Dynamic High Point Scoring

The Dynamic High-Point Scoring system is a flexible and competitive method designed to fairly distribute points based on the number of valid finishers in a race. Unlike fixed high-point systems that impose a set maximum score, this system dynamically adjusts the available points based on how many players successfully complete a race. This ensures fairness and scalability across varying fleet sizes, making it a more adaptable solution for competitive racing.

Your race results CSV files are located in your C:\Documents\Vsk5\Results folder

How It Works

1. Dropping Invalid Results

Before calculating scores, the system first removes any results that indicate a competitor did not properly finish the race:

DNS (Did Not Start)

DNF (Did Not Finish)

DNC (Did Not Compete)

DSQ (Disqualified)

-1 (Invalid Entry)

These competitors are excluded from scoring and do not impact the ranking of valid finishers.

2. Dynamic Points Calculation

The winner of each race earns points equal to the number of valid finishers.

The second-place finisher earns one point less than the winner.

The third-place finisher earns one point less than the second, and so on.

The last-place finisher always receives 1 point (as long as they finish).

The number of finishers determines the maximum available score—there is no preset limit.

This method ensures that winning in a larger, more competitive fleet is worth more points than winning in a smaller race.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1: Full Fleet Finishes

12 boats start and all 12 finish.

Scoring is assigned as follows:

1st place → 12 points

2nd place → 11 points

3rd place → 10 points

…

12th place → 1 point

Scenario 2: Some Boats Do Not Finish

15 boats start, but 3 DNF and 1 DSQ, leaving 11 valid finishers.

Scoring is assigned based on the new total:

1st place → 11 points

2nd place → 10 points

3rd place → 9 points

…

11th place → 1 point

The 4 non-finishers receive 0 points and are not counted in placement.

Handling Tie Scores

Because this system assigns points based purely on finish position rather than race times, tie scores are an inherent possibility, just as they are in any high-point or low-point scoring system.

However, as more races are added, scores tend to spread out naturally due to:

Varying fleet sizes—each race may have a different number of finishers, changing the total points available.

Shifts in performance—even small changes in finish position affect cumulative scores.

Long-term accumulation—more races = more differentiation in total points over time.

Rather than being a flaw, this feature actually fosters greater competition by keeping rankings closer for longer. It also encourages more participation, as the best way to break a tie is to keep racing.

Why This System Works Well

Rewards Beating More Competitors

If you finish 1st in a fleet of 15, you get 15 points, but if you finish 1st in a fleet of 8, you get 8 points.

This ensures that winning in a larger, more competitive fleet is worth more than winning in a small fleet.

Keeps Racing Competitive & Encourages Participation

Every additional valid finisher increases the available points, making participation more valuable.

Even last place earns points, while non-finishers get nothing, encouraging full participation.

Fair & Scales with Fleet Size

Works with any fleet size without manual adjustments.

Automatically balances scoring for small vs. large fleets.

Ideal for Continuous Racing Environments

Allows for ongoing accumulation of results without resetting.

Updates rankings dynamically, reflecting consistent performance over time.