CSA Rankings
How They Are Determined Throughout the Season
Understanding Our Ranking System
The College Squash Association (CSA) rankings provide a structured approach to evaluating team performance, using different methodologies throughout the season. These rankings evolve as more data becomes available, moving from initial projections to result-based adjustments. Below is a breakdown of how the rankings are determined during each phase of the season:
Preseason Rankings
The preseason rankings serve as an initial reference point and are based on the players rostered on each team. The CSA verifies rosters, taking into account changes such as graduating seniors, transfers, and new recruits. Each player has a US Squash skill level rating. For unrated players, the CSA works with coaches to estimate ratings. Using these ratings, the CSA runs a program that simulates matches between all teams and ranks teams based on total wins in the simulation.
Manual Rankings
From the start of the season through the second half of January, the CSA Rankings Committee reviews dual match results every week and manually adjusts the rankings based on the results of these matches. While the preseason rankings serve as a starting point, the committee regularly updates the rankings based on head-to-head match results. For instance, if Team B, ranked #10, beats Team A, ranked #9, then Team B will move ahead of Team A into the #9 position. This manual review continues until enough match results are available for more objective measures.
Computerized Rankings (ELO System)
From the second half of January through the end of the season, the CSA transitions to its ELO-based algorithm for team rankings. This system offers an objective evaluation of team performance, relying on the accumulation of match results throughout the season.
The ELO algorithm calculates rankings based on head-to-head matchups and results against common opponents. As the season progresses and more matches are played, the algorithm builds a comprehensive network of results, linking teams through their shared opponents. The proximity of teams in the rankings further influences the impact of individual results: a victory over a closely ranked team has a more significant effect on standings than one over a team further apart.
This system accounts for a full season's worth of wins, losses, and opponent strength, ensuring that rankings accurately reflect performance. Since it operates independently of preseason and manual rankings, the ELO methodology offers a data-driven, unbiased view of the current standings, based solely on team match outcomes. As more matches are played, the dataset improves, making the rankings even more accurate heading into the championship phase.
Season Timeline
Follow the evolution of our ranking methodology throughout the competitive season
Preseason
Initial rankings based on roster verification and player skill level ratings. The CSA runs simulations to predict team performance and establish baseline rankings for the upcoming season.
Season Start - Mid January
Manual rankings period begins. The Rankings Committee reviews dual match results weekly, making adjustments based on head-to-head outcomes and direct competition results.
Mid January - Season End
ELO algorithm takes over. Computerized rankings provide objective evaluation based on accumulated match results, opponent strength, and comprehensive network of team matchups.
Championship Phase
Final rankings determine seeding for championship tournaments. The full season's data ensures accurate standings that reflect true team performance and competitive strength.
CSA Preseason Rankings: How They Are Determined
The College Squash Association (CSA) preseason rankings are designed to provide a starting point for teams as they prepare for the upcoming season. These rankings are determined through a systematic process that evaluates the rosters and skill levels of players on each team. While they offer a snapshot of expected performance, the preseason rankings reflect the strength of each team's roster, measured by player rating, as opposed to actual match results. Below is an overview of how the rankings are compiled:
Roster-Based Rankings
The preseason rankings are based on the ratings of each player listed on each team's roster. The CSA works diligently to verify the accuracy of these rosters, accounting for changes from one year to the next due to graduating seniors, transfers, and new recruits. Each rostered player has a Universal Squash Rating (USR) based on their past individual results. A full explanation of the Universal Squash Rating (USR) can be found here. For players without a rating, the CSA collaborates with coaches to estimate a rating, considering recent match results and expected positions in the team lineup.
Simulating Matches
Once every rostered player has been accounted for, and unrated players are assigned an estimated rating, the CSA runs a program which simulates matches between all teams within each division. The program uses the Universal Squash Rating at each ladder position to calculate the likelihood of individual match wins for each team match. By simulating a full round robin between teams, the program estimates team wins and generates the initial rankings.
Review by the Rankings Committee
After the algorithm generates the rankings, the CSA Rankings Committee reviews the results. The committee looks for significant changes from the prior season's rankings and evaluates the reasons behind them, typically explained by changes in team rosters. While the committee has reviewed the rankings for accuracy and consistency, no manual adjustments were made.
The Role of Preseason Rankings
Preseason rankings serve as a reference point for coaches and teams, offering a general sense of where they stand based on their rosters. However, since these rankings are not based on actual match results, they should be viewed as an initial benchmark rather than a definitive indicator of a team's performance for the season.
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