The Z-score is calculated using the following formula:

{Z-score} = ({Individual Score} - {Mean Score}) / {Standard Deviation}

Functional fitness competitions involve a series of events testing different physical capabilities. Scores across these events often vary significantly, making it a challenge to rank athletes uniformly. The Z-score method offers a solution by normalizing scores across different events, allowing for fair comparison and ranking of athletes based on their performance relative to their peers.

Let's say we have a set of scores from a lifting event. The mean score is 200 lbs, and the standard deviation is 20 lbs.

In the provided example, a Z-score of +2 for Athlete A means that their performance is 2 standard deviations above the mean score. This indicates that Athlete A's score is significantly better than the average performance.

On the other hand, a Z-score of -1 for Athlete B suggests that their performance is 1 standard deviation below the mean score. This places Athlete B's score below the average performance.

Z-scores help to understand how each individual's performance compares to the group average. A positive Z-score always indicates a performance above the mean, while a negative Z-score shows a performance below the mean. The magnitude of the Z-score indicates how far and in what direction an individual's performance deviates from the average.

Traditional scoring methods might simply rank athletes based on their total points across events. However, this can be misleading if some events are scored higher due to their nature. Z-scoring normalizes these differences, ensuring that an athlete's performance is fairly evaluated regardless of the scoring system of individual events.

BruteScore provides a robust Z-score feature that allows you to utilize this statistical approach in scoring. With BruteScore, you have the flexibility to choose your scoring type: use traditional points/ranks, apply the Z-score method, or display both side by side to see how athletes have performed using both scoring systems. This versatility ensures a comprehensive understanding of each athlete's performance relative to the competition.

BruteScore provides the tools and resources needed to implement Z-scoring in your functional fitness competition, ensuring a fair and standardized ranking of athletes' performances. Take advantage of our Z-score feature to elevate your competition's scoring accuracy and provide insightful, transparent results.