Scorecasting Quotes

“People view acts of omission—the absence of an act—as far less intrusive or harmful than acts of commission—the committing of an act—even if the outcomes are the same or worse. Psychologists call this omission bias, and it expresses itself in a broad range of contexts.”
― Tobias J. Moskowitz, Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind Sports and How Games Are Won

“Time and again, we let the fear of loss overpower rational decision-making and often make ourselves worse off just to avoid a potential loss. Psychologists call this loss aversion, and it means we often tend to prefer avoiding losses at the expense of acquiring gains.”
― Tobias J. Moskowitz, Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind Sports and How Games Are Won

“Inside the opponent’s 45-yard line, facing anything less than fourth and eight, teams are better off going for it than punting. Inside the opponent’s 33-yard line, they are better off going for it on anything less than fourth and 11.* Regardless of field position, on anything less than fourth and five, teams are always better off going for it.”
― L. Jon Wertheim, Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind Sports and How Games Are Won

“Still another abstract benefit of playing for Pulaski: The experience is so different from traditional high school football that the Bruins’ players feel as though they’re part of something unique, an elite unit amid regular cadets. The team bonds have solidified; the offensive and defensive players consider themselves kindred spirits, bracketed together by their singular coach.”
― Tobias J. Moskowitz, Scorecasting: The Hidden Influences Behind Sports and How Games Are Won