A flexible mathematical model for the planning and designing of a sporting fixture by considering the assignment of referees

Abstract

This paper deals with the problems faced with the designing and planning of a sporting fixture considering correct referee assignments. A non-linear binary program model is proposed to solve the problems, which aims to minimize the sums of the differences that exist between the requirements of each match and the quality of the referee assigned achieving the design of the most adequate referee for each match. The efficiency of the proposed model is proved using some real data obtained from various fixtures for sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball. The mathematical model is solved by using CPLEX 12.7.0., which allows the automatic linearization of the problems. The results obtained demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methodology for tackling problems, as well as its extension to other sporting disciplines, which require a similar type of planning. Similarly, given the robust nature of the proposed model, it is possible to implement other objective functions in accordance with the requirements of each league.