Alpine competition event scoring formulas are based on a variety of scoring values. A scoring value is typically based on a competitor's finish time or position, either directly or by using some value derived from one of these fundamental values. See Scoring Values for a description of the various fundamental scoring values used in various scoring systems (time, handicapped time, race points, World Cup Points, Divisions Cup points).
Scoring may be done within age groups, across multiple age groups, or within other interesting groupings (all competitors in the event, all racers on the same course, all racers of the same gender, etc.)
Combined scoring systems are typically used for an event which consists of several races, typically (but not necessarily) a specific event held over several days at a single site, such as a special weekend race series or a regional or national USSA championship event.
Handicapping formulas for masters racing typically introduce a handicap factor based on a competitors age to "normalize" times across age classes.
[TO DO: add description of various division season standings formulas -> FW, IM]
World Cup points combined scoring is computed using the total World Cup points awarded to the competitor for their finish position in the races of the event.
Depending on the specific event, competitors may be required to complete all races in the event to be eligible in the combined standings or they may simply be required to have competed (started) in at least one race of the series. Tie-break rules are event-specific.
World Cup points combined scoring is used for awarding regional class championships at the USSA masters eastern and western regional championship events. It is also used for the National Speed Series and is the basis of many divisional season scoring systems.
Race points combined scoring is computed using the total race points awarded to the competitor based on their finish times in the races of the event.
Competitors must start in and finish all races in the series to be eligible in the standings. Tie-break rules are event-specific.
Race points combined scoring is used for the age class combined scoring at the USSA masters national championships.
Total time combined scoring is the simplest multi-race scoring system: the competitor's score is simply the total of their result times from each race in the event.
Competitors must start in and finish all races in the series to be eligible in the standings. Tie-break rules are event-specific.