I understand that totally....but I'm asking about the people who are obsessed with sports, not the average sports fan. What I'm trying to understand is how people can become so involved in a team or a sport (as a spectator), that they have no control over, and let it become emotional/obsessive. I understand the Social Identity Theory.....see above as to what my real question is. I guess it could be said/questioned about anything that people get emotionally involved with that they have no control over and let it affect their life.
I can respect when someone is passionate about something, whether its something I like or not. A lot of people don't understand why I enjoy fly fishing and tying so much. Especially since I rarely keep fish. I don't expect them to understand it, but I'd hope people would respect the things that others are passionate about. I know that wasn't the point of your post, Dan. I think you just wanted to get into the mind of a sports fan to see why THEY like it so much. The thread was kind of heading that way though. Find something you love, and there will always be someone that hates it. Its what makes life fun. Sure would be boring if we all enjoyed the same things.
I can watch Ninja Warrior over and over again. Does that count? I never got into the sports thing but I figure that was because I'm a gurl. Then again having the Bears, Cubs and White Sox as your major local teams doesn't help either. Back when the Bulls and Jazz were in the playoffs, I couldn't ever figure out who to root for. Jeff Hornacek is sort of like a relative of mine. (in a really convoluted way.. Much too complicated to explain here....) So we'd be watching them around the holidays because his parents would be there and mostly I'd be wondering If it was possible to make Stockton smile or I was oogling Malone or I'd wander off and play bocci ball with the kids. My sister used to really be into boxing and she'd come over and we'd order pay-per-view and watch boxing. She knew all sorts of stats on those guys. She also had a stint where she was really into the White Sox. But then, she's a weirdo because she doesn't bowhunt or even bowfish! :D
For me it's simple. I used to play in the NFL and had many friends who also played. I enjoy a good game on Sunday if I have the time to watch. However, I would much rather spend that time with my family, so I usually catch the second half of the Monday night game after the kids go to bed. I watch football far differently than most do. I can tell instantly what defensive formation it is, what coverage, etc... I can tell immediately why a play didn't work and who's fault it was (missed block, missed assignment, etc...) It's just something that's embedded in me from years of playing. That's why I watch, I enjoy the strategies and game plans and how they unfold as the game progresses. I enjoy the line match ups and individual battles. I dissect every aspect of the game, it makes it far more interesting to watch. It's not an obsession for me (far from it) nor is it a way for me to "re-live" my past, that ship has sailed and I've moved on with my life. In fact, I can't for the life of me understand why some folks are so fanatic about it, glued to the TV (or multiple TV's) watching every game they can, checking their fantasy teams stats etc...It all seems pretty silly to me, especially when there are probably family members who could benefit far more with quality time spent.
Well I'm an absolute sports nut. Have been since I was about........ maybe 2 lol. I've played almost everything invented and watch a lot of sports to this day. Don't really play much anymore aside from golf and some lacrosse in the winter. Anyway like others eluded to. I enjoy watching elite athletes perform at the highest level under the biggest microscope with a lot on the line. Not only sports, but the best of the best at anything I find interesting to observe. I watched an ice sculpture at the fair this year for over an hour because I was amazed at how well he mastered his craft. I found it mesmerizing. I'm also into the mental aspect of sports and how the body performs under pressure during intense competition. Playoff anything is really fun to watch. Watching someone come down 18 with a one shot lead in a major and asking his body to finish the deal. The thing is what makes the great ones that much better than the really good and good ones........ they have it figured out. How to make your body perform under intense pressure. example: the old Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan. I just find it all very interesting. And I agree with this. It's like reading a book or watching a sitcom on tv. It's an ongoing story culminating in a championship at the end. The road to that has all kinds of storylines along the way (in any sport) It's actually almost like people asking you why you like hunting so much. How many times have you heard all you do is sit in a tree. We know a lot different. At the end of the season you look back and can tell hundreds of stories and thousands of things involved in more than "just sitting in a tree"
Which is why I chuckle when people say baseball is "boring". They're missing a LOT of the game. More of the same.
I don't watch sports as much as I use too. I guess football is the only sport (bears) that I watch, but even then I'm probably bowhunting while thats going on. I watch alittle college football and college basketball, only march madness tournament. I just see alot of over paid winers most of the time!
Games, games, games. To me that is all it is. And to think that this is an athletes place of employment/profession, and they get paid millions to do it... Utterly ridiculous!!! People who "must" have this type entertainment is why our country wastes more money than they have got sense to spend.
I don't know. I've played or been involved in some kind of sport my entire life. I love sports. I'm assuming you have never been seriously involved with sports. What's the draw to bowhunting? You sit in a tree and shoot an arrow through some harmless deer. I understand wanting the meat, but why not make it interesting. Why not hunt naked and only with a knife. What's the draw to bowhunting. I don't get it.
On one hand, I can see Dan's point but then I'm just as bad about that when it comes to MMA and boxing. I do love to watch a Steelers or PSU game though, but other than that I really don't take time to watch a lot of sports outside of boxing or MMA.
I played basketball a lot growing up....all through high school. I used to be obsessed with it. But, after I quit playing, I lost interest because I wasn't directly involved. I don't think anyone can compare being a sports fan to bowhunting. With bowhunting, you are directly involved and the decisions you make affect the outcome. With being a sports specator, you have zero effect on the outcome of the game. This is where I don't understand how people can become emotionally involved with something they have absolutely zero control over. That same thing can be said about more than just sports....it can be said about anything one has no control over and letting it affect them emotionally. Thanks for all the answers guys. I really have no problem with anyone who is into being a sports spectator, I'm just trying to figure out the draw.
most of my jobs have all been in sports, i get it all day long every day. so when i go home i dont watch sports, sports news or anything to do with them. thats my release, to do something other than sports. on the rare occasion i do flip something on its always non-traditional sports that most folks dont watch all the time (rugby, soccer etc.) i just like to see folks doing something other than what im used to....
ftfy down where I'm from in AL (town of about 2000) they sell season tickets to the high school games and also season tickets for parking to said games... on friday's during football season they roll up the sidewalks at 4pm and the only things open are a couple gas stations and the walmart... Roll Tide!
How are you involved in the "competition", when you aren't competing and have NO bearing on the outcome?