Fairness Score methodology
The score applies transparent balance heuristics to a generated schedule; it is not proof of a globally optimal schedule.
Components and weights
- Participation balance (30%): how closely game totals match the ideal distribution.
- Partner diversity (25% when applicable): repeats beyond the pair variety available to the schedule.
- Opponent diversity (20%): repeats beyond the opponent variety available to the schedule.
- Rest balance (15%): long gaps beyond the minimum implied by each person’s play and rest counts.
- Court balance (10%): deviation from an even distribution of playing-area assignments.
How constraints are handled
Some combinations cannot produce a perfect schedule. Six players on one doubles court, for example, force rests; a short event may also force repeated partners. The heuristics flag the imbalance they can measure rather than claiming to solve every possible arrangement.
Only components that apply to the format are combined. Their listed baseline weights are renormalized across those present to produce a score from 0 to 100, and each explanation remains visible for inspection.
Limits
The score is not used for seeded elimination because entrants are intentionally given different paths. It also does not model skill, travel, accessibility, officiating or sport-specific regulations unless those inputs are explicitly part of the schedule.