The requirement is to provide a relationship between points awarded for a given swim and the time achieved.
Aditionally it is necessary to have a relationship curve that can be controlled at both the upper and lower end of its range.
In mathematical terms this defines the need for a relationship that is analytically soluble in both directions, i.e., time to points and points to time.
An exponential relationship satisfies this requirement. That is:
Where:
P = British points and T =Time in seconds
The two constants, a and m, are determined by the provision of two control points.
The current British tables have essentially the same upper starting point as that used for the FINA tables, (i.e. 1000 points corresponds to the average of the world all-time top eight performances). The lower end of the tables extends to appropriately defined slower times in order to cater for the youngest age groups and development ability levels. Based on observed performances in British swimming the lower end has been set such that 100 points corresponds to twice the world datum time. Thus the two control points are:
The upper end where Points = 1000 and Time = Average of world top eight
The lower end where Points = 100 and Time = Twice the 1000 points reference time.
To enable such a system to be used by swimmers, parents, coaches AND to provide results in a sensible time scale the tables need to be made available in both printed form and as part of computer systems.
Implementing an equation like this in a computer program is relatively straight forward. However there are a number of issues of which to be aware. The main ones being:
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Accuracy of the reference times |
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Use of the reference times applicable in British swimming at any given date. |
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Care with the accuracy of computation and the correct rounding of computed points to integer values. |
In order to maximise consistency SPORTSYSTEMS has made the Dynamic Link Library (DLL) available to systems developers, whether individual or commercial. With this DLL made available from only one source, currently the SPORTSYSTEMS web site, systems developers do not have to expend effort, nor risk erroneous results, in determining the points corresponding to a given distance, stroke, sex, pool length and achieved time combination. Neither do they have to rework software when the tables are updated. The DLL is made available as Freeware and subject only to the acknowlegement conditions provided with the download file set.
In order to support the use of these points systems, the following are available for use by the swimming community:
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For systems developers: A downloadable Dynamic Link Library that provides both the algorithm and the encapsulated reference points for a given period of application. |
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For swimmers, coaches, parents: A downloadable computer program to display straight GB points and BAG points for a given swim. |
