If you've had anyone in your life say they despise game day- not because they don't like football, but because they don't like the constant noise you make when you watch games on TV- you might be an obnoxious fan.

If you've ever noticed folks leave the room while you've got the Super Bowl on the big screen television- citing "bad language" as the reason they left- you might very well be an obnoxious sports fan.

Well don't worry, there's nothing wrong that you can't fix. A few simple rules can help make you a much more social fan. I've been there, and I have a few tips that can help you enjoy the game while still being in the company of friends!

Mute It:

People have told me that the loudest they've ever heard me talk (yell) are the times that I'm angrily screaming and explaining to the Jets how they should be playing the game. It occurred to me that, even though I'm angry about the players' poor performance (because certainly, I could do better), I'm YELLING because I want to be heard over the volume of the television. At a live game, it's not such a big deal. You're outside, lots of people are yelling and the sound isn't contained to a living room. I've found that lowering the volume of the game encourages me to also lower my voice. Though still angry, I am able to speak with my indoor voice to the players (who are no doubt listening to me through the TV monitor). This tends to attract less negative attention from those around me!

Bite it:

Your tongue, that is. Most athletes have potty mouths, but that doesn't mean you need to have one too. Sure, it might, make you feel better to tell Carmelo Anthony to shoot the bleepin' ball. But let's face it, he can't actually hear you. But the people you're watching the game with can hear you. Substitute words like, "heck" "flippin" and "gosh darn," if you must. If you're going to offend people with colorful language, you're best to just not talk (yell) at all.

Record It:

Not always the most practical option, especially if you're talking about the Super Bowl. But if you're watching a regular season game, and think you'll be able to find time to watch it alone before someone spoils the score, then record the game. Watch it on your time, holler and scream and curse all you want. Take the time during the live event to hang out with your friends who may not really want to watch a sporting event in the first place.

Being loud and or/being right is not important. Spending time with friends and family is what matters. Remember, no matter how much you hoot and holler, no matter how loudly you talk or yell, no matter how hard you throw things in anger-- none of this will change the outcome of the game. If the players are choking yelling at them won't help. If the coaches are calling bad plays they wouldn't listen to you even if they could hear you. If you sit back, loosen up, and enjoy the game and you're much more likely to avert being an obnoxious sports fan!