Handicapping: Some Less Desirable Methods

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Background

Over the years we (TopYacht) have spoken to a large number of clubs and in particular to handicappers. Two things stand out:

  • Everyone seems to handicap differently.
  • There are at least two handicapping systems that provide a very poor basis for sensible handicapping. Consequently neither of these methods is directly supported within TopYacht.

Not-So-Good Method One.

The “Knock Back” Method.

This method has been around a long time. It is very easy to apply and that has undoubtedly been its big appeal, particularly before the days of desk-top computers to do the calculations.

  • The handicap of the winning boat has its handicap increased by say 5% or 10 points;
  • The second place getter has their handicap increased by say 3% or 8 points; and,
  • Third place getter has their handicap increased by say 2% or 1 point and all other handicaps are left untouched.

 

Not-So-Good Method Two.

Another older handicap system provides each boat with a handicap in the form of a ‘handicap time’. This system is valid if it relates to a race of known duration, but has little validity if that single handicap time value is expected to provide fair handicapping for races of any length.

Without doubt it is much easier for sailors to think in terms of ‘I must cross the line 27 seconds in front of Fred to win’ rather than to think ‘My handicap is 0.890 and Fred’s handicap is 0.899 so must get over the line a bit before Fred to beat him’. So this system has a definite appeal.

However, handicaps are a relative measure of the performance of competitors. Put another way, the relative performance of competitors can ONLY be directly compared as a ratio and not as a difference.

Click HERE to view the complete paper (~3 Pages)