Growing up, my two siblings played competitive sports, so their activities were always a part of my life in some way. I enjoyed supporting them and going to their practices, competitions and tournaments (most of the time), but I never felt completly connected to their activities because I'm not very competitiive. These are a few of the things I have learned over the years and this goesout to all my supportive siblings out there!

1. Making small talk with other siblings that your siblings play with.

When you aren't athletic, you just hope that some other kid got that gene and happens to have a sibling who plays the same sport as your brother or sister. Bonus points if they are younger than you, because sometimes the parents will pay you a couple dollars to keep them occupied.

2.Make small talk with parents.

How many times must I answer the question “So what do you do?” in the tone like all I do is sit around and watch TV. I have life, I just don’t have the interest or ability to play sports. Also please don't ask me “ how did the athlete gene missed you?” Believe me, I don't know.

3. Doing homework at their practices.

The best days are when there is an open table in the corner. Nobody to bother you and you are actually able to get your work done. Being at practice takes up my time too, even though I’m not “playing the sports”

4. Finding obscure ways to entertain yourself at games, competitions, matches, etc.

My brother played tennis and my sister is a figure skater, which are not the most exciting sports all the time and require lots of quiet. I usually would bring a tennis ball with me and bounce it on the pavement or against the wall. My hand-eye coordination is stellar to this day because of my brother’s tennis matches. Thanks, Kristoff;)

5. Knowing how to support your siblings when they lose.

For my brother, a simple “Sorry you lost” and a hug usually did the trick. My sister usually doesn’t like to talk much at first, but she comes around and I always know how to make her laugh when she is ready.

6. Your dinner conversations are almost always about people you don’t know.

Whether its a teammate, an opponent, or some random player or skater from Texas or California who is so amazing, you just don’t know what to say. Usually, I just smile and nod, even though I’m slightly confused. Why do we care that this person won or lost this or that? If they go professional, I’ll tune in again. I have a feeling we aren’t the subject at their dinner table.

7. Patience is key.

With any sport, nothing is on time, quick or immediate. Whether it's waiting to play, a third set tiebreaker or waiting for the results to be posted, a half hour on either end of the time schedule needs to be added. Otherwise, you are just set up for disappointment.

8. Your title is #1 cheerleader.

Honestly, I should have a uniform with pompoms, but I’ll settle for being the support system that cheers for you because I want to and because the quicker the competition goes, the sooner we have victory/you did your best dinner.

9. Free food (sometimes).

Usually, there are coaches, players, judges and other people who need to be fed because they are at the site all day. But, sometimes if you look really cute (or hungry), the people in charge will let you take a bag of chips or a cookie. Otherwise, you better hope there is a vending machine.

10. Sibling bonding time.

What other way is there that you get to spend extended amounts of time in the car going here there and everywhere and see your siblings at their highest and lowest. Sports will do that for you and even though I don’t actually get to share the “blood, sweat, and tears” mentality with my siblings, their sports have brought us closer together.