Browsing by Author "Bracewell, Paul J"
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- ItemQuantification of individual rugby player performance through multivariate analysis and data mining : a thesis presented for the fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand(Massey University, 2003) Bracewell, Paul JThis doctoral thesis examines the multivariate nature of performance to develop a contextual rating system for individual rugby players on a match-by-match basis. The data, provided by Eagle Sports, is a summary of the physical tasks completed by the individual in a match, such as the number of tackles, metres run and number of kicks made. More than 130 variables were available for analysis. Assuming that the successful completion of observed tasks are an expression of ability enables the extraction of the latent dimensionality of the data, or key performance indicators (KPI), which are the core components of an individual's skill-set. Multivariate techniques (factor analysis) and data mining techniques (self-organising maps and self-supervising feed-forward neural networks) are employed to reduce the dimensionality of match performance data and create KPI's. For this rating system to be meaningful, the underlying model must use suitable data, and the end model itself must be transparent, contextual and robust. The half-moon statistic was developed to promote transparency, understanding and interpretation of dimension reduction neural networks. This novel non-parametric multivariate method is a tool for determining the strength of a relationship between input variables and a single output variable, whilst not requiring prior knowledge of the relationship between the input and output variables. This resolves the issue of transparency, which is necessary to ensure the rating system is contextual. A hybrid methodology is developed to combine the most appropriate KPI's into a contextual, robust and transparent univariate measure for individual performance. The KPI's are collapsed to a single performance measure using an adaptation of quality control ideology where observations are compared with perfection rather than the average to suit the circumstances presented in sport. The use of this performance rating and the underlying key performance indicators is demonstrated in a coaching setting. Individual performance is monitored with the use of control charts enabling changes in form to be identified. This enables the detection of strengths/weakness in the individual's underlying skill-set (KPI's) and skills. This process is not restricted to rugby or sports data and is applicable in any field where a summary of multivariate data is required to understand performance.
- ItemStatistical methods for cricket team selection : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree of Master of Applied Statistics at Massey University(Massey University, 1999) Bracewell, Paul JCricket generates a large amount of data for both batsmen and bowlers. Methods for using this data to select a cricket team are examined. Utilising the assumption that an individual's natural ability is expressed via performance outputs, this thesis seeks to describe and understand the underlying statistical processes of player performance. Randomness is tested for and then the distributional properties of the data are sought. This information is then used to monitor the estimate of natural ability via widely accepted control methods, such as Shewhart control charts, CUSUM, EWMA and multivariate versions of these procedures. To accommodate the distribution presented by batting scores, a new control chart based on quartiles is also studied. Further, ranking and selection procedures employ the estimates of individual ability to select the best individuals and note the probability of correct selection. Major contributions of this study include: a) Development of performance measures for cricket b) 2 - Dimensional runs test, with further applicability outside cricket. c) Statistical interpretation specific to cricket • Outliers are very important • Form is autocorrelation • Zone rules for cricket needed to detect good/poor performance • Relatively short nominal ARL's d) Control Chart based on quantiles to preserve outlier influences in a non-parametric procedure. e) The recommendation of appropriate tools for monitoring batting, bowling and all-rounder performance and also choosing man of the match. f) Discriminates between different types of bowlers using the consistency of their performance measures. g) Evaluates the members of a team relative to potential contenders.