Halt Tomahawk Chop at Braves Games: An Impossible Task or Manageable Challenge?

The Atlanta Braves have faced a challenge in maintaining game decorum with the traditional Tomahawk Chop during their games. This cultural practice has been a long-standing tradition but may be facing an existential threat with team management considering ways to curb its usage.

Similar to a precedent set by the NCAA when they required the University of North Dakota to drop the “Fighting Sioux” nickname at their hockey games, the Braves may attempt to mitigate the Tomahawk Chop through non-binding measures. Just as fans still cheer "GO SIOUX" after the National Anthem, the Tomahawk Chop is a form of free speech that officials may struggle to completely eliminate.

Non-Legal Measures to Curb the Tomahawk Chop

Team management could implement several non-binding measures to discourage the Tomahawk Chop:

Banning Foam Tomahawks: One feasible method would be to cease selling foam tomahawks, the most widespread prop for the chant. This would reduce the visibility and convenience of the practice, thereby making it more difficult for fans to participate. Stopping War Chant Tunes: Discontinuing the playing of war chants or songs associated with the Tomahawk Chop during events could also mitigate its cultural significance and occurrence. Encouraging Refraining: Reminders should be issued during game announcements and perhaps via social media platforms, encouraging fans to refrain from performing the chant. Ushers and staff could guide fans through the experience, perhaps by whispering reminders to avoid bothering fellow spectators. Customized Requests: Personal outreach via letters or emails to season ticket holders could address the matter directly, providing a more personalized deterrent.

Impracticality of Completely Banning the Tomahawk Chop

While these measures might be effective, the reality is that a complete ban on the Tomahawk Chop is nearly impossible to enforce due to the right to free speech. Fans have the constitutionally protected right to perform such celebrations and it would likely be infeasible to remove individuals from the venue for exercising their free speech.

However, team management could still discourage it by:

Excluding Persistent Offenders: Administrative measures could include revoking tickets from repeat offenders who continue to perform the Tomahawk Chop despite management's request.

The majority of Braves fans likely participate in the Tomahawk Chop out of tradition and loyalty. Therefore, the impact of these measures would be minimal and temporary. Once the practice is no longer a central part of the experience, fewer fans would resist.

Lessons from the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are a prime example of how similar traditions can be successfully phased out with polite but firm management. By issuing subtle reminders and adopting gentle but firm measures, the Blackhawks have largely eliminated the practice of fans donning full war paint and participating in tomahawk-chop-inspired actions.

Mirroring the Blackhawks, the Braves could follow a similar path:

Using Ushers: Having ushers quietly remind fans about the desirability of refraining from the chant would help. Appealing to Loyalty: Calling on the audience's sense of community and consideration for others could foster a more inclusive atmosphere. Gradual Transition: A phased approach of increasing awareness and reminders could lead to a natural decline in the practice.

Ultimately, the Tomahawk Chop is deeply ingrained in Braves culture, and any attempt to ban it would face significant challenges. However, with strategic and patient management, it is possible to reduce its prominence and perhaps nurture a new tradition that still honors the team's heritage but does so in a manner that respects all fans.