Tifo 101

How is it created?

Depends on the display and what it entails. For larger projects such as overhead banners, coordinated displays of flags, two-poles, or card displays, it usually involves quite a bit of design work up front and money to purchase materials. It is common to need a large group to do work such as painting large overhead banners, or constructing and placing cards in a pattern inside the stadium for card displays. Volunteers are crucial for these sorts of projects; whether with money for materials beyond that which is raised through memberships or club donations, or with time and talent to paint or sew.

We prefer to make our own tifo. There is more pride and prestige in creating something ourselves, versus just dumping a bunch of stuff off at FedEx Kinko’s or some other high-volume place. Many groups take the easy way out and use mass-produced stuff like this. Mass-produced stuff is easily recognized and doesn’t reflect well on the group, giving the impression that we take the easy way out or the quickest possible shortcut.

The better ultras around the world make most of their own stuff. It tends to be more original, edgier, and creative. Not to mention the time spent creating something as a group fosters teamwork and a bigger sense of belonging to something important. It ties the ultra more to the group, and to the club he supports. Mass-produced stuff funded entirely by big corporations, such as the big jersey flags made by Adidas or Nike are created with ulterior motives for advancement of their product. We’d prefer to do our own thing for our own aim!

It is common to use overhead projectors (digital or old-school using a transparency sheet) to transfer complicated images onto fabric. The colors are filled in after the outlines of the image have been created.

Two-pole banners and hand-held flags can be done individually and offer the most accessible way for an individual to create something for use on the terraces. There is more than one way to do these; the best way may vary depending on the project. See the two-pole page for instructions on creating your own.

Match day, what do I do?

Tifo execution on match day is subject to direction by the capos. Capos are the designated section leaders and usually toward the front leading chants, often with a bullhorn. It is their job to ensure that tifo display execution comes off properly and to communicate to the rank and file what to do. Usually it is discussed what is to occur (in private) days before a match on private sections of the message board and before the game.

Capos are necessary with larger groups because it is impossible to shout instructions to the entire group in a noisy stadium. Without them, a large group can disintegrate into multiple songs/chants going on at the same time, tifos being uncoordinated, etc. Just like the military, a chain of command is necessary for the group as a whole to execute something in a disciplined and unified way.

When a tifo is to be displayed, follow the capos’ direction. Don’t display flags, banners, or other items that are not part of the display, as long as the choreo is going on. If you do not understand what is going on or what is to be done, ask! If you see people next to you who do not understand what is going on, educate them or make sure they get in contact with someone who does.

Flags and two-poles that are not part of some organized choreography can and should be put at up at any time, unless of course an organized display is going on.

Guidelines for handling of tifo materials

Do respect the gear. A lot of time went into its creation, treat it and display it with the honor it deserves.

Do watch out for it when not in use so that it stays in good working order. Make sure tifo is stowed properly when not in use to avoid getting them wet, beer/food stains, etc. When flags and two-poles are not in use, they should be placed on the unused seats. Do not place them on the ground. Don’t let tifo be unaccounted for or, worse, stolen by infiltrators from rival groups. Also look out for individuals who might think it is okay to take home tifo that was given to them for displaying at the stadium.

At away matches or home matches where contact with rival groups is possible, make sure the gear is secure and take whatever precautions are necessary to avoid it being taken by force by rivals. At away matches where you are outnumbered, convey it with the maximum numbers possible.

Having gear representing the group, whether it be a single scarf, a section banner, two-pole, or something bigger, if stolen by a rival group is one of the most degrading things that can happen. Typically when this happens on a large scale (such as with a section banner), the thieves will display the captured item upside down or in some other mocking fashion. It is customary if the item cannot be recovered, for the group to disband itself and re-form under another moniker to avoid further disgrace. Needless to say, if an item cannot be safely displayed and defended, then don’t display it at all.