What Makes Power Rankings Valid?

[MrN829]

I was doing some thinking, and I got wondering: what is the validity of power rankings?

There's probably an easy response for this, but theoretically, someone could make a power ranking that is inaccurate and have it be portrayed as real.

Any thoughts?

 

[Dolla Pills]

I mean that's very true. Usually rankings are done by knowledgeable people in the region so they are likely to be reasonably fair, but ultimately it's bound to be subjective to a degree.

 

[F. Stein]

Kinda makes you wonder why things like that aren't decided by using hard, objective data... especially when that data should be easily compiled during statewide events and easily shared over places like facebook.

 

[MrN829]

Kinda makes you wonder why things like that aren't decided by using hard, objective data... especially when that data should be easily compiled during statewide events and easily shared over places like facebook.

As far as the Philadelphia region goes, they use hard data and an automated tool. But in a smaller region, it could definitely be exploited to a degree.

 

[Dolla Pills]

It's hard to decide what data to choose though. Do you place a higher value on going to more events, is it average placement, are larger tournaments weight more, and so on. And on top of that, there are people who can't compete as frequently do to travel restrictions whose rankings might be inaccurate.

So really there's not necessarily an objective way of ranking people