IF7SPORTS rating system: how your level is calculated

The IF7SPORTS rating system is based on the ELO system, originally created for chess and which, over time, has been extended to many other games.

This system has been studied and adapted to our IF7SPORTS open match format, taking into account the limited data we can collect from each match.

Since not all matches can be recorded or analyzed as accurately as in our tournaments, we rely almost exclusively on the result of each match.

This article aims to clarify and expand the sometimes fragmented understanding our users have of how our system works.

Rating and Rank

The rating is a numerical value derived from EP (ELO Points). EP are the points that our system actually manages and represent the players’ true skill level. However, since they are not easily understood, the application only displays the rating.

The main drawback is that the conversion cannot be exact due to decimals, although this has not yet been a problem for users.

The level is a value between 1 and 99.9 (with one decimal place). From these values, we define intervals called ranges.

Ranges are groupings of levels to which we assign a name:

* The first value is inclusive and the second is exclusive.

The decision to place the Competitive range between 50 and 70 is internal and is based on our experience and empirical data collected during the first phase of system implementation.

How is my initial level calculated?

When a user creates an account on IF7SPORTS, they must complete an initial form that collects the necessary data to assign them an initial level.

The most important factors are the initial rank and age.

The initial rank is selected by the user and is used solely to assign a temporary level at which to start playing.

Age is used to adjust the level within the range defined by that rank. The older the user, the lower the assigned level within the range; and the younger the user, the higher the level.

This is based on the premise that age negatively influences athletic performance. For example, we assume that a 25-year-old Competitive player will generally perform better than a 50-year-old.

How much level do I gain or lose per match?

Each time a match is played, the goals scored by each team are recorded, allowing us to determine whether the match was won, lost, or tied.

In addition to the result, the team’s level is also taken into account, calculated as the average level of all its players.

With this data, the following variation matrix is ​​established:

Note: The level obtained is not exact and can vary depending on the player’s attitude and, in the case of Pro Events, also on the number of goals scored.

It follows that losing against a lower-level team is more detrimental than losing against a higher-level team, and vice versa.

Individual Performance

Currently, there is no completely accurate way to measure the individual performance of each player.

In Pro Events, individual goals are taken into account, although this system primarily favors forwards, putting defenders and goalkeepers at a disadvantage.

In all other matches, the most representative metrics are MVP nominations and the MVP award.

MVP nominations add +0.1, and winning the MVP award adds +0.2. These points are cumulative; that is, previous nominations must be added to the MVP score.

Thanks to this system, even if a player loses a match, they can increase their overall level thanks to their individual performance as reflected in nominations and the MVP award.

Inactivity Penalty

When 15 days pass without playing any matches, the system applies a -1 level inactivity penalty.

This penalty has a limit: your current rank. In other words, you cannot drop in rank simply for not playing. For example, if you are in the Competitive rank, you will not drop to Amateur just due to inactivity.

We hope this article helps all our users who may feel confused by a system that, although not arbitrary, can seem so if sufficient information is not available.