> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gymart.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gymart.org/tiebreakers/youngest-age-wins.md).

# Youngest age wins

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

> **Visual guide:** [View the decision tree in Figma](https://www.figma.com/board/tTm6Lsjv1KkDLGr9omFZsj/)

## Prerequisites

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

## Configuration

In your level settings under tiebreaker configuration, choose "Youngest Age" 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 **later** birth date (younger) 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 Floor Exercise with 13.400:

| Gymnast | Floor Score | Date of Birth     | Age | Result  |
| ------- | ----------- | ----------------- | --- | ------- |
| Alice   | 13.400      | September 3, 2013 | 12  | **1st** |
| Bob     | 13.400      | March 15, 2012    | 13  | 2nd     |

Alice wins because she was born later (September 2013 vs March 2012) and is therefore younger.

## When to use

* **Age-class competitions** where younger gymnasts should have priority, rewarding early development.
* Meets where the organizer wants to encourage younger competitors.
* When governing body rules specify youngest-wins 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 youngest or [oldest](/tiebreakers/oldest-age-wins.md) to win.

## Related

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