Cheering Regulated

Student fans at recent Baraboo High School athletic games have been trying to sneak a few cheers with double meanings past officials, leaving administrators tightening enforcement of WIAA rules and some students and parents wondering what's wrong with a little team spirit.

WIAA policy states that only cheers supporting one's own team are permitted — no put-downs, no innuendos. Every BHS game has a contest manager, often an administrator, to reel in a rowdy crowd and put a damper on inappropriate cheers, signs or attire.

Article Link

* * * * * * * * * * *

I would agree that a degree of civility is warranted in high school events, but can this be applied on a national level? Understandbly, Americans spectators are not creative enough. I have heard the usual chants of "Let's go " or "De-fense, De-fense" not to mention the songs of Cotton Eye Joe or We are the Champions during the break or when the home team wins the game. Add "U-S-A" to the mix when its an international sport.

"You suck" is a familiar phrase, or perhaps the other meaning of U Suck Ass is also used. We chime "airball" in basketball and we boo the official when he makes a bad call.

If we want real cheering, look to the Brits for help.

In the UK, there are over 15,000 football chants. Every song has been re-worded and use for a victory, defeat, praise or scorn for the player, the manager, or the team itself.

It has its own entry in Wikipedia too.

If the officials tried to regulate chanting during football (soccer) games in Britain or in Europe, you will get a riot.

With Beckham coming over to the states, we ought to freshen ourselves with some of his songs.

More songs