Tie-breakers in group standings: 8 criteria in order
On equal points, kdovede first looks at the matches between the tied teams (points, goal difference and goals scored in those matches), then overall goal difference, goals scored, fewer goals conceded, in set-based sports the points difference, and finally the seeding order. If the tournament regulations set a different order of criteria, the regulations apply.
Updated
Why you need a rule for equal points
In a group of four, two teams often finish level on points, and three teams on six points (each beat one of the others) is a classic. Without an agreed order of criteria, promotion is decided by an argument at the scorer's table. Criteria apply in order: the next one is used only when the previous one did not decide.
Default order of criteria in kdovede
This is how kdovede calculates a group table; criteria 2 to 4 count only the matches between the teams that are level on points.
- 1
Points
Points from all group matches. Default 3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss; ball hockey, handball and basketball 2 for a win, set-based sports 3 and 0.
- 2
Head-to-head points
A mini-table of the matches between the tied teams only. More points in it ranks higher.
- 3
Head-to-head goal difference
Goal difference in the mini-table; in set-based sports, set difference.
- 4
Head-to-head goals scored
More goals scored (sets won) in the mini-table.
- 5
Overall goal difference
Goal difference from all group matches. Only here do matches against the other teams count.
- 6
Overall goals scored
More goals scored (sets won) across all group matches.
- 7
Fewer goals conceded
With the same goals scored, fewer goals conceded (sets lost).
- 8
Points difference in sets
Set-based sports only: the points difference within sets across all group matches.
- 9
Seeding order
When everything is equal, the seeding order within the group stands. You set it, so it works like a draw before the tournament.
kdovede builds the mini-table once for the whole set of tied teams; if some separate, it is not recalculated for the remaining pair and the overall figures take over. In sports without draws, the team that won after extra time or a shoot-out gets the win. Points per result are set per tournament (defaults on the sport pages); the order of criteria is fixed for now.
What is usual in each sport
Federation rulebooks differ and change; this is only the usual shape. For your tournament, the regulations apply.
Football and futsal
- Usually points, a head-to-head mini-table, overall goal difference, goals scored, lots. Some competitions put overall goal difference first, so check the regulations.Football tournamentFutsal tournament
Floorball
- Usually points, head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored; on a complete tie, lots or a shoot-out as the regulations say.Floorball tournament
Handball
- Usually points, a head-to-head mini-table including goals, then overall goal difference and goals scored. Defaults: 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw.Handball tournament
Basketball
- No draws; overtime is played. Usually head-to-head first (points and points difference), then points difference and points scored overall.Basketball tournament
Volleyball and other set-based sports
- Usually matches won and points first (often 3, 2, 1, 0 by set score), then set and point ratios, and only then head-to-head. kdovede uses differences, not ratios; if your regulations require ratios, settle a tie by them.Volleyball tournament
Example: three teams on equal points
A group of four, round robin, 3 points for a win. Three teams have two wins each, the fourth lost everything.
- Team A – Team B2:1
- Team B – Team C1:0
- Team C – Team A1:0
- Team A – Team D3:0
- Team B – Team D1:0
- Team C – Team D2:0
| Team | P | W | D | L | Goals | +/− | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team A | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5:2 | +3 | 6 |
| Team B | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3:2 | +1 | 6 |
| Team C | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3:1 | +2 | 6 |
| Team D | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0:6 | −6 | 0 |
| Team | Goals | +/− | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team A | 2:2 | 0 | 3 |
| Team B | 2:2 | 0 | 3 |
| Team C | 1:1 | 0 | 3 |
- 1
Points: A, B and C have 6 points, D has 0. Fourth place is clear; the first three are decided among three teams.
- 2
Head-to-head points: each of the three won once and lost once, all have 3 points. Undecided.
- 3
Head-to-head goal difference: A 2:2, B 2:2, C 1:1, all 0. Still undecided.
- 4
Head-to-head goals scored: A 2, B 2, C 1. Team C is third.
- 5
Overall goal difference for A and B: A +3 (5:2), B +1 (3:2). Team A is first, B second.
- 1. Team A
- 2. Team B
- 3. Team C
- 4. Team D
If overall goal difference counted right after points, the order would be A, C, B: Team C has +2, Team B only +1. Head-to-head takes precedence.
What to write in the regulations
A paragraph on standings belongs in the regulations of every tournament. A sample matching the default calculation in kdovede:
Group standings are decided by: 1. points from all group matches; 2. if two or more teams are level on points, a mini-table of the matches between those teams only, in which points, goal difference and goals scored are compared in turn; 3. overall goal difference; 4. overall goals scored; 5. fewer goals conceded; 6. the seeding order within the group, determined by a draw before the tournament. A win earns 3 points, a draw 1 point, a loss 0 points.
If you want a different order, say overall goal difference before head-to-head or drawing lots, write it into the regulations and settle a tie outside the app; then seed the bracket by hand.
Tie-breaker FAQ
What if three teams are level on points?
- A mini-table is built from their matches against each other only, comparing points, goal difference and goals scored. Whatever it does not settle, overall goal difference and the further criteria do. The example above shows this case.
Does head-to-head or goal difference count first?
- In kdovede and most team sports, head-to-head first, then overall goal difference. In set-based sports the order is usually reversed. The regulations decide.
How are lots drawn?
- Draw lots before the tournament: the seeding order within the group is also the last criterion. If the regulations call for lots only on a tie, do it in public, note it down and seed the bracket by hand.
Can I change the order of criteria in kdovede?
- Points per result, yes; the order of criteria, not yet. If your regulations differ, settle the tie outside the app and seed the next stage by hand.
Standings that calculate themselves
Record the score from your phone and kdovede recalculates the table by these criteria, marks the qualifying places and fills the teams into the bracket.
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