How results are calculated in round robin brackets?

In round-robin brackets (abbreviated as RR), each competitor faces every other competitor in their group. This format ensures that all athletes get multiple matches, making the competition fairer than single elimination brackets.

However, in such competitions, a problem arises when determining the final classification: What happens when multiple competitors have the same number of wins?

For example, in a 3-person category, it's possible that each athlete wins one match and loses one match. In such cases, the system needs a fair way to determine who deserves 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

How the system works

To solve this problem, MartialMatch calculates a score for each match. After all matches are completed, the system compares these scores to determine the final ranking.

The score takes into account not just whether you won or lost, but how you won - rewarding dominant performances.

Rules for different scoreboards

The classification of competitors in a round-robin system may vary depending on the scoreboard used. Below are the detailed rules for calculating rankings for matches using different scoreboards.

Rules for matches using BJJ scoreboard

For matches using the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scoreboard, the system evaluates matches based on the following criteria, in order of importance:

Winning the match (most important) - Winning always gives you a significantly higher score than losing.
Winning by submission - Among winners, those who finish by submission are ranked higher than those who win by points. Example: If two competitors both have 1 win and 1 loss, the competitor who won by submission will be ranked higher than the competitor who won by points.
Major points scored - If multiple competitors won in similar ways, the system looks at major points scored during your matches. More points indicate a more dominant performance. Example: A competitor who won 10-0 is ranked higher than a competitor who won 6-4.
Advantages scored - After major points, the system considers advantages. These are awarded for nearly successful techniques or positional improvements. Example: If two competitors have similar wins and major points, the one with more advantages throughout their matches will be ranked higher.
Lost major points - As a final criterion, the system considers how many major points you lost (gave up to your opponents) across all your matches. Giving up fewer points indicates better defense. Example: If two competitors are still tied after the above criteria, the one who conceded fewer points to their opponents will be ranked higher.
Time spent in matches - If after all the above criteria it's still not possible to determine who is better, the system compares the total time spent in matches. That is, the competitor who won by submission faster is ranked higher.

Rules for matches using MMA scoreboard

For matches using the MMA scoreboard, the system evaluates matches based on the following criteria, in order of importance:

Winning the match (most important) - Winning always gives you a significantly higher score than losing.
Winning by submission, KO, or TKO - Among winners, those who finish by submission, knockout, or technical knockout are ranked higher than those who win by judges' decision. Example: If two competitors both have 1 win and 1 loss, the competitor who won by KO will be ranked higher than the competitor who won by judges' decision.
Earlier round of finish - Among competitors who finished by submission, KO, or TKO, those who finished in an earlier round are ranked higher. Example: A competitor who won by submission in round 1 is ranked higher than a competitor who won by submission in round 2.
Faster finish within the round - If two competitors finished in the same round, the one who finished in less elapsed time is ranked higher. Example: If two competitors both won by KO in round 1, the one who finished after 1 minute is ranked higher than the one who finished after 2 minutes.

Rules for matches using wrestling scoreboard

For matches using the wrestling scoreboard, the system evaluates matches based on the following criteria, in order of importance:

Winning the match (most important) - Winning always gives you a significantly higher score than losing.
Major points scored - If multiple competitors won in similar ways, the system looks at major points scored during your matches. More points indicate a more dominant performance. Example: A competitor who won 10-0 is ranked higher than a competitor who won 6-4.
Winning by pins - Among winners with similar major points, those who finish by pinning to back are ranked higher than those who win by points. Example: If two competitors both have 1 win and 1 loss with similar major point totals, the competitor who won by pinning to back will be ranked higher than the competitor who won by points.
Winning by a technical advantage of 4:0 - If a competitor wins by a technical advantage of 4:0, they are ranked higher than those who win by points. Example: If two competitors both have 1 win and 1 loss, the competitor who won by a technical advantage of 4:0 will be ranked higher than the competitor who won by points.
Technical points scored - After major points, the system considers technical points. These are awarded for specific, allowed wrestling maneuvers and techniques. Example: If two competitors have similar wins and major points, the one with more technical points throughout their matches will be ranked higher.
Technical points lost - As a final criterion, the system considers how many technical points you lost (gave up to your opponents) across all your matches. Giving up fewer points indicates better defense. Example: If two competitors are still tied after the above criteria, the one who conceded fewer points to their opponents will be ranked higher.

Rules for matches using Fighting scoreboard

For matches using the Ju-Jitsu Fighting System scoreboard, the system evaluates matches based on the following criteria, in order of importance. This order follows the JJIF tie-break rules:

Winning the match (most important) - Winning always gives you a significantly higher score than losing.
Winning by a decisive finish - Among winners, those who finish the match early rank higher than those who win on accumulated points. A decisive finish means Full-ippon (an Ippon in all three Parts), Hansoku-make (opponent disqualified for penalties), Fusen-gashi (walk-over), Kiken-gashi (opponent withdrawal), or disqualification. Example: If two competitors both have 1 win and 1 loss, the one who won by Full-ippon will be ranked higher than the one who won on points.
Total points scored - If competitors won in similar ways, the system compares the total points scored across all their matches, including the Waza-ari points awarded from the opponent's Shido and Chui penalties. Example: A competitor who won 7:0 is ranked higher than a competitor who won 5:2.
Number of Parts with an Ippon - Next, the system counts how many different Parts (1, 2 or 3) the competitor scored at least one Ippon in, across all their matches. Scoring Ippons in more Parts indicates a more complete performance. Example: If two competitors have equal total points, the one who scored an Ippon in two Parts is ranked higher than the one who scored Ippons in only one Part.
Total number of Ippons - As a final criterion, the system compares the total number of Ippons scored across all matches. Example: If two competitors are still tied, the one who scored more Ippons overall will be ranked higher.

If competitors remain tied after all of the above, JJIF rules call for an extra round, which the officials run separately.