Performance analysis and cheating in sport - a model for discussion

Abstract

In all sport there is a varying amount of cheating, however, there has been limited work undertaken in performance analysis of this aspect of sport. This paper developed a generic model that may be used within performance analysis, drawing from work undertaken on the definition of cheating. Using statistics from the International Rugby Board's Game Analysis Centre, the developed model was tested and successfully identified how infringements in rugby union fitted into the five categories developed within the research. Differences were then discussed between the Six Nations and Tri Nations competitions within the framework of the model. It was suggested that the model could be used for analysis within individual sport and between sports. This method of analysis could introduce an interesting and novel way of investigating cheating in sport, expanding the analysis that has already been undertaken on infringements.