Rules and Regulations on Rooting in Collegiate Athletics
Article I: Be True to your School
It is encouraged that one root for the team of the University in which one attended. Graduation from said University is not necessary. If one has ever paid a tuition to a university, it is acceptable and encouraged, for one to root for said University.
Playoff Exemption: One is allowed to root for other Universities outside of their University, ONLY if their University has been eliminated from playoffs or championship rounds. (Example: UNC student Armando Bacot is now allowed to root for NC State because his team has been eliminated)
Article II: Jurisdiction / Territory
It is acceptable for one to root for any University of their choosing, ONLY if the state in which they reside, does NOT have a professional team. (Example: The state of Alabama does not have an NBA or NFL team, therefore any citizen of Alabama can root for any college team in Alabama they desire with no limitations).
Article III: Unaffiliated / Non-Collegiate Fans
If one did NOT attend ANY college or university, it is preferred that one only root for the professional team within the state one resides. However, If one simply must root for a university or college team, one is forbidden in partaking in any kind of “bragging” or “trash talking”. Also, one can only wear team gear within a 24 hour grace period of any given game. Otherwise it shall be considered Stolen Valor. (One must knoweth thy role and stayeth within thy lane).
Boosters Exemption: Boosters are allowed to brag, talk trash, wear the gear, and use the pronoun “we” What is a booster? You are a booster if, A) you have ever participated in College Athletics. B) You have made financial contributions to the athletic programs. C) You have been asked by athletic department staff to assist in recruiting. D) You have assisted or are providing benefits (i.e. Summer jobs, or occasional family meals) to enrolled Student Athletes. E) You have otherwise been involved in promoting College Athletics in any way.
Article IV: Pronoun Usage
If one did not attend ANY college or university, under no circumstance, shall one be allowed to use the pronoun “We” when referring to the team. The pronoun “We” is reserved only for “Silver Tier” fans and up (see Ranking System for Fans of Collegiate Athletics)
Article V: Age Requirements
Anyone UNDER the age of 18 is allowed to root for any team of their choosing, because they still have the potential to one day attend said University. Although it is preferred they root for a school within their own state. (Example: 9 year old little Tommy can root for the Tarheels because he is not yet of college age. He is allowed to root for any team he wants up until the age of 18. Then when he eventually graduates high-school, applies to UNC and gets rejected, he must now rethink his life and revisit rule #1 and/or rule #2)
Limited Mental Capacity Exemption: It is acceptable for anyone to root for a university outside of their home state, or any university of their choosing, no matter their age, if one has been diagnosed with a mental illness.
Article VI: Military
Any and all current or former members of the military are allowed to root for any team of their choosing. Although it is encouraged that they first root for the team of the branch of military in which they served, it is NOT required. Also, they can wear the gear anytime they want and they can brag, BUT they should refrain from talking trash and using the pronoun “we”.