[JaneYoung]

There are teams in FRC who spend a lot of time helping to create a team image of fun and excitement during the competitions. They spike their hair and color it. Some have wonderful 'costumes' to enhance their image. The emcees understand and help celebrate the spirit of fun at the competitions.They also work very hard to help keep the matches on time and the event running smoothly, and part of what they bring to the event is their showmanship. If they wear a vest or coat covered with buttons that the teams have enthusiastically given them and if they share in the fun and excitement of the event by dressing up and/or coloring their hair, more power to them. For many, an FRC competition is an opportunity to share the joy and the fun of being involved in a robotics event and to celebrate what it took to get there. What it took to get there involved problem solving, learning to be a part of a team working towards a common goal, and meeting a challenge. The emcees are well aware of what it takes to arrive at the field, ready to play. Jubilation and celebration have nothing to do with condescension but they have everything to do with fun. Some of the hardest fun at the competition.

Maybe some day it will change but I hope that day doesn't come anytime soon.

Jane