"Take me out to the ball game ..." ... "Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?" ..."FOUR!" ... "He shoots, he SCORES!" ... No matter the season, there is a sport to watch, and many people have a preference as to the type of event, if not a favorite player or team. Watching "the game" has become a standard past time for thousands. 

At most sporting events, you can find anyone, from the silently supportive fan to the most obnoxious loudmouth in the arena. Sports fans come in all shapes, sizes and types of behavior, with one common goal -- to have a great time. Part of doing so should include treating those around you with courtesy and respect. 

1. Arrive with enough time to find your seats, make use of the restroom, purchase your snacks and get comfortably settled. If you arrive after play has begun, do everything you need to do before you go to your seats; don't be "those" people who come in, drop off their stuff, and then go to search out food and what have you. People around you are watching the game and don't appreciate your in-and-out-and-in-again disturbance.

2. Once you are in your seat, stay there; forcing people to stand so that you may pass by blocks the view of those behind, so wait until there is a break in the action. When someone does need to pass, stand up ... no one enjoys crawling over/being crawled over as they move down the row.

3. Foul balls on the field? Yes. Foul language in the stands? No. Even if there are not kids around you -- which there very well may be as they enjoy sporting events too -- many adults do not care to hear it.

4. Cheer for your team! Stand when others around you stand and sit when they sit. Keep in mind that there are some sports where talking is prohibited during play, such as tennis and golf.

5. Tickets usually come with assigned seating. Should you decide to move to seats with a better view or closer to the field, remember that they may belong to someone else. If the seat "owner" arrives, move immediately and without question. Do not point out that there are seats "right over there"; the person has paid for that seat and is entitled to it.  

If it is bleacher/bench style seating, do not just scoot over so the other person/people can squeeze in. Again, money was paid for those seats, and it did not include the privilege of sharing them with you.

6. Clean up after yourself. There are usually plenty of trash and recycling cans available, so dispose of whatever you have collected on your way out, if not before.

Bottom line, always keep in mind that there are other people around you, hoping to enjoy the game just as much as you, so do your part.