When setting up a competition in LeagueRepublic, you typically choose between division formats, tournaments (cups), or other match types depending on how teams should play each other.
Divisions are used when all teams play each other in a league table.
Tournaments are used for knockout or elimination competitions.
Other matches can be used for friendlies or matches that don’t affect standings.
Choosing the correct format helps LeagueRepublic automatically manage schedules, standings and progression through the competition.
Division Format (Round Robin Leagues)
A division format is also known as a round robin or all-play-all format.
In this format, every team in the division plays every other team a set number of times.
Example
If a division has 8 teams and each team plays every other team twice:
Each team plays 14 matches
All results contribute to the division standings
This is the most common format for league competitions.
When to Use Divisions
Create divisions when:
All teams play each other 1, 2, 3 or 4 times
Teams from different divisions may also play each other
You have group stages with more than 6 teams per group
You want to create league standings based on results
Divisions automatically calculate standings such as:
Points
Wins / losses
Goal or frame difference
Other ranking rules
Divisions With Playoffs
Some leagues run playoffs after the regular season.
Example structure:
Stage 1 - Division season
10 teams play each other twice
Stage 2 - Playoffs
Top 4 teams advance
Semi-finals and final determine the champion
In LeagueRepublic, you would:
Create the division first
Then create a tournament for the playoffs
Tournament Format (Cups)
Tournaments are used for competitions where teams are eliminated after losing or progress through different stages.
LeagueRepublic supports several tournament formats.
Single Knockout Tournament
Also known as:
Knockout tournament
Sudden death format
In this format:
Teams are paired in each round
The loser of each match is eliminated
Winners advance to the next round
Example:
Double or Triple Elimination Tournaments
Some tournaments allow teams to lose more than once before being eliminated.
Double Elimination
A double elimination tournament has two stages:
Winners bracket
Losers bracket
If a team loses in the winners bracket, they move to the losers bracket.
A team is eliminated after losing two matches.
Triple Elimination
A triple elimination tournament includes an additional stage where the losing teams in the losers stage play.
Typical LeagueRepublic Setup
To create these formats:
Create a single knockout tournament
Add additional elimination stages
This allows teams to move between brackets.
Group Stage Tournaments
A group stage tournament starts with teams divided into groups.
Within each group:
Teams play each other once or twice
Top teams advance to knockout rounds
Example:
Stage 1 - Group stage
4 groups of 4 teams
Stage 2 - Knockout stage
Quarter-finals
Semi-finals
Final
When to Use Divisions Instead
If groups contain more than 6 teams, it is usually better to create divisions instead of a group-stage tournament.
This allows the scheduler to automatically manage fixtures.
You can then add a knockout tournament later for the finals.
Other Tournament Formats
LeagueRepublic tournaments can contain multiple stages.
For example, you can combine:
Group stages
Knockout stages
Elimination stages
Stages can be added manually to create almost any tournament structure.
Other Matches (Friendlies)
If you want to record matches that do not affect standings, create Other Matches.
These are useful for:
Friendly matches
Practice games
Exhibition matches
Results are recorded but do not affect league tables or tournaments.
Ladder Format Leagues
Some leagues use a ladder format, where teams move up or down the standings depending on match results.
To create this format:
Create a division
Enable the ladder format setting
Go to:
Setup > Standings Setup
This allows winners to move above the teams they defeat in the standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a division and a tournament?
A division is a league where all teams play each other and standings determine the winner.
A tournament is a competition where teams are eliminated as they lose matches.
Can I run a league season and playoffs?
Yes. Create a division for the regular season and then create a tournament for the playoff stage.
Can LeagueRepublic manage group stages and knockout stages together?
Yes. You can create tournaments with multiple stages, such as group stages followed by knockout rounds.
What format should I use for a typical sports league?
Most leagues use:
Division format for the regular season
Knockout tournament for playoffs or cups