How to be a fan:
One of
the best things about living in Canada is the Canadian Football
League. The CFL is a lot like Canada itself: historic, modest, and
friendly. I grew up “on” the CFL. When I was young, I'd watch
football games, in non-high definition believe it or not, with my
family cheering on our local team: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Just as
the older players mentor younger players, die-hard fans teach people
new to the sport how to properly support a football team.
The first
thing you need to do to support a team is to choose one. Yes, it
seems obvious, but it's the first requirement. Generally your best
bet is to pick a team from your hometown. Otherwise, it can be an
expensive investment, (more on that later.) If your city does not
have a team, a city close by will do. Choose wisely though, because
once you pick a team, there is no going back, ever.
After you
have picked a team you next have to research it's players. This is
very important. You do not want to be one of those fans who go to
games and yell the wrong players' name, or even worse, make up a
name. One year, while I was attending Blue Bomber games, a “new”
fan moved into my vicinity. She would yell at the top of her lungs
things like “Javan you suck!”, or “Come on, Javan, get it
together!”. This was wrong on several levels. First of all, the
Bombers did not have a Javan on the team at the time, and second of
all, she was heckling her own team publicly: another fan faux pas. A
few fans confronted her on her annunciations and after that day, I
never saw her again. So, grab a team roster, which can be found on
the team's website, and thoroughly memorize the players names, and
numbers for easier identification.
In order
to avoid ending up like the lady mentioned above, you must observe
this next rule: treat the players on your team like family. It is
okay for you to curse out the players on your team, (actually I
encourage it), but it's to be done in private only. You would not
yell at your sister in the middle of the mall, for instance, but you
might in the privacy of your own home. Also, always, always, always
stand up for the players on your team. They could be the slowest,
lamest, worst group of players to ever play football but if they are
on your team you will stand up for them. Anyone who mocks, berates,
or doubts said players should receive a scowling look and a stern
tongue lashing.
Becoming
a true fan will require some start up funds. There are some necessary
purchases: first and foremost, season tickets. A true fan goes to
every home game. You must attend games over all else. A short list of
exceptions apply: a death in the immediate family, a sibling's
wedding, or a milestone birthday of someone very important. That's
it, no other excuse will be accepted for missing, and if you gain the
reputation of being a die-hard fan, siblings and parents would never
dare schedule things on game day anyway. Next, a jersey must be
purchased, preferably both home and away colours, but a home jersey
as a bare minimum. It is imperative that you wear the colours of the
team on game day, as well as after a big win or big loss. Lastly, a
car flag with your team's logo on it. Yes, they may be tacky, but
they also solidify your fan status wherever you go.
The most
important and final part of being a die-hard fan is faith. Faith that
your team can and will win, almost to the point of cockiness, but not
quite. Your team could be down 50 to 0, with five minutes left to
play, and some part of you should be thinking “if we could just get
the ball back, and on-side kick, and score, and on-side kick and
score......we could win.”
So, pick
a team, learn about its players, attend the games, and have faith. Do
it long enough and you will be a fan. It's a rewarding experience;
just see for yourself.