How to Be a Bama Fan

Damien received his fraternity's chapter's newsletter this week, and in it, it had this article. He read them all to me. (Hang with me, there's a funny at the end.)

1 - Bama fans know and sing the fight song whenever it's played.

2 - Bama fans arrive at the game no later than 30 minutes prior to kickoff and promptly prepare for the "Roll Tide Roll" insertion into the chorus of "Sweet Home Alabama"

3- Kickoffs require that everyone in the stadium stand. Bama fans yell "rooll" until the kicker kicks the ball, "tide" at the time of the kick, followed by a quick "roll." At that time, it is okay to sit down for the moment. 

4 - Bama fans proudly support the standing and cheering of the team during heated action. Never ask a fan to sit down during play -- you should stand up, as well. 

5 - Bama fans understand a great deal of thought goes into hiring of head coaches. The University would never terminate a coach during the season. Therefore, we support our staff to the fullest during the season and never suggest one's removal at any level. 

6 - Bama fans never sell a ticket to an opposing team's fan - not under any circumstance. 

7 - Bama fans always attend games. If you can't make the game, make sure another Bama fan has the opportunity. 

8a - Bama fans, aware the visiting team is in total awe of the Quad and surrounding tailgaiting experience, always offer a cordial greeting, something to eat and drink, and make them feel at home in preparation for the whipping they are about to get!

8b - Bama fans have great respect for all opponents and applaud visiting teams, injured players, visiting fans and visiting coaches. One exception see 8c. 

8c - While Bama fans show class before, during and after the games, booing should be restricted to flagrant fouls by opposing players and moronic calls by officials. Our team and coaches should never be booed under any circumstances. However, it is acceptable to boo University of Tennessee and Auburn players as they run onto the field. It is a flagrant foul for  them to even step foot on Bryant - Denny Stadium (BDS) turn.  Side note from me - I know there are some UT fans secretly reading my blog...maybe this will cause you to post.

9 - Bama fans know every Bama chant and cheer and therefore there is no need for "the wave" while at BDS or on the road. Should an effort to start the wave occur, the fans should immediately break into "Yea Alabama"

10- Bama fans know and respect the school colors. Only crimson and white wear is acceptable. By the same token, orange in any form or fashion is unacceptable!

11 - It is the responsibility of fans to pass down Bama's rich history to the future generations. Annual visits by fans, children and grandchildren to the Theta Chi house, BDS, the Bryant Museum and Denny Chimes are the very least that is required to educate those to follow.

12 - Early development of a Bama child includes training to instantly recognize Big Al and yell "go Bama" and "Roll Tide"

13 - Bama fans never leave a game until it's over. We must be there for Rammer Jammer out of respect for the University and its teams!

Around number 11 or 12, Damien's demeanor changed. At the end, I asked were you about to cry? He said, yes. I burst out into laughter for a good minute.  He said, I was thinking about Dylan growing up and going to the games.  He's such a sap....for Alabama football and Dylan. After I caught me breath from laughing so hard, I said, this is so going on the  blog. He said as long as you put these on there, I don't care.  I love it that he got choked up about it. It was so sweet.