Supporter's meeting wrap-up

[Kryptonite]

All in all, a 90 minute session, full of ideas. There'll be another meeting before the season starts. We need a "critical mass of people in 137", to echo Debolt's comments.

There is the distinct possibility (maybe more than that) of the bottom 5-12 rows of section 137 being assigned seating, with the rest being officially general admission. Tickets will probably finally say "general admission", as opposed to the policy of years past.

The Legion looks to having 20-30 people per game, maybe even more. Their ultimate idea is to have banners representing all different Columbus-area high schools for every represented school. Very similar to what Sam's Army did back in the day.

One of the issues that kept coming up was the lack of leadership in V-Army. We had an executive board last offseason, but it basically fell apart as the season progressed. Would the block "o" guys be willing to step up and assume the leadership role? Would it be someone else?

Last year (or the year before), we started the "Lets Go Crew" stadium-wide chant. This is a very good idea, and we need more chants to go throughout the stadium.

We revisited the idea of having a group discount for supporters as well as having a block of tickets on sale in the parking lot during the tailgate. Once again, we need a leader to coordinate these efforts. Scott DeBolt said it was a very excellent idea, and he'd be open to going back to that option.

I know this was recently mentioned in Fid's column, but Mark McCullers remains talking with Cota on providing transportation to CCS on gamedays from the OSU campus.

We have 68 days until the opener, and we need to hit the ground with both feet running. We need to make the stadium sound like its a sellout, no matter how many people are actually in attendance.

The other mention was what to do with the name v-army? Since most of the "old guard" has moved on, do we keep it, or do we re-evaluate? It seems now that most of the people who come to most every game are relatively new, and the people that chose the name v-army have all moved on. Once again, we need that core leadership to handle the gameday stuff, as well as the extra-curriculars (viewing parties, non-game socials, etc.) I didn't bring the idea up, and personally, I don't care what happens with the name.

One more thing... Would we be open to exploring the idea of moving the smoke machine up a few rows? With the 137 supporters standing higher up, and there being a good 5+ row distance between the supporters and the machine, would anyone have issues with it being moved up, so we could be in the thick of the smoke?

(*)If such a thing is even possible, that is.

[NutHouse4life01]

I was not able to attend the meeting yesterday due to a class conflict. However, I would like to take a more active role in the leadership and planning of the group. Although I will be receiving my undergraduate degree from tOSU this Spring, I plan on staying in Columbus for at least the immediate future.

Regarding the name of the supporter's group, I am always a big proponent of consistency, and therefore, I would like to see the V-Army name stick around. The section can and will evolve in overall quality, but I feel that the name should remain in hopes of establishing a long-term affiliation with the Crew and MLS. And besides, a lot of us already have our V-Army scarves ;)

The excessive use of unnecessary profanities and chants with no real purpose or direction needs to go. I hope we can work together to achieve this throughout the season.

[Bill Archer]

Personally, I think appropriating the V Army name for a bunch of High School children and elderly women is the most absrud thing I've ever heard.

V Army was a concept, not an after school activity or a glee club. If you can't be true to the concept, then come up with a different concept and a different name.

Don't turn it into a joke.

[Kryptonite]

I was not able to attend the meeting yesterday due to a class conflict. However, I would like to take a more active role in the leadership and planning of the group. Although I will be receiving my undergraduate degree from tOSU this Spring, I plan on staying in Columbus for at least the immediate future.

Yeah, one of the realities we arrived at yesterday was that the supporter's group needs a core group of people to lead. Without a leadership group, we're basically advancing nowhere.

Regarding the name of the supporter's group, I am always a big proponent of consistency, and therefore, I would like to see the V-Army name stick around. The section can and will evolve in overall quality, but I feel that the name should remain in hopes of establishing a long-term affiliation with the Crew and MLS. And besides, a lot of us already have our V-Army scarves ;)

All valid concerns, and comments like these need to be addressed before something is done and we have a big block of people who don't like the results. In other words, speak up if you have something to say. I'll address this further down.

The excessive use of unnecessary profanities and chants with no real purpose or direction needs to go. I hope we can work together to achieve this throughout the season.

I totally agree with this.



One of the other ideas was that there's a few people who don't like the name "v-army" for whatever personal reason. Even though the individual people who stand in 137 have cycled, people still see that "v-army" and think it's the same people, with the same concept. As such, they have the same negative grudges. A comparison would be something like when a bar goes out of business. When they re-open, a sign is put up "under new management", and people who were turned off by the old name come back and it's a new place.

Obviously, though we can't be changing the name every 4-5 years because people buy their supporter's group merchandise and they don't want to buy new scarves and t-shirts every 4-5 years.

With that said, does anyone know if Kevin(correct person??) still around? He did a lot of banking for us last season, set up a corporate account, and i'd hate for that to go to waste. Especially if there's money still in it, which I don't know if there is or not.

[fidlerre]

Don't change the name, that would be the biggest mistake you could ever make.

[Kryptonite]

In terms of flags and banners:

We have:

Columbus city flag
Yellow Crew flag we used for a game last year, courtesy DeBolt.
Jersey flag
Two banners at the top of the sections.
Do we still have that v-army flag with the cross on it?
That flag pole with the two flags on it.

I don't know the condition of the v-army flag, so that's something that should be checked out.

I'd also like to either find or replace that "this is the end" banner we had at the bottom of 137. It went MIA and no one I asked seems to have any idea where it is.

I can't remember what the two flags attached to the flag pole were, but I distinctly remember them being waved around last year. That was after an extensive search of the usual storage location.

In terms of tailgate stuff, we have a tent somewhere as well as a "v-army tailgate" banner. We also have (or have access to) numerous tables, chairs, grills, etc. I'd say we're fine on that side.

We're fine with drums. The block O guys stepped up big last year and painted that bass drum with the Crew logo on it.

We're also exploring the possibility of having some new visuals this year. Card stunts, streamers, etc. And we're open to ideas as well.



In terms of leadership, I was in charge (more or less) of the flags and other visuals last year. Coordinated jersey flag, was responsible for the Columbus flag and whatever else there was. I don't mind being responsible for that again, as well as having my hand in the ticketing end of things. If it's up to me, I'd rather not be in charge of tailgates, but from what I heard, I think the tailgates last year were an improvement over past years.

[Eggy]

The Legion looks to having 20-30 people per game, maybe even more. Their ultimate idea is to have banners representing all different Columbus-area high schools for every represented school. Very similar to what Sam's Army did back in the day.


That is the dumbest fcuking thing I have ever heard.

[Zak]

Just a couple of random thoughts...

Keep your goals modest. Most people that attend Crew matches do not understand or more appropriately, aren't aware of how fans conduct themselves at European matches. Chanting for 90 minutes, not going to happen, singing songs, not going to happen. Focus on having three strong chants that are done on occassion. Additionally, make plans that involve twenty people, not one hundred. While you might get one hundred people to stand up, at some point, you're not going to get one hundred active participants, in the short term it's just not going to happen.

The success of 137 is directly proportional to the sucess of the team. Why? Because the people that sit in 137 don't come to matches for autograph alley after getting nailed for three goals. They don't come because it's Brian McBride Bobblehead night. They are there mainly to see a good product. Sadly, after an offseason that only could've been worse had the team gotten contracted, I'm not holding out much hope for success. Don't get to discouraged if the team goes in the tank and your numbers appropriately follow.

The cursing...I waver on this. It seems that 137 has a couple good games, no cursing, everything's going great, and then there's a set back. You are never going to completely eliminate cursing in 137, not for the forseeable future at least. Until you cycle through everyone that has ever heard a profanity laced chant, it's just not going to happen. Then you have to take into account that profanity based chanting is becoming increasingly popular at other sporting events, including high school events, and it becomes even more difficult. Crew management wants to eliminate cursing, and I understand the goal, however they have to take into account that kids are far different today than they were even when I was in high school and that wasn't that long ago! It's not reasonable to chastise the entire section for a handful of setbacks. I don't know what there plans are to curtail cursing, I just don't see it working out very well. Especially if the people in 137 are self policing. If there was one mistake that Crew Management made, it was the policy of self policing. Why? Because nobody likes feeling like an arsehole, especially to their friends. I've changed my mind mid-flight...If Crew want to eliminate cursing they need to have security guards boot people. There are obviously risks involved in doing that. The person getting booted will probably never come back, and the people that know that person probably won't either. Additionally, people will feel like they are attending a match under police state rule, but if you want to get rid of the cursing, that is the only way to go about it. Again, I know from personal experience that self policing will never work. Because I'm not an employee of Columbus Crew, I don't actually wield any real power, and because people don't want to be seen or feel like an arsehole yelling at their friends for saying the f word. There I solved one problem.

Also, try to focus on the tailgate, I think it's a good recruitment tool.

I'll think of more maybe.

[Chelsey]

Heck Nick did you see Duke play last night? Boy their supporters were impressive.
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They couldn't win them the game. GO TERPS!

[Zak]

I know you're not trying to do it, but comparing any MLS team and it's traditions to that of Duke, it's like saying Columbus State is as prestigious a school as OSU.

[Eggy]

Maybe we can start making banners for all the local scout troops and hang those in Crew stadium as well?


:rolleyes:

[Kryptonite]

Because I'm not an employee of Columbus Crew, I don't actually wield any real power, and because people don't want to be seen or feel like an arsehole yelling at their friends for saying the f word. There I solved one problem.

Bingo. Can we completely end all cursing? No. Can we curb mindless, random cursing? Probably. But when someone out of authority tells someone to stop swearing, it's a "yeah, whatever" response.

Whoever tells the supporters to stop swearing has a chance of coming off like an arsehole and if it's stadium or team staff, then that fan may or may not come back, like you said.

I think part of what that is, is we don't have a solid group every game. If we could get a larger group to stay in 137 every game, then we wouldn't have some of the setbacks we experience. Part of this is the rollover as well.


Also, try to focus on the tailgate, I think it's a good recruitment tool.

Exactly. We're looking into the possibility of bringing back some features of the tailgate that were used a couple years ago...

[Chris_Bailey]

Ask me for any sort of help that I can do from here....I may be making a V-Army sign for here if we decide to get a roadtrip going..

[Chelsey]

I know you're not trying to do it, but comparing any MLS team and it's traditions to that of Duke, it's like saying Columbus State is as prestigious a school as OSU.

Lecture more man. Wait, I decided to attend OSU and I can't hear you because there's about 200 kids in the same damn room.

Phhf. OSU. Prestigious. Go figure.

[Legion04]

Krypto basically summed up the meeting. In all it was very good, we have numerous ideas up in the air. Legion 04 proposed several advertisement ideas, some of which McCullers and the CFO liked a lot. These included flyers at the gate and an article in the Columbus Dispatch about V-Army, Legion 04, and the type of supporting that we partake in.

The visual appeal idea won approval all around. Legion 04 hopes to implement flags into the visual aspect as well as adding banners all over Section 138. Streamers or whatever could be something that we could implement. Imagine three streamers each section, 136, 137, and 138. That's a cool effect.

As far as the profanity situation. I see it as static friction. It'll be hard enforcing it, but once people learn that that behaviour is unacceptable, then people will begin to show interest in joining a supporters club. Sure, you may lose 15 people, but by the end of the season, 137 could be filled due to the changes.

Krypto is right, both supporters clubs need to hit the ground running. I know I talked with my German teacher about becoming an advisor for Legion 04 at UAHS. She can't but said that she'd check around. If we find an advisor, expect our numbers to go way up. If we cannot find an advisor, we'll still find a way to get support.

Good luck to you guys at V-Army!

[Bill Archer]

Or maybe we could all be a little honest and admit that since the management managed to cleverly squeeze the life out of the hard core supporters' groups, all we're left with is the embarassing prospect of asking our homeroom teacher if she'll be our club advisor.

Neat-o! Maybe I can get some stinkyfinger off of Mary Jo Grabcrotch after our next meeting. I think I can get my Dad's Pontiac.

Please promise me we won't be mentioning this to Barra Brava. Or Section 8. Or anybody else.

I knw I sound like a broken record, but it's just not a coincidence that other teams have big, thriving supporter's sections full of hardcore fans and we're having to haul old women out of the stands to do a SUpporter's SHield "presentation"

Ah forget it. The Pollyannas all think things are great, and the Crew management just thinks we're a$$holes.

It's a good thing none of you have the good sense to be embarassed.

[Placid Casual]

The visual appeal idea won approval all around. Legion 04 hopes to implement flags into the visual aspect as well as adding banners all over Section 138. Streamers or whatever could be something that we could implement. Imagine three streamers each section, 136, 137, and 138. That's a cool effect.

Would save everyone from having to watch another bore draw at home if there was something interesting to look at.

[BBBulldog]

Please promise me we won't be mentioning this to Barra Brava. Or Section 8. Or anybody else.


too late ;)

http://www.inet.hr/~tmajdanc/ultras_youth.jpg

[JoeSoccerFan]

too late ;)

http://www.inet.hr/~tmajdanc/ultras_youth.jpg

Little Boy with his pinky extended, "Can we say dang?"
Little Boy with the Ascot Scarf, "Yes"
LBWPE, "Can we say, Damn?"
LBWTAS, "No"
LBWPE, "Can we say, Shite?"
LBWTAS, "Only about the Horse Shite in our parking lot"


Good Gawd....

[buckeye5]

Just a couple of random thoughts...

Keep your goals modest. Most people that attend Crew matches do not understand or more appropriately, aren't aware of how fans conduct themselves at European matches. Chanting for 90 minutes, not going to happen, singing songs, not going to happen. Focus on having three strong chants that are done on occassion. Additionally, make plans that involve twenty people, not one hundred. While you might get one hundred people to stand up, at some point, you're not going to get one hundred active participants, in the short term it's just not going to happen.

The success of 137 is directly proportional to the sucess of the team. Why? Because the people that sit in 137 don't come to matches for autograph alley after getting nailed for three goals. They don't come because it's Brian McBride Bobblehead night. They are there mainly to see a good product. Sadly, after an offseason that only could've been worse had the team gotten contracted, I'm not holding out much hope for success. Don't get to discouraged if the team goes in the tank and your numbers appropriately follow.

The cursing...I waver on this. It seems that 137 has a couple good games, no cursing, everything's going great, and then there's a set back. You are never going to completely eliminate cursing in 137, not for the forseeable future at least. Until you cycle through everyone that has ever heard a profanity laced chant, it's just not going to happen. Then you have to take into account that profanity based chanting is becoming increasingly popular at other sporting events, including high school events, and it becomes even more difficult. Crew management wants to eliminate cursing, and I understand the goal, however they have to take into account that kids are far different today than they were even when I was in high school and that wasn't that long ago! It's not reasonable to chastise the entire section for a handful of setbacks. I don't know what there plans are to curtail cursing, I just don't see it working out very well. Especially if the people in 137 are self policing. If there was one mistake that Crew Management made, it was the policy of self policing. Why? Because nobody likes feeling like an arsehole, especially to their friends. I've changed my mind mid-flight...If Crew want to eliminate cursing they need to have security guards boot people. There are obviously risks involved in doing that. The person getting booted will probably never come back, and the people that know that person probably won't either. Additionally, people will feel like they are attending a match under police state rule, but if you want to get rid of the cursing, that is the only way to go about it. Again, I know from personal experience that self policing will never work. Because I'm not an employee of Columbus Crew, I don't actually wield any real power, and because people don't want to be seen or feel like an arsehole yelling at their friends for saying the f word. There I solved one problem.

Also, try to focus on the tailgate, I think it's a good recruitment tool.

I'll think of more maybe.

I think self-policing is better than using security guards.

Ohio State is an extreme case of security controls (for the United States).

At OSU basketball games, I feel like I'm at an international match for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

*8.5"x11" Newsletters that say "Please Miss" on the back. Unsporting sign, we'll take it from you.

*Hold a scarve up. It's a sign, we'll take it from you.

*Say something mean (but not racist, sexist, or profane) to an opponent. We'll come an give you a tongue lashing and threaten to kick you out next time.

*Do any of these again. We'll get 8 ushers to come and in stand in front of you and block your view of the game.

No to police state.

"Hey Mr. Usher. Can you unlock my shackles and help me take a piss?"