 In 1931 , the World Championships switched to a similar format to what was used at the Olympics . Ten teams played series of round @-@ robin format qualifying rounds were played to determine which nations participated in the medal round . Medals were awarded based on the final standings of the teams in the medal round . The format was changed several times in the 1930s , in some years there was a gold medal game , while in others the gold medal was awarded based on points . 
