I have very mixed feelings about this ruling.
Last summer we approached Boomer McCloud and asked them to donate a sound system that we could use during competitions like many of the other teams had. They graciously provided us with a head unit, amp, speakers and wiring stuff. Some of you have seen this sound system since it's inception at the mini comps we went to this summer.
River Rage was the most memorable with the system cranked up at lunch time playing the chicken dance and many people jumping in on the field to do the chicken dance with us.
I understand FIRST's view of this problem, but I don't want this event turning into a "science fair" with a noise limit.
I do agree that at competitions it is hard to hear announcements sometimes with or without these sound systems playing in the background.
I also LOVE the idea of a certain audible tone playing over the announcement speakers before announcements are made. This would mean that everyone would stop what they were doing and actually listen to the announcements - important or not.
I remember two years ago at the NYC regional and that really annoying lady that made the announcements in the pits there. But you know what, she was lound and kind of obnoxious, but she did get the point across (most of the time lol)
The comparison to FIRST events to a sporting event in this particular area is false. In no sporting event there are no music allowed other than venue played competition music. While this may be a good idea for sporting events (which are mainly spectator sports, it is not the wisest descision for an event where most of the spectators are the one's who are also competing.
In closing I don't want to see it be so loud that you can't hear announcements in the pits, but I also feel it is impossible to put a noise limit on a competitive event where you have at least 1000 people in the venue. It just won't happen!! Don't make it as quiet as a "science fair" when it is not!
We need motivation which leads to energy which leads to the very competitve spirit that we all have come to love!
(BTW, all this is coming from the person who designed and built a FIRST inspired subwoofer box for his car!! ME!!
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