So..... you're saying Dana is the only real fan?

I think defining the qualities of a "real" fan would be a strong topic on its own! e.g., unconditional fandom vs measured analysis, etc.

Sorry Isaac,
Spent many hours studying the effects of Sport Psychology on individual athletes. The course revolved around being able to differenciate between 'performance' and 'peak performance' and then being able to recognise what was required to attain this 'peak performance' Unfortunately, none of it involved sports fans themselves - interesting nonetheless.

Interesting topic. I think a lot of it comes down to personality types.

Anon 117578, I don't think this is the book you're thinking of but Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby is an interesting read, it's essentially his autobiography focussing on his fanatical support of Arsenal FC, helps you to understand what goes on inside the head of a grown man who would cry (literally) when his team lost a big match.

There was a section I found particularly interesting where he said that he couldn't enjoy a great passage of play or a stunning goal unless it was his team that did it, he could appreciate that it was brilliant but could get no enjoyment from watching it.

The equivalent would be a basketball fan not wanting to see Kobe's 81 point game because they were such a die hard Celtics fan they wouldn't get any enjoyment from it. Most of us would thoroughly enjoy it even if we didn't like Kobe, just because it's incredible to witness, but some people are wired a bit differently.

Billo, thanks mate.

THat is actually the one.

there has been heaps of research done on sports fan psychology and there are alot of books relating to it

i have a book right next to me called "SPORT FANS the psychology and social impact od spectators" and studied alot about sport fans at uni last year

its really interesting how much sense it all makes when you get into it

Firstly I'm guessing that Ron Jeremy knows a fair bit about performance pressure. Now back to the topic.

Fan(atic) will likely behave as Kwest suggests according to personality type and depending upon the personality type theory (astrology, Enneagram etc)one espouses to; the physical response may be different and varied even though the passion level is roughly the same.

This means that regardless of an individuals desire for a team to succeed, some will be quiet, some will be always critical of the team, some will behave as the quote suggests, some will swing between or have elements of all three. We see that constantly on this forum.

Suggest as a life skill, its not only important to recognise that there is variation in the manner that people will react to a given situation but also understand that there will be some variation in an individuals reaction to two events of similar circumstance. This makes the forum and life interesting.

Gee thanks Billo #117569.
Does that mean I get a prize?
*LOL*

"This means that regardless of an individuals desire for a team to succeed, some will be quiet, some will be always critical of the team, some will behave as the quote suggests, some will swing between or have elements of all three. We see that constantly on this forum."

I'm critical of the team when I can clearly see our deficiences which are extremely apparent this seasons, not always critical. I want to see the team improve and am constantly thinking and talking about ways to do this.

But I'm also an extremely fanatical Sixer fan as well. You'll never catch me leaving a game early, or not going to the last few games of the season if we can't make the finals. Our section of the crowd is often shown on fox (about 8 rows behind the court announcer) as we always stand up for big plays, or Sixer runs etc.

I don't know whether the fanatic and
the 'fair-weather' fan are necessarily mutually exclusive. I think I'm fanatical but also analytical as well.

Rat10, I think a fanatic will put aside measured reasoning in their judgements and claims, which you don't. I think you can be a supporter without being a fanatic.

Fanatic
Supporter
Analyst

Perhaps it's a case of picking two of the above. We're all supporters, but some are fanatics and some analysts.

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Anon - I don't know about true "appreciation" - people get a lot from fanaticism. And I know quite a few people who are strong supporters of this team but are still very reasonable in their judgement. Surely everyone's yelled or booed at a call and then turned to their friend and "Actually, the ref was right, I just wanted to get involved!"

Maybe you have a different definition of fanatic to me, but many of my friends would consider me to be a fanatical Sixer (and basketball) fan. I've barely missed a game in almost 9 seasons I've been a season ticket holder, and always make a point of watching away games when shown. I'll boo a call against the Sixers even if it may be the right call because I want to do everything I can to help my team get the win. And without the benefit of replays etc it can be hard to tell what the 'right' call is given how many 50-50 calls exist in basketball.

Perhaps I fall towards more of the analytical spectrum however.

I would class that as being a strong supporter. If pressed after booing the call, you would probably recognise your bias on the call - I'm not sure that a fanatic would.

Yeah Isaac I would recognise my bias no question. Hard not to when you're wearing various Sixer paraphernalia.

Very interesting discussion nevertheless.

(#117644) - I read the forum during my smoko breaks - but I was actually serious when talking about sports pschology and peak performances.