Dear ICSA sailors, coaches, and supporters, Our very first FULL Competitive Strength Ranking <https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZFpgf8R-UzMf0L-QMss5m01HoE2akn75WbW-bfS4YQo/edit?usp=sharing> (CSR) is here! As a reminder, it is an ongoing ranking tool and scores will change as teams sail more and more-competitive regattas. We intend to update it after each weekend in the Spring season. Each Coed team will count their top 6 scores and each Women’s team will count their top 5. This means teams who have sailed fewer than those numbers or have only sailed locally are likely to see big jumps and other teams may fall accordingly as the year progresses.
We implemented the CSR primarily to aid our Selection Committees as they build the fields for Women’s and Coed Fleet Race Nationals. The selectors will use the CSR in two ways: 1. It identifies the initial groups of teams that they will* consider* for berths to nationals. Selectors are also free to add to consideration teams they find worthy which fall outside the identified group. 2. It is a tool selectors can use to compare teams’ records if they choose. It is important to note, however, that selectors are not bound by CSR order and can pick whichever teams from the group they consider to be the best. They also will consider factors such as who sailed particular events, how close regatta scores were, head-to-head records, etc. For additional information on how the selection process will work, please see the methodology slides <https://collegesailing.org/documents/ICSA-Coed-Womens-Fleet-Racing-Selection-Method.pdf> we shared at the Annual Meeting in May. Thank you, -ICSA Championship/Competition Committee
