Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I'll agree in that case, just wanted to be clear that there are many things to do at an FRC competition that some people think are more important than watching matches.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I would like to add something I saw today that really bugs me more than anything mentioned above. When the National Anthem is being performed, please remove your hats. Especially when you are one of the singers. It is plain disrespectful.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

We had this issue at our regional a couple weeks ago...it has been my accepted "Miss Manners" rules that women can continue to wear hats during the Star Spangled Banner, in both the audience and the presenters.

One of my team members was in the robotics choir that sang and was told by the event coordinator to remove her hat; she did this out of respect for an adult but asked me about it later. My ruling: Hats must be removed by men, but can remain on your head if you are a woman.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

The established rule of etiquette is that "fancy" women's hats need not be removed. This is because of the time and effort necessary to put them on again. Simple hats -- fedoras, berets, baseball caps, and the like -- do not enjoy this privilege, and should be removed by men and women alike.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I also agree with a woman's hat staying on if - it is part of formal attire, but also have to take exception to any female wearing a "prop" or spirit type of costume hat though. Doesn't seem like a lot to ask or expect.

I get more annoyed by the often excessive chatter during the National Anthem. I've been to many events where you could hear a pin drop during another country's anthem, then the chatter picks up during ours. :confused:

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

This is what the accepted rule is. Fancy hats that are Pinned as part of an outfit can remain. Everyday hats, and the Costume hats that had me irritated this morning should be removed.

That being said, I am still very glad that many FIRST students know the National Anthem, and will perform it. It amazes me some places I go and how our youth does not know the National Anthem.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I have learned many things from FIRST and I will include a lesson on manners. I will revise my opinion of women wearing hats during the National Anthem, to: Women wearing fancy hats (with a hat pin) will remain on, while other less-fancy hats and costume hats will be removed.

Thank you CD and FIRST.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

Related to post, not to thread.

The most awe inspiring moment at any FIRST competition was the Flint FLL tournament (I can't recall which one) last year. The AV equipment cut out 30 seconds into the Anthem. Without missing a beat the entire auditorium picked up and sang the rest of the Anthem. Sorry, I thought it was epic.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I was thinking about this thread yesterday during Dean's speech in Boston. My godson was there with family, and he is 10. Over lunch he was playing games on his phone, and I wondered if I would see a repeat of this thread during the awards ceremonies. Dean gave a very typical Dean speech, but my godson sat there quietly with his head on his mom's shoulder and paid attention the ENTIRE time. He didn't fidget or whip out his phone, and he has never been involved in robotics or even seen an event before. It was a simple matter of knowing when to show respect. I was really proud of him :)

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

Another thought about the National Anthem (s), our National Anthem (not sure the policy in other countries) was written and intended to be a collective experience of patriotism and national pride. It is actually considered BAD MANNERS to stand quietly during the singing of the anthem. Unfortunately, our culture has allowed the anthem to turn into a performer/audience situation, which it was never intended to be. It is actually against United States flag code to applaud for the anthem.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I must respectfully disagree. It is not wrong to stand quietly during the National Anthem.

§301. National anthem

1. Designation. — The composition consisting of the words and music known as the Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem.

2. Conduct During Playing — During rendition of the national anthem —

1. when the flag is displayed —

1. individuals in uniform should give the military salute at the first note of the anthem and maintain that position until the last note;

2. members of the Armed Forces and veterans who are present but not in uniform may render the military salute in the manner provided for individuals in uniform; and

3. all other persons present should face the flag and stand at attention with their right hand over the heart, and men not in uniform, if applicable, should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart; and

2. when the flag is not displayed, all present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I really prefer not fussing over details in the Anthem. Does someone's singing, silence, posture, and position really determine the level of one's respect for the country? It's no big deal either way, really, as long as people have good intentions and put in an honest effort. If they directly don't observe the anthem out of protest or whatever, then try and be subtle and don't make a scene. Pretty simple...

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

Yes it does, at least to me, and I am sure other people. However, this enters the discussion into Politics and Beliefs which we are kindly asked to refrain from on CD, so I will leave it at that.

In the grand scheme of things, I have noticed that FIRSTers are far and above on of the most respectful groups when it comes to things such as this, and I think that says a lot to the sense of professionalism that FIRST has instilled in us all.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

Standing at attention implies standing quietly.

I don't know of anything in the flag code that says that. I think you might be confusing the National Anthem with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Re: Behavior at the competitions
 

I've seen things in my travels from regional to regional these past couple of years that by far surpasses ignoring Deans speeches (like openly using abusive language towards other teams, team members when the team loses and generally ignoring arena rules - the barrier is there for a reason not to jump over) but the kid barking out " WRAP IT UP!" in Boston would have probably seen his last moments as a member of my team if he pulled that stunt.