Professional basketball takes on a
whole new perspective from the inside of
a mascot suit. No doubt to the extreme
embarrassment of those who know me I
came out of retirement, back into the
world of zany entertainment where
peripheral vision is zero and the
thermometer lives in the red.Arriving with the cheerleaders an hour and a half before a game there is little to do beside lay out the equipment and loosen up because suiting up too early reduces endurance. The Thames Valley Tigers suit is a refreshing change from the more restrictive 11 piece Manchester Giants Mega Man which took assistants a quarter of an hour to help fit. This however has air space, breathable material and allows full movement. Fitting on the huge head restricts vision to the small gauze covered nostrils as the innate personality within comes alive. Once you have left the locker room no part can be removed in public view, the persona must always be complete and in character even when carrying the props to the player tunnel. You become the tiger, and everything it represents. Movement is a must, not just for maintaining the vitality of the role but to see your surroundings. Continuously scanning your space avoids collisions or other mishaps. For a mascot to be believable being lead around by a minder and doing little more than waving blindly to the audience in general hardly creates an image that represents the Spirit of the Team. It requires constant energy and movement, plus the ability to act your shoe size in communicating excitement and involving the audience. The first step in characterisation is the walk. A cartoon representation of the creature being portrayed, soon developing its own unique gestures and mannerisms. All actions must be appropriate, sportsmanlike and in good taste, remembering you will be a special focus and friend to the many kids in the stands. Never talk in costume, everything is done by exaggerated mime. It is remarkable how much can be expressed without words. Gameday starts with welcoming supporters to the arena, doing daredevil tightrope walks along the painted lines on court, and dancing to the music. Special attention is given to children bringing toy tigers with them - a certain cause for feline exuberance. I always go over to the visiting supporters with a welcoming bow. We are supporters of the same sport after all. By the time the lights go down and the spotlights track in for Player Announcements you are really "warmed- up" in every sense. Getting the crowd fired up involves some serious leaping about whilst holding paw to ear. Casting dignity to the winds you have to be prepared to let your hair down and have fun. A good selection of simple props is a must. Flash cards with words like "Tigers" and "Defence", a megaphone and a drum. A large square of material can be used to wave, hide behind, mop your brow, or even blow your nose. In a position of high visibility, it is important to be enthusiastic at all times. Encouraging when the Team is ahead, and giving extra energy when they are not. Never react to Referees decisions, however you may feel, and dissuade supporters from negative responses. A few years ago I started star-jumping for successful three pointers, and quad star jumps for 100 points scores, traditions I have almost come to regret as someone of less than youthful fitness. We had one game go to four periods of overtime this season, but at least I was the only one in the arena who still had a voice left afterwards. I still cannot quite figure how I got talked into performing at the championships, but at least I learned an important lesson that I will always value. I now know exactly how you feel going out on that big blue mat. The experience has given me greater appreciation of competition from a cheerleaders viewpoint. Being a Mascot is great fun. There are no books or courses on the subject, but knowing the key role of the Mascot at games and being a little crazy at heart certainly helps. Bob Kiralfy. 'Mr Tiger'
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