I've had a few enquiries about the compilation of the League Tables, and in particular about the resolution of positions if two (or more) teams are level on points.

I shall attempt to explain the system I'm using (which is what I believe to be the one traditionally used by England Basketball), and the reasons for it.

At the end of a season, if teams are tied on points, it is games between the tied teams that determines placings. A theoretical mini-table is constructed, based on those results. If any of the teams are still tied, in this table, points difference (scored minus conceded) in the games between them is taken into account - the team with the higher (positive) difference taking the higher placing.

Only in the unlikely event of any teams still being tied (for instance Reading and Plymouth in the Trophy) is total point difference (from all their games in the competition) used to determine their relative positions.

Now that's a fairly longwinded (though fair, and relatively straightforward) method. However, if there is a computer programme which will do this task automatically, then:

a) I don't know where to find it;

b) It would certainly be too expensive if I did know.

So, if tables are to be produced in a reasonable time during the season, a different method of resolving a tie on points has to be used - one which can be easily applied on a simple spreadsheet.

The following is the system in common use where teams are tied on points during the course of the campaign:

1. Where teams have played a different number of games, the team which has played less is placed higher;

2. If teams are still tied, they are separated using total points difference in all games they've played in the competition.

3. A highly unlikely continued tie would be resolved in favour of the team which has scored most points (even though they will also have conceded most).

4. I've never yet come across teams with identical records after all three steps have been followed (though it can happen after just one or two games). If it did occur I'd give up, and place them equal!

So, like it or not, agree with it or not, that's the system in use, and has been ever since I can remember taking an interest. In an ideal world, we'd use the same system during the season as we do at the end. But this isn't an ideal world ... it's basketball!

Mind you, if anyone knows of the right programme, at the right price (like free), I'd be willing to use it.

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