Welcome to the RTV High & Low Set

Let’s dive into the rules, shall we?

 

These will always be the teams that will consistently maintain their spot in the RTV Cup, unless one of the low set teams manages to secure a 1st or 2nd place finish. In that case, they will be promoted into the high set. The same applies to the high set; if a team from this group is relegated, they will be moved down into the low set. Additionally, if a new team achieves the criteria set for either group, they will subsequently be added to the appropriate set as well.

 

 

The RTV Series: High and Low Brackets Explained

The RTV Series is one of the most prestigious cups in the league, entirely run and sponsored by the league owner, Ryan. It’s not a global cup, but in terms of prestige within the league, it’s a highly sought-after trophy. The series has two brackets: High and Low, each with its own unique rules, qualifications, and rewards.

Q1: How do I qualify for the High Bracket?

A1: Finish in the Top 4 of the RFA National Premier League in the past 2 seasons. If a team finishes Top 4 twice, the spot passes to the next best team.

Q2: How do I qualify for the Low Bracket?

A2: Be relegated in the past 3 seasons. Only 8 teams can enter, so one team may miss out if more are eligible.

Q3: How does the league phase work?

A3: 8 teams compete in a round-robin style league. The top 4 advance to the bracket phase. The league phase determines who is ready for the knockout stage.

Q4: How does the bracket phase work?

A4: A live draw sets semi-final matchups. Winners go to the final. There are no second legs or second chances within the bracket phase.

Q5: Can a team compete in both High and Low Brackets?

A5: Rarely. If a team finishes Top 4 in one season and is relegated later, they can compete in both, but this is uncommon.

Q6: What do winners get?

A6: - High Bracket: Grand cash prize (varies by season) + cup displayed next to the badge.

  • Low Bracket: £50,000 + CYP badge. Prestige is minimal, but it’s a test of resilience.

Q7: Are there any exceptions for past performances?

A7: Yes. The High Bracket looks at the past 2 seasons, and the Low Bracket looks at the past 3 seasons. Past achievements or relegations within these ranges affect eligibility.

Q8: Why is the High Bracket called “high”?

A8: It’s the most elite competition in the league, featuring top-performing teams and the hardest challenge.

Q9: Why is the Low Bracket called “low”?

A9: It’s for relegated or struggling teams, testing their skill, stamina, and preparation rather than offering prestige or big money.

Q10: Do all participating teams get something?

A10: Only the winners and sometimes top performers in the league phase gain recognition (bracket participation alone doesn’t guarantee rewards).

 

Q11: Can a team qualify for multiple seasons in a row?

A11: Yes, but only one slot per team counts if they finished Top 4 twice — the next eligible team gets a chance.

 

Q12: Can a team from the Low Bracket move to High Bracket?

A12: Yes, if they perform well and climb the league, finishing Top 4 in the Premier League.

 

Q13: What happens if a team withdraws mid-tournament?

A13: The league owner decides whether to replace them or advance their scheduled opponent automatically.

 

Q14: Can a team in the High Bracket still get relegated?

A20: High Bracket occurs after the season. If a team is already in the bracket, relegation doesn’t affect their current participation.

 

Q15: Are there tie-breakers in the league phase?

A21: Yes, typically points → goal difference → head-to-head results → then a draw if still tied.

 

Q16: Can a team win both brackets in the same season?

A17: Theoretically yes, but extremely rare. They would need to finish Top 4 in the league and be relegated simultaneously, then win both brackets.

 

Q17: How often does the High Bracket prize change?

A17: Every season, based on league sponsorship and finances determined by Ryan.

 

Q18: Can the Low Bracket reward increase?

A24: Yes, but historically it has stayed around £50,000. It’s mostly symbolic.

Q19: Why is the High Bracket prestigious?

A29: It features the elite teams in the league, offers a grand prize, and the winner’s cup is displayed permanently.

 

Q20: Why is the Low Bracket important?

A20: It tests team resilience and strategy, helping relegated teams gauge their performance for the future.

 

Q21: Has any team dominated the Low Bracket historically?

A21: Yes, some teams have won multiple times, showcasing their ability to rebuild after relegation.

 

Q22: Does the Low Bracket affect league rankings?

A22: No, it’s a separate competition but helps teams prepare for the next season.

 

Q23: Can a High Bracket team be demoted in real-time?

A23: No, the bracket is post-season, so their league status doesn’t change current participation.

Q24: How many seasons of RTV Series exist?

A24: Ongoing — every season builds on the last, considering the past 6 seasons for High and past 6 seasons for Low.

 

Q25: Can the same team win multiple High Brackets consecutively?

A25: Yes, some dominant teams have done so.

 

Q26: Can a team skip the league phase?

A26: No, every qualified team must start in the league stage.

 

Q27: Are there awards for semi-finalists?

A27: Typically no. Only champions (and sometimes runners-up) get rewards.

 

Q28: Does performance in RTV affect league points?

A28: No, the RTV Series is separate from league standings.

 

Q29: Can fans watch the live draw?

A29: Yes, the live draw is public and adds excitement for fans.

 

Q30: Why does one relegated team miss out in Low Bracket?

A38: Because 3 teams per season × 3 seasons = 9 teams, and only 8 can compete.

High Bracket (High Series)

The High Bracket is designed for the best-performing teams in the league, making it extremely competitive. Here’s how it works:

Qualification

Teams qualify for the High Bracket based on performance in the RFA National Premier League over the past two seasons.

Specifically:

Only the Top 4 teams from each of the past two seasons are eligible.

If a team finishes in the Top 4 in both seasons, they automatically drop out of consideration for the second season’s qualification, allowing the next best-performing team to take their spot. This ensures new teams get a chance.

Example:

If Team A finished 2nd in Season 6 and 3rd in Season 7, they still qualify because the rule allows for inclusion of teams within the past 2 seasons.

Tournament Format

Initial League Phase

8 teams compete in a league format.

Only the top 4 teams advance to the bracket stage.

This makes the initial league extremely competitive since half the teams get eliminated immediately.

Bracket Phase

A live draw determines the semi-final matchups.

Winners of the semis advance to the final.

There are no second legs — one match decides who moves on.

Winners receive a grand prize (amount varies by season) and a cup displayed next to their badge in the trophy cabinet.

Additional Notes

Teams that finished in the top 4 within the past 2 seasons can have a “second chance” even if they didn’t qualify directly for the current season.

Only the best 8 teams make it to the league phase, making it one of the hardest challenges in the league’s history.

Low Bracket (Low Series)

The Low Bracket is tougher in a different way: it’s for teams that are struggling or have been relegated. While the prestige is lower, it’s still important for building experience and morale.

Qualification

Only teams relegated in the past 3 seasons are eligible.

Example:

If 3 teams are relegated per season, over 3 seasons, there are 9 teams.

Since only 8 teams can compete, one team misses out, which adds another layer of competition and drama.

Tournament Format

Initial League Phase

9 teams compete in a league format.

Only the top 8 advance to the bracket stage.

Bracket Phase

Similar to the High Bracket:

Semi-finals → Final

No second legs

The winner earns £50,000 and a badge update (CYP) in the trophy room.

While the monetary prize is modest compared to the High Bracket, it provides a benchmark to test team performance.

Special Notes

Teams that finish Top 4 in the high league and then get relegated can compete in both brackets simultaneously, though this is rare.

The Low Bracket is about experience, resilience, and preparation for the next season, rather than glory or massive prizes.