Intra-match competitive intensity in French football Ligue 1 and rugby Top 14

Abstract

This article develops a new dimension of competitive balance: intra-match level. In addition, it combines stakes and reversals as well as outcome uncertainty to create a new concept: competitive intensity. Intra-match competitive intensity was measured in French football Ligue 1 over the period 1993–2008 and rugby Top 14 over the period 2001–2008. The results show the regularity of intra-match uncertainty in Ligue 1 over the period 1993–2008 and the positive impact of the bonus system which was instituted in Top 14 in 2004–2005. Indeed, Top 14 intra-match competitive intensity surpassed Ligue 1 ’s (which was previously higher) over the sub-period 2004–2008.