This guide walks through creating a Splash-managed NCAAB Survivor - Round by Round contest.
In this format, entrants select one winning team per round (not per day) and must survive each round to advance.
Step 1: Select Contest Type
When creating your contest:
Select NCAAB
Choose NCAAB Survivor - Round by Round
This ensures you are creating the Round-by-Round Survivor format, not the Pick-by-Day version.
Contest Setup
Contest Information
Contest Title (Required)
Enter the official name of your contest.
This is the name participants will see when joining.
Contest Description
Use this section to clarify:
Special house rules
Buyback structure (if enabled)
Tiebreaker explanation
Prize details
Clear descriptions reduce confusion once the tournament begins.
Contest Banner
Upload a custom banner to personalize your contest.
Requirements:
Maximum file size: 4 MB
Recommended dimensions: 2880 x 170 pixels
Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG
While optional, a banner enhances the contest experience.
Gameplay Settings
Sport & Game Style
Sport: NCAAB
Game Style: NCAAB Survivor - Round by Round
Entrants make one pick per round, not per day.
Schedule
Select Contest Days (Rounds)
You may:
Select All Rounds (entire tournament), or
Customize which rounds are included
You must include at least 3 slates (rounds) in order to create the contest.
This allows you to:
Start at Round 1
Begin later in the tournament
Create a shorter, custom Survivor format
Entry Settings
Entry Fee
Select the entry fee for each participant.
With Splash-managed contests:
Splash collects all entry fees
Payments are securely processed
Winnings are automatically distributed
Entrants review the entry fee before joining.
Commissioner Rewards (Optional)
If you opt in:
Splash deducts 7.5% for payment processing and administrative fees
An additional 5% is paid directly to you as the commissioner
This allows you to earn compensation for organizing the contest.
Self-Managed Option
If selected:
You collect entry fees outside Splash
You manually distribute winnings
A one-time service fee applies
If you want Splash to handle payments and payouts, do not select this option.
Contest Size
Select your estimated number of entries.
If your contest does not reach that number:
It will automatically size down
Prize structures adjust accordingly
Contest Details
General Settings
Invite Only
Only users with your contest link can join.
Chat
On or Off
Allows entrants to interact inside the contest.
Entry Deadline
There are 6 deadline options to choose from.
In a Splash-managed contest, entrants cannot join after the entry deadline has passed.
Pick Deadline Options
Each Game Start - Picks lock individually at the scheduled start time of the selected game.
First Game of Each Round - All picks for that round lock at the first scheduled tip-off of the round.
Pick Objective
Choose one:
Pick Winners - Entrants choose the team they believe will win
Pick Losers - Entrants choose the team they believe will lose
Picks Per Round
1 Pick Per Round
Each entrant selects one team per tournament round to advance.
Pick Scoring
Straight Up - Advancement is based on picking the outright winner (no spread).
Against the Spread - Advancement is based on covering the point spread.
Advanced Settings
Team Use Limit
Options include 1 time, 2 times, or Unlimited. If set to 1 time, once an entrant selects a team, they cannot use that team again in future rounds.
Double Picks (Optional)
Entrants must correctly select both teams in that round to advance.
Automatic Picks
Auto-picks may be assigned if an entrant forgets to submit a selection.
Contest Revivals
If all remaining entrants are eliminated in the same round, the most recently eliminated group advances and the contest continues.
Tiebreakers
Final standings are determined by total seed points. Higher total seed points win.
Entry Lives
Default is 1 total life. Options include 2 or 3 total lives.
Buyback Settings (Optional)
Eliminated entrants may re-enter the contest before a specified round. If buybacks are turned on, entry lives will automatically be set to 1.
Prize Splitting
Turn this setting on to make your contest eligible for unanimous agreements among the remaining entrants to split the prize. Learn more
After Setup
Once your settings are finalized:
Review all contest configurations carefully
Publish your contest
Share your invite link
Entrants submit picks each round
Splash handles payment processing and automated payouts