The NEDSO Gauntlet
Where seeding matters. Survival is earned. Champions are forged.
NEDSO PLAYOFF SYSTEM
What is the Gauntlet?
Gauntlet (noun):
A severe or trying ordeal; a test of endurance, courage, or strength where survival depends on facing repeated challenges with no easy way out.
What is the Gauntlet?
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Every team qualifies
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No team gets a free ride
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The higher you finish, the easier your path
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The lower you finish, the more you must survive
This is not a comfort bracket.
It's a test.
League Format
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8 total teams
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2 geographic divisions
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4 teams per division
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All teams qualify for playoffs
What changes is how hard the road becomes.
Seeding (How Teams Are Ranked)
Seeding is based on two steps:
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Divisional placement
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Total regular=season points (within each placement tier)
Seeding Breakdown:
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Seeds: #1 – #2 : Division Champions
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Seeds: #3 – #4 : Division runners-up
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Seeds: #5 – #6 : Third-place teams
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Seeds: #7 - #8 : Fourth-place teams
Higher points earn the higher seed within each tier.
Tiebreakers (If Teams Are Tied)
Applied in this order:
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Winning Percentage (PCT)
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Head=to=Head Record
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Run Differential (max +10 per game)
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Runs Allowed (lower is better)
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Coin flip (Commissioner)
Colosseum Phase (Seeds #5 - #8)
Single Elimination – 5 Innings
Lower seeds must survive step by step.
Matchups:
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#7 host #8
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Winner plays #6
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Winner plays #5
All games are hosted by the higher seed.
Lose once → eliminated from the championship path.
Win three straight → advances
Danger Round
7 Innings
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Colosseum Survivor vs #4 seed
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#4 seed chooses bat or field
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Winner advances to the semifinals
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Loser is eliminated from championship contention
By this point, the survivor has played four straight elimination games.
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Colosseum Bonus
If the Colosseum survivor defeats the #4 seed:
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They enter the main semifinal bracket
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They earn + 4 carryover points toward next season's divisional standings
Fire & Forge Bracket (Redemption Tournament)
🔍 View Fire & Forge Bracket Example
Teams eliminated in the Colosseum or Danger Round enter the Fire & Forge Bracket.
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Double Elimination
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5-inning games
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Played during the playoff weekend
Carryover Bonus Points
Applied to next season's divisional standings:
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Champion: +6
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2nd: +4
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3rd: +2
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4th: +1
No team leaves empty-handed.
Every game still matters.
Semifinals
Best-of-Three: 7 innings
Participants:
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#1 seed
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#2 seed
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#3 seed
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Danger Round winner
#1 seed Advantage
#1 seed chooses its opponent:
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#3 seed or
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Danger Round Winner
#2 seed faces the remaining team
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Higher seed hosts Game 1 (Game 3 if needed)
The reward for dominance is choice – and pressure.
The Gauntlet Championship Series
Best-of-Three: 7 innings
Higher remaining seed hosts:
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Game 1
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Game 3 (if needed)
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#3 seed
First team to win two games is crowned champion
The title is earned through consistency – not luck.
The Gauntlet Philosophy
The Gauntlet is not a bracket.
It is a trial
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Divisions matter
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Seeding matters
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Endurance matters
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Momentum matters
This is how NEDSO crowns its champion.