1. COMPETITIONS

2. KNOCKOUTS
Simple format: 1 team plays another the winner goes on to the next round.
Mainly played in rounds with teams or players seeded.
Used in nearly all major sports and games.

4. Advantages / Disadvantages
Quick and easy
Allows for high numbers (half drop out each round)
Lose you only play one game
May need qualifying events or byes to get the right number to lose half each round.

5. LEAGUES Most common of all forms of competition.
Teams or competitors playing each other, often twice in a season.

7. LEAGUES ADVANTAGES Can cater for large entry with several leagues
Everyone has the same number of games
Arrangements made in advance
DISADVANTAGES
Goes on for a long time
Can take years to move up the leagues
Fixture congestion at the end of the season.

8. LADDERS
There is a set number of players or teams on a list or ‘ladder’. You challenge people above you and take their place if you win.

10. LADDERS ADVANTAGES Well suited to squash, badminton or tennis
Very simple to run
DISADVANTAGES
Progress can be slow.
Only suitable for a fairly small entry.

11. COMBINATION EVENTS
Combine elements of some or all of the previous competitions.
Qualifying competitions may be played in leagues and winners proceed to further leagues or the knock out stage.

13. COMBINATION EVENTS ADVANTAGES As many games as you like can be played
Teams get more than one chance to qualify
Allows for high number of teams
DISADVANTAGES
Long time to complete
May be meaningless games where teams have already qualified.

14. FIFA WORLD CUP