Sports Statistics

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Vision

Sports Statistics is a growing branch of mathematical research with established links into Sports Science, Performance Analysis, and Sports Economics.

The research group strives to improve the outcomes for athletes and coaches whilst contributing new and innovative ideas to the body of knowledge in sports statistics. The importance of statistical modelling to sport is wide and deep. With links into clubs, sporting institutes, commercial organisations and world recognised research committees, the group is well positioned to become world leaders in sports modelling and prediction.

Researchers from the group frequently liaise with sports scientists and coaches. The group has worked with Olympic teams, national and state sporting institutes, state squads, governing bodies, coaches and sporting clubs. Their problem-solving approach contributes to research that is both innovative and outcome driven.

Aim

We aim to be the best, provide the best and assist the best in sports science, sports statistics and performance analysis.

Current research activities

The group has rapidly grown since its origin in 2006. Members of the group have published a number of articles in internationally recognised journals and conferences. There have been over 40 publications in the last five years. High-performance papers have helped to establish important links to the industry. The team has formed strong partnerships with Badminton Australia, VIS and ProWess Sports.

Sports Statistics
Major activities include predictive modelling in NBA, AFL, and tennis.

Performance Analysis
Major research areas in performance analysis include simulation, rankings and ratings, open and closed system modelling, optimisation, notational analysis/video analysis, descriptive analysis, athlete modelling in-play, tournament prediction, theoretical models, new models and new systems.

Sports predictions

We have expertise in modelling many sports, including most team and dual sports. Our statistical models are utilised for a variety of contingencies, including Athlete performance; Optimal team combinations; State of Live Games; Team and player ratings; and Match outcomes.

Current and past prediction

  • AFL (Australian Football League)
    Phases of Play, Predictions, RMIT Simuladder, Tracking "in-the-run" odds
  • Badminton
    Predictions of matches, player ratings for Olympic qualification
  • Horse racing
    Predicting race outcomes primarily for the Melbourne Cup
  • Ice hockey
    Phases of Play
  • Other sports
    Research in soccer, basketball, athletics, tennis and handball is led by Dr Anthony Bedford

Further information

Related links


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