Things to do at regionals during off time

[TLuck234]

I was wondering what other people do at regionals when there is some off time (what little there is). But one thing we always do is play hacky sack. Its become a tradition.

[Don Rotolo]

Off time, at a regional? What is that?

[TLuck234]

Like during lunch or time around there.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by TLuck234

Like during lunch or time around there.

Eat. One team at L.A. had trackball bowling.

[i_am_samus]

I would sit and relax my feet. Standing around gets really tiring.

[Danny McC]

I do one of two things..... sleep or play hacky sack. And I will be doing so very much so in Atlanta for those who want to join the hacky sack.

[BandChick]

Definitely sleep. But I also try to spend my off time talking to some new people, browsing the pits for new interesting mechanisms and enjoying a little fresh air. =)

[smurfgirl]

Free time at a regional is unheard of to me.

What I would suggest, though, would be visiting other teams in the pits, meeting their team members, asking them questions about their robots, and have fun hanging out with these really cool and really smart people. Just make sure you don't butt in during an emergency repair or something.

[technoL]

During the little free time available I usually try to get in a bite to eat, take pictures, or just relax. I noticed how the number of pictures I have from regionals significantly decreased from last year to this year; being in the pit/operator vs. not being in the pit. It's also fun to check out other teams and robots.

[TLuck234]

Hacky Sack in Atlanta sounds pretty good. Don't know of others, but I do a little freestyle so I love some hacky sack. This year I only went to one regional though with my team and I volunteered so I was not able to do much of anything else but work and eat. I definately would like to get some more pics of other robots though considering I have none. Trackball bowling sounds pretty wild lol

[IndySam]

If our team members are caught playing a game like that (other than at lunch) at a regional, the vein on MR.D's head gets very large and ugly.

Just say no!

[TLuck234]

Originally Posted by IndySam

If our team members are caught playing a game like that (other than at lunch) at a regional, the vein on MR.D's head gets very large and ugly.

Just say no!

Haha. Well I never play except during lunch and when we are getting ready to leave and are waiting around then. Our mentors would get angry at us too.

[Mike M.]

Whenever I do manage to get a few minutes free time at a regional (the very little time that might be) I try and find a quiet corner and just try and relax, clear my head of whatever might be going on at the moment. It really lets you recharge your batteries and be a lot more productive when you get back to the work.

Plus its usually a great time to just sit as high up in the stands where its not too loud and just enjoy watching a few matches.


MikeM.

[Don Rotolo]

Originally Posted by IndySam

If our team members are caught playing a game like that (other than at lunch) at a regional, the vein on MR.D's head gets very large and ugly.

Originally Posted by TLuck234

Our mentors would get angry at us too.

And why do you think that might be?

Teachable Moment: Yes, we are here for fun, but there is so much to be done, don't waste the time you have. Being part of a FIRST team also means that you don't let others carry a load that you can carry instead.

Mentors give so much to the team, how do you think they feel when they see you doing something unproductive during build season or at a regional?

Save your unproductive activities for when it doesn't matter. If you think it doesn't matter at a Regional, you're in the wrong sport, Sport.

Don

Sorry, but I feel pretty strongly about this.


.

[IndySam]

Originally Posted by TLuck234

Haha. Well I never play except during lunch and when we are getting ready to leave and are waiting around then. Our mentors would get angry at us too.

After competition at Purdue while we waiting for our broken bus to get fixed the team had a great game of HS and Mr.D joined in!