US Squash Revamps Rating Algorithm and Officiating Program

By Molly Davidson

US Squash started 2014 by introducing some major changes to both the rating and ranking system as well as the refereeing and officiating program. In early January a new ratings algorithm was implemented and age-targeted refereeing exams were introduced. Both new programs are the result of extensive planning and are intended to make the entire US Squash experience, from junior play to adult competition, more comprehensive.

New Ratings and Rankings System

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With the changes in the US Squash ratings and rankings algorithms, matches played will be treated much differently. The match scores will matter; the competitive environment (aka, tournament versus leagues versus friendlies, etc) will matter; and playing someone from the other side of the country will matter—to everyone you play. In addition, particularly with the juniors, a new “age-based” refereeing exam system has also been implemented. Instead of the same exam for every player, juniors will have to pass an exam that is considered appropriate for their age group. However, as with many advanced junior players, if they want to play “up” in an older age group, they will have to pass the exam for each division in between as well. So, if a U13 girl opts to step up to the U17, she will have to pass the exams for not only the U13 and U17 but also for the U15. The exams are progressive so be aware of this requirement.

Since 2011, US Squash has been working closely with data and text mining consultancy Elder Research Inc. to develop a new ratings algorithm. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, Elder Research Inc. has worked alongside the United States Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Capital One, and many other federal and commercial clients to develop large scale data solutions. In January, US Squash rolled out the new algorithm, built to handle the challenges posed by the growing squash community.

For the past ten years, all US Squash ratings and rankings have been based off of the ELO algorithm, the same one used to rank chess players. This algorithm worked off of a player’s starting ranking and then calculated the match history once. Although the ELO algorithm served US Squash well for a decade, there were weaknesses that could be improved upon.

Squash has grown over 150% since the introduction of the ELO algorithm, and there are now over one million active player across the United States according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. This rapid growth throughout the country posed a challenge that the ELO algorithm was not equipped to handle.

Since players across the country do not often compete against one another, the ELO algorithm’s calculations created differences between separate pockets of play across the country, thus ratings from one region to the next were not always analogous.

The new algorithm offers solutions to this challenge in addition to other enhancements that work to produce more accurate ratings and rankings for all active squash players. Unlike the ELO algorithm, the new US Squash algorithm is iterative, calculating players’ results many times relative to one another. This process brings players across the country to the appropriate rating level, while also accounting for any player that may have artificially started outside of their true rating.

In addition, the US Squash algorithm accounts for how competitively a match is played, recognizing gradations of wins and losses. Under the ELO algorithm, a 3-0 win was given the same weight as a 3-2 win. This is not the case with the new system—matches now count differently towards a player’s rating based on their degree of competition. Furthermore, the new algorithm places more importance on recently played matches.

The US Squash algorithm was implemented to determine high school squash rankings on January 8, 2014, and starting February 26, 2014, it will take effect on adult rankings. Junior squash rankings will not be impacted as they are based on a system of points; however, the algorithm will be used to calculate junior ratings. This new algorithm will create a uniform and far more accurate system of ratings and rankings across all constituencies of players throughout the country.

While the new algorithm will drastically improve the system of ratings and rankings, players should not expect to see any monumental changes in their individual ratings. The general rating distribution will remain the same with ratings beginning at 1.5 and then capped around 6.5. Most players will still fall between a 2.5 rating and a 4.5.

Age-Based Refereeing Exams

In addition to the new US Squash algorithm, the old club referee testing system has been overhauled and replaced by a far more comprehensive, age-specific program of exams supplemented by informational officiating clinics.

Screen Shot 2014-09-05 at 11.04.11 AMThe new referee exams were released as part of a continuing push to improve the general knowledge of rules and sportsmanship in squash. The four new tests are divided by age level—U13, U15, U17 and Full Club—and consist of new competency-based questions and video content. Players can access the new tests on their US Squash profiles.

Under the new officiating program, players must take their age-appropriate exam, which is valid for two years until they age-up into a new division. While players may continue to play in age divisions above their own, they will not receive a ranking in a higher age division until they pass the corresponding referee exam.

Implementation of this program will take place in stages. Any juniors wishing to compete in the 2014 U.S. Junior Squash Championships (Closed), the 2014 U.S. Junior Silver Championships, or the 2014 U.S. Junior Bronze Championships must pass an age-relevant referee exam by February 25, 2014. To retain a ranking, an age-relevant referee exam must be passed by September 2, 2014.

Towards the end of 2013, US Squash rolled out a series of in-club Officiating Clinics, designed to supplement the age-targeted refereeing exams. These clinics are information sessions led by U.S. National Referees, US Squash Staff, or trained teaching professionals. They convey specialized age-based training on rules and match management through live demonstrations and multimedia material.

Officiating Clinics are offered at clubs across the country, and more are added to the schedule regularly. While these live sessions are highly recommended, there is an online option available for juniors who do not have an in-club clinic offered in their region. All juniors must take a clinic by November 4, 2014, if they wish to remain in the junior rankings.