Enhance Swimming Performance Platform: Data Import and Scoring Logic

We are seeking an experienced developer to improve our existing swimming performance platform. This platform currently tracks swimmer data, rankings, points, and competition results. The primary goal of this project is to enhance the data import process for competition results and refine the scoring and ranking calculation logic.

Scope of Work:

1. Excel Data Import System Development: We receive competition results in Excel format and require a robust import process. This process must be capable of:
  - Reading competition data accurately from various Excel file structures.
  - Mapping imported records to existing swimmer profiles within our database.
  - Implementing mechanisms to prevent duplicate record entries.
  - Validating all imported data to ensure integrity before saving to the database.

2. Swimmer Data Matching Enhancement: The system needs to intelligently associate newly imported results with existing swimmer profiles. This includes:
  - Prioritizing matching swimmers by unique identifiers (e.g., Swimmer ID) when available.
  - Developing fuzzy matching logic for swimmer names when unique IDs are absent or incomplete.
  - Implementing a flagging system to identify and isolate unmatched swimmers for manual review and reconciliation.

3. Score Calculation Logic Update: Our platform features an established points and ranking system that requires refinement and updates. The selected freelancer will be responsible for:
  - Updating and optimizing performance points calculations based on new criteria or improved algorithms.
  - Refining overall ranking calculations to ensure accuracy and fairness.
  - Establishing clear rules for score updates following each new competition import.
  - Ensuring automatic recalculation of all affected rankings and scores after data imports.

We are looking for a freelancer with proven experience in:
- Developing and implementing Excel/CSV data import systems.
- Advanced data mapping, validation, and synchronization techniques.
- Performing complex database updates and ensuring data consistency.
- Designing and implementing robust ranking or scoring systems.
- Strong skills in web application back-end development.

Deliverables for this project include:
- A fully functional and tested Excel import process.
- A reliable and accurate swimmer matching mechanism.
- Updated, tested, and documented score calculation logic.

Successful completion of this phase may lead to opportunities for additional work.