Fan Classification System

Posted by Mallory Meyer on December 15, 2008

I’ve decided that what the Jazz community needs (besides a healthy roster and some more wins) is a better definition of the term “fair-weather fan.” Everyone has been throwing around the expression rather carelessly here at the Bot, so it’s time we all get on the same page. Now I know I’m not the most qualified person to be setting definitions, so feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.

The way I see it there are two kinds of good fans—the cheerleader-like fan and the coach-like fan. Each can be considered a die-hard supporter of the team, even though they respond quite differently in the same situation.

Hypothetical Scenario: The Jazz are down 57 to the Oklahoma City Thunder with 4 minutes left in the game. When you hear “Come on guys, you can do it! You’re still number one!” you have just found yourself a cheerleader fan—always offering support by patting the team on the back, lifting their spirits, and picking them up when they are down. Take the same situation and you’ll hear a coach-like fan chewing out Boozer for his poor defense, chiding CJ for shooting on every touch, and pleading for Matty to settle down. You’ll likely see them getting all riled up–maybe even swearing, kicking chairs, or even booing. Coach-like fans prefer to show their support by exposing the team’s weaknesses, and encouraging them to overcome these weaknesses in order to make a sincere run for the title.

Very different responses, but no doubt each demonstrates support in its own unique way. The real problem, then, lies in the way the two fans view each other. Coach-like fans might sometimes label cheerleader fans as ignorant, naïve, and annoying. Nothing too harsh seeing as they also openly recognize the support they render. But it seems like cheerleaderish fans are so quick to accuse the coach-like fan of being “fair-weather.” How is seeing yourself as an extension of the coach in any way fair-weather? Deron calls himself Jerry’s extension on the court, and in trying to be more like him, I call myself Jerry’s extension in the crowd. The cheerleader fan is always so quick to praise Sloan, while simultaneously slaying his appendages out in the crowd.

So let’s get it straight. A coach-like fan is not fair-weather. Fair-weather is my Suns-loving friend who responded with “who’s Matt Barnes” when I told him about my secret crush. Or how about the “die-hard Lakers’ fan” who wanted to argue with me about who Kobe scored his outrageous 81 points on. It’s the Raptors for any Laker fan out there who still thinks it was against Miami. Understandable—Chris Bosh and Shaquille O’Neal are quite easy to confuse.

So if you are writing, reading, or commenting on a Jazz blog, I commend you. Rest assured, you are NOT a fair-weather fan. The fair weathers left last December, came back shortly after Kyle’s arrival, left after May, and probably won’t appear again until next year’s playoffs (barring we make them of course).

Now get healthy Utah.

With all the support of a coach-like fan,

–Mal

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7 Comments

Johnathan Kendrick on December 15, 2008 said:

I totally agree. If you go to/watch/listen/read about almost every game, and then find an outlet to read some more or blog – it shouldn’t matter what you are saying – you are pretty much a diehard fanatic.

Jennifer Sokia on December 16, 2008 said:

Perfectly put. I 100% agree.

Christie on December 16, 2008 said:

My definition of a fair weather fan is one who leaves the game. What the heck? You paid good money to watch the game win or lose! I think it’s rude and annoying when people leave. I don’t care the excuse. We leave after the game and rarely have a problem with traffic.

Boondock Saint on December 16, 2008 said:

I’m with ya on this Mal. I tend to be the coaching fan who has a coach’s pet in Deron Williams. I’m not very fair in my coaching right now.

Christie, I agree 100% that if you leave a game early then you ar ea fair weathered fan. I think it fits well with what Mal is saying as well. You never see Sloan leave the game early unless he is thrown out and you never see the cheerleaders leave. As painful as some games may be to watch, listen, or attend. Die hard fans go through the ups and downs with their teams. Fair-weather fans appear only during the ups.

Lisa on December 16, 2008 said:

I totally agree, I seem to be a little of both. Some players can do no wrong (Millsap) and others I tend to try and encourage or chew out (CJ) as I’m yelling at my TV, family or whatever is near ( Sorry Mom but every time you watch we start to lose).

Eric on December 22, 2008 said:

Mal I couldn’t agree more. I have had about ten arguments about this with my brother in the last week. You are an inspiration to us all with your words of wisdom. Go Jazz

Randall Sanders on January 19, 2009 said:

I totally agree that leaving before the game is over is just plan rude. If your going to get up and leave, why even go?

So, here is my suggestion to those who leave early. Find an organization (such as Cache Kids in Logan) that works with physically disabled children and donate your tickets. These kids will never really get to play the game like normal kids do, but win or lose they sure love their team. This will also save you much aggravation and give you a tax write off.

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