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If anyone out there is thinking “this is cool and I have an idea I’d like to explore but I’m not too familiar with working with data like this so I guess I shouldn’t do it,” I’m here to tell you (kindly!) that you are incorrect! 
#BDC2021 #BigDataCup https://twitter.com/meghanchayka/status/1354836661721591809
#BDC2021 #BigDataCup https://twitter.com/meghanchayka/status/1354836661721591809
Since this event has been announced, I’ve seen multiple people say things like “this is cool, too bad I could never do this” or “I’m definitely not smart enough for this.” And that bums me out! I know part of the impetus for this event was to provide opportunities for new folks.
And that can mean anything—new to sports analytics, new to hockey in particular, new to working with data, new to showing your work publicly. Especially if you belong to a group that’s usually underrepresented in this area, I want to emphasize that this opportunity is for you.
“But my work isn’t as sophisticated as what Person X can do.” Yeah, same here! Doesn’t mean it isn’t a worthwhile effort and it doesn’t have value. You belong here, and I want to see your work! Even if you aren’t a finalist, even if you don’t end up submitting in the end.
I know (believe me!) that this community can be intimidating, but it’s also super welcoming. More details will be announced soon about office hours, to give you an opportunity to chat with more experienced folks and ask questions. So if you’re interested, I really encourage you.
If you need a nudge, I hope this helps. And if you want to learn more about working with data...I recommend R, especially for a beginner, because you can get up and running pretty quickly. Here are a few resources to help:
Take a look at this talk I gave at #HANIC last year on moving past Excel: https://meghan.rbind.io/talk/hanic/
And here’s a total intro to R from @HockeyGraphs: https://hockey-graphs.com/2019/12/11/an-introduction-to-r-with-hockey-data/
And here’s a total intro to R from @HockeyGraphs: https://hockey-graphs.com/2019/12/11/an-introduction-to-r-with-hockey-data/
I also have an R package with some tutorials on using NHL play-by-play data (which is somewhat similar to the Big Data Cup data): https://github.com/meghall06/betweenthepipes/blob/master/README.md
And of course, the seminal R resource that everyone (rightfully!) recommends: https://r4ds.had.co.nz/
And of course, the seminal R resource that everyone (rightfully!) recommends: https://r4ds.had.co.nz/
So go forth and enter the #BigDataCup! We all look forward to seeing what you come up with. 
