The topic of the day hits where I live. As the Director of Stadium Ops I am directly responsible for our group’s efforts in showing the team that we care and that we support them, while inside the stadium. From coordinated chanting, to permanent visual displays, to one off events: if it happens in the stadium I have some hand in making sure it goes down. We’ve had a few hiccups this year and it’s been suggested that a little education will help future efforts, so here we go!

What is tifo?

In the broadest sense tifo is a visual display showing our support for our team. Our railing banners, flags, and 2-sticks are all forms of tifo. I would even consider those moments on game day when the entire crowd is standing with their scarves up as a type of tifo. However, when someone speaks about tifo they are usually referring to a larger piece, like a large overhead banner, or a coordinated effort such as a card stunt, massed flags, or even a 3D display. I encourage everyone to search YouTube for tifo from around the world, and see what goes on elsewhere to get inspired. Some of my favourites are from the J and K Leagues as well as Borussia Dortmund.

I have hopes that with interest, practice, and time, we will get to the point where videos of our tifo are spread around the world, but we aren’t there yet. For now let’s start with some basics:

• Overheads go up or down the section. Unless specifically told otherwise, they don’t go left or right, and they don’t “do a lap” of the stadium. We spend hours and piles of cash making these things, we don’t want to lose them, or go find them in a puddle of beer in some weird corner of BC place.
• There are 3 basic commands that you should listen for: PULL, HOLD & RELEASE. We need to PULL it into position, HOLD it so that it can be properly displayed, then RELEASE so we can get it out of the way and watch the game.
• It’s not an elementary school parachute game. Please do not slap or ripple the overheads when they are in place. The visual impact of the design will not be improved by rippling waves and chaotic bouncing underneath. In fact, most of the time the design will be ruined. If you are under an overhead, relax and stand still. It might be a minute or three, but I promise your view will not be impeded for longer than that.
• No we won’t tell you days/weeks in advance what we have planned. Part of the excitement that surrounds these types of displays is the element of surprise. We don’t do them for every match, or every opponent, but when we do we want to spring it on them. We want it to be a bit of extra encouragement for our guys, and discouragement for theirs. Putting it out ahead of time on social media takes away from that potential impact and reduces the excitement for what should be a special event.

Which brings us to: How can you get involved?

• The number one thing: Get to your seat early. By early, I mean 15-30 minutes before kickoff. Talk to the people around you to see if they know what’s happening. If you see someone buzzing around the section talking to many people they might be giving instructions. Wave them over or go ask them what’s going on.
• Pick up a communal flag or 2-stick on the march from Doolin’s or inside the stadium. Unless told otherwise display it: when our team is coming out of the tunnel, after the anthems, during Boundary Road, as the players leave the field at the half, when they return, until the last player has left the field at the end of the game, and also anytime we score. Basically, anytime we can show our guys respect and encouragement without blocking views during the run of play the flags and two-sticks should be in the air.
• Bring your own flag, 2-stick or banner, and see above.
• If you get to the stadium and something is on your seat, read the attached instructions. If they are unclear or you are unsure about the instructions, ask around. The earlier you are in your seat the better this will work.
• Did I mention coming early and getting to your seat? Another side benefit to this simple task: we can start warming up our voices earlier and start establishing our presence in our home fortress. Standing in place and chanting during warm-ups sends the message that we are here, we are invested in the game, and we won’t let the players down.
• If you didn’t bring an item to the pub or stadium, please don’t take it home. At the end of the match pass it to the front of section 251. We will collect the communal items so that we can redistribute them or re-purpose them later. They aren’t souvenirs and they do cost us money and time. Please consider taking them an act of theft and vandalism. If you REALLY REALLY like a piece, come talk to me, or send me an email.
• If this all seems so fantastic and you want to get your hands dirty and do work: send me an email. We need people with all skill levels to help us formulate ideas and make them work. Even if you don’t have a clue how you can help nor have a concept to contribute, please reach out to get involved. You’ll probably end up surprising yourself and we will teach you new skills. At the very least: anyone can help inform the crowd of game day activities, help hand out and collect pieces, or fold fabric.

Thanks,
Brett Bird
Director Of Stadium Ops
ops@vancouversouthsiders.ca