[AudieMurphy]

Personally, I wouldn't have minded if you and your team were seated next to mine in the stands. We got stuck next next to this crew who kept slapping pool noodles together and on the floor producing a decibel level greater than that of a Megadeth concert. Man, just the memory of those guys is bringing back migraines. For the record folks, there are three acceptable uses for pool noodles only. One, they make great bumpers for robots. Two, you can use them for swashbuckling pool noodle sword fights. Nobody gets hurt but the light fixtures, eh? Three, though it is still unconfirmed, we have reports that some people have in the past used them for some sort of entertainment while swimming in a pool though how that would be possible escapes me.....

I think guys getting fired up and painting themselves like they were going to a sports event sounds pretty much exactly what FIRST is supposed to be accomplishing, and I feel your pain. A couple years ago we organized some guys to get painted up for a football pep rally. Same deal. They were a giant hit with everybody, but The Man said, "We appreciate your enthusiasm, but normal dress code still applies." Kay kay. Got it. No problem, boss. Of course, sometimes the folks in charge aren't really worried about you but the guy who will come after you and take what you did a step too far so they gotta look ahead and worry about precedents and such. That might be the case here. Dunno.

vic