THE ROAD TO THE SUPER SIXTEEN
Your questions answered. Our unique League Tournament format combines qualifying events, verified games, Circuit rankings, and championship opportunities. Everything you need to know about the road to the Super Sixteen starts here.
01 / Qualifier Format
What is a 5X5 Qualifier?
A 5X5 Qualifier is a compact competitive event designed to help teams build their verified qualifying record, earn Circuit ranking points, and compete for a place in the Super Sixteen.
Rather than committing to an entire season or weekend tournament, teams can participate in smaller events throughout the qualifying cycle.
How does a six-team Qualifier work?
Six teams are divided into two groups of three. Each group plays a three-game round robin, with every team playing two games.
The two group winners advance to a championship game, producing seven total games. Only the two finalists play a third game.
Do we have to join a full CCFL Boston season?
No. Independent teams may participate in standalone 5X5 Qualifiers.
Officially designated qualifying games within CCFL Boston League Tournament competition can also count toward a team's verified qualifying games and Circuit ranking.
How much does it cost to participate in a Qualifier?
The standard registration fee for a standalone 5X5 Qualifier is $30 per participating player.
Players registered for a paid CCFL Boston Spring or Fall League Tournament season receive one included Qualifier appearance as part of their season registration.
Additional Qualifier appearances are $30 per participating player.
Independent teams and Free Agent Pool participants are subject to applicable Qualifier registration fees.
02 / Super Sixteen Qualification
How does a team earn an automatic bid (AutoBid)?
Win two official 5X5 Qualifiers during the qualifying cycle and satisfy all applicable team and player eligibility requirements.
An AutoBid secures a Super Sixteen championship berth once the eligibility requirements are met.
Can a team qualify without winning two Qualifiers?
Yes. Eligible teams may also qualify through their overall Circuit ranking and available championship positions.
Every verified qualifying game contributes to the team's record, even if it does not win a Qualifier championship.
How many games and events does a team need?
- At least six verified qualifying games.
- At least two official Qualifier appearances.
- No more than three official Qualifier appearances during a qualifying cycle.
Officially designated CCFL Boston qualifying games may count toward the six-game requirement.
If we win two Qualifiers, can we play another?
Yes, provided the team has not exceeded the three-Qualifier maximum.
Additional success can improve championship seeding, increase Circuit ranking points, and increase the team's potential stake in the Super Sixteen prize pool.
03 / Players and Rosters
How does a player become Super Sixteen eligible?
A player must complete three verified qualifying games with the team they intend to represent at the championship.
Free Agent Pool appearances do not count toward this requirement.
Can a player belong to two teams?
Yes. A player may register with up to two regular Circuit teams.
Any two regular Circuit teams may share a maximum of three registered players.
A player cannot represent both teams in the same game.
What happens if a shared player's teams meet in the championship?
The player must choose which team to represent in that matchup.
If eligible with both teams, the player may continue with the surviving team in later championship rounds.
What is the Free Agent Pool?
The Free Agent Pool allows teams to use available players outside their regular rosters during qualifying games.
Each team may use a maximum of two Free Agent Pool players per qualifying game.
These appearances do not count toward a player's three-game championship eligibility requirement.
Can we change our roster during the Circuit?
Yes. Teams can develop and adjust their rosters during qualifying competition.
Super Sixteen championship rosters are limited to 10 players and are finalized seven days before the championship.
Approved replacements before a team's first championship game must also meet the three-game eligibility requirement.
04 / Rankings and Prize Pool
How are Circuit ranking points earned?
Teams earn:
- 3 points for a win.
- 1 point for a tie.
- 0 points for a loss.
Qualifier finishes add bonuses, including +3 for Gold and +1 for Silver.
Additional published ranking adjustments and tiebreakers apply. New teams receive provisional rankings until completing six verified qualifying games.
What is the $5,000 Prize Pool?
The Super Sixteen Championship features a $5,000 Prize Pool that may include monetary and nonmonetary awards.
Prize distributions are governed by the published championship rules.
What does a $200 stake mean?
A team that wins an official 5X5 Qualifier earns a $200 stake in the Super Sixteen Prize Pool.
The team carries that stake into the Super Sixteen Championship. The stake becomes eligible for an award if the team finishes among the top eight.
A stake is not a guaranteed payment or necessarily a monetary award. The prize pool may include monetary and nonmonetary prizes.
Teams can earn additional stakes by winning additional Qualifiers, subject to the three-event maximum and published prize rules.
Does winning one Qualifier guarantee a Super Sixteen spot?
No. One Qualifier championship earns ranking benefits and a potential prize-pool stake.
Two Qualifier championships, together with the eligibility requirements, earn an AutoBid.
Questions? Contact the Commissioner before your next Qualifier.