Being spectators

First of all, I want to thank the EMU community for the warm welcome I have received. You have made the transition to the collegiate scene and a new community much easier and I look forward to both the challenges and joys of being part of the EMU community.

While the focus of an athletic event is normally on the players and the score, there is no doubt in my mind that a contest is clearly a "community event." At the most basic level, a sporting event is an opportunity for two individuals or teams to test their preparation and skills against each other under the direction of a coach with officials present who enforce the rules. For this reason, I have often wanted to prohibit any spectators from games.

But I also realize that a sporting event is a test for spectators. It is a test of life skills and preparation against the variety of stimuli they experience at a game. And for this reason, the stands should be full for all athletic events. Everyone can learn from an athletic event. How we respond at a game is likely how we will respond to similar situations in other arenas of life. So here are a few ideas for your learning pleasure:

-Attend as many women's games as men's. Everyone deserves our support.

-Stay to the very end. You wouldn't leave a show or concert before the end.

-When our team isn't doing well, encourage us instead of belittling the opponent.

-Remember one game is only a small part of a long journey called a season.

-Don't judge the worth of a participant or school by the results of the scoreboard.

-We can't control the actions of others but we can control our reactions.

-Officials are like you and I, they work better when they aren't yelled at for their mistakes.

-Attend as many musical and artistic shows as you do athletic events. Anyone who is willing to perform publicly deserves our support and positive energy.

So come out, fill the stands, scream and yell wildly in support of athletes who work hard daily to develop skills, teamwork and strategies, are willing to "take their test" publicly, then move on with normal life the next day. It is a great thing to be a part of, win or lose.