The effect of uncertainty on the assessment of individual performance: Empirical evidence from professional soccer

The most important variables for measuring achievements in team sports such as soccer are physical condition, technical and tactical performance. Furthermore, in the last decades it has been noted that also real market value and reputation play a major role. Because of the complexity of the game, it is dificult to ascertain the relative importance of each of these variables and to establish an objective ranking of the best sportsmen. The aim of the present study is to develop a statistical model for analyzing the subjective evaluations expressed by raters on soccer players by stressing the effect of uncertainty and don't know responses in the decision-making process.