Throw Like a Girl

I've spent many summer vacations at Waskasiu Lake. There's lot's of fond memories of the beach, campfires and strolls to the Big Olaf for ice cream. One that stands out is a time at the beach with my sister in law and we were attempting to toss the football around. “You really can't throw.” She said. Sadly it's true. I have less than zero skills when it comes to me participating in the actual performance of sports.

I throw like a girl.

I like to think that what I lack in coordination I make for with enthusiasm.

Football and probably all sports have a dominant male fan base. Most marketing, talk shows, podcasts etc are aimed towards the male fan. Even though the Saskatchewan Roughriders were always in the background of my life, it wasn't really until my husband started watching and following them more that I decided that if I wanted to spend time with him I better watch too. Who'd have thunk it that I'd become the bigger fan? Truly not me.

It started with asking questions. I began to know players names. I formed opinions. I learned the rules. Next thing you know, I'm standing in lineups waiting to meet Rider players. I wear mostly green from July to November. I paint my nails green and wear watermelon earrings. I found a group of people who love the game as much as I do and are willing to talk about it 24/7. Rider Nation. My people. Hubby's ex coworker has said “you are the luckiest man on earth.” in response to finding out about my rabid fan status.

Capture of Riders Live! Doubles looking trimmed down.

It's not about the tight pants for me as it might be for some fans. I'll admit that when that photo circulated of the mostly nude Rider player in the locker room ( who was that again? ) that it garnered some fun comments. I am not the girl swooning at the biceps of Rob Bagg although Ricky Foley has been known to make me weak in the knees for a fleeting moment. I am the girl who pays attention to the play, jumps up and down celebrating touchdowns and knows what a flea flicker is and I'm also the one who spends the most dollars at the Rider Store.

TSN holds the rights to broadcast all the CFL games. Jennifer Hedger is a host and if you didn't hear what she said I'll tell you now.

“Toronto hasn't won a championship in pro sport since 1993.”

Now even as a purely only Riders fan I went....wait, huh? I mentally counted back. Riders won in 2013 at home....Argo's won in 2012 at home.... Okay. So the Toronto Argonauts aren't a professional sports team. Huh. Go figure.

But I digress, a long time ago I noticed the obvious missing gender from programs I watch and listen too. Women have had guest spots on some of the programs but rarely do women get the chance to announce games, interview players or provide commentary. Last year, Jeanine ( @OttawaJay ) was on a podcast and I applauded her. Now she's a regular contributor to @bleedredblacks podcast. This season Arielle Zerr ( @arielle_zerr ) is a reporter/producer for CJME/CKOM and @HomeoftheFans. She's been faithfully covering and reporting on Riders Training Camp in Saskatoon at Griffith Stadium. 

Hurray! 

So we've made a few advancements. Still here is TSN touting their female broadcasters as “not only beautiful but they know their stuff.”

Sigh.

Here is a link to the beautiful women of TSN who I'm sure have brains too ---> The Lovely Ladies of TSN

And you know what? That attitude sucks. It just sucks for women.

Tina Fey from the movie Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

I started writing this blog for a few reasons. Firstly, I needed a place to vent and tell my point of view in what couldn't be said in 140 characters. Secondly, I don't want to be just a “pretty” face. I wanted to be the woman who wrote about sports and knew her stuff and didn't embarrass all the other serious fans in the process. I strive to do the research and get the facts correct. No one pays me. I write when the spirit moves me. I haven't done it for 'likes' or highest number of views but I always appreciate those who engage me ( @smilingsandra ).

All I can do is draw attention to the situation. Knowing is one thing while working towards changing the culture is another. Do your part. We can do better. Don't make it about the tight ends. Don't be such a girl.

The annual Roughriders Green & White Fan day is tomorrow June 4th from 2 - 9pm at SMF Field which is BEAUTIFUL.  At 8pm at the same venue the Saskatoon Valkeryies are holding an event.  It'll be a great day to celebrate football for both men and women.