Cathal Dennehy: How effective are the dark arts in sport?
Calling a time out to disrupt rivals, just like going down with cramp, is perfectly within the rules, even if it’s annoying as hell to opponents and many others.
SHITHOUSERY ON SHOW: Jaden Hendrikse of Hollywoodbets Sharks. Pic: Steve Haag Sports/Darren Stewart
The terms differ by sport, and by severity of the perceived offence. But whatever we call it – sledging, shithousery, gamesmanship, play-acting, cute hoorism – the intent is similar: seeking a competitive edge by attempting to either distract opponents or rage-bait them into self-destruction.
But does it actually work? It depends.
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