# Oldest age wins

> Break ties by comparing gymnasts' dates of birth. The older gymnast ranks higher.

> **Visual guide:** [View the decision tree in Figma](https://www.figma.com/board/aOKhaJ697mkH3YkZ8OZSBN/)

## Prerequisites

* [Set up your levels](/levels/index.md) before configuring tiebreakers.

## Configuration

In your level settings under tiebreaker configuration, choose "Oldest Age Wins" for any individual ranking context. This is only available for individual scoring, not team scoring.

## How it works

1. Two gymnasts have the same **final score**.
2. Compare their **dates of birth**. The gymnast with the **earlier** birth date (older) ranks first.
3. If both gymnasts have the same birth date, they share the same rank.

No score components (E, D, all-around) are compared. The tie is broken purely by age.

## Example

Two gymnasts tie on Balance Beam with 13.200:

| Gymnast | Beam Score | Date of Birth     | Age | Result  |
| ------- | ---------- | ----------------- | --- | ------- |
| Alice   | 13.200     | March 15, 2012    | 14  | **1st** |
| Bob     | 13.200     | September 3, 2012 | 13  | 2nd     |

Alice wins because she was born earlier (March vs September 2012) and is therefore older.

## When to use

* **Age-class competitions** where older gymnasts in a combined age group should have priority.
* Meets where the organizer wants to reward maturity and experience.
* When governing body rules specify age-based tiebreaking.

## Important details

* This tiebreaker requires gymnasts to have a **date of birth** on file. If a gymnast has no birth date, the tiebreaker cannot separate them.
* This is an **individual-only** tiebreaker. It is not available for team scoring.
* Consider whether your competition rules call for oldest or [youngest](/tiebreakers/youngest-age-wins.md) to win.

## Related

* [Youngest Age Wins](/tiebreakers/youngest-age-wins.md) - The reverse
* [How do tiebreakers work?](/tiebreakers/index.md)
* [How to configure individual score settings](/levels/individual-score-settings.md)


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