[Tom Line]

Karen,

I would never suggest that we should not show respect towards other people. However, I think that sort of thing goes both ways. Respect the students right to support their robot. First is about the students. Inspiring them. Telling them to sit down (*just my opinion, and no offense meant*) is neither supportive nor inspiring. While we love to have non-students attend the events and get excited, I think they need to realize this is about the students and the teams.

I have heard people (and I'll admit some on my team) complaining about teams that do team shouts - like the spirit shout (boy was that cool at Western Michigan - I've got Spirit, HOW BOUT YOU!) etc. I pointed out to them that if it's making you notice that other team, then it's working. If it's getting them pumped up, it's working. If it's adding to the generally insane atmosphere at the event, then it's working.

Perhaps a happy medium can be reached. Perhaps someone who has the concern with the people standing can request that First reserve the front row at regionals and nationals for 1 or 2 scouts per team and those who attend that may have trouble navigating the stands or standing up. It may not be ideal because they aren't with their team, but I think it would be much better than telling the teams to sit down.