How to Determine a Tie Breaker in a Tournament

Even if a good system is in place to determine an outright winner in a tournament, there is inevitably a time when a tie breaker is necessary. It could manifest itself in the actual tournament play if the sports regularly have ties, such as soccer or hockey. However, there's also the issue of eligibility to get into a tournament. If two or more teams all have the same record, how do you determine who gets in and who doesn't? In many ways, it's all about delving into the hair-splitting minutiae, but there is usually a clear cut winner with the right tie breaking procedure.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have a playoff, if possible. Ultimately, this is the best way to decide, as the "what if's?" will be thrown by the wayside and there will be no shadow of a doubt who the winner of the tie is. For example, the NCAA basketball tournament has play in games every year between borderline teams to determine who will enter the final field of play.

    • 2

      Look at the head-to-head records. If a playoff is not feasible, then examine how the tied teams fared against each other during the regular season or tournament. Both teams may have the same win-loss record, but one may have dominated the other when they faced off.

    • 3

      Consider the records versus common opponents. This works well for both team and individual sports, such as basketball or tennis, for example. Two tied teams or players may be different in that one may have gone 4-1 against the same opponents that the other went 0-5 against.

    • 4

      Use a points system, if applicable, such as the one hockey uses that keeps a tally of not only wins, losses and ties, but also points earned---or deducted---for said accomplishments. If a regular system is not in place, then consider implementing one for the tournament.