What Are Pick Deadline Options?
Pick Deadline Options control when entrant picks lock for a slate, day, or round.
Commissioners can choose between two locking behaviors depending on how much flexibility they want to give entrants.
Available Pick Deadline Options
Each Game Start (Default)
With this option selected:
Picks lock at the start time of each individual game
Entrants can continue to update picks for later games as long as those games have not started
This option provides the most flexibility for entrants
This is the default pick deadline setting for NCAAB contests.
First Game of the Day / Round
With this option selected:
All picks lock when the first game of the day or round begins
Entrants must submit all picks before the earliest game starts
No changes can be made once the first game locks
This option creates a stricter, more traditional contest experience.
Important Timing Rule for Day 1 / Round of 64
There is one important scenario to be aware of when using First Game of the Day / Round:
If First Game of the Day / Round is selected
And the contest entry deadline is later than 12:15pm ET
And the contest starts on Day 1 / Round of 64
👉 The pick deadline for the first slate will be the same as the contest entry deadline, not the first game start time.
This logic ensures picks do not lock before entrants are allowed to join the contest.
This behavior is clearly explained in the Create a Contest flow.
Availability by Contest Format
✅ Pick-By-Day: Pick deadline options available
✅ Pick-By-Round: Pick deadline options available
Both formats support the same pick deadline settings.
Choosing the Right Pick Deadline Option
Choose Each Game Start if you want:
Maximum flexibility for entrants
The ability to react to later games
Choose First Game of the Day / Round if you want:
All picks locked at once
A simpler, more rigid contest structure
Pick deadline options give commissioners full control over how and when picks lock, helping you create the contest experience that works best for your group.