Great Lakes Handicaps

For those interested, here is a more detailed explanation of the analysis we do and the method we use in making handicap adjustments.


Previous Series Results - We look at the mix of classes by configuration to see what range of single v double handers, single sail v multiple sail, no trapeze v 1 or 2 trapezes, handicap less than 1000 and more than 1000 are in the top 20.  We are looking to see a good mix which there seems to be.
SWS Results Summary 2012-18.pdf SWS Results Summary 2012-18.pdf
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Previous Series Participation - We look at how many of each class has participated compared to that classes Nationals.  This is to see what if any effect our handicap changes are having in participation.  From what we see, class plans to make the winter series part of their own traveller series have a much greater impact than handicaps.
SWS Classes Summary 2012-18.pdf SWS Classes Summary 2012-18.pdf
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Series Results Data Analysis - We now have results going back in full to 2013 and in part to 2010.  We have primarily been using rolling 5 year data to guide changes.  However we do also check the full report to see that the suggestions from the RYA PYS system are not fluctuating significantly.
SailJuice PYS 2013 to 2018.pdf SailJuice PYS 2013 to 2018.pdf
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SailJuice PYS All Data 2010 - 2018.pdf SailJuice PYS All Data 2010 - 2018.pdf
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Adjusting Handicaps - For classes where we do not have any data and the RYA has a published number, we start by using these.  For established classes with class suggested handicaps we also use these where possible.  Having run the series data through the RYA system we then make adjustments provided this is consistent with our view of the change needed.  To avoid large changes, and increasing then decreasing handicaps we use the PYS confidence as opposite to guide adjustments.
Use of PYS Data  
Confidence Change
0.1 One third of gap, rounded down
0.2 One third of gap, rounded up
0.3 One half of gap, rounded down
0.4 One half of gap, rounded up
0.5 Two thirds of gap, rounded down
0.6 Two thirds of gap, rounded up
0.7 Three quarters of gap, rounded down
0.8 Three quarters of gap, rounded up
0.9 All of gap, rounded down