Cornwall Squash Player Ranking System

• The 'computer system' is running a database program written by the League Secretary in order to provide a fair and accurate grading of the players standards. The program not only deals with the player rankings but manages the general player database and league tasks as well.
• It uses a mathematical calculation which alters the two players' rank values dependent on the result of the match. The basic concept is that a player has to prove that they are a better player over a number of matches before they can appear in the rankings above their opponent as the higher ranked player has earned the right to be higher over a period before. It is assumed that both players are fit, healthy and have the intention of winning the game.
• RANKING is the listing of players in order of merit. Players have a rank value upon which calculations are made based on the result of a match and the Player Rank positions are thus determined by these ranking points, the lower your points the higher your position in the County.
• At the moment the program only looks at match scores, (3-0, 3-1 or 3-2) so cannot tell how close some of the games were.
• In general you will always go up the rankings if you play and beat someone ranked higher than yourself. As a rough guide, a good 3-0 win against a higher ranked player may move the lower player approximately 50% of the difference in the two players rank values.
• The program will also give you credit for losing to a much higher ranked player, having taken games off them (3-2 or 3-1) and conversely the higher ranked player is penalised for dropping games to a much lower ranked player.
• Players who are very close to each other will get 'separated' where the winner gains and loser falls, this effect fades out to nothing when players are sixty points away from each other.
• If players are more than sixty points apart and the higher ranked player wins 3-0 there is no change to the ranking points of either player.
• The County Rankings are produced every month and the computer calculates ranking changes for each individual game dynamically in date order.
• Your rank position may change even though your points have not, this will be due to the activity or movement of the players around you.
• If during the league season (September through to April) the computer doesn't see you in a calender month then your ranking points will increase by 2 points, giving downward movement over a period of 'inactivity'.
• All County League matches, County Competition and Junior Grand Prix matches are automatically entered into the computer. Clubs may also submit results of their Club Championships, Competitions or friendly matches for inclusion in the system.
• There is also the provision that any player may challenge another higher ranked player to a 'Challenge Match', the result will be entered into the computer for ranking purposes.