[David Brinza]

Don't think of the FIRST family as becoming "dysfunctional" (i.e. spiteful, distrustful, non-communicative) based on some posts in CD.

The fact is that many of us are success-driven and competitive by nature. We want to be at the top of our class, whether it is in school or on the field. Sometimes that desire will affect our better judgment, especially in the heat of the moment. It's a very difficult test of character to accept without any emotional display that people (drivers, referees, even Banebot designers) make mistakes when we are under the pressure of a "critical" match or fast-approaching ship date.

I think that after the smoke clears from an isolated incident or rash reaction to adversity, we pretty quickly revert to that cooperative and supportive FIRST community that you are proud to call your family.