_config.MaxRecommendedEvents"
+                                   Label="Maximum Recommended Events"
+                                   Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                   HelperText="Warning if student has more events"
+                                   Min="0" Max="10" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudNumericField @bind-Value="_config.MinCriticalEvents"
+                                   Label="Minimum Critical Events"
+                                   Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                   HelperText="Error if student has fewer events"
+                                   Min="0" Max="10" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudNumericField @bind-Value="_config.MaxCriticalEvents"
+                                   Label="Maximum Critical Events"
+                                   Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                   HelperText="Error if student has more events"
+                                   Min="0" Max="10" />
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudNumericField @bind-Value="_config.MaxRegionalEvents"
+                                   Label="Maximum Regional Events"
+                                   Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                                   HelperText="Warning if student has more regional events"
+                                   Min="0" Max="10" />
+                </MudItem>
+            </MudGrid>
+        </MudPaper>
+
+        <MudPaper Class="pa-6 mb-4">
+            <MudText Typo="Typo.h5" Class="mb-4">Required Event Types</MudText>
+            <MudGrid>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSwitch @bind-Value="_config.RequireRegionalEvent"
+                             Label="Require Regional Event"
+                             Color="Color.Primary" />
+                    <MudText Typo="Typo.body2" Class="mud-text-secondary ml-10">
+                        Students must have at least one regional event
+                    </MudText>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSwitch @bind-Value="_config.RequireOnSiteActivity"
+                             Label="Require On-Site Activity"
+                             Color="Color.Primary" />
+                    <MudText Typo="Typo.body2" Class="mud-text-secondary ml-10">
+                        Students must have at least one on-site activity
+                    </MudText>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSwitch @bind-Value="_config.RequireIndividualEvent"
+                             Label="Require Individual Event"
+                             Color="Color.Primary" />
+                    <MudText Typo="Typo.body2" Class="mud-text-secondary ml-10">
+                        Students must have at least one individual event
+                    </MudText>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSwitch @bind-Value="_config.RequireTeamCaptain"
+                             Label="Require Team Captain"
+                             Color="Color.Primary" />
+                    <MudText Typo="Typo.body2" Class="mud-text-secondary ml-10">
+                        Team events must have an assigned captain
+                    </MudText>
+                </MudItem>
+            </MudGrid>
+        </MudPaper>
+
+        <MudPaper Class="pa-6 mb-4">
+            <MudText Typo="Typo.h5" Class="mb-4">Validation Severity Levels</MudText>
+            <MudGrid>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSelect @bind-Value="_config.NoRegionalEventSeverity"
+                             Label="No Regional Event"
+                             Variant="Variant.Outlined">
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Warning">Warning</MudSelectItem>
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Error">Error</MudSelectItem>
+                    </MudSelect>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSelect @bind-Value="_config.NoOnSiteActivitySeverity"
+                             Label="No On-Site Activity"
+                             Variant="Variant.Outlined">
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Warning">Warning</MudSelectItem>
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Error">Error</MudSelectItem>
+                    </MudSelect>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSelect @bind-Value="_config.NoIndividualEventSeverity"
+                             Label="No Individual Event"
+                             Variant="Variant.Outlined">
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Warning">Warning</MudSelectItem>
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Error">Error</MudSelectItem>
+                    </MudSelect>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSelect @bind-Value="_config.TeamSizeSeverity"
+                             Label="Team Size Issues"
+                             Variant="Variant.Outlined">
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Warning">Warning</MudSelectItem>
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Error">Error</MudSelectItem>
+                    </MudSelect>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSelect @bind-Value="_config.EventCountSeverity"
+                             Label="Event Count Issues"
+                             Variant="Variant.Outlined">
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Warning">Warning</MudSelectItem>
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Error">Error</MudSelectItem>
+                    </MudSelect>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSelect @bind-Value="_config.MissingCaptainSeverity"
+                             Label="Missing Team Captain"
+                             Variant="Variant.Outlined">
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Warning">Warning</MudSelectItem>
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Error">Error</MudSelectItem>
+                    </MudSelect>
+                </MudItem>
+                <MudItem xs="12" md="6">
+                    <MudSelect @bind-Value="_config.TooManyRegionalEventsSeverity"
+                             Label="Too Many Regional Events"
+                             Variant="Variant.Outlined">
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Warning">Warning</MudSelectItem>
+                        <MudSelectItem Value="ValidationSeverity.Error">Error</MudSelectItem>
+                    </MudSelect>
+                </MudItem>
+            </MudGrid>
+        </MudPaper>
+
+        <MudPaper Class="pa-6">
+            <MudGrid>
+                <MudItem xs="12">
+                    <MudButton Variant="Variant.Filled"
+                             Color="Color.Primary"
+                             StartIcon="@Icons.Material.Filled.Save"
+                             OnClick="SaveConfiguration"
+                             Disabled="_isSaving">
+                        @if (_isSaving)
+                        {
+                            <MudProgressCircular Class="mr-2" Size="Size.Small" Indeterminate="true" />
+                            <span>Saving...</span>
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            <span>Save Configuration</span>
+                        }
+                    </MudButton>
+                    <MudButton Variant="Variant.Outlined"
+                             Class="ml-2"
+                             OnClick="ResetToDefaults"
+                             Disabled="_isSaving">
+                        Reset to Defaults
+                    </MudButton>
+                </MudItem>
+            </MudGrid>
+        </MudPaper>
+
+        @if (!string.IsNullOrEmpty(_statusMessage))
+        {
+            <MudAlert Severity="@_statusSeverity" Class="mt-4">@_statusMessage</MudAlert>
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        <MudProgressCircular Indeterminate="true" />
+    }
+</MudContainer>
+
+@code {
+    private ValidationConfiguration? _config;
+    private bool _isSaving;
+    private string? _statusMessage;
+    private Severity _statusSeverity = Severity.Success;
+
+    protected override void OnInitialized()
+    {
+        // Load from IConfiguration
+        _config = Configuration.GetSection("ValidationSettings").Get<ValidationConfiguration>()
+                  ?? ValidationConfiguration.Default;
+    }
+
+    private string GetAppSettingsPath()
+    {
+        return Path.Combine(
+            Environment.ContentRootPath,
+            "Data",
+            "appsettings.json");
+    }
+
+    private async Task SaveConfiguration()
+    {
+        if (_config == null) return;
+
+        _isSaving = true;
+        _statusMessage = null;
+
+        try
+        {
+            var appSettingsPath = GetAppSettingsPath();
+
+            // Ensure Data directory exists
+            var dataDir = Path.GetDirectoryName(appSettingsPath);
+            if (dataDir != null && !Directory.Exists(dataDir))
+            {
+                Directory.CreateDirectory(dataDir);
+            }
+
+            // Read existing appsettings or create new
+            JsonDocument? existingDoc = null;
+            Dictionary<string, object?> settings;
+
+            if (File.Exists(appSettingsPath))
+            {
+                var existingJson = await File.ReadAllTextAsync(appSettingsPath);
+                existingDoc = JsonDocument.Parse(existingJson);
+                settings = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<Dictionary<string, object?>>(existingJson)
+                          ?? new Dictionary<string, object?>();
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                settings = new Dictionary<string, object?>();
+            }
+
+            // Update ValidationSettings section
+            settings["ValidationSettings"] = _config;
+
+            // Write back to file
+            var options = new JsonSerializerOptions { WriteIndented = true };
+            var json = JsonSerializer.Serialize(settings, options);
+            await File.WriteAllTextAsync(appSettingsPath, json);
+
+            existingDoc?.Dispose();
+
+            _statusMessage = "Configuration saved successfully! Changes will take effect on next application restart.";
+            _statusSeverity = Severity.Success;
+        }
+        catch (Exception ex)
+        {
+            _statusMessage = $"Error saving configuration: {ex.Message}";
+            _statusSeverity = Severity.Error;
+        }
+        finally
+        {
+            _isSaving = false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    private void ResetToDefaults()
+    {
+        _config = ValidationConfiguration.Default;
+        _statusMessage = "Configuration reset to defaults. Click Save to apply.";
+        _statusSeverity = Severity.Info;
+    }
+}

WebApp/Components/Shared/Layout/NavMenu.razor

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 @using WebApp.Models
+@using WebApp.Authentication
 @inject IConfiguration Configuration
 
 <MudPaper Width="250px" Class="d-inline-flex py-3" Elevation="0">
@@ -20,5 +21,10 @@
             <MudNavLink Href="/students/event-ranking" Icon="@AppIcons.EventRank">Event Ranking</MudNavLink>
             <MudNavLink Href="/teams/assignment" Icon="@AppIcons.TeamAssignment">Team Assignment</MudNavLink>
         </MudNavGroup>
+        <AuthorizeView Roles="Administrator">
+            <MudDivider Class="my-2"/>
+            <MudNavLink Href="/settings/chapter" Icon="@Icons.Material.Filled.School">Chapter Settings</MudNavLink>
+            <MudNavLink Href="/settings/validation" Icon="@Icons.Material.Filled.Settings">Validation Settings</MudNavLink>
+        </AuthorizeView>
     </MudNavMenu>
 </MudPaper>

WebApp/Components/Shared/ValidationWarnings.razor

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+@using Core.Validation
+@using WebApp.Models
+
+@if (Warnings != null && Warnings.Any())
+{
+    <MudText Style="display: inline-flex; gap: 4px;">
+        @foreach (var warning in Warnings)
+        {
+            var color = warning.Severity == ValidationSeverity.Error ? Color.Error : Color.Warning;
+            var icon = GetIconFromIdentifier(warning.IconIdentifier);
+
+            <MudTooltip Text="@warning.Message">
+                <MudText Style="font-weight:bolder" Color="@color">@icon</MudText>
+            </MudTooltip>
+        }
+    </MudText>
+}
+
+@code {
+    [Parameter]
+    public List<ValidationWarning>? Warnings { get; set; }
+
+    private string GetIconFromIdentifier(string? identifier)
+    {
+        if (string.IsNullOrEmpty(identifier))
+            return "";
+
+        return identifier switch
+        {
+            "RegionalEvent" => AppIcons.RegionalEvent,
+            "OnSiteActivity" => AppIcons.OnSiteActivity,
+            "IndividualEvent" => AppIcons.IndividualEvent,
+            "Captain" => AppIcons.Captain,
+            _ => ""
+        };
+    }
+}

WebApp/Models/AppIcons.cs

@@ -17,9 +17,9 @@ namespace WebApp.Models
             
             return loe switch
             {
-                1 => "‧",
-                2 => "⁚",
-                3 => "⁝",
+                1 => "1",
+                2 => "2",
+                3 => "3",
                 _ => Icons.Material.Filled.QuestionMark
             };
         }

WebApp/Models/ChapterSettings.cs

@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+namespace WebApp.Models;
+
+/// <summary>
+/// Configuration for chapter-specific information
+/// </summary>
+public class ChapterSettings
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Full chapter name (e.g., "Your Chapter Name")
+    /// </summary>
+    public string Name { get; set; } = "Your Chapter Name";
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Short chapter name abbreviation (e.g., "YCN")
+    /// </summary>
+    public string ShortName { get; set; } = "YCN";
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// National chapter ID (4 digits, e.g., "0000")
+    /// </summary>
+    public string NationalId { get; set; } = "0000";
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// State chapter ID (5 digits, e.g., "00000")
+    /// </summary>
+    public string StateId { get; set; } = "00000";
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Regional chapter ID (5 digits, e.g., "00000")
+    /// </summary>
+    public string RegionalId { get; set; } = "00000";
+
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Competition year (e.g., "2026")
+    /// </summary>
+    public string CompetitionYear { get; set; } = "2026";
+}

WebApp/Program.cs

@@ -11,62 +11,66 @@ using WebApp.Logging;
 
 var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);
 
-// Load optional appsettings from Data directory in production (overrides defaults)
-// In development, use appsettings.Development.json instead
-if (builder.Environment.IsProduction())
+// Load appsettings from Data directory (works in both development and production)
+// This allows runtime configuration changes without touching the codebase
+var dataAppSettingsPath = Path.Combine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath, "Data", "appsettings.json");
+if (!File.Exists(dataAppSettingsPath))
 {
-    var dataAppSettingsPath = Path.Combine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath, "Data", "appsettings.json");
-    if (!File.Exists(dataAppSettingsPath))
+    Console.WriteLine($"appsettings.json not found at {dataAppSettingsPath}. Creating from template...");
+
+    try
     {
-        Console.WriteLine($"appsettings.json not found at {dataAppSettingsPath}. Creating from template...");
+        // Ensure Data directory exists
+        Directory.CreateDirectory(Path.Combine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath, "Data"));
 
-        try
+        // Copy ChapterSettings and ValidationSettings from the base appsettings.json
+        var baseAppSettingsPath = Path.Combine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath, "appsettings.json");
+        if (File.Exists(baseAppSettingsPath))
         {
-            // Ensure Data directory exists
-            Directory.CreateDirectory(Path.Combine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath, "Data"));
+            var baseConfig = File.ReadAllText(baseAppSettingsPath);
+            var baseDoc = JsonDocument.Parse(baseConfig);
 
-            // Copy ChapterSettings from the base appsettings.json
-            var baseAppSettingsPath = Path.Combine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath, "appsettings.json");
-            if (File.Exists(baseAppSettingsPath))
+            var templateSettings = new Dictionary<string, object?>();
+
+            if (baseDoc.RootElement.TryGetProperty("ChapterSettings", out var chapterSettings))
             {
-                var baseConfig = File.ReadAllText(baseAppSettingsPath);
-                var baseDoc = JsonDocument.Parse(baseConfig);
+                templateSettings["ChapterSettings"] = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<object>(chapterSettings.GetRawText());
+            }
 
-                if (baseDoc.RootElement.TryGetProperty("ChapterSettings", out var chapterSettings))
+            if (baseDoc.RootElement.TryGetProperty("ValidationSettings", out var validationSettings))
+            {
+                templateSettings["ValidationSettings"] = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<object>(validationSettings.GetRawText());
+            }
+
+            if (templateSettings.Any())
+            {
+                var json = JsonSerializer.Serialize(templateSettings, new JsonSerializerOptions
                 {
-                    var templateSettings = new
-                    {
-                        ChapterSettings = JsonSerializer.Deserialize<object>(chapterSettings.GetRawText())
-                    };
+                    WriteIndented = true
+                });
 
-                    var json = JsonSerializer.Serialize(templateSettings, new JsonSerializerOptions
-                    {
-                        WriteIndented = true
-                    });
-
-                    File.WriteAllText(dataAppSettingsPath, json);
-                    Console.WriteLine("appsettings.json created in Data directory. Please update ChapterSettings with your chapter information.");
-                }
-                else
-                {
-                    Console.WriteLine("WARNING: ChapterSettings not found in base appsettings.json");
-                }
+                File.WriteAllText(dataAppSettingsPath, json);
+                Console.WriteLine("appsettings.json created in Data directory.");
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                Console.WriteLine("WARNING: No settings to copy from base appsettings.json");
             }
         }
-        catch (Exception ex)
-        {
-            Console.WriteLine($"WARNING: Unable to create appsettings.json: {ex.Message}");
-        }
     }
-
-    // Add Data/appsettings.json as additional configuration source
-    if (File.Exists(dataAppSettingsPath))
+    catch (Exception ex)
     {
-        builder.Configuration.AddJsonFile(dataAppSettingsPath, optional: true, reloadOnChange: true);
-        Console.WriteLine($"Loaded configuration from {dataAppSettingsPath}");
+        Console.WriteLine($"WARNING: Unable to create appsettings.json: {ex.Message}");
     }
 }
 
+// Add Data/appsettings.json as additional configuration source (all environments)
+if (File.Exists(dataAppSettingsPath))
+{
+    builder.Configuration.AddJsonFile(dataAppSettingsPath, optional: true, reloadOnChange: true);
+    Console.WriteLine($"Loaded configuration from {dataAppSettingsPath}");
+}
+
 // Configure Serilog with custom handling for antiforgery errors
 builder.Host.UseSerilog((context, configuration) =>
 {
@@ -172,6 +176,15 @@ builder.Services.AddScoped<WebApp.LocalStorageService>();
 // State container for maintaining state per user connection (Blazor Server)
 builder.Services.AddScoped<StateContainer>();
 
+// Load validation configuration from appsettings (or use default if not found)
+var validationConfig = builder.Configuration
+    .GetSection("ValidationSettings")
+    .Get<Core.Validation.ValidationConfiguration>() ?? Core.Validation.ValidationConfiguration.Default;
+
+// Validation service with loaded configuration
+builder.Services.AddScoped<Core.Validation.ValidationService>(sp =>
+    new Core.Validation.ValidationService(validationConfig));
+
 // Add authentication services
 builder.Services.AddHttpContextAccessor();
 builder.Services.AddScoped<AuthenticationService>();

WebApp/appsettings.json

@@ -17,5 +17,23 @@
     "StateId": "00000",
     "RegionalId": "00000",
     "CompetitionYear": "2026"
+  },
+  "ValidationSettings": {
+    "MinRecommendedEvents": 2,
+    "MaxRecommendedEvents": 4,
+    "MinCriticalEvents": 1,
+    "MaxCriticalEvents": 6,
+    "MaxRegionalEvents": 3,
+    "RequireRegionalEvent": true,
+    "RequireOnSiteActivity": true,
+    "RequireIndividualEvent": false,
+    "RequireTeamCaptain": true,
+    "NoRegionalEventSeverity": "Warning",
+    "NoOnSiteActivitySeverity": "Warning",
+    "NoIndividualEventSeverity": "Warning",
+    "TeamSizeSeverity": "Warning",
+    "EventCountSeverity": "Warning",
+    "MissingCaptainSeverity": "Warning",
+    "TooManyRegionalEventsSeverity": "Warning"
   }
 }

WebApp/wwwroot/app.css

@@ -93,3 +93,15 @@ h1:focus {
 .event-rank-4 { background-color: #ffe599; }
 .event-rank-5 { background-color: #fff2cc; }
 .event-rank-6 { background-color: #fffaea; }
+
+.numberCircle {
+    display: flex;
+    width: fit-content;
+    /* min-width: .2rem; */
+    padding: 0;
+    align-items: center;
+    justify-content: center;
+    aspect-ratio: 10/1;
+    border-radius: 50%;
+    border: 1px solid;
+}