xosqedemrufo's blog

All contests should have an unrated option
By xosqedemrufo, history, 4 months ago, In English

Not all contests allow unrated participation, but sometimes I just want to take part without worrying about my rating. Having an unrated option would encourage learning and experimentation, especially for participants who want to practice in a real contest environment without pressure. Moreover, this could help reduce cheating: people who only want to participate for fun or practice could choose the unrated option,while those who cheat would be less motivated to affect rated standings. In short,every contest should offer an unrated participation option.

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4 months ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it -25 Vote: I do not like it

Participate virtually after the contest ends.

You can also participate anytime you want

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    4 months ago, hide # ^ |
     
    Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

    Virtual participation is not the same as joining live. Real-time pressure matter, and an unrated option would be great for that without rating stress.

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      4 months ago, hide # ^ |
       
      Vote: I like it +12 Vote: I do not like it

      Virtual Participation also has timing

      It's basically like joining live but unrated

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        4 months ago, hide # ^ |
         
        Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

        I'm unable to participate in many rated rounds due to them starting an hour before the lunch period at my school. Unrated participation would allow me to submit to these problems in-contest without having to wait for the contest to end.

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          4 months ago, hide # ^ |
           
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          i have the same problem and imo isn't it easier to just wait a day or two for the contest to pass and then do it virtual? you can't expect to do a contest per day at any rate (and if you are, it's probably counterproductive or extremely exhausting) so this way you're still participating, just at your own time & unrated, and if all else fails upsolving is always an option, you can even do it in school (i do) so you're not wasting any time if you have some on your hands

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          4 months ago, hide # ^ |
           
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

          your physics teacher would uniractualowkirkenuinely slime the shit out of you

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4 months ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Support. Unrated can provide a more authentic contest experience and will not conflict with other things about oneself.

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4 months ago, hide # |
 
Vote: I like it +45 Vote: I do not like it

The other problem with vcs (most people are suggesting this alternative) is that, especially in social CP circles, you may accidentally get spoiled the contest (since literally everyone will be talking about how they solved problem F the hour after the contest ends) very easily if you're planning to vc it later that day.

Personally, unrated option has been nice and allowed me to not miss out on a div3 round while on holiday with nothing but my phone and usaco guide ide last year, so I think this is a welcome change.

Also having it only for ICPC scoring rounds feels incomplete idk

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4 months ago, hide # |
 
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As great as this would be, I think the reason why this isn't an option is the queue. Queue, though not always, is an active problem during rounds, and adding the option of unrated participation will only worsen this problem, as it is more likely for more people to join. While, yes, this problem can be solved one way, or another, I doubt it is an easy task.

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