Sometimes RES policy is what it says it is.

[Stucki]

Before the season began, there was a great deal of concern about providing atmosphere for the games based on Rice Eccles Stadium policy prohibiting necessary items like flags, drums, streamers, and other miscellaneous items essential for proper soccer atmosphere. Fortunately, the RSL front office has placed a fairly effective ban on those annoying plastic horns which some genius in the beginnings of MLS decided was an integral part of American soccer.

Earlier this season we discovered that the artificial noise maker rule actually applies to whistles. As effective as a whistle is at making noise in time with drum beats, apparently it has been judged that a whistle from the crowd can effect the flow of the game. It is also the first time that we have had orange clad security mingling with the supporters to make sure we don't get "out of hand".

The next instance of security mingling with the supporters involved overcrowding in the section, which apparently is some sort of violation of fire codes. Of course if there was a real fire danger, I have the feeling that several of us would choose to go over the rails and out across the turf rather than risking overcrowded stairways and concourses.

The most recent instance of security joining us was the last game. Apparently they really don't want any type of fireworks inside the stadium. A couple of brave supporters, who shall remain unidentified for obvious reasons, smuggled in a few smoke bombs and set them off in celebration of the first RSL goal in the whitewashing of FC Dallas. Now, I admit that the smoke rising through the crowd was a rather impressive sight, however, we found out that the good folks that operate our stadium are not amused by the presence of fireworks so close to the flammable turf. We were joined for the rest of the game by a pair of roving eyes dressed in bright orange.

Now that we have tested the edges of what parts of the RES prohibited items list are actually going to be enforced, let us all find new ways to provide atmosphere within the rules so as to avoid more orange friends in our section and the expulsion of some of our biggest supporters. While we are at it, we can all hope that when we have our own permanent home that the RSL FO will create even more atmosphere friendly rules that don't have to be skirted.

[Rover]

Good comments.

Gotta think long term. This isn't junior high school--no cool points for sneaking in contraband. Listen to the grownups. Atmosphere is what you make of it.

On a tangent from Stucki's original point, but still on the topic of how we support the team (no hijacking intended):

A little perspective:

1. Seen any flags or smoke/flares at Premiership grounds? How's the atmosphere there?

2. Any plastic horns in Serie A? How's that working for them?

3. The English sing the whole game but almost nobody else comes close. Why?

4. Danish roligans are known for both rabid support and easy going nature. Best of both worlds?

There are no rules that say we have to copy Europe/Latin America in order to have a proper soccer atmosphere. Pick and choose what works, but understand that American culture does actually exist and not everything translates well.

We're a very young club, so we should be open to trying new things and establish traditions for those that work. This is the best of times for RSL fans--we'll be able to tell stories years from now about how we were there for the first season in club history. Traditions are forming with every game we play. As we get closer to the day when we'll have our own stadium, let's not just copy others--we're inventing the American approach to soccer RIGHT NOW.

We have an amazingly strong fan base that has developed in several different directions in a short period of time. We are very healthy as a soccer community in Utah, and that will only grow.

We--and I mean all RSL fans--are showing the league how to support a club. That's leadership. Let's continue to lead, and have a great time supporting our club.

[Mango Jam]

Everybody could blow bubbles when we score. :victory:

Sorry, I know you're trying to be serious, couldn't resist.

[Soccerchick]

Thank you for the message. Seriously,who ever brought the fireworks, I hope it doesn't happen again.
Do you think we could convert the guys in orange in to Loyalists...ok... Just kidding 😉

[Aerick]

Originally Posted by Rover

This is the best of times for RSL fans--we'll be able to tell stories years from now about how we were there for the first season in club history. Traditions are forming with every game we play. As we get closer to the day when we'll have our own stadium, let's not just copy others--we're inventing the American approach to soccer RIGHT NOW.

That brought a tear to my eye. 🙂

[Czar Jake]

I am good friends with one smoke bomber, and I am veeerrry close to the other. It might be useful to note that the Front Office gave them the okay to give smoke a try.. the stadium people didn't like it, but it wasn't a total act of anarchy.

[Rover]

Originally Posted by Czar Jake

I am good friends with one smoke bomber, and I am veeerrry close to the other. It might be useful to note that the Front Office gave them the okay to give smoke a try.. the stadium people didn't like it, but it wasn't a total act of anarchy.

Tactfully said--but you're WAY too obvious. 😉

I sense a secret plan, accomplices in high places, and ubiquitous coverup.

Our first scandal!

We've arrived!

Oh wait--I forgot about the chalk thing.

[taytay33]

Originally Posted by Mango Jam

Everybody could blow bubbles when we score. :victory:

Sorry, I know you're trying to be serious, couldn't resist.

I know it was a joke but that might actually look kind of cool... Maybe I'm just a little too bubble happy...

[montgjules]

It would look cool, in a "Make Fun of The Loyalists For Being Pansies" sort of way. I'm up for it!!

[taytay33]

Originally Posted by montgjules

It would look cool, in a "Make Fun of The Loyalists For Being Pansies" sort of way. I'm up for it!!

Lol, who cares what other people think?!? I think that if we want to it would look cool in a wierd, random, and akward way.