Grading Points System
Each player, during the course of their career, has accumulated points based on their performance.
Each year, their points will be recalculated by adding their accumulated points for the immediate
past season and then subtracting points by a factor based on how many games they have played.
Their grading allocation will then be based on the following:
POINTS
0 – 99
100 – 199
200 – 299
300 +
GRADE
4th
3rd
2nd
1st
For example, player Joe Brown enters the season with a calculated 145 points. He is placed in 3rd
Grade. He plays 15 games and during the course of those games accumulates 120 points. The
subtraction factor for the season is 3, so because he has played 15 games his subtraction value is 45.
Therefore, his calculated points for the following season are:
145 + 120 – (15 x 3)
= 265 – 45
= 220 points.
Joe is regraded to 2nd Grade based on his previous points and his performance in the immediate past
season.
Because there may be extenuating circumstances at play, the Grading Committee can consider
regrading a player to a lower grade based on a set criteria adopted by that committee. The criteria
that the Grading Committee will follow this season when considering regrading a player to a lower
grade is as follows:



Circumstance 1 – a player falls within 15 points of a lower grade and presents a valid reason
to the committee indicating that he should be regraded;
Circumstance 2 – a player develops a medical condition, or sustains an injury, that directly
affects his ability to compete in that grade. A medical certificate would be expected in this
circumstance;
Circumstance 3 – a player falls within 30 points of a lower grade and does not have a team in
his current grade in his club in which he can participate.
Because a player may not have an established history within the Association, and particularly for this
season when the system has just been introduced, the Grading Committee can grade a player up
based on prior knowledge of the player’s performance and when it is clear that the player has been
placed in an inappropriate grade. The Grading Committee was elected at the Association AGM and
operates as an independent body that reports to the membership at a general meeting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What points did players originally start off from?
The player originally started on the base score of the grade that they were playing in at the
time. For example, a 4th grade player would have started on 0 and a 1st grade player would
have started on 300. The statistics from the 2013/2014 season were then applied to give
them a points value and then the 2014/2015 statistics applied to give them their current
points standing and therefore their 2015/2016 grading.
For example, Joe Brown is in 3rd grade at the beginning of the 2013/2014 season. His starting
point value is 100. He plays 15 games and accumulates 90 points across those games. His
deduction is 45 and so he starts the 2014/2015 season on 145 points, keeping him in 3rd
grade.
2. What happens if a player doesn’t play for a season or longer?
Players remain on the grading list for a period of five years. A subtraction is applied to every
player on the list after every season, including those who don’t play. Therefore, a player who
doesn’t play at all will lose points for that season and, depending on their points value, will
either remain in their current grade or drop to a lower grade.
3. What happens if a player does not appear on the grading list?
Players MUST be allocated a grading, and therefore be on the grading list, before taking part
in any match in the SDCA. A new player must be registered with the Senior Recorder who
will allocate a grade based on information provided. This could be from the player’s
performance with another association or anecdotal information from within the association
if the player has appeared in the SDCA before. Note that a match will be forfeited if a player
who does not appear on the grading list takes part in that match. It is in the player’s best
interests to notify the Senior Recorder well before match day if a grading is required.
4. If a player has received a clearance, does this automatically put him on the grading list?
No. It is the responsibility of the captain to check whether a player is on the grading list.
5. If we have a points system, why do we need a Grading Committee?
The role of the Grading Committee is to monitor the current points system, ensure that the
subtractive values and points accumulation values are appropriate and monitor players who
may have extenuating circumstances that should put them in another grade (see
circumstances above). Prior to the season starting, the list was reviewed a number of times
and players moved to another grade based on knowledge of their ability when they had
clearly landed in the wrong grade. Once the system is in place for another whole season, the
statistics should become more evident and established players will not need to be moved
unless their points dictate otherwise or there are extenuating circumstances.
6. How do players accumulate points?
Players accumulate points based on runs scored, wickets taken and fielding credits, as well
as bonus points for outstanding performances. For example, Joe Brown accumulated 90
points in the 2013/2014 season. Across his 15 matches, he scored 500 runs, took 14 wickets
and earned fielding points to total his 90 points.
7. Is the system going to change?
This is the first year of the grading point system. The system will be reviewed, including how
points are allocated and how they are subtracted. As with all new systems, we expect that
there will be some anomalies and issues arise that had not been foreseen. Hopefully,
everyone within the Association will assist by providing information and constructive
feedback as to how the system is working.
8. Why did the system change in the first place?
In the past, grading was allocated on anecdotal and statistical evidence of a player’s
performance; however, there were no quantitative analysis or set criteria on which to
allocate grades (with the exception of all Burns Cup players automatically graded in First
Grade). The point system takes away the guesswork of grading and establishes a statistical
basis on which to grade players.
9. Why is the player point value not published as well as their grade?
Whilst there is no secret to a player’s points standing, some players may not feel
comfortable with having their points published. A full points list will be provided to each club
representative and players can access the information from them.