The MIAA power ranking system has drawn a wide variety of opinions throughout the three years it has been around.
The mathematical formula for the power ranking system is defined by adding up the average point differential for games and the ranking of the opponents played. What is not clearly defined is the method of ranking teams before the season begins. This system was put into place in 2020 and replaced the prior system of ranking, which was simply based on a team’s record.
Social studies teacher and assistant football and baseball coach Mr. Mahoney feels that the power ranking system needs adjustments. “There needs to be some reform, especially when it comes to transparency. I think a lot of coaches get confused, and don’t really understand the math that goes into it.” Mahoney also sees the benefits of it saying, “I think the attempt is good to try and make things more balanced based on strength of schedule. I think that is an important consideration.”
Mr. Morrissey, social studies teacher and head boys basketball coach, is against this system and believes the point differential in basketball specifically is unfair to some players. “If you win by over 10 points you get more value. Well you are now eliminating me putting a kid in the game late. Say we are up 14 with 2 minutes left and they all of a sudden score 2 baskets and it’s below 10. We lose points for that. You are taking kids out of the game. You win or you lose–I don’t get that.” Morrissey is also opposed to the early season power rankings. “When the season begins and they do the power ranking within the first 2 weeks, and teams are 4-1–well, how do you know that those teams are so good unless you have a top 20 in mind?” Morrissey adds to this point by explaining how different leagues benefit differently from the system.
Another evident problem of the power ranking system is how teams with losing records can not only make the playoffs but receive a high seed. “Last year when St. John’s Prep is ranked 22nd and they’re 5-14. I mean what value do you have on winning then? To me that’s crazy, you have to value winning.”
The MIAA power ranking system addresses the right idea of providing teams with equal opportunities to make the playoffs based on strength of schedule. But it’s clear that the MIAA needs to provide some transparency on how the rankings are calculated, and there may need to be some changes made to make sure there is no bias when it comes to favoring different leagues.
