Post Match Celebrations; Enjoying that Winning Feeling

Post Match Celebrations; Enjoying that Winning Feeling

We have all seen [or heard of] post match celebrations. Enjoying that winning feeling with team mates…although, there is a fine line before it can all go haywire.

If you asked the players, then an answer like “after the match, it is my team mates who I want to celebrate the most with.” That is of course natural. And post match celebrations will always be a highlight of any successful season.

So recent celebrations and some hi-jinx reported on social media, can add to the long history of well deserved – if not, some unwanted attention – during post match celebrations.

Post Match Celebrations; Enjoying that Winning Feeling

Leinster’s players celebrate with the trophy after the 2018 European Champions Cup final rugby union match between Racing 92 and Leinster at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao on May 12, 2018. (Photo by GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP) (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Pictures of champagne and sparkling wine being sprayed. Beer and water being enjoyed around changing sheds are a pretty regular image. The corks pop, just as it does in a multitude of others sports; motorsports being another feature sport, where the podium is often smothered in Moet post-race.

So as much as the effort was made to persevere on the field, to succeed in a collective goal, that it is as easily demonstrated once the whistle is blown. High fives, hugs and admiring fans applauding your efforts – it is all a bit of a whirlwind, that can often be hard to recall the next day.

Post Match Celebrations – Good times

In the moment, that is where the players/players are. Sports men and women are extremely happy – and why wouldn’t you be. Reaching an objective, a championship, a race win or a World Cup won. Cha-hooo!!

This month, rugby sevens held it’s pinnacle event. The Rugby World Cup Sevens was played at AT&T Park, and after a full weekend of rugby, the winners defeated their opponents. That led to celebrations – leading to both satisfaction, as well as some unique comments and images for fans [and stakeholders] to digest – see Kurt Baker above.

His spontaneous photo call was soon spread around the rugby world. Many smiles and giggles and smirks were generated, although others might be a little bemused. But in a team environment, that fun-aspect has been part of team sport for generations.

Rugby banter – laughing at yourself and your mates

Camaraderie and mateship in teams is fundamental. If you don’t alleviate the pressures to succeed, then it can become ‘machine like’. Fun, laughter and sometimes horseplay can release the tension, and make a training session enjoyable. So after a huge win, overcoming an obstacle or opponent, it’s time to ‘let your hair down’.

Codie Taylor, Jason Ryan, Matt Todd and Ryan Crotty of the Crusaders pose with the Super Rugby Trophy in their dressing room. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Laughter is infectious. Some would have it no other way, and even management can get involved, to the delight of players and stakeholders. Family are welcomed into the changing rooms, with squad members and team administration all revelling the success of the side.

One of the most well known sights in major sporting fixtures is one of spontaneity and tradition. It involves; a Coach, two players, and …..a container of ice water.

Those antics are usually well received (somebody told him it was coming) and they join other actions like goofing off, funny accents, in-house pranks; a traditional one being, the dreaded Down Trou!

But it is all meant to be light-hearted. And after a major final, all is forgotten. The post match celebrations continue. And sometimes, can be taken a little too far.

Post Match Celebrations – epic fails

Some fans will observe their teams a day or two later, bleary eyed from celebrations that possibly went well into the night. Media often interview players or coaches in the following morning, in the knowledge that little sleep could have been had.

However, enjoyment and sometimes the addition of alcohol, can lead to trouble. Pranks can turn bad, or even become epic fails that can lead to injury or worse. Some players actions give them a reputation; think Manu Tualagi jumping from a moving ferry at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby’s Most Notorious Players in Recent Memory

This also can apply to post match fan celebrations getting out of hand. From College Football in the United States, to UK football fans taking it a little ‘too far’. That is how many will recall the France win of the FIFA Football World Cup. As some fans were toasting their players, others took frustrations out amid protests and rioting.

Basketball and Ice Hockey have also seen fans take their celebrations out on property and especially parked cars. It could be a seen as manic behaviour, however with endorphins pumping and hyped energy, it can take over. So at times, the teams results are usurped by chaos and destruction – not the culture of post match celebrations to honour.

Find the balance between Elation and Crazed Celebrations

Balance is the key. Privacy can also help – so pictures reaching social media; while giving those who enjoy ‘spectacle’ a grin, it can affect the teams public image…..not to count, the actions that can’t be recalled the next day.

Sports people do love to celebrate though. Like a racing car driver or jockey riding a horse, the elation is important. For teams, it is multiplied, and with larger than life personalities, the environment can be a epic party.

Just remember – it is better to wake the next morning, able to remember what happened. To meet your team mates, and be in a fit state to travel and to take on the special moments created, during post match celebrations.

 

“Main photo credit”
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