USTFCCCA News & Notes
USTFCCCA Launches Cross Country Rating Index (XCRI) as Objective Ranking System
NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) today announced the launch of the Cross Country Rating Index (XCRI), a new objective ranking system for evaluating collegiate cross country athletes and teams throughout the season.
The XCRI represents years of research, testing, and algorithm optimization designed to provide coaches, athletes, media and fans with a consistent method for evaluating performance based solely on current-season results. The system operates in partnership with AthleticNET, the presenting sponsor of USTFCCCA polls and ranking products, which provides the performance data that powers the rankings.
“Just as the Track & Field Rating Index has become a resource for evaluating programs during the track season, the XCRI offers a similar objective measure for cross country,” said Tom Lewis, Director of Media, Broadcasting, and Analytics. “It provides a data-driven perspective that complements our traditional coaches’ polls.”
The XCRI uses a deterministic algorithm that ranks athletes first, then calculates team rankings based on those athlete rankings. The system prioritizes head-to-head race results and common opponent analysis, using a round-by-round “knockout” evaluation process. When direct matchups are limited—particularly early in the season—the system employs a comprehensive statistical model called the Season Composite Score (SCS) to ensure complete rankings.
Traditional USTFCCCA coaches’ polls will continue as the official ranking of programs. The subjective outlook from our coaches remains essential for evaluating team potential and championship readiness, particularly given the strategic nature of roster deployment and scheduling throughout the season.
“Current LIVE Rankings” will be updated at least once daily when meets occur, while Historic Snapshots will be published weekly, beginning with the last Monday of September. The portal currently includes historic data from the 2024 season and early 2025 season for reference and comparison.
The accuracy and completeness of XCRI rankings depends on timely submission of meet results to AthleticNET. Coaches and meet directors are encouraged to report results promptly to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The XCRI portal is available at https://web4.ustfccca.org/iz/xcri. The USTFCCCA plans to add additional transparency features over time, including detailed round-by-round selection information.