Fencing Ratings Methodology

This system uses a USCF-style Elo-inspired model and updates ratings per weapon (foil/epee/saber) independently.

Core equations

Expected score: E = 1 / (1 + 10^((R_opponent - R_player)/400))

Rating update: R_new = R_old + K x (S - E)

• R_old = current rating
• E = expected score from rating difference
• S = actual score (1.0 win, 0.0 loss)
• K = development factor (depends on experience/rating tier)

Current configuration

• Default starting rating: 1200
• Provisional threshold (bouts): 25
• K (provisional): 40
• K (regular, rating < 1800): 24
• K (regular, rating >= 1800): 16

Weapon-specific ratings

Each fencer has three independent ratings. A foil bout only updates foil ratings; epee and saber are unchanged.

Audit and transparency

Each submitted bout creates a rating-history record containing old rating, new rating, and delta for both fencers.

Note: This is a practical club rating system inspired by USCF-style equations, not an official USCF rating service.