Spring Handicap Series: standings after event #2

Results are now available for the 2016 Spring Series, and after two events Andrea Rebora is in first place. The scoring is a handicap based on both runners’ average performance in 2015 and their variability. The ranking points that they are awarded are normalised to see how far they were above (or below) their expected score. This is similar in concept to the ranking system used by British Orienteering, and allows us to compare results across courses. Competitors points above expectation are then ranked and scored from 100 down, similar to our other competitions. This rewards consistency rather than one-off high-scoring runs.

Andrea’s first place is particularly impressive given he had the highest variability in 2015, meaning that it is harder to score above par. Paul Couldridge is in second place by virtue of an standout win on the black course at Epping Forest.

There are two events of the five remaining after Netley Heath yesterday: Ashridge North on Sunday 21 February and the CompassSport Cup qualifying heat on Sunday 13 March. Results unfortunately lag the events as it typically takes longer for clubs to publish ranking points.

Many thanks to CHIG, BKO and MVOC for hosting the first three events.