With baseball season starting up this week, it’s as good a time as ever to review good sports fan behavior. Of course, these are guidelines that can be applied to any sport.
Know the Game
Generally, if you’re a fan of a game, you have some knowledge of what’s going on. But in case you’re invited to an outing of a sport you’re unfamiliar with, take the time to learn the basic concepts of the game. The Internet is a beautiful thing – Wikipedia the sport, learn the rules, positions, and maybe even a few players on the team. You can always ask the guy next to you for clarification, but you don’t want to be a clueless pest when it comes to the game.
Crank the Volume
With the exception of quiet sports like tennis or golf, louder is better. The noise meter shouldn’t have to tell you to crank the volume to 11 – bring your best heckles and prepare to lose your voice. But when it comes to heckling, remember that it’s not that serious. Everyone likes a good insult, but if you are unoriginal and obscene, you’re probably just offending everyone around you. Another rule of thumb – never cheer when someone is hurt, even if they’re your least favorite player. It’s good sportsmanship to stand up and clap when they get up.
Standing Room Only
In student sections especially, everyone should be on their feet while the clock is ticking. Standing up gets your blood pumping and makes it easier to cheer. Plus, if everyone around you is standing, it’ll probably be challenging to see the game if you’re in your seat. If people around you are all sitting, there is nothing wrong with being the lone warrior on your feet to show support for your beloved team. And especially if someone in front of you is blocking your view by standing, consider it a challenge to your fanhood. Stand up, cheer louder, and refuse to be the first to sit down.
Fan Relations
While you clearly want to be louder than the guy who’s rooting against your team a few rows away, it’s important to maintain some level of decency. He’s allowed to root for whatever team he wants, even if you think he made the worst decision ever, and even if he’s being the bigger jerk about it. If he’s really that offensive, stadium control will take care of him. If you take matters into your own hands, you’ll be the one asked to leave instead.
Team Loyalty
This should go without saying, but loyalty is key in the world of sports. You should support your team through good seasons and bad, and you should always defend your team’s ability to do well during the season, no matter how mad their record actually is. No one likes a bandwagon fan, and you will get no respect for switching teams every other year. To some, picking a team is a stronger commitment than marriage, whether you’re born into that team’s territory or you made the decision when you came of age. Don’t take the decision lightly. Also, once you pick a team, if you wear another team’s apparel for any reason, prepare for the worst. Die hard sports fans hate traitors. The only exception to this rule is losing a bet involving your team, but the solution is making sure you don’t lose to begin with.
For all you sports fans out there – what else do you think makes a good fan?
-Leland Strott
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