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+# How to Take Attendance
+
+This guide explains how to record attendance for UAG sessions.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+Before you begin, make sure you have:
+
+- [ ] Git installed and configured on your computer (see [git.md](git.md) for setup instructions)
+- [ ] A cloned copy of the records repository
+- [ ] A text editor (VS Code recommended)
+
+## Understanding Attendance Records
+
+Each attendance record is a JSON file stored in the `records/attendance/` folder. The file contains:
+
+- **session**: A unique identifier in the format `YYMMDD` (or `YYMMDD-#` if there are multiple sessions on the same day)
+- **members**: A list of Discord user IDs for everyone who attended
+
+## Step-by-Step Guide
+
+### Step 1: Get the Latest Records
+
+Open a terminal in your repository folder and run:
+
+```bash
+git pull
+```
+
+This ensures you have the most up-to-date version of the records.
+
+### Step 2: Create a New Attendance File
+
+1. Navigate to the `records/attendance/` folder
+2. Create a new file named with the session date in `YYMMDD.json` format
+
+**Example:** For a session on January 31st, 2026, create a file named `260131.json`
+
+> **Note:** If there are multiple sessions on the same day, add a number suffix: `260131-2.json`, `260131-3.json`, etc.
+
+### Step 3: Add the Attendance Data
+
+Copy this template into your new file:
+
+```json
+{
+  "$schema": "./_schema.json",
+  "session": "YYMMDD",
+  "members": ["discord_id_1", "discord_id_2", "discord_id_3"]
+}
+```
+
+Then fill in the details:
+
+1. Replace `YYMMDD` with the actual session date (e.g., `260131`)
+2. Replace the example Discord IDs with the actual IDs of members who attended
+
+### Step 4: Get Discord User IDs
+
+To find someone's Discord user ID:
+
+1. Open Discord
+2. Go to **User Settings** → **Advanced** → Enable **Developer Mode**
+3. Right-click on a user's name
+4. Click **Copy User ID**
+
+### Step 5: Save and Verify
+
+1. Save your file
+2. Make sure the JSON is valid:
+   - All strings are in double quotes `"like this"`
+   - Items in the array are separated by commas
+   - No trailing comma after the last item
+
+**Example of a completed attendance file (`260131.json`):**
+
+```json
+{
+  "$schema": "./_schema.json",
+  "session": "260131",
+  "members": ["328938588127625216", "723361818940276736", "123456789012345678"]
+}
+```
+
+### Step 6: Commit and Push Your Changes
+
+Open a terminal in the repository folder and run these commands:
+
+```bash
+git add records/attendance/260131.json
+git commit -m "Add attendance for session 260131"
+git push
+```
+
+Replace `260131` with your actual session date.
+
+## Quick Reference
+
+| Field      | Format                           | Example                        |
+| ---------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
+| Filename   | `YYMMDD.json` or `YYMMDD-#.json` | `260131.json`, `260131-2.json` |
+| Session ID | `YYMMDD` or `YYMMDD-#`           | `260131`, `260131-2`           |
+| Discord ID | 17-19 digit number as string     | `"328938588127625216"`         |
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "Invalid JSON" Error
+
+Common JSON mistakes:
+
+- Missing quotes around strings
+- Missing comma between array items
+- Extra comma after the last item in the array
+- Using single quotes instead of double quotes
+
+### Git Push Fails
+
+1. Make sure you've pulled the latest changes first: `git pull`
+2. Check that you're authenticated properly
+3. See [git.md](git.md) for more Git troubleshooting
+
+### Multiple Sessions on Same Day
+
+If you're recording a second (or third, etc.) session on the same day:
+
+1. Name the file with a suffix: `260131-2.json`
+2. Update the session field to match: `"session": "260131-2"`
+
+## Questions?
+
+If you're unsure about anything, ask a team member before submitting. It's better to ask than to submit incorrect records!