Group Breaks 101

What are group breaks?

Group breaks provide a group of people the opportunity to open (or “break”) boxes by dividing the cost of the product and dividing up all cards by teams (e.g. Lakers, Heat). This is a great way to be involved in high-end or large breaks at a minimal cost.

How do group breaks work?

First, the number of participants are dependent on the sport. For example, there are 30 teams in the NBA, so there will be 30 spots available in the group break. Courtside Collectibles offers two (3) types of breaks:

1. Random Team

This type of break will randomly pair all participants with specific teams using the List Randomizer on Random.org. The randomization process happens at the beginning of each live broadcast. Once the participant/team pairings have been announced, then we proceed to breaking boxes. Participants will receive all cards for the team he/she has been paired. Here’s a video demonstrating the process.

Variations:

Random Division – Similar to the Random Team style except divisions (e.g. NFC East, AFC West) are randomed rather than teams.

2. Team Option

This type of break allows participants to purchase specific teams. Depending on the value and popularity of players from specific teams, the cost per team will vary. Since it’s more difficult to fill all teams using this group break style, prices for teams do not equate to the cost of the boxes (or case). The break will be happen even if not all teams are purchased. Participants will receive all cards for his/her purchased team(s).

3. Random Draft

This type of break will randomly order all participants using the List Randomizer on Random.org and place them in a sequential list. The sequential list determines the “draft” order for the group break. Each participant will be drafting (or picking) teams, divisions, or cards depending on the break. If there are multiple draft rounds, then each subsequent round the draft order will be reserved (also known as snake order).

Example:

Random Draft Order: 1) John 2) Frank 3) Mary

Round #1 – John picks first, Frank second, and Mary last.
Round #2 – Mary picks first, Frank second, and John last.
Round #3 – John picks first, Frank second, and Mary last.

And so on and so forth…

Randomizing the draft order will be done live and the actual draft will happen using the draft order. During the draft, participants are picking teams or divisions. Once the draft is complete, then we proceed to the break. Participants will receive all cards for the drafted teams/divisions.

Variations:

Random Hit Draft – Similar to the Random Draft except the draft order is done live, then it’s immediately followed by the break. The actual draft is scheduled at a future date, then participants will draft the cards/hits from the break. Participants will receive all cards he/she has drafted.

4. Random Serial Number

This type of break will randomly list all participants (typically 10 participants or more) using the List Randomizer on Random.org with a number. For example, package using 10 serial number spots will use 1-10 with 10 serving as 0 or another format is 99 serial number spots which uses 1-99. These numbers serve as the serial number grouping. Serial numbers on cards are determined the following ways:

Serial Numbered Cards – The far right number from the left side of a serial number. For example, in a 10-spot serial number, if a card is number 84/99, then this card will identify as 4. In a 99-spot serial number, the same serial number 84/99 would be identified as 84 and serial number 284/299 would be 84 as well.

Non-Serial Numbered Cards – If the card set number is numeric, the furthest right number will determine the cards “serial” number. If the card set number is alpha, the furthest right letter’s place in the alphabet (1-26) will determine the “serial” number. For example, if the card set number is RA-JS, S is the 19th letter in alphabet, so it would be identified as 9.

Redemption Cards – If the official checklist states the card will be numbered 10 or higher, then it will be randomized to all participants. If the checklist states the card will be numbered less than 10, then it will be randomized to the eligible participants. For example, if the card will be serial numbered to 5, then only participants 0-5 will be part of the random for the card.

Example:

Random Draft Order: 1) John 2) Frank 3) Mary

Round #1 – John picks first, Frank second, and Mary last.
Round #2 – Mary picks first, Frank second, and John last.
Round #3 – John picks first, Frank second, and Mary last.

And so on and so forth…

How is the player’s team determined?

Professionally Licensed Products

A card’s team will be determined by the team stated on the card (not the team on the player’s uniform). If the team is not stated on the card, then it will be awarded to the team shown on the player’s uniform. If neither is applicable, the card’s team will be determined by the player’s career. If the player is currently active on a professional team, then the card will be awarded to the player’s current team (unless stated otherwise). If the player is retired, then the card will be awarded the team he/she played the most seasons with (unless stated otherwise). If none of the factors above are applicable, then the card will be awarded to a random participant.

Unlicensed Products

A card’s team will be determined by the player’s professional career. If the player is currently active on a professional team, then the card will be awarded to the player’s current team. If the player is retired, then the card will be awarded the team he/she played the most seasons with (unless stated otherwise). Some breaks may use checklists created by GroupBreakChecklists.com. If the player did not play professional sports, then the card will be awarded to a random participant.

Redemption cards will be awarded to the team specified on the official checklist for the product. If the official checklist is not available or does not state the player’s current team, then the card will be awarded to the player’s current or last team recorded on the sports’ official website (e.g. NBA.com or NFL.com).

How will multi-player cards be awarded?

Multi-player cards with special attributes (rookie, numbered, memorabilia, or autograph) will be randomly awarded using the teams represented on the card unless one owner owns a majority (51%) of the teams represented on the card. If there is no majority, each team represented on the card will be entered in the List Randomizer (same team can be on one card more than once). This list is randomized three times and awarded to the person at the top of the list.

Cards without special attributes will be awarded by the player located on the card using the following guidelines:

Horizontal layout – the player on the left side.
Vertical layout – the player on the top.
Quad (or more) layout – the player on the top-left.
Front-and-Back – the player on the front of the card.

Will I be able to watch the group break?

All breaks will be done live on YouTube Live and the scheduled date/time will be e-mailed to all participants. Participants are not required to view the live break to receive their cards. Once the live break is complete, the video will be uploaded to YouTube. Then all cards will be shipped to the specific participants using the shipping address. Cards will be securely packaged and shipped the following week. Shipping insurance is also available upon request.