[MooreteP]

Originally Posted by JCharlton

Paper airplanes have become as much of a tradition as YMCA, for better or worse.

Here's a thought, two minor competitions:

At a certain point during closing (and only at that point!) have a competition to be closest to a certain marker on the field. Each team given one special sheet in their package and they engineer their best design. Once that's done it's OVER (and a reminder to everyone that it's not GP to continue!) Get NASA or Boeing to sponsor it

Second competition is for the team who collects the most number of spent airplanes. That'll get them out of there.

This^.
However.....
I work the floor and abhor the mess that is made. I try to do my part to assist the dome staff in cleaning up after irresponsible and unaccountable children.

Nonetheless....
I enjoy the spontaneous exuberance and tension as a plane coasts to crash.

Originally Posted by Tom Line

The paper airplanes are a neat idea but poor execution. It's really neat to see the ones that get out in the air currents and go super far. So here is my suggestion. Make it a competition. Each team gets 1. Set up some time for a single team member to release that team's plane - lunch, or whenever. Announce the team number, then let 'er rip, and keep track of which plane went the farthest.

Any other paper airplanes that get thrown result in the individual being asked to leave.

This is one solution.

Originally Posted by Jake177

I think there are two major factors that have contributed to the paper airplane "tradition".

1. In order to avoid getting stuck in the nosebleed seats, teams begin filling the Einstein stands well before the closing ceremonies start.
2. Given no other source of stimulation, most people find making and throwing paper airplanes to be an enjoyable way to pass the time waiting for closing ceremonies to start.

I think the easiest way for FIRST to discourage this practice is to address one or both of these factors.

1. I don't think it is wise or practical to try to keep people out of the Einstein stands until closing ceremonies are ready to start.
2. Give people something else they can pay attention to during this time. - What about a feed of the division elimination matches on the Einstein screen? Once those are over, why not have an Einstein Pregame Show with a recap of the division elimination rounds, and a run-down of the teams in the Champion alliances?

Great Analysis. Good suggestions. It's the lack of engagement that leads to undesirable behavior. (I'm a teacher, trust me, I know.)

FIRST made a great step this year in refining the Einstein experience. Adding the Division Finals and awards on the screens could render the airplanes moot. In fact, if they spread the divisions on four screens, teams might choose to aggregate in distinct areas.

I'm voting for this. +1