NEWS
RATINGS SYSTEM
USAPA
BY CHRIS THOMAS, USAPA RATINGS CHAIR
There are currently over 5,000 players with an official USAPA
rating. In 2014, there were 1,343 rating changes, with 76% of
these being “new” ratings for previously unrated players. In
2015, there were 1,285 rating changes, with 58% of these being
for newly rated players.
All of these changes are done by hand, editing a ratings file.
Given the growth of pickleball and ratings of new players,
etc., the USAPA believes the organization needs to move
forward with investigating an automated, more objective,
computer‑based system. Such a system, as in other sports,
would be based on actual sanctioned tournament game/match
results of players of similar skill levels.
To that end, a Ratings Systems Subcommittee has been
formed with members across the country. No timetable has yet
been established for this work to be completed. The plan is to
have a requirements document that could be sent to vendors
such as an RFP (request for proposal). If you have comments or
suggestions regarding a new ratings system, please email Chris
Thomas at [email protected]. •
JANUARY 2016 |
MAGAZINE
9