A time-dependent scoring system for soccer leagues

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel continuous scoring system for soccer that considers the proportion of time a team spends winning, losing, or tied, aiming to enhance competitiveness and strategic depth in leagues.

Contribution

The paper proposes a new time-dependent scoring method for soccer leagues and evaluates its impact through simulations, highlighting its potential to increase competitiveness.

Findings

Increased competitiveness in simulated leagues.

More challenging matches due to continuous scoring.

Potential practical issues discussed.

Abstract

In this paper, a new continuous scoring system for soccer is proposed, based on the proportion of time that a team is winning, losing or tied. Several simulations are made applying this technique to complete seasons of different leagues. As some preliminary fundamental analysis previews, the simulation results show that this proposal compacts the gap between several teams, increasing the competitiveness of the championships and making the matches even more challenging as every minute may count in order to get the best rank in the final standings. Based on those results, some characteristics of the model are highlighted and a discussion on some of the advantages, disadvantages and practical issues regarding a hypothetical implementation of this model is made. Finally, some ideas to tackle the less positive effects of an implementation in real leagues is also provided.