[popnbrown]

I think our first or second match the pedestal wasn't lighting up and after 5 seconds, I was yelling upwards, because I didn't want to run to either side and "yell" at a referee in case I got in the way of our Human Player. So I just yelled to the FRC gods watching us, to reduce the delay. Our Human Player thought it was hilarious.....my voice currently doesn't think so.

I agree with the general sentiment of your post. It's hard to pull yourself away from a competition, it gets your blood pumping, but as a referee in FTC/Judge/General Volunteer, getting thank yous and having teams just come up to you and chat post-match, makes you know that it was just a 2 minute change of personality.

So even if you yell at other drivers or volunteers, and you think you're "appropriate" be sure to just give them a high five or shake their hand and show them your appreciation. Being on the field for the first time ever, I got the competitiveness, I totally understand, and I got carried away at times, but just be sure to make sure everyone's friends at the end of the day.

After all, staring at a blue banner isn't fun, but working with other teams and winning a match by 10 points, the in-the-moment feeling is really where it's at. Make sure you share that excitement when you're there and you're feeling it, trust me (as a volunteer/ref and now as a coach) I get it too and love to share it with others.