Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
Hi Ed,
I think this is very interesting, but I have a question. Please let me start by saying that I have a general idea how the math for this works, but I am not overly mathematically inclined so the details elude me.
My thought is that since the set of data that a teams performance is being calculated from comes from single events (each event having a set of teams), that the results of that data are best used to compare to other teams at the same event.
To properly compare one team from the midwest against a team from southern California, those teams would have had to compete at the same event.
Am I totally off base here of is there some validity to my assumption?
For example, if the MI state event had all great teams, could that not adversely impact the performance numbers of the top teams. Good teams score on you more (you get worse DPR) and are harder to score on (you get lower OPR).
I am not trying to invalidate your data, I think it is an amazing tool. I just have a hunch that it is most useful for comparing teams at the same events together. To compare teams globally they would have to be at the same events together (I think)
Now the top teams should still have good performance numbers no matter where they compete, but I think the numbers can only tell so much.
Sorry for the lengthy post, and thanks for making this data available, it does help quite a bit even if my understanding of it is limited!
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You definitely have a valid point, the data could be skewed by overall team quality at a given competition. However, it is generally safe to assume that the average team quality at all of the regional competitions is comparable. Consider that a lot of the good teams travel to multiple regionals, helping to balance things between.
Also consider that given the limited data available, this is roughly as accurate as you can get. There are too many variables for a perfect set of data. You could also consider that performances at regionals later in the season might be different, as those teams have had more time to code/practice, and are more likely to have already competed in a regional.
Yes, the data isn't perfect and there are many variables that could affect the rankings, but it's as good as is possible.