East Midlands Branch

 

THE INSTITUTE OF MATHEMATICS

AND ITS APPLICATIONS

 

Statistical modelling in sport

 

by

 

Dr Phil Scarf

(Salford University)

 

on

 

Wednesday 24 January, 2007

starting  7.30 pm

 

Heap Lecture Theatre

University of Derby, Kedleston Road   

 

 

Abstract

This talk considers how modelling can be used to shed light on a variety of sporting issues. First, we look at how the timing of a declaration in the third innings of a test match can be optimized. Second, we look at route choice in mountain running events and examine an empirical basis for Naismith’s rule. Next we look at the actions in a football match which contribute to the final result of the game. Finally, we return to cricket to discuss how we might rank players in test cricket putting batting and bowling contributions on the same scale. Sport provides subject matter for a wide range of interesting modelling problems, and it is a growing area for the application of mathematics in general and statistics and operational research in particular. The question arises: can it be considered as a mainstream area for the application of mathematics?

 

Phil Scarf is a lecturer at the University of Salford. His research interests are in Replacement Modelling, Reliability and Maintenance  Modelling, and OR and Statistics in Sport. He is currently co-editor of the IMA Journal of Management Mathematics which recently published a special issue on OR in Sport under his editorship. He is an orienteer, adventure racer and has competed in a number of mountain marathon events. He has played cricket at club level.

 

No charge is made to attend meetings, non-IMA members are welcome

 

The talk is coordinated by East Midlands Branch Secretary, Dr Stephen Hibberd, School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, email: stephen.hibberd@nottingham.ac.uk.

Details of East Midlands Branch activities: http://www.ima.org.uk/EMidBranch/ima.html