[Gadget470]

My personal feeling is that at every regional while explaining the game,
FIRST should have a "Silence Time" Notification.

Announcer: "When you hear THIS noise [points to DJ]
--- BLOOOOOOORRRRNNNKKKKKKK ---
Please refrain from using Banging Sticks, Musical Instruments, or any other noise-making devices."

A unique sound will do two things:
1) Allow everyone to know that an important announcement is coming.
2) Have those who need to listen able to listen.

Being that the audio in the pits is different from the audio for the field, the same sound, or a shorter sound could be performed to let people know that something is being announced, such as a list of teams being on deck. There were a few times when there was just general noise in the pits (Drills, people talking, robots running, etc.) that drowned out the sound of an annoucement. However, if I knew an announcement was coming I would have heard it. i.e. Waiting for team to be called for on-deck while making last minute repairs. (We ended up barely hearing the last call and made a bee-line for the staging area.. at Nationals. Quite the rush)


My feelings on the rule:
Pit and Arena:
No audio systems whereas the volume exceeds that of the FIRST equipment. (Random roaming judges etc could make this decision. The current rule says you can't even wear headphones to a CD Player [audio systems]).
This would include:
-Bullhorns
-Boom-box's on High Volume
-Cart's with speaker systems (Note: The few teams that I saw with these.. I did think they were a neat idea, but it was obnoxious when listening for an announcement and Techno or Rap starts to blare).

Pit Area:
No noise-making devices with no purpose other than noise. (This would allow drills and robots to be running, but not MOEsticks clapping or whistles blowing).
No team cheers/chants. (Such as the "Aaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!" x 100, or the like, but a (1, 2, 3, Yeah go team! in a huddle would be fine).
No musical instruments.


I like watching the different bands do the drum-off competition or things of that nature. I think it adds a very cool element to the competition.

This isn't just a robot competition, it's not robots driving robots. It's people driving robots, and teams of people who have put a lot into making the robots work. Cheering in the stands is a great way to ease the frustrations of the build season.

I just hope next years rules do not say:
<sarcasm>
All teams must bring enough duct tape to bind team members to seating, bind hands, and cover mouths. Bindings may only be removed during the lunch break, during awards ceremonies, or if on an approved Bathroom break. Complete silence will make everyone able to watch the competition and hear announcements.
</sarcasm>
When fun is outlawed, only outlaws will have fun.