This article by Bruce E. Brown of Proactive Coaching describes the four kinds of cheering he has observed as a spectator at high school sporting events: negative cheering, positive cheering, look at me cheering, and spontaneous cheering. It challenges readers to watch for each type at their next game and consider what their school, athletic department, and community represent.
Introduction
I attend a lot of high school sporting events. When you are coaching, you really don't notice anything except the game on the court or the field. But as a spectator you realize that there is a lot going on. I have noticed at these games there are several types of cheering:
Negative Cheering
First… there is Negative Cheering – It usually involves making fun of or taunting the opponents or the opposing crowd. I have seen a lot of this at schools where there is little focus or effort on crowd control or where the administration is not respected. Negative cheering might be effective and even intimidating against weak minded opponents (your team would probably win the game without it). But when it is done to mentally tough, well prepared opponents, it only motivates, focuses and makes them more determined to beat your team. Sometimes negative cheering begins as fairly innocent teasing but it can quickly cross the line and become mean spirited. As has been proven, this escalation can lead to altercations between schools and communities.