You asked, and we answered. Here are your ratings questions from the week of Feb. 3, 2025, and the answers from the RSNC team. For more information on RSNC rules, ratings, and memberships, check out the Cinch RSNC Rulebook.
Getting Moved Down
Q: Can you only be moved down once?
A: No, you can be moved down multiple times as long as the data supports it. This is with the exception of a move down from a #3 to a #2. A contestant can only be moved down to #2 once except in extreme circumstances as per rule 2.2.3.
Rule 2.2.3 If a #2 has been moved to a #3 they will have the opportunity to move back to a #2 one time after reevaluation at every 6-month interval. If they have attended enough events to fairly evaluate them and their win/loss ratio is below a .25 as a #3 they will have the option to move back to a #2 one time.
Mid-Season Ratings
Q: If you’re bumped mid-season, what rating do you show at during World Finals?
A: If a contestant is bumped mid-season, they will compete at their new rating.
Q: If you were bumped up a rating on your finished sorting horse but now starting a green sorting horse, does your rating adjust for the green horse while still showing the finished horse as well?
A: Your rating is based on your performance overall, not on your horse. However it is taken into account as a result of your performance. For example if you lose your good horse and your performance is negatively impacted due to you riding a lower level horse, your performance data could move you down. (You will not be moved down prior to the data showing it). If your data shows that you are in the top percentage of your rating category then you will be moved up. And if you’re in the bottom, then you will be moved down.
Rating System
Q: How do you rate your riders?
A: We rate new riders based on the rating guidelines, which explain the definitions of each classification (#1-#9) in section 2.2 of the RSNC Rulebook. Once rated, we use a data-driven win/loss ratio that compares the individual ratings to themselves and moves the top % up and the bottom % down.
For more specific information, please see section 2.2 in the RSNC Rulebook.
Q: Why doesn’t the RSNC use a sliding scale for prize money won and earned in a one year, or even a two year period for advancing a rider’s rating? I know you use a percent of money won divided by entry money spent. It appears to be an uneven advancement when a person enters one or two classes per show (wins $500) verses a person that enters 5 classes (wins $500) which keeps their percentages lower.
A: RSNC uses a win/loss ratio, which does account for the number of dollars won vs. dollars spent. If a contestant wins 100% of what they spent, that would put them at a 1.0 win/loss ratio. This ratio takes into account the amount of chances a contestant had to win vs how many times they actually won. For example, if a contestant enters 100 times and wins 1 time, this contestant only wins 1% of the time. If a contestant enters 5 times and wins 1 time this contestant wins 20% of the time.
To address the question specifically, RSNC does look at most ratings 1 time per year. (See Section 2.2 in the Rulebook). Giving sufficient time for data to be collected. The contestant who can win once at a show entering only one or two classes is statistically better than a person who wins once entering five classes because that contestant had more opportunities to win and did not.
Q: Is there a minimum rating for a trainer? If so, what classifies as a trainer and what rating must they start at?
A: There is not a minimum rating for a trainer as the type and level of a trainer varies. In a way everyone that rides a horse is a horse trainer. Some are better than others. In all seriousness, if a contestant considers themself a trainer that should be taken into consideration when rating a new contestant.
If an existing member decides to start training then the rating system should take care of their rating if there is an increase in skill. If we assigned a minimum rating for all trainers we would be endorsing them as trainers without data to prove their ability. A contestant’s or trainer’s rating reflects proven ability within the sport.
Q: What ever happened to the idea of a half number added to a rating, like a 2.5 or 3.5?
A: This is a concept that is still being considered.
Posted Ratings and Points
Q: Will ratings ever be posted online?
A: Ratings will not be posted online. If you have questions about your rating please reach out to the RSNC office at office@rsnc.us.
Q: When will AZ state points be updated?
A: AZ state points will be updated by end of day Friday 2/14/2025.
