METHOD OF DETERMINING STANDINGS & TIE BREAKERS

Standings will be determined as follows: two (2) points for a regulation or overtime win, one (1) point is for a final tie or an overtime loss, and zero (0) points for a regulation loss.

Each division will have its own standings and be split into two pools of three teams. Teams will play all three teams from the opposite pool within their division. After these games, the two teams with the highest points in each division will qualify for the Championship Game. The other team’s final finishing order is based on their total points across the three games played.  It's possible for both teams advancing to the Championship Game to come from the same pool.

If a game ends early because of poor sportsmanship, the referees and Tournament Board will decide if one or both teams get game points in the standings, no matter what the score was.      

Every game will be played to completion according to the tournament rules. For instance, if a game is tied after regular time, and the result could affect which teams win, lose, or advance in the standings based on tiebreakers, overtime still will be played before any tiebreakers are used. Tiebreakers only apply to the final standings after the game's final outcome has been decided.

If any team forfeits a game, they receive zero points in the standings for that game.  The opposing team that does not forfeit the game will be considered to have won 5-0 for standings and tiebreaker calculations.

When two or more teams in the same division have the same number of points (a tie), their ranking will be determined by applying the following criteria in order until the tie is broken. Once the tie has been broken, no additional tiebreakers will be used to determine the standings.

1)  Head-to-Head: The outcome of the head-to-head game(s) between the two tied teams will determine their placement in the final standings, with the winner placing above the loser.

2)  Goal Differential. The goal differential for each tied team shall be determined by subtracting total goals against from total goals scored during the tournament. Teams will be ranked in the standings from highest to lowest goal differential, with a higher goal differential receiving a higher placement. Goals scored during shootouts are not included in this calculation.

3) Fewest Goals Allowed. The total number of goals allowed by each tied team throughout the tournament will be compared—excluding goals from shootouts. Teams will finish in order from the fewest to the most goals allowed. This system is designed to promote sportsmanship and discourage teams from excessively increasing scores, as can happen with tiebreakers based on most goals scored.

4) Distance. The team that traveled the farthest, based on the captain’s address from their driver's license or state ID, will rank higher in a tie. This rule aims to reward travel effort, but at this stage, teams are nearly equal—a simple Rock, Paper, Scissors could also be used.