Sideline Etiquette: Don’t Be That Guy

 

Sideline Etiquette: Don’t Be That Guy

Graphic by Alan Look Photography

Every sideline has that guy.

You know the one.

Photographers are quietly tracking the play, waiting for the moment… and suddenly that guy appears

and manages to ruin 12 people’s shots in a single motion. It’s almost impressive.

If you're new to the sideline — or you just want to make sure nobody secretly hopes you step in a

sprinkler — here’s a quick guide.

Don’t Stand in Front of People Already Shooting

If a photographer is kneeling or sitting, they chose that spot for a reason. Walking in front of them

during a play means they now have a beautiful sequence of action shots featuring… you.

Don’t Steal Someone’s Spot

A bag, stool, monopod, or suspiciously flattened patch of grass is basically a territorial marker. If

someone leaves for two minutes and comes back to find you there, you might be that guy.

If You're Tall… Be Self■Aware

If you're tall and stand up during a big play, congratulations — you’ve just become the solar eclipse of

sports photography.

Respect the Monopod Swing Zone

A photographer with a long lens needs room to track the action. Step into that swing zone and you may

get bumped, ruin a shot, or inspire new vocabulary.

The Folding Chair Mistake

If someone is sitting on the ground with a long lens and you pull up a chair beside them, you are now

taller than them, in their frame, and inside their swing. You’ve become a human goalpost.

Burst Mode Is Not a Garden Hose

Burst mode is normal. But if your camera sounds like a machine gun at a popcorn festival, people start

wondering if you're shooting photos or sanding the scoreboard.

Learn the Sideline ShuffleWhen moving past photographers you duck, shuffle, and whisper 'sorry.' You do not stroll through like

you’re walking through a shopping mall.

Just Because There’s Grass Doesn’t Mean You Belong There

Referee lanes, team areas, and broadcast sightlines all look open until someone yells at you. If multiple

people are staring at you, you're in the wrong place.

The Phone Photo Offense

Walking in front of a row of photographers to take a picture with your phone is a legendary sideline

mistake.

Don’t Create a Chimping Traffic Jam

Checking photos is normal. Doing it in the middle of the sideline path is like parking a tractor on the

interstate.

Celebrate Carefully

If you jump up cheering during a touchdown, the photographers behind you just captured an incredible

sports moment… starring your back.

The Universal Sideline Language

A nod, a small scoot, and a whispered 'sorry' prevent most sideline problems.

Final Rule: If you hear a long sigh behind you… you probably just broke three of these rules at once.