What is Game day etiquette? Game day etiquette is the way you should respect your school, teams, band, admin, and even fellow class mates. This is to show you how you personally can respect your school and administrators on game day.
Step one: Show your School Spirit
Do not be afraid to go all out for pep-rallies or themed football games. These games were designed for you to have fun dressing up! Show your school spirit as much as possible. However this is not something to take for granted! Dress appropriately! It may be outside school hours but you’re still on school grounds!
Step two: Respect the Opposing Team
No matter what team your school is playing show your respect. Instead of making negative comments about the other team make positive comments about yours. No booing, name calling, and no calling out individual players or fans. Remember that they are high school students as well. They will give you the respect you give them, and even if they don’t they reflect on how you act around them.
Step three: Be a Good Fan in the Stands
Unless you are on the football team, cheer team, dance team, coaches, yearbook staff or sports broadcasting, stay off the field. Respect that that is their space during the game, yours is the student section. Saying that, do not throw things onto the field or in the stands. Meaning no cups, trash, confetti, water! None of it, it can be a distraction to players and other fans. Do not block peoples views in the stands. Yes, some people actually go to the game to watch football! So let them! Respect your shoulder neighbors space. Nobody wants to be hugging up on a random stranger at a football game. Respect their bubble and they will hopefully respect yours.
Step four: Biggest Supporters
The high school band comes out every Friday night to support their football team. Some of the band music is made for the student section to get involved and sing or do a specific dance. They work very hard to make FNL nights, FNL memories. Same for Dance team and cheer team, they spend hours practicing so when Coach calls, “Timeout Ref” or halftime strolls along, you have someone entertaining you and supporting your team along the way. Show them your support and cheer for them as well.
Step five: Listen to Staff and Administrators
Follow any given direction from an authority figures. They are the ones who allow you to go to the games in the first place, show them the same support they show you. If something important happens these are the people you go to. Maybe there was a fight or a emergency these are the people who will help you. Do not escalate it, find an adult before anything gets serious.
Step six: Keep it clean
Throw your trash away! It is important to keep the school grounds clean, so pick up after yourself. Do not vandalize school property. Meaning don’t draw on walls, put gum in places, or intentionally scratch up the bleachers. Keep it clean in many ways, watch your language! A lot of younger students, parents, teachers, and community leaders are often around you. Don’t be the reason the student body has a bad rep!
Step seven: Celebrate with Class
Winning verses losing have different celebrations, however you can do both of these respectfully. If your team wins, celebrate with respect and hype up your team. Don’t taunt the other team. If your team loses, be gracious, show respect and maturity. Support your team and wish them better luck next time!
Step eight: Be Smart and Be Safe
Do not bring alcohol, vapes, illegal substances of any kind, or fire arms into the games. This is for your safety and the people around you. Drive safely before and after the games! There will be traffic, learn to work around it. And last, Don’t down put your school, post fights, taunts, or anything that can reflect your schools reputation on social media. If you want your student body to stay respected then respect your school as a student.
Follow these simple eight rules to have a perfect game day! Remember to respect your team and respect theirs! See you on Friday night! Go Tigers!
