Zero Based Scoring

• Posted by: usaws
• On: 11/11/2009 08:12:21
• In: Rankings and Qualifications

Regardless of the scoring methodology, trying to equate divisions with different maximum speeds is never going to be perfect and will be subject to opinion.  The discontinuity that occurs at the transition is unavoidable.  However, what the current ZBS system does very well is to make the “difficulty” level between all scores [nearly] the same, regardless of maximum speed.  The concept is that if the SAME skier were to go compete at either maximum speed that the scoring system would produce the same score for that skier.  At long line, everyone produces the same score because the BASE is the same.  At short lines, the difference in maximum speed is closely offset by the difference in line length (for the same score).  Most would agree that while not perfect, this statement holds very true.  

To illustrate this concept, Dave Clark just finished some analysis of scores in the Ranking list, for highly ranked men skiers who between the 2008 and 2009 seasons "Graduated" to a division with a slower maximum slalom boat speed.  This analysis consists of 14 men skiers who were M2 in the 2008 ski year, and who became M3 in the 2009 ski year.  Also included was a similar analysis of 14 men skiers who were M6 in the 2008 ski year, and who became M7 in the 2009 ski year.  In both cases these skiers are moving to a division which has a slower max slalom speed.