To think a round of applause is an inappropriate response to an injured athlete being stretchered off

[sickntiredtoo]

I was at a gymnastics competition yesterday when one of the acrobats fell from a throw and landed on her neck.The competition was halted and she was kept from moving until the paramedics arrived and stretchered her off about half an hour later.At which point the audience of several hundred people (who of course were nearly wholly families of the gymnasts) burst into a round of applause !
I was

When Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch following a heart attack, the crowd gave the most enormous round of applause as he was stretchered off. So yes, applause following terrible things happens when there are large numbers of bystanders wanting to show their support. I don't think a lone individual would applaud following an RTA, but that is a wholly different circumstance.

I don't watch much sport but have seen/heard this on numerous occasions.

It's a sign of support and/or respect for the injured player, one the injured player can hear even if they can't see it.

It also tends to be from all fans, not just those supporting the injured player.

I don't think it is particularly regional, nor linked to just one support - rather a sport where there are many spectators perhaps, rather than just a handful. And it is linked to sporting events rather than other events where injuries take place - it would not be appropriate at the road side of an RTA for example.

Infact, just seen this on an american sport website:

"Cheerleaders are expected to lead the cheer group in a round of applause for an injured player leaving the game. Cheering is appropriate."

So, not just clapping - but a cheer too is deemed appropriate/expected.

"Triliteral there are wonderful "ambulance women" now as well you know, it being the 21st century and all! Or "paramedic" if you prefer smile

OP, stop being all snippy and defensive! Can't believe you've never come across this before."

Pot calling kettle....?

At the risk of being snippy, there were probably neither ambulance men, ambulance women nor paramedics at the gymnastics event. Far more likely to have been volunteer stretcher bearers.

OP - 'AIBU'

All- 'Yes'

OP - 'no i am bloody not'

OP, you made a mistake, you misinterpreted something, you asked if YWBU, you are.

Admit it and Move on!

Applause for an injured player being removed from play is also a thing in ice hockey both in Europe and N America. And it's joint, regardless of the team you support.

When Fabrice Muamba collapsed on the pitch following a heart attack, the crowd gave the most enormous round of applause as he was stretchered off

The crowd also chanted his name as they were resuscitating him as they were so worried. That included the supporters of the opposing team.

It appears it is fairly universal judging by the numer of responses here - unless you've somehow only managed to get mners from one region.

It happens in cheerleading, gymnastics, trampolining, assorted equestrian activities and karate that I know of. It's a show of solidarity/support/respect for the injured party and any family.

Chipped a very good friend of mine was there that day and he said that the atmosphere when he was being treated was tear jerking - like the whole crowd was willing him to be OK. The cheering and clapping when they took him off was like a wave of relief, thinking he was OK. Which very happily he eventually was.

When I was at the Paralympics, the whole arena applauded the very last runner home. Do you it was "thank fuck they've finally finished" rather than appreciation and support?

The last mountain biker at the Olympics ( Ethiopian, AFAIK) got the most moving round of applause.

And yes, it is universal to applaud injured sports people. Unless they are unconscious. Then I think people would be more worried

I find it odd when people clap at funny jokes, instead of laughing.

I think I may be a bit odd though

To say I thought the crowd was happy she was injured was by far the stupidest thing on this thread.

But probably not as stupid as saying "I thought it was because they thought .Good now we can return to the competition after a long delay"

It rather looks like you were the only person who thought that, OP