Here’s the mock-official fan manual, written like a dead-serious rulebook for breaking sports curses:

The Official Fan Manual for Breaking a Team Curse™
Issued by the Totally Real Association of Sports Superstition (T.R.A.S.S.)
Article I – Purpose
This manual exists to guide suffering fanbases through the time-honored, ridiculous, and occasionally effective rituals required to break a losing curse. Failure to comply may result in additional decades of disappointment.
Article II – Required Materials
- At least 3 cursed jerseys (preferably sweat-stained from heartbreak seasons).
- 1 goat (rented, borrowed, or bartered — no excuses).
- A 12-pack of cheap beer (imported beer is strictly prohibited).
- 1 bucket of fried chicken (Popeyes preferred; KFC only if the Colonel has already been appeased).
- Marshmallows, sticks, and lighters.
- A stadium full of equally desperate fans.
Article III – The Ceremony
Step 1: Assemble the Council
The council shall consist of:
- One superstitious grandmother,
- One drunk uncle,
- One guy who still brags about “almost going pro,”
- And the grumpiest season-ticket holder in attendance.
These four shall oversee the ritual with unwavering disappointment.
Step 2: Circle of Failure
At midfield/home plate/center court/center ice, place the cursed jerseys in a solemn circle. This circle represents the cycle of defeat that must be broken.
Step 3: The Sacred Goat Parade
Lead the goat around the jersey circle while chanting the team’s fight song in reverse. The goat must wear the rival team’s colors. If the goat poops on the field, consider it a good omen.
Step 4: The Beer Anointing
Each fan shall pour exactly one sip of beer onto the ground. The remainder must be consumed immediately. Spillage is punishable by another decade of playoff drought.
Step 5: The Chosen Drumstick
Hurl the fried chicken bucket into the air. Whichever piece lands closest to the jersey circle becomes the “Chosen Drumstick.” Place it atop the jerseys with great reverence.
Step 6: The Mass Chant of Shame
All fans must loudly shout the team’s most painful choke moment (e.g., “GAME SEVEN!” or “FOURTH-AND-TWENTY!”). The shared trauma weakens the curse.
Step 7: Bonfire of Failure
Ignite the jerseys and the Chosen Drumstick. Fans shall roast marshmallows over the flames. The sweeter the marshmallow, the stronger the victory aura.
Step 8: Goat’s Blessing
Feed the goat a marshmallow from the bonfire. If the goat accepts, the curse is lifted. If the goat refuses, repeat the ritual next season — but double the chicken.
Step 9: The Reverse Wave
The entire stadium performs the Reverse Wave: instead of standing, fans sit and groan loudly. This symbolizes putting the past to rest.
Step 10: First Victory Protocol
Upon the first win following the ritual, fans must parade down Main Street immediately, regardless of the time of day or importance of the game. The preseason counts.
Article IV – Emergency Measures
If all else fails, Nicolas Cage must be summoned as Master of Ceremonies. Only he possesses the chaotic energy needed to disrupt a century-long curse.

Disclaimer: T.R.A.S.S. is not responsible for property damage, goat bites, beer shortages, or police involvement resulting from the ritual.