Seeding Theory
Playoff seeding is based on both your team's divisional standings and league standings. The methodology for both is described below.
Divisional Standings
We use your teams total points to determine your ranking within your division. Traditional leagues typically use your win/loss record. The reason we do not, is your win/loss record is only a relevant statistic when everyone in a division plays each other exactly once. This is a rare event as described below, which is why your divisional ranking is based on your point total.
We use varying division sizes that range from 6-12 teams. This allows us to dramatically reduce drive times by keeping teams in a division that's close to home. It also means teams in the same division do not always play the same set of teams or the exact same schedule. The validity of a team's win/loss record is further reduced when you factor in wins by default, under rated teams and drop outs.
Consider this:
- Should a team with a 6-1 record that didn't have to play the strongest team in their division be ranked higher than the 5-2 team who did?
- Should a default count as a win? i.e. Should a 7-0 team who wins 2 matches by default be ranked higher than a 6-1 team that played everyone on their schedule?
As you can see, it's impossible to compare these results, which is why we use your team's point total rather than your win/loss record to determine your divisional ranking.
League Standings
To create the league standings we first use the results of your team's divisional standings and then order teams by highest total points. Thus a team with a higher "divisional ranking" will always be seeded higher than a team with more points and a lower divisional ranking.
The reason "divisional standings" are the primary factor and "point totals" are the secondary factor is because "divisional standings" are a better measure of strength. The grouping of teams geographically dictates that some divisions will be stronger than others. Thus it's easier for a team in a weak division to achieve more points than a team in a strong division. By focusing on divisional standings first, we can apply the same measuring scale to all teams in the league.
Playoff Seeding methods
On most draws we use traditional tennis seeding rules with only one minor deviation. When mathematically possible we do not assign teams from the same division to play each other in the first round. This provides more variety for our members and still maintains the integrity of traditional tennis seeding.
Example: In the traditional seeding of a 16 team draw, #1 would play #16 and #2 would play #15. Under our method, if #1 and #16 were in the same division, the computer system would have #1 play #15 and number #2 play #16. A tennis purist might disagree with this method stating that we are changing the strength of the seed pairings. We would agree, if everyone was part of one big group and had a chance to play the field like the ATP and WTA professionals. However, because league teams are isolated within their own divisions during the regular season and have not played a common field of teams, the difference of one seeding position is statistically irrelevant. Thus, minor changes in seed pairings do not affect the strength or integrity of the draw.
We currently use distance based seeding in league cities where divisions are geographically spread out. This method was introduced after receiving requests from our membership to reduce drive times for playoff matches. In distance based seeding, teams are first grouped regionally into their own section of the draw then we apply traditional seeding rules. This method produces excellent results greatly reducing the drive times of early round playoff matches which is the primary concern. It should be noted that distance seeding does deviate from traditional "tennis" seeding in two ways. 1) It will increase the likelihood that you might play someone from your division in a later round. 2) It will slightly change the seeding positions and allocated "byes" in the draw due to the regional segmentation. Many professional sports teams use similar regional playoff systems. Although different, distance based seeding in no way devalues the accuracy or legitimacy of the draw.
Playoff Philosophy
The Ultimate Tennis playoff system is designed to be its own unique format. We created this system to produce the best results for a recreational tennis environment and are not trying to imitate any other league.
Although the system is based on sound seeding principles, you should realize playoff seeding is very theoretical. Because divisions are isolated during the regular season, seeding is only a possible indication of strength. It's quite possible for a fourth ranked team in one division to be stronger than a number one ranked team in another. For this reason, do not over emphasize the importance of seeding.
In a single elimination playoff format you can't afford to let your guard down based on the seeding number of your opponent. You must have the mindset that every opponent you face is going to be tough. This uncertainty can be nerve racking, but it is also what makes the Ultimate Tennis Championships one of the most exciting tennis tournaments to follow whether you're in the draw or watching from the sidelines.