A Bayesian framework for analyzing alleged cheating in sports through hidden codes, with applications to bridge and baseball

Abstract

We develop a statistical framework to evaluate evidence of alleged cheating involving illegal signaling in sports from a forensic perspective. We explain why, instead of a frequentist procedure, a Bayesian approach is called for. We apply this framework to cases of alleged cheating in professional bridge and professional baseball. The diversity of these applications illustrates the generality of the method.