Oklahoma State University Athletics
Fan Behavior
January 02, 2008 | General
Oklahoma State fans are typically associated with well-educated, responsible, polite and mid-western-friendly people who bleed orange and love their alma mater. They are extremely loyal in following their Cowboys and Cowgirls and have a reputation of traveling many miles to support their teams (example: the Cotton Bowl Committee Chairman recently quoted “OSU has some of the most dedicated fans in America”). As we had a few fan “interactions” last season, I began exploring a “code of ethics” or “spirit of sportsmanship” policy within our conference.
While most, if not all, behavioral guidelines are built for student-athletes in competition (not written in a way to apply to fans), I stumbled onto a message board posting from an O-State fan. His comments are worth reading and concepts worth adapting.
A Quick Note to Idiot Fans Who Harass Visiting Fans
For those who sit around these idiots who have embarrassed our school following the Texas game or, apparently, the Kansas game, do something about it. Stand up to them or turn them in.
This needs to stop. My 14 year old was shopping with my wife before we left for the Kansas game, wearing his orange, and a 40-ish female OU fan asked him if he was one of those throwing bottles at the Texas game. Obviously she knew he wasn't and was taunting him about OSU fans under the guise of playful teasing.
What the knuckleheads do is inexcusable. If a Texas player strips to his jock and scoots up and down the OSU logo on the field, it isn't up to you to throw a bottle at him -- the authorities will take care of it. However, if a knucklehead fan sitting near you cowardly throws something onto the field -- you need to act. Again, step up or report them. Stillwater is our place and what the worst of us do reflects on the best of us.
Fans visiting Stillwater/Oklahoma State -- and putting tens of thousands into the Athletic Department and the pockets of local merchants -- should leave thinking we have great fans and are excellent hosts.
Five simple rules:
1. When you see a visiting fan, say hello and welcome them to OSU. "Great to have you in Stillwater! Hope we have a great game!"
2. If you have a tailgate, welcome visiting fans to join you for a beverage -- great gesture and, who knows, it might be reciprocated when you go to their house.
3. During the game, cheer for our team -- not against the opponents. Big difference.
4. After the game, thank the visiting fans for coming. If they were victorious, be a good sport and congratulate them. If they were not, wish them luck next week.
5. If you notice boorish behavior, do something about it. Stand up to the cowardly jerks who hide as part of a crowd and taunt opposing players and fans. If you cannot do this, tell the authorities.
Another fan posted the following addition:
Win or lose, tell the opposing team fans near you to have a good trip home and communicate you hope they enjoyed their time in Stillwater.
Let them know about local places of interest and give them tips on enjoying Stillwater.
You are the local expert, act like it and be helpful. Like it or not, a persons impression of our school, town, and its collective fan base is greatly influenced by you.
Do your part for Oklahoma State and behave as an ambassador to our great school. Also, report fans who don't and take up for guests representing other teams when needed.
Ticket holders, fans, coaches, student-athletes, administrators and students are excited about the momentum in OSU Athletics and look forward to 60,000 fans cheering on their Cowboys in a nearly $300 million renovated stadium.
The future is “bright orange” as we aim for a third consecutive Top 25 recruiting class and continuing improvement in our football program.
There has never been a better time to be a Cowboy. Let's share this position with visitors and treat them as honored guests.
Best regards and... GO STATE!
Craig Clemons
