[JaneYoung]

This discussion may touch on some of the reasons an FRC event is unique and does not easily fit into any mold already created by athletic or sports events. It also doesn't fit into a competition such as a chess competition. It definitely doesn't fit into the beauty pageant mold, although some of the robots are beautiful sleek machines.

Pairing the energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity of students with the energy, enthusiasm, curiosity, knowledge, and experience of mentors - creates a mold that continues to change shape through seasons and competitions. Many of the emcees have been and are valued mentors on teams and in their communities. They, themselves, are steeped in wisdom, experience, and knowledge - about many teams and many regions. They are also still very curious and want to learn more and know more and share more with each year of growth and development in FRC.

Students on FRC teams are exposed to the excitement of the competitions and the opportunities to participate and enjoy the fun - embracing who they are and what they have achieved - perhaps something they've never done before or thought they could ever do. Being smart isn't always easy. Being shy can be difficult. Not everyone likes the loud competitions/the noise factor. By Saturday, many feel the effects of the journey they've taken to get to Saturday afternoon, starting with Kick Off.

I've known students who love being on the team and participating in build but don't enjoy travel or the competitions. They have chosen to stay home instead of going. That's just fine. It doesn't mean that anything is wrong or that anyone should judge them because they don't like noise or watching the competitions. It means that being on a FRC team means many things to many people. Not everyone is going to like everything about it, including the color of an emcee's hair. But - enough people are and they will fill the stands and have a great time.

Can events be improved? Sure - that's part of the process, too. Looking over the season and seeing what works and what doesn't work and where improvements can be made. If people have sincere issues regarding their perception of clowns on the field, contact FIRST directly and voice the concerns to them. While writing, it would be good to commend the emcees and all the other volunteers - for their time and their commitment to the program. I doubt that FIRST's inbox is overflowing with thank yous but I could be wrong.

Jane