> 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/introduction-to-team-cups.md).

# Introduction to Team Cups

A **Team Cup** in RUFUS Race Manager (RRM) is a competition format that allows **clubs, teams, or groups of participants** to compete collectively across one or more races. Instead of ranking individual athletes only, Team Cups aggregate results at team level, producing a **team-based classification**.

Team Cups are ideal for:

* Club championships
* League-style competitions
* Youth, masters, or mixed-team challenges
* Multi-race or multi-stage events

Each Team Cup defines **how teams are formed**, **who qualifies**, and **how results are calculated**, ensuring fair and transparent rankings.

## How Team Cups Work

A Team Cup evaluates teams using participants who belong to the same team and meet the cup’s defined rules. Once configured, RRM automatically:

* Detects teams from the selected races
* Validates eligibility based on roster and age rules
* Calculates team scores or times
* Produces a ranked team classification

All calculations are dynamic and update instantly when results change.

## Core Features of Team Cups

#### Team Composition Rules

Team Cups allow you to define **which types of teams can compete**, including:

* Male teams
* Female teams
* Mixed teams

For mixed teams, additional rules can be applied, such as:

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

This flexibility makes it easy to adapt to different competition formats.

#### Roster Size and Scoring Members

Each Team Cup defines:

* Minimum and maximum team size
* How many members contribute to the final score

You can choose whether:

* All team members classify, or
* Only the best-performing members count toward the result

This allows formats such as *“best 3 athletes per team”* or *full team scoring*.

#### Age-Based Team Cups

Team Cups can enforce **age restrictions**, enabling:

* Youth-only team competitions
* Masters or veterans team cups
* Age-filtered club rankings

Age rules ensure that teams compete within clearly defined categories.

#### Flexible Scoring Models

RRM supports multiple scoring approaches for Team Cups:

* **Position-based** scoring
* **Points table** scoring
* **Time-based** scoring (e.g. summed or averaged times)

Scoring can be calculated using:

* Global rankings
* Gender-based rankings
* Age-group rankings

This allows precise alignment with official race regulations.

#### Tie-Breaking Rules

When teams are tied, RRM applies configurable **tie-breaking rules**, such as:

* Best next scoring athlete
* Progressive comparison of team members

Tie resolution is automatic and fully transparent.

## When to Use Team Cups

Team Cups are especially useful when:

* Clubs compete for collective recognition
* Results must be aggregated across participants
* Rankings depend on structured team rules rather than individuals

They bring clarity, consistency, and automation to team-based competitions.