How Ties and Rankings Work

When two or more entries receive the same score, they share the same placement. This guide explains exactly how rankings are determined, with clear examples.

Standard Ranking (No Podium Thresholds)

When podium thresholds are not enabled, rankings follow standard competition rules:

• Entries with the same score share the same rank
• The next rank is skipped to account for the tied positions

Example: Two entries tied for 1st:

Because two entries share 1st place, 2nd place is skipped: the next entry goes straight to 3rd.

Example: Two entries tied for 2nd:

Two entries share 2nd place, so 3rd place is skipped and the next entry is ranked 4th.

Example: Three entries tied for 1st:

Three entries share 1st, so 2nd and 3rd are skipped.

Ranking With Podium Thresholds

When podium thresholds are enabled, the organizer sets minimum scores required for podium placements. For example:

Key rule: If an entry's score doesn't meet the threshold for a podium position, it is ranked 4th or below, even if there are fewer than 3 entries above it.

Example: Ties with thresholds met:

Routine C scores 85, which meets the 3rd place threshold (70). It receives 3rd place. Note that 2nd place is skipped because two entries share 1st.

Example: Ties with threshold NOT met:

Routine C scores 60, which is below the 3rd place threshold of 70. Even though it is the third-highest scoring entry, it does not receive 3rd place. Instead it is ranked 4th, the first non-podium position.

Example: No entries meet a threshold:

No entry meets the 1st place threshold of 90, so 1st place is left empty. Routine A qualifies for 2nd (score ≥ 80). Routine B qualifies for 3rd (score ≥ 70). Routine C doesn't meet any threshold and is ranked 4th.

Why Podium Thresholds Exist

Podium thresholds ensure that placements are earned, not just awarded by default:

• A 1st place truly means an outstanding performance
• An entry shouldn't receive a gold medal simply because no one else competed in that section
• Organizers can set the bar at a level that reflects their competition's standards

Certificates and Ties

• Tied entries receive the same certificate type (e.g., both get Gold for shared 1st)
• If a threshold prevents a podium placement, no placement certificate is awarded for that position (the routine receives a participation certificate when the event issues them)
• Empty podium positions (visible to organizers) show the minimum score required

Summary

Tip: If you're unsure whether an event uses podium thresholds, check the results page. You'll see a note explaining the minimum scores required if thresholds are active.