I may not be an elite athlete, but unfortunately, I'm an elistist when it comes to fandom. Somewhere along the way, I decided that only I know how to root for my team at the game and can't stand when
other fans don't know how to root for my team.

Since we're just a few days away from kick-off, I'm going to give you a few pointers for how to act as a fan when you go to the game. If you are guilty of any these, it's OK, you can change. And yes, change can happen. I recently found out a friend of mine used to have "VIP" shaved in the back of his head in high school. Now he's one of the most humble guys I know. If he can do it, you can change too.

So if you want to enhance your experience of watching a football game at the stadium, here are a few simple tips for your (and the people around you) viewing pleasure.



Note: I'll have a follow up post this week on how to watch a game with a group of people in front of a TV. This one will be very important, maybe even more important than this one.

Watch the entire field, not just the ball.

This is a lot easier when you have a seat that's in the end zone or in the upper deck. Regardless, it's essential. When you see the whole field, you finally understand what's going on. You can see why the QB keeps getting sacked. (Hint: No one was open or the line broke down.) Or you can see the weaknesses is in the defense.

What? You just watched the ball? Shame on you. Then again, your a novice, it's OK. Here's the problem with watching, just the ball. There are 11 players all working together to make the play happen. If you are just focused on the guy with the ball, you won't be able to figure out why the play did or didn't work out.

Here's an example. Let's say your RB runs to the left side and gets tackled for a loss. Everyone screams that he should have run the other way, yet they ignore that the fullback missed his block. It's just subtle stuff, but it helps.

Also, you will always see the flag on the field before you start celebrating the big touchdown. Then you know not to celebrate until you find out about the penalty.

Don't Scream "Get Him" on every single Defensive Play

We've all been in the same section with this person. As soon as the ball is snapped we hear, "Get Him!" or "Tackle Him!". What do you think the guys are trying to do? Every once in a while, this is fine. But every single play? Take a deep breath. And, please, please, please don't yell this at the defensive lineman when it is obvious the offense is setting up a screen play. You just look foolish.

Line Play is Key

This is actually a subset of the first rule, however I'm making it an individual rule. Remember, the game is won and lost at the line. If your team is dominating the line of scrimmage, they will win the game. If not, they will not. Many times, a team will go up early, even though they aren't dominating the line. A comeback in inevitable. Make sure you are paying attention to this. But keep it low key. If your team is ahead, most people around you won't want to listen to you if you tell them bad things are coming. Just temper your excitement.

Keep your "Key's to the Game" to Yourself

Look, we get it. You think we need to throw it to the TE more. Or you feel like the defense is missing too many tackles. But do you have to point it out every play? We're all aware of your keen insight to the game.

On this point, I plead with you. If you're still at the game in the 4th Qtr when your team is down by 28, and they finally get a first down by throwing it to the TE, don't yell out "We'd be in this game if we had done that all along." You just sound foolish.

If you're going to have a "Key", mix it up from game to game. At least the section you sit in won't be subjected to listening to the same frustrations the whole year. Here's a tip. If things haven't changed by week 6, they probably won't change the entire year. That's just the way it is.

Rules for being "Headphone" guy

If you've decided to wear headphones to the game and listen to the radio broadcast, that's fine. However, please wait until someone asks you for information. We don't need to hear who made the last tackle, we heard it over the PA, saw it on the field and saw the replay on the jumbotron. Also, score updates are given over the PA and on the scoreboard, we can see them.

If you think you have something pertinant to share with the section, ask your buddy first. Since he isn't wearing the headphones, he will have a feel about whether you are sharing pertinant information or not. And no, "The number of first downs we have this half" doesn't qualify.

Sarcastic/Funny/Trash Talk comments

Don't overdue these. Use the George Costanza rule and go out on top. If you're trying to get a response out of the crowd, "Get in and Get out." You want to be remembered for the good ones and don't want people to think you are there for the comedy hour.

Related story. I once was at an Alabama basketball game and we went down and made a three. The opposing team went down and shot an airball. Immedietly, a fan sitting two rows behind me yelled out: "Ringing. Ringing. Still Ringing! Cause you have no answer!" I've never seen someone bomb so bad in my life. He had been saving that one for at least two years. Just don't be that guy. Here's a rule of thumb. If it's scripted, it's not funny.

Be a Good Friend

Most of the time, I'm watching the game at home or I have access to the television feed. Thus, I have access to the replay review. I have a friend that will call/text me (or sometimes I will call/text him) and let him know if the play will stand or be overturned. He then can be "that guy" in his section and say, "No worries, they are calling it back." Everyone loves "that guy" because he has a connection somewhere. Think about your connections before the game starts. Have them on standby ready to come through.

You're quality of life shouldn't be defined by whether your team wins or loses.

I think this says it all, right?