Andrew Owor

Are we ready to be "fans" or just "poor-inept critics"? For a while I have been amazed by the behaviour of some individuals titled as so called fans. Now, before your mind wonders and mistakes this submission for an attack on a particular fan, I would like to set you straight... ...mine is simply meant to stir up thought, self reflection and maybe foster positive change. I simply seek to highlight a lacking in our version of "fans" or "fan clubs". My point lies squarely in the actual definition of a fan. A fan or fanatic for that matter, sometimes also termed an enthusiast, is a person who exhibits strong interest or admiration for something or somebody. The definition goes on to explain that a fanatic is a person who shows extreme, unreasonable, or uncritical enthusiasm, devotion, or obsession for a specific cause, religion, political view, sport, or hobby. The word comes from the Latin word fanum, meaning "temple" or "sanctuary," initially describing someone thought to be inspired or possessed by a deity. Its evident that a fanatic should be a person filled with excessive, single-minded zeal for a specific cause, group, or object, whereas simply put a critic is someone who judges, evaluates, and analyzes the merits and faults of something based on objective standards. Whilst we also need good critics they too must carry objective standards. I find that in the context of sport the role of a critic and that of a fan are intertwined. A fan should carry tonnes of positive energy, bringing nothing but encouragement. In other words a reservoir of passion, solidarity, and respect for the players, match officials, administrators and the opponents. It therefore goes without mention that you must have a good knowledge of the cultural norms of a sport and exhude postive energy for your club before you can call yourself a member of a fan club (also loosely called fans). Anything less in my book is a poor-inept version of a critic elevating themselves into the role of a fan, and before you say it, yes, you can be both but learn to use the right role for the correct audience or forum. I'm also learning but this begs the question; what is an acceptable post for a fan club blog, WhatsApp group or players' forum, or for that matter correct wording of the chants pitch-side at a match, this as opposed to a banter social post (which often are fun and keep us smiling) or an analytical X space discussion? ------------------- Our Rugby Values, Discipline | Respect | Integrity | Passion | Solidarity

Today a player is in agony due to poor tackle technique. Observe the right hand of the tackler on the ground. It's evident from the expression on the face of the other player (in red) the impact this had. Ignoring these things gives our sport a bad reputation. Keep Rugby Clean...

It's hard to be perfect, No one is perfect... Sometimes, you may feel you are judged harshly but and may even feel it's unfair. Don't let that put you down... The end does not justify the means. One word for you... "vindication"

#WalkTheJourney No matter what it takes, rise above the rest, write your future, and make it happen...