> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.runonrufus.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.runonrufus.com/rufus-race-manager/team-cups/creating-a-team-cup.md).

# Creating a Team Cup

This article explains how to create and configure a **Team Cup** in RUFUS Race Manager (RRM). A Team Cup defines how teams are formed, which participants qualify, and how team results are calculated across one or more races.

## General Settings

<figure><img src="https://3584810045-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrWGIMpODLJh7hQ9aW4jB%2Fuploads%2FZuv0voY0BuNUh8MbQAVr%2FScreenshot%202025-12-15%20at%2017.11.21.png?alt=media&amp;token=73b2144b-7812-4c4c-b2b3-f91f97899fd1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Team Cup General Settings</p></figcaption></figure>

### Cup Name

The **Cup name** identifies the Team Cup in the interface and results. It should clearly describe the competition, such as:

* Club Championship
* Mixed Teams Cup
* Youth Team Ranking

This name is visible to staff and appears in exports.

### Team Composition

Team composition defines **which team types can compete**:

* Male teams
* Female teams
* Mixed teams

For mixed teams, you can apply additional constraints:

* Minimum athletes per gender
* Percentage-based gender balance
* No gender requirement

These rules ensure fair participation according to the competition format.

### Eligible Races

A Team Cup can include **one or multiple races**. Only participants from the selected races are considered when forming teams and calculating results.

This makes Team Cups suitable for:

* Single-race team competitions
* Multi-race or league-style cups

## Roster & Age Rules

<figure><img src="https://3584810045-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrWGIMpODLJh7hQ9aW4jB%2Fuploads%2FePZsbngQ35opJOEdhWrh%2FScreenshot%202025-12-15%20at%2017.11.54.png?alt=media&amp;token=6799af7b-448b-464e-8f0e-c428fdc1ec06" alt=""><figcaption><p>Rooster and Age Rules for the Team Cup</p></figcaption></figure>

### Team Size and Scoring Members

In this section, you define:

* Minimum number of members required per team
* Maximum number of members allowed
* How many members contribute to the final score

You can choose between:

* **All members classify** – every athlete contributes
* **Only best members classify** – only the top-performing athletes are counted

This allows formats such as “best 3 athletes per team” while still allowing larger rosters.

### Age Restrictions

Age filters can be enabled to enforce:

* Youth-only team competitions
* Masters or veterans team cups

Only participants matching the age criteria will be considered when forming teams.

## Scoring & Tie-Breakers

<figure><img src="https://3584810045-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrWGIMpODLJh7hQ9aW4jB%2Fuploads%2FcNYjzqRB23UvbTGKxu2C%2FScreenshot%202025-12-15%20at%2017.12.10.png?alt=media&amp;token=7203f7e5-8f24-4b87-8409-6de46c2f37bc" alt=""><figcaption><p>Scoring &#x26; Tie-Breakers rules for the Team Cup</p></figcaption></figure>

### Scoring Model

RRM supports multiple scoring models for Team Cups:

* **Position-based** scoring
* **Points table** scoring
* **Time-based** scoring

Scoring can be calculated using:

* Global ranking
* Gender ranking
* Age-group ranking

The selected model determines how individual performances contribute to the team result. If **Points table** scoring is selected, you can edit the ranking points by clicking in the **EDIT POINTS TABLE** button.

<figure><img src="https://3584810045-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FrWGIMpODLJh7hQ9aW4jB%2Fuploads%2FGILi1FYzEoHqVycSfOSj%2FScreenshot%202025-12-15%20at%2017.12.32.png?alt=media&amp;token=e1c7f50d-6840-48b2-b3c0-344965de008c" alt=""><figcaption><p>Table Points Edit Dialog</p></figcaption></figure>

### Tie-Breaking Rules

When two or more teams finish with the same score or time, RUFUS Race Manager applies a **tie-breaking rule** to determine their final order. Tie-breakers are evaluated automatically during ranking calculation.

The following options are available:

#### None

No tie-breaker is applied.\
If teams remain tied after scoring, they will share the same rank.

#### Best Individual Position

The team with the **best single individual result** (highest position achieved by any team member) is ranked higher.

This option prioritizes standout performances within a team.

#### Better Next Scoring Member

Teams are compared by evaluating their **next best scoring member**, starting from the highest contributor and progressing down the roster until the tie is resolved.

This is a common and fair approach for team classifications where multiple members contribute to the result.

#### Highest Number of Finishers

The team with the **greater number of classified finishers** is ranked higher.

This option rewards teams with stronger participation and depth.

#### Lowest Total Time of Best Members

The team with the **lowest combined time** of its scoring members is ranked higher.

This is especially useful for time-based Team Cups where consistency across top athletes matters.

#### Head-to-Head Comparison

Teams are compared based on **direct performance against each other** within the same races.

This option is useful in league-style or recurring competitions where teams face each other multiple times.

#### How Tie-Breakers Are Applied

* Tie-breakers are applied **only when teams are tied**
* The selected rule is evaluated automatically
* Rankings update dynamically if results change

Choosing the appropriate tie-breaker ensures transparent and predictable team rankings aligned with your competition rules.

## Example: Youth Mixed Team Cup

Below is an example of a typical Team Cup configuration.

#### Scenario

An event organizer wants to create a **Youth Mixed Team Cup** for a 10 km race.

#### Configuration

* **Team composition**: Mixed teams
* **Gender rule**: Minimum 1 male and 1 female per team
* **Team size**:
  * Minimum members: 2
  * Maximum members: 6
* **Scoring members**: Best 3 athletes per team
* **Age restriction**: Youth category only
* **Scoring model**: Time-based
* **Scoring method**: Average time of scoring members

#### Result

* Teams are detected automatically from race participants data
* Only teams meeting gender and age rules become eligible
* Each team’s final time is calculated as the average of its best three athletes
* Teams are ranked from fastest to slowest

This setup produces a clear, fair, and easily explainable team classification.