10 Commandments For Football Fans

Sometimes it’s the little things that spoil the fun at football games. Of course, there’s always obnoxious behavior by a select few. But the ones that get me are the people who would never violate the rules of etiquette at a theatre production who routinely offend other people. Time for that to end. Here are my proposed Ten Commandments for Football Fans:

Ten Commandments for Football Fans

1. Thou shalt be in your seat before kickoff. Stumbling over fans to get to your seat as the game begins gets the game off to a bad start for everybody.
2. Thou shalt avoid walking in front of others in your row in the middle of a football play unless you’re absolutely starved or about to soak your pants. Wait until the play is over; people pay good money for seats to see the game, not your posterior.
3. Thou shalt know when to be on your feet. Standing throughout the entire game is a tradition for fans at some stadiums. However, at other stadiums, standing is reserved for occasions when something exciting occurs. If you block people’s view for no obvious reason, don’t be surprised if they get hostile.
4. Thou shalt never boo the home team. Players don’t know whether you’re booing them or the coach. Save your outrage for the striped shirts.
5. Thou shalt keep a lid on the foul mouthing. Officials, coaches and players can’t hear you. Impressionable kids are definitely soaking it in.
6. Thou shalt lay off boring your fellow fans with cliches, lest you be considered trite yourself.
7. Thou shalt remember that if you’re listening to the radio broadcast on headphones to not constantly repeat what the announcers are saying. Fellow fans can bring their own headphones if they care.
8. Thou shalt avoid constantly asking those around you what just happened on the field.  The public address announcer usually provides the information. Plus, almost every down is replayed on video screens at many venues.
9. Thou shalt limit thy alcohol intake. Over-imbibing may make you feel good temporarily, but you risk becoming belligerent. You will wind up listening to the game on your car radio.
10. Thou shalt not depart until the game is over unless you have an urgent engagement. Beating the traffic is not an acceptable excuse. A half-empty stadium is an insult to the home team, winning or losing.

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