The Dos and Don’ts of Sports Spectating

During the Bengals/Saints game this weekend, cameras caught a male Saints fan elbowing a female Bengals fan in the face in order to intercept (steal) a game-used ball and a prized souvenir .

When interviewed, the wannabe defensive back claimed he had no regrets regarding his behavior Despite his lack of remorse other Saints fans encouraged, via stadium chant, that he return the ball to the intended recipient. The Deion Sanders of spectators ignored the social pressure and kept the ball.

Accordingly, this episode inspired me to write a post regarding the dos and don’ts of spectator behavior.

DO: Leave and return to your seats at an appropriate time. In a world where almost every collegiate/professional sporting event is televised, spectators deal with roughly 12 to 90 television timeouts. Knowing that television breaks will occur every four minutes during a college basketball game or every change of possession in a football game, spectators should time their bathroom breaks and concessions runs accordingly. When you leave during live action, the row behind you potentially misses the ally-oop or other outstanding play of the game because they are staring at the label on the pocket of your jeans or the backs of people in your row who stand up to let you return to your seat. While you want your center on the basketball team to block a shot or outside rusher to block the opposing team’s field goal attempt, spectators prefer not to be blocked as a fan bounds down the aisle. So, wait for dead balls, particularly timeouts, before you leave or return to your seat.

DON’T: Use bad language around children and others who might be offended. Fans get it. Sports stimulate emotional responses. Despite that understanding, parents don’t appreciate the spectator tutorial regarding four-letter words. If your commentary isn’t something that you would say in the presence of your grandmother and/or grandchild, don’t say it.

DO: Stand at appropriate times. A knowledgeable fan knows when (most likely) the team needs a boost. Standing up randomly or throughout the entirety of the game negatively affects the experience of the fans seated behind you. Additionally, it causes other fans to consider whether you have any clue, thus challenging your fan identity.

DON’T: Physically or psychologically crush other fans. Like the description of the account above, it is highly unlikely that fans will report that the highlight of their spectator experience was when someone knocked them to the ground in hopes of catching a foul ball. Nurture fellow fans. The story of catching a souvenir is probably much more valuable than owning the souvenir, especially when the punch line is, “I gave it to the kid sitting next to me.”

DO: Welcome fans of the visiting team. Recognize that fans who made the “road trip” have journeyed from afar. These fans are like you, diehards, and you should appreciate that common bond. You know how painful losses are, so salute those who have made the journey.

DON’T: Fail to recognize your impact on the environment around you. Most people can read, including children. Is a profanity laced, air-brushed, t-shirt the look that will win you Project Runway? Doubtful. So why wear it? Wear something that supports your team, without belittling someone else.

DO: Recognize where your shoe drops. When returning to your seat during a timeout, it is always important that you watch your step. In a world where 16 oz beers cost $7-14 and nachos in a helmet can cost $20, it is important that you don’t kick your aisle-mate’s drink or food into the next row.

DON’T: Wear a completely unrelated jersey to a game. For example, this image was caught at a Reds- Brewers game. This individual is most likely a diehard Steelers and Pirates fan. Do people at the Reds-Brewers game care? Nope! Adjust your wardrobe to indicate to the crowd that you have some sense of what is going on.

Pirates' fan at Brewers - Reds game

DON’T: Mooch someone else’s seats (at least not early on). Challenging one’s seat location is awkward for all parties. If you plan to take advantage of no shows, wait until the first quarter has passed before you attempt to claim squatters’ rights.

DO: Show up to a game on time and stay till the end is decided. Remember that win or lose you are there for your team. Loyalty goes a long way in strengthening your identity to your sports teams.

Do you have additional dos and don’ts that should be added to this list? Please help your fellow fans by adding them in the comment section below.