How to break ties in sports

Head-to-head record

When two teams are tied in the standings, the first tiebreaker is the head-to-head record. The team with the better head-to-head record wins the tiebreaker.

Winning percentage against teams with a .500 or better record

If the teams are tied in the head-to-head record, the next tiebreaker is the winning percentage against teams with a .500 or better record. The team with the better winning percentage wins the tiebreaker.

Points scored

If the teams are tied in the winning percentage against teams with a .500 or better record, the next tiebreaker is the points scored. The team with the more points scored wins the tiebreaker.

Fewest points allowed

If the teams are tied in the points scored, the next tiebreaker is the fewest points allowed. The team with the fewest points allowed wins the tiebreaker.

Coin flip

If the teams are still tied after all of the other tiebreakers, the tie will be broken by a coin flip.