What can really ruin a good game viewing experience

I've been informed several times that I'm a pessimist. Well, I do seem to see the ugly side of things or the bad things that may happen, but I really think I'm more of a realist. How would bad things be avoided or even corrected if someone didn't identify them?

Football viewing is a good example. There are several things (I'll include my short list below) that really irritate people (myself included) that can destroy the feeling of a great game. I think there are some simple steps that could be taken to remedy them.

My short list, in no particular order.

1) Media Time Outs. Let's call them what they really are, enough of the politically correct. They are TV timeouts to sell advertising. Heck, they get more time outs per game than both teams combined. Did I miss something in the 1960's and early 70's listening to the games on WJBC with my dad? I don't recall any commercials unless there was a legitimate break in the action. I'm sure on the few occasions when we went to the stadium that there wasn't some WJBC director in an orange vest standing on the field to tell the official when they could restart the game (heaven forbid it would start and an ad for a little blue pill, or a cold beverage, or car insurance would get cut short). It may be great for business and maybe even for the sport if someone in the sport is getting monies to help offset expenses, but it's not necessarily good for the game.

2) Announcers. There are good ones and bad ones, funny and serious, informative and irritating. Football is one game I can almost watch in completeness without the sound. I do turn it up when I want to hear an explanation of a call that I can't figure out. Not needed at all is a lot of frivolous talk about themselves, the same topic that may not even pertain to the game they are calling for more than 5 minutes of air time. Oh yeah, trying to coin a new phrase for which they will forever be known. Just doesn't cut it for me.

3) Parabolic mics? Why? Crowd noise? It gets so loud you can't hear the irritating announcers when you actually turn the sound on. If I want crowd noise, I'll go to the stadium and add some of my own. The one thing I wish I could hear is more of what the players on the field were saying (then again, I may not want to if I actually heard it). It would enhance the experience if I could hear the QB calling the play or the linebacker signaling an all out blitz, or the kickers foot hitting the ball.

4) Un-needed roughness. Yes, I love a great hit/block as much as the next fan. Helmut to helmet or after play controversies are just not sportsman like. Get on with the next play. If you had a problem with the last play, make it better on the next one with a good legal solid hit. Besides, the guy your clobbering and fighting this week may be your team mate and have your back next season.

5) Coaches in thug clothing. Growing up watching the likes of Coach Ditka, Tom Landry and others you had respect for the coaches. They dressed the part as well as they played it in front of the camera. Some of today’s coaches dress like a bunch of thugs. Ripped off sleeves, shirts that don't fit, faded and torn hoodies. I'm not saying you can't earn respect without a shirt, tie and dress shoes, but at least try and look human on the sidelines. A nice team polo and some Dockers, even a nice pair of un-ripped non-faded jeans and a button down would be an improvement. And if you think I'm wrong, consider this. A high school coach living on a teachers’ pay dresses nicer on Friday night under the lights than a multimillionaire standing there on Sunday afternoon. It can be done.


Enough.

The ISU Redbirds are 3 and 1 and last week were ranked #25 in the coaches FCS poll. This week’s poll yet to be announced.

The latest game was won in double overtime against the Bears of Missouri State at Hancock by a score of 44-41.


20100925 Missouri State v Illinois State - Images by Alan Look

On the cover

One question staff phtograpers always ask me is why I shoot both teams. Aren't you on assignment to shoot a particular team? Well, yes I am. But, being a freelancer and keeping your copyright - something that staff shooters can't do - means that there are always other opportunities to market your work. So, shooting one team can also mean shooting the defensive end. It can also mean an additional payday.



Last Wednesday I arrived home to find the March 23rd March Madness edition of Sports Illustrated in my mailbox. This edition has a cover comprised of a photo of a player from each of the college teams that make it to the NCAA tournament. I immediately got out my magnifying glass and found 2 teams that I had shot. After looking at them and looking through my archive I realized that both those images were my shots. Wow! I've been inside Sports Illustrated with a few of my automotive images and also in SI for kids a few times, but never on the cover. So the first time on the cover I get a 2fer. Sometimes it pays to be a freelancer.



The WJBC area all-star games are tonight. I'm amazed that there is not one player from the 3rd in state Ridgeview Lady Mustangs on the roster. What gives?