Decision #003 – Playoff Tiebreaker Issue

Group of sports officials in striped uniforms discussing on a football field.

Case Summary
At the end of the 2025 regular season, Team E and Team F finished with identical records, competing for the final playoff spot. The league’s written rules stated “ties will be broken by commissioner discretion,” but no specific method (points for, head-to-head record, or other metrics) was outlined.

Arguments Presented

  • Team E argued that total points scored should be the fair tiebreaker, since it reflects overall season performance.
  • Team F argued that head-to-head record should take priority, since it directly compares the two tied teams.

Evidence Considered

  • Total season points: Team E had scored more overall.
  • Head-to-head matchups: Team F had defeated Team E in their only meeting.
  • League rulebook: ambiguous wording.

Analysis
FantasyCourt favors clear, objective tiebreakers. In most modern fantasy leagues, head-to-head record is the primary tiebreaker, followed by points scored. Since Team F won the direct matchup, it provides the most fair and transparent resolution under the circumstances.

Ruling
The playoff spot is awarded to Team F. Obviously, this was a big flaw in their system that no one noticed, Additionally, FantasyCourt advises the league to formally adopt a multi-step tiebreaker system (head-to-head → total points → bench points, etc.) before the next season to prevent future disputes.

Decision Date: August 12, 2025