There are few places and circumstances where we are all equal.  In all walks of life a hierarchy exists.  There is a structure in families, schools, companies, countries, and they even exist in the animal kingdom.

There are however times and places where the command structure is thrown out of the window – and we all become equal.  Whether you are unemployed, 18 years old or a huge companies managing director with a shameful bank account, male or female, Japanese or a Zulu, a professor or street sweeper, there are 2 equalizers that stick out like a sore thumb.

All of us are very familiar with both cases, the first being behind the wheel of a car.  It doesn’t matter what the form of transport is being used.  Even the old ladies who use a walker to get around are totally transformed when empowered as a driver.

There aren’t many people who hesitant to give a fellow driver a finger or sticking a head out the window and airing an opinion.  For some reason the security of a car gives power and makes all users equal. I think you get my drift.

Now a subject very close to my heart affords us all the same privileges.  We can shout, voice opinions, curse, let our hair down, express passion, show grief and even hug strangers.  There are the most astute and dignified people who lose their composure and often themselves encapsulated in this special place.

The world of the sports fan, or more specific to us, the rugby fan is one of the few other places where all have the same status.  The significant difference between that of the driver and the fan is that the fan operates amongst other like minded people, and usually has backing of the pack, or in our case a Pride.  Check the moms next to the field during a school game…enough said.

If we all look back and ask ourselves what initiated our support for the Lions, I am quite sure that if we all dug deep, we will see it was the game of rugby itself.   If you doubt this statement, ask yourself why all other sports do not have the same support as rugby or soccer – again, the answer is for the love of the game!

Unfortunately we all forget that it was first and foremost rugby that made us all Lion supporters.  If you did not have a passion for the game, chances are you wouldn’t support the team.  Like all other things, human nature lets all of us forget the first love (rugby).  If it’s a new relationship, a new job, a new car or house, our focus soon changes and our memory for the initial attraction soon fades.

When we become established as true supporters, it’s as if the team then becomes an extension of ones self – and results effect us all in a big way.  It becomes personal and toils with emotions – just check the forums on the various websites on a Monday morning after a bad result, the loss is personal.

We become (self) empowered again, and feel that we have the right to openly criticize & insult players and officials.  Who gives us the right to boo or swear at a player?

Have we ever put ourselves in the targets shoes (or boots) or thought that a player’s parents, wife or girlfriend are sitting in close proximity.  Have you ever thought what it would be like if your son or brother was playing for the Lions and was booed by thousands of spectators?  It goes further than that, where these players and officials are personally insulted on websites.

Admittedly, no player or official is above criticism, and deservedly so.  My gripe is when the comments are aimed at the person in question.  Surely if a player knocks a ball or skews a kick – there is no need to climb into his character.

I reiterate – the reason we support the Lions is firstly love for the game and the team.  We need to keep reminding ourselves about this.

No player selects himself, and does not purposefully make mistakes.  They all work extremely hard to achieve what they do, and this alone deserves respect.  How many of us have fraction of the dedication and commitment the players have in anything we do?

We as fans become worse than drivers, we become back seat drivers!  We seem to know it all – ever wondered why we are on the stands and they are playing?

I am quite sure that all of us follow rugby for the same reason – enjoyment.  Make sure that you frequently remind yourself why you are watching and following the game.

After a bad result we all become despondent, seeing a player knock a ball is frustrating, but is personal criticism ever justified?  Think about the player or official you are having a go at…

Shout for the team – and not at them.

Geo