An examination of the totem behavior of professional football fans

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the totemic behavior of professional soccer fans. The study was conducted with a student (N=132) studying at the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Erciyes College (Turkiye). Prior to the study, a questionnaire was created using Google forms. In the questionnaire, some demographic information and totem behaviors were requested. The percentage and frequency distributions of the data obtained were calculated statistically. The students participating in the study were (52%) male, (48%) female, (40%) aged 19-20 years, (39%) aged 21-22 years. According to the status of the team the students support, Galatasaray FC (45%), Fenerbahce FC (36%) and Besiktas FC (17%) are soccer club fans. Among the very different answers students gave to the totem behaviors were wearing a team jersey, not watching the game, praying, singing the team anthem, watching while standing, holding the hand of a loved one, closing their eyes during goal attacks, watching the TV screen from behind, drinking Turkish coffee, not speaking, holding a Turkish teacup in the hand, sitting on the right side of the seat, hanging the team flag, praying (salad), keeping still and not blinking, supporting the opposing team such as the behaviors mentioned. It can therefore be stated that a quarter of the fans definitely exhibit totem behaviors. Among the totem behaviors, wearing the team jersey is the most popular, while singing the team anthem, hanging the team flag and believing by feeling are outstanding results. It is recommended that soccer clubs select the jerseys most desired by fans in colors and shapes that match the club’s history and culture. An average pricing policy for team jersey should be established and prices should be determined that are suitable for each income group.