Is Stealing Signs Cheating?, page 1

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Topic started on 13-9-2007 @ 03:29 PM by chissler

Signals are the universal language of all sports. One can not communicate with any language in the middle of a sporting event, so we rely on the relay of signals to communicate with one another. Is stealing signs really cheating though?

With Belichick being put through the ringer this week for this little extravaganza about sideline taping, it has really caught my eye. I do believe that videotaping the other teams sidelines is wrong, and teetering on the level of cheating. But what about just keeping an eye out? What if they don't video tape.

When Bobby Thomson hit the shot heard 'round the world, it was one of the greatest moments in history. Years later, and even still slightly today, it is tainted by the accusations that the Giants were stealing signs from center field. How does that taint anything?

I coach youth baseball on a very competitive level. The youth are 15-17, and we compete on a national level each and every year. I spend large portions of the tournaments scouting other teams, and watching what their tendencies are. More importantly, I focus on the coach of each team and try to figure out the indicator of his signals, and what each one is. Within six or seven innings, I can normally pick up on the essentials.

Is this cheating?

Even in some games when I know their signals, I do not utilize this bit of information until it is a meaningful moment. If I do something to let the other team know I have the signals, I won't have them for long. So it's just a little peice of information I keep in my back pocket.

I don't think this is cheating.

I think it is out coaching the opposing team.

On the baseball diamond, is relaying the catcher's signals to the batter cheating? Not a chance. Mix up the signals, try to mask them to the best of your ability. It can be done very easily, and will result in the other teams just scratching their head.

I don't like hearing coaches being called cheaters for stealing signals. I call them good coaches.

What are your thoughts?

[edit on 13-9-2007 by chissler]

reply posted on 13-9-2007 @ 03:47 PM by seagull

Filming the coaches isn't cheating?

There's an old saying in sports that goes something like this: If you ain't cheating, you ain't trying... This is, to put it bluntly, crap. It's one thing to notice a tendency in game film, but to film coaches is just not right.

I've never been a Bill Belichik fan, I'm even less of one now. I look forward to the NFL dropping the hammer on the Pat's. Losing a draft pick, and a suspension of Bilichik.

Make no mistake, I'm all for noticing trends on film, bad habits in certain situations, but this crossed a line.

reply posted on 13-9-2007 @ 03:48 PM by Dr Love

You know what they say chiss', it's only cheating if you get caught.

A lot of these things boil down to "I know the other guys is doing it, but I can't prove it.......so I'm gonna do the same thing!"

See; stealing signs, steroids, corked bats, sandpaper in the mit, Vaseline under the cap, and so on.

Peace

[edit on 13-9-2007 by Dr Love]

reply posted on 13-9-2007 @ 03:53 PM by chissler

Like I said, I agree that videotaping is wrong.

But let's put this example aside for a minute, and just stick to stealing signs. If I'm on the other sideline, in the dugout, or on the opposing bench, and I can watch the opposing coach for a few minutes and pick up on his signs, is this cheating? Or is it just strong coaching?

Videotaping is wrong, I agree. But what about being aware?

I don't think Belichick will get the hammer brought down on him, but I do see something coming his way.

reply posted on 13-9-2007 @ 04:00 PM by Mirthful Me

reply to post by chissler

If you are in the dugout and can see the opposing coach and correctly interpret his signs, more power to ya! If you employ a third party, devices, or subterfuge... It's cheating (when you get caught).

There's more to this Patriots incident that what is being reported. There were also too many audio receivers on the sidelines, they were probably listening in.