16 Old-Fashioned Sports Rituals That Have Faded Away
Step back in time to remember the traditional sports rituals that once defined the fan and player experience — but are now largely forgotten.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Sports weren’t just about the scoreboard. They were full of heartfelt traditions. These moments were as iconic as the action itself. However, modern rules and evolving culture have pushed many of these once-sacred customs into the shadows.
1. Pregame Team Prayers on the Field
KeithJ on NeedPix
Teams used to huddle and pray in full view before kickoff or tip-off. It was a solemn moment that united players beyond the game. Now, such displays are usually moved behind closed doors to avoid controversy.
2. Cigar Celebrations in the Locker Room
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Lighting up cigars after championships was once the gold standard of celebration. The smoke-filled locker room was a badge of honor. Health regulations and smoking bans have made this tradition rare.
3. Team Captains Meeting at Midfield Before Games
Keith Allison on Wikimedia Commons
A handshake and coin toss between captains was more than symbolic — it was a sportsmanship staple. Nowadays, the process is rushed or handled off-camera.
4. Helmet Decals for Big Plays
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Football players earned helmet stickers for standout performances — a rite of passage. Each decal told a story of hard hits or big plays. Today, many programs have dropped the practice in favor of uniform minimalism.
5. Handwritten Lineup Cards
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Managers and coaches once scribbled lineups by hand and exchanged them before games. It was a personal touch and part of the ritual. Today, digital tablets and pre-printed sheets do the job.
6. Shaking the Referee’s Hand Before Tip-Off
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A pregame handshake with officials showed mutual respect before the contest began. Now, it’s often skipped entirely. The formal nod to authority has been lost to time and pace.
7. Marching Bands Leading Teams Onto the Field
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Back in the day, college bands led players out in full fanfare. It added drama and pageantry before kickoff. While some schools still honor it, most have gone digital with intros.
8. Taping Ankles on the Sideline
Talento Tec on Wikimedia Commons
Watching a player get his ankles wrapped on the bench was once routine. It added grit to the game’s aesthetic. Now, athletes arrive pre-taped, and trainers work behind the scenes.
9. Singing the School Fight Song After Games
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Win or lose, college teams stood together and sang the alma mater. It was tradition and team unity rolled into one. Some schools maintain it, but fewer fans notice or stay to hear it.
10. Touching a Tunnel Sign for Luck
Ben Sutherland on Flickr
Many teams had a symbolic sign players touched before entering the field — “Play Like a Champion Today,” for example. It became a part of pregame psyche. However, modern facilities often skip the tradition in favor of LED screens and hype videos.
11. Pregame Team Dinners at Local Diners
Stemoc on Wikimedia Commons
Before sports went corporate, teams bonded over simple meals at hometown spots. Coaches used the time for strategy and unity. Now, nutritionists and meal plans control everything.
12. Victory Laps After Big Wins
Leonardo Hidalgo on Pexels
Teams used to jog the perimeter and salute fans after major wins. It was old-school appreciation. Today’s players celebrate on social media or head straight to the locker room.
13. Mid-Game Pep Talks from the Coach’s Son
Splitfire1000 on Wikimedia Commons
It was once common to see a coach’s kid giving towels, water — or advice. They were unofficial mascots and morale boosters. Now, strict sideline policies and staff rules keep families off the bench.
14. Paper Ticket Toss After Championships
MrPremiership on Wikimedia Commons
When the final buzzer sounded, fans would toss programs, confetti, and ticket stubs into the air. It created a rain of paper joy. Now, everything’s digital, and confetti is machine-launched.
15. First Pitch or Kickoff by a Local Hero
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High school games often opened with a ceremonial throw or kick by a town figure — veteran, teacher, or fire chief. It grounded the event in community pride. Corporate sponsors have mostly taken over those moments.
16. Team Autograph Sessions Post-Game
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Players used to hang out after the final whistle to meet fans and sign programs. It built lifelong connections. Now, access is limited and players are whisked away.