Abstract

In this article we provide a mathematical model for ranking of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III track and field conferences. It uses four ranking systems involving vector lengths and z-scores to measure and rank the strength of each conference using the top eight marks of each conferences championship meet. We take an average of each conferences rank to produce the final ranking. We believe that this model is superior to the current ranking system at the national meet. We conclude by using the 2008 mens outdoor season data to rank the Division III conferences for the 2009 season.

In the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), there are no ranking systems for the track and field conferences in any division. The only rankings in track and field are the school rankings at the national championship meet. Because of the way they are made, the national champion school may not even be the strongest team in its conference.

At the national meet, it is possible to win the national title with only a few top athletes. In 2008, the outdoor national title was won with a total of only 35 points. These could have been earned with three first place finishes and one fourth place finish, so the national title can be won by a school that has a single exceptional athlete. In 2008 Fisk University was tied for 29th in Division III with 10 points.