Divisions FAQ

We're introducing Upper & Lower divisions for round-robin play to create better-matched games and a more enjoyable experience for all teams. Lower focuses on lower-pressure games with fewer extreme mismatches, while Upper represents the same Western Cup format teams have always played in.

Teams choose either Upper or Lower for the round robin:

• Lower Division: For teams seeking lower-pressure games and fewer large mismatches.
• Upper Division: The same Western Cup experience teams have always had in previous years.

After round robin play, all teams advance into the same unified playoff structure.

Yes. Just like in past Western Cups, every team advances into one unified playoff structure (A, B, C, D, etc.). Divisions only affect round-robin matchups.

Points are earned continuously based on how each game unfolds, including:

• Scoring performance
• Last-rock advantage
• Wins, losses, and ties

These points are collected across all pools and are used to seed teams into playoff brackets.

Lower teams earn half the points for the same in-game outcomes as Upper teams. This makes it mathematically impossible for Lower teams to reach the top playoff brackets, while still keeping everyone in a unified playoff system.

Lower teams cannot reach the highest playoff brackets due to the half-point system. However, Upper teams that struggle in round robin play can fall into the lower playoff brackets. Because of this, some crossover is possible in the middle or lower playoff pools.

The Lower Division is ideal for:

• Teams seeking lower-pressure games
• Teams that struggled with large mismatches in past Western Cups
• Developing teams
• Any team that would benefit from closer round-robin games

Lower is about creating a better game experience — not assigning labels.

This is not a commitment. It simply helps organizers:

• Estimate demand for the Lower Division
• Size the division properly
• Build better-matched pools

The Lower Division has a limited number of spots. Opening it earlier:

• Gives interested teams first access
• Prevents overfilling
• Allows for quick confirmation or waitlisting

If a team misses out on the Lower Division, they can still register for the Upper Division when that tier opens.

No. Upper simply represents the same Western Cup format that all teams have always played. Lower is an additional option for teams who want closer round-robin games.

Registration opens on January 3, 2026. The exact time will be announced soon. The Lower Division will open 2 hours before the Upper Division.