Sports Stats for Dummies

I am looking to make the switch from writing sports at a weekly to working in a sports information department. I do not have a lot of experience with taking stats...does anyone have any recommendations for a good book that would give me a crash course in taking sports stats 101??? Thanks

 

Not to be flip, honest.
I don't believe such a thing exists (and I've googled).
I'd think that is just one of those things either you know how to do or pick it up by watching others do it or you don't.

 

I think you're going to have more luck finding resources for each individual sport, rather than one be-all, end-all source.

 

The NCAA publishes stat manuals for each sport. You can order them for about $5 each. PDF versions of each manual are available on the NCAA's Web site for free.

 

Most SIDs use sport-specific stat programs, and they're pretty easy to figure out. If you can score a scrimmage or two before the regular season starts, you should be in pretty good shape. Usually, the conference SID office dictates which stat program to use so it's consistent throughout the league.

 

Learn how to use the "Automatic Scorebook," it's essentially the computer program all SIDs live and die by.

I'd imagine that'd be an impressive point on a resume if you already know how to use it well.

 

i agree that no book will be the perfect solution. anyone can explain the concept of what is a kill or a dig or an assist. but the only way to get good at taking stats during live action is to practice. ask coaches for old game tape and practice at home if you have to. and make sure all games are taped so if you get flustered during the game you can go back later and update the stats.

 

You could ask The Big Ragu, but he's busy putting asterisks next to everything.