How to Use a Division Ladder

Recreational sports or gaming leagues often feature participants that cannot afford to completely reschedule their evenings or weekends in order to play scheduled matches. A division ladder system is a method of running a league that allows players to find opponents that match their schedules and then fit in their matches at a time convenient for both. In addition to freedom of scheduling, the use of multiple divisions ensures players are matched up with those of similar skill levels.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check your assigned position on the table at the start of the league, or your position at the start of a new challenge week during the season.

    • 2

      Challenge an opponent within the set range above you on the ladder, often between 20 and 25 percent of the total players. For example in a 20-person league, challenges will often have to be against a player that can be enclosed in the same four- or five-person bracket on the ladder.

    • 3

      Respond to the challenges you receive in the week, accepting at least the minimum required by your league.

    • 4

      Schedule matches with any challenges of yours that have been accepted as well as any challenges you have agreed upon.

    • 5

      Play the matches as scheduled.

    • 6

      Move up to the spot previously occupied by your opponent when beating a higher opponent, or drop one spot to accommodate your opponent's move if you lose to a lower opponent.

    • 7

      Repeat the challenging process throughout the season in an attempt to be at the top of your division at the end of the season or, if in a promotion-based league, in one of the spots in your division that will allow you to move up to the next division for the following season.