Introducing Powerwise (PWR): A pairwise and Power Rating method for selecting at-large teams to the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse Championship

TL;DR

Powerwise is a new team selection system for NCAA Men's Lacrosse that combines pairwise comparisons and a Power Rating to improve fairness and transparency in tournament selections.

Contribution

It introduces a simple, hierarchical pairwise comparison method combined with a Power Rating to enhance team selection fairness and clarity.

Findings

Improves fairness and objectivity in team selection.

Utilizes margin of victory and schedule strength in ratings.

Addresses selection complexities for coaches and fans.

Abstract

This document describes a new system for selecting teams for the NCAA Men's Division I Lacrosse championship tournament called "Powerwise" that was developed in discussions with the NCAA Lacrosse Selection Criteria and Ranking Committee (SCR). The method is simple, employing hierarchical pairwise comparisons that emphasize on-field performance in head-to-head and common opponent matchups, and a simple Massey/Colley/Sagarin-like statistic called the Power Rating (PR) when on-field results are not conclusive. Power Ratings are based on margin of victory and implicitly account for strength of schedule. Powerwise addresses the complexities of team selection in a way that both coaches and fans can understand while improving the fairness, objectivity, and overall quality of the selection process.