Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Interactive shrinkage methods for class handicapping

Percy, DF

Authors

DF Percy



Abstract

A recent publication identified weaknesses with the current handicapping system for disabled Alpine skiing, suggested minor improvements and tentatively proposed an alternative system. This proposal uses shrinkage methods to allow for varying class sizes and race conditions, unlike the existing system that updates historical factors prior to competition. We now recommend a slightly modified form of this proposal for generic application to any sports that involve class handicapping. Our recommendation is based on an investigation into possible uses of this system in a variety of sports, accompanied by extensive analysis of designed experiments and racing data from the 2008 World Cup competition for disabled Alpine skiing. The main disadvantage of this approach is that final scoring times cannot be computed until after all racing is complete and we address this concern by developing interactive result projections that retain the essential excitement of anticipation.

Citation

Percy, D. (2011). Interactive shrinkage methods for class handicapping. IMA Journal of Management Mathematics, 22(2), 139-156

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 1, 2011
Deposit Date Oct 10, 2011
Journal IMA Journal of Management Mathematics
Print ISSN 1471-678X
Publisher Oxford University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 22
Issue 2
Pages 139-156
Keywords Class handicapping, disabled sports, shrinkage methods, interactive prediction



Downloadable Citations