Pre-game Rituals for Dartmouth Athletic Teams Alexa Limb Henry Goodwyn Caroline Shaunessy Sumner Erbe

Pre-Game Rituals as Folklore Our project studies pre-game sports rituals as a type of customary and verbal folklore We conducted video interviews of 6 different Dartmouth athletes to learn firsthand about each team’s pre-competition rituals We analyzed the similarities and differences in pre-game rituals, their meaning for informants, and how these rituals impact athletic performance

Men’s Rugby Pre-Game Ritual: Before each game, each player on the team touches a sign above the exit of the locker room that reads “for those that come before us” before heading out onto the field Importance of Ritual: Struan spoke of the importance of the history of the club to the team and said that the sign reminds every player to remember that playing for Dartmouth is not only about winning a certain game on a certain day, but rather playing for the history and culture of the club. Struan added that this sentiment adds a sense of belonging and togetherness on the field that is crucial for success Informant: Struan Coleman Hometown: Long Island, NY Position: Forward

Men’s Lacrosse Pre-Game Ritual: Before each game, the entire team gathers around the captain of the team. The captain then offers inspiration to the team such as the opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as Dartmouth’s game plan. Importance of Ritual: Austin said that the most important part of the ritual is making sure that the team is “on the same page.” This allows the team to be a more cohesive unit as it looks to find success on the field. Informant: Austin Meacham Hometown: West Harrison, NY Position: Defense

Men’s Hockey Pre-Game Ritual: “Sewer Ball” Everyone gets in a big circle and you try to keep a ball in the air. You can kick it at other people and if they don’t keep the ball up, they are out and have to run a lap around the rink before joining back in. Everyone rings the game bell before we get on the ice before the start of the game. Importance of Ritual: “It definitely keeps the guys light. It warms the boys up but also adds some levity to the mood. It gets everyone laughing and having a good time, in a competitive way.” Informant: Alex Jasiek ‘21 Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Position: Forward

Women’s Hockey Pre-Game Ritual: Soccer variation: Before every game her team plays a game where everyone gets in a circle and tries to keep a soccer ball in the air. If the ball hits the ground on your turn you have to leave the circle. The final three players in the circle get to kick the soccer ball at first three people to get out. Importance of Ritual: “Playing this game keeps the mood light. A lot of girls on my team get pretty serious before games. Playing this before gets everyone laughing and out of our own heads. It basically just keeps us loose and lightens the mood.” Informant: Lotti Odnoga ‘22 Hometown: Györ, Hungary Position: Defense

Men’s Swimming Pre-game Ritual: Individual warm ups and stretches, such as practicing pushing off of the wall in order to simulate starting a race and doing one’s own stretching routine help each athlete get in their own, distinct mindset. Group Chant - Once every member of the team has done their own personalized warm-up, the team reconvenes and sings a cheer together. Importance of Ritual: John explained that because swimming is a mental and individual sport, getting in the right headspace was essential to performing well. Informant: John Hall ‘20 Hometown: Little Silver, NJ Position: Middle Distance

Sailing Pre-Game Ritual: “Clap out” in which the team will come close together in a huddle and the captains will crouch at the center of the huddle and say something to rally team spirit Everyone on the team will collectively say the phrase “TMB’s” and break Importance of Ritual: “It’s something that has been around forever. It’s kind of like a habit and it makes you feel good. People are sad if they have to leave practice early, since it’s such a habit we have.” Informant: Kasey Rhee ‘21 Hometown: Seoul, South Korea Position: Crew

Conclusion Pre Game Rituals serve as meaningful way for teams and individuals to come together before competition. There are many different variations and different teams practice different variations, however almost every team has something that they do which prepares them for games. Most of the folklore we encountered tackled a mental aspect of the game, whether that meant pumping a team up or calming them down.

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