Science Horizons

Have you ever wondered what is used to create those team mascots that jump around acting crazy and exciting the fans with their antics? Well, depending on the inspiring creature they are modeled after, there can be many different materials used on the exterior of the mascot, but the initial form is usually made of polyethylene, a type of plastic known for its durability and flexibility. In the past, mascots were usually made of fiberglass which is a heavier and less flexible material, making it impractical upon the invention of polyethylene. Today polyethylene is the most widely used plastic on the planet, thanks to its wide range of uses including building a sturdy and long lasting mascot!

In addition to sports team mascots, there are corporate mascots, school mascots, international mascots, organizational mascots and even municipal mascots for cities and towns! Since there are so many different types of mascots, they can be made of many different materials. Sometimes papier mache or cardboard are used in creating mascots on a limited budget. These mascots may have to be replaced intermittently due to their more fragile construction. The head on these mascots are especially prone to damage and consequently may have their appearance subtly altered each time they are replaced. Other mascots use only a fabric shell, such as wool, double knit, plush or spandex in their construction and can either be covered with added materials or serve the purpose alone. Once in a while, the mascot consists merely of the human form wearing a costume of some type, like a pirate or a gladiator.

Some large mascot costumes incorporate a harness system that straps the shell onto the performer and holds it away from the body. Heads on these types of mascot costumes may consist of a hockey-type mask with a chin strap to keep them in place and are covered with a suitable material that matches the rest of the costume.

Since mascots come in many shapes and forms, the shell is covered with a wide array of suitable and appropriate materials including faux fur, paint, feathers or fabric. Of course, most mascots have eyes which come in many shapes and sizes and depend upon the species of mascot. The feet of a mascot are very important, as it spends a lot of time running and jumping around and even performing various acrobatic tricks. Often, the feet of a polyethylene mascot will be made of the same material since it can really take a beating. Sometimes, the feet of a mascot, as well as a beak or snout or similar protrusion, will be made of Styrofoam or an equally suitable plastic. Whatever the material, the feet must have some type of skid resistance built in to accommodate the constant movement.

Above all, since the mascot is such an active part of any team, the costume construction should be durable, flexible and last through an inordinate amount of wear and tear. This will assure the effectiveness of a mascot through many a season.

A Nutt Recreation and Leisure B, Business, c, custom mascots, e, mascot, mascots, p, plastic, r, recreation, Recreation Sports, Recreation and Leisure, s, sport, Sports, u

A sport mascot performer is more than just a person dressed up in a costume entertaining sports fans. Mascots are created for excitement and fun with the purpose of drawing attention to the brand it represents. A sport mascot performer is representative of a sports team and their management. The importance of a sports mascot has resulted in standards and practices that maximize the effectiveness of bringing attention to a sports team.

The duties of sports mascot performers includes entertaining sports fans of all ages, performing in front of large crowds, performing at special team events, performing at half time shows, maintaining the mascot costume such as cleaning, and working with management regarding merchandising and special promotion events.

A sport mascot must be a skilled and entertaining performer, have a high quality and vibrant costume, and have a supportive administration. To be an effective sport mascot performer, one must have the following credentials:

Professional: Sport mascots must be professional in and out of the costume. They must be able to work independently and as part of a team. They should be kind, polite, adaptable, able to think quickly, have strong interpersonal skills, be responsible, and be prepared to competently deal with any situation. Sport mascots should also be able to interact positively with children and know how to deal with abusive and fearful children.

Dependable: A sport ascot must be reliable, always attend events, and be on time for every event. A mascot will not only be present at home games, but also at away games. A mascot who misses events will usually be fired.

Experience: To be a sport mascot, you should have successful past mascot performing experience. Past experience can include working as a mascot for another sports team, educational institution, small business, or corporation.

Training: There are special training programs where one can learn proper mascot performing techniques as well as the correct way to behave at an event or sports function. Special mascot boot camps include training in such areas as performance techniques, costume maintenance, marketing and merchandising, facial expressions, proper dance methods, non verbal communication, costume repair, creating a mascot personality, working with children, how to react to a sudden injury, entertaining at special events such as charity functions, and much more. Mascot boot camps give performers many ideas on performing, promotions, and merchandising.

Health: Mascots should be physically fit and be able to remain in a costume for a long period of time.

Performance: Sport mascot performers should be able to perform both creatively and professionally. They should also be confident and comfortable performing in front large crowds, energetic, enthusiastic, outgoing, and approachable

Knowledgeable: A sport mascot should know a lot about the sport and the team they are representing.

Other than adding entertainment to a game, a sport mascot can provide many other benefits. Mascots can definitely generate revenue. If a team does not win a game, a mascot can make fans feel entertained and lift their spirits so they want to come to another game. A mascot can fill in for a player who is unable to attend an event. Mascots also attract new sponsors and help with promoting their products. Management can also sell merchandise based on the mascot characters.

The purpose of a sport mascot is to boost team and community spirit while promoting the team for financial gain. A mascot adds to the sports experience by using characterization and energetic performance to excite and entertain the audience. Whether in an incredible costume making a dazzling entrance or helping the community at a special charity event, a sport mascot is a valuable asset to any sports team.

A sport mascot performer is more than just a person dressed up in a costume entertaining sports fans. Mascots are created for excitement and fun with the purpose of drawing attention to the brand it represents. A sport mascot performer is representat Recreation and Leisure custom mascots, Hobbies, mascot, mascots, recreation, Recreation Sports, Recreation and Leisure, Sports