[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Whatever

When I was mentoring FTC we ended up having a discussion with the driver of the robot as to whether she should be wearing a purse while driving. I was concerned that it looks unprofessional and could effect their draft position. She did it anyways and they did get drafted as the second pick of the first alliance in their division. They also ended up using one of the pictures of her while driving in the event programs during the next year.

I did notice the head referee of the division we were in at worlds also wore a purse while refereeing. I still think it looks unprofessional but maybe it is just me.

Is it unprofessional for a man to have a pocket bulging with his wallet or phone in it while driving a robot or refereeing? If not, why is it unprofessional for a woman to wear a small bag holding similar items while performing the same tasks?

The only reason I could possibly imagine saying that wearing a purse is unprofessional is if such an item affects a person's performance in their role. I don't think that would be the case with either of the situations you highlighted - a properly secured bag could easily handle the rigors of walking back and forth around the field without getting in the way.