[sanddrag]

Although I will not be in Atlanta this year, I'd like to take this opportunity to share how I would show my spirit if I were there.

I would be respectful of the people in front of me by not:

• Kicking their chairs
• Hanging my legs over the chair next to them
• Screaming loudly behind them
• Sounding an air horn, clapping loud "thunder sticks", or using other loud devices.

I would be respectful of the people behind me by not:

• Standing up
• Waving a large flag or holding a large sign blocking the views of others
• Sitting in front of someone short, if I am tall

I would be respectful of the people around me by not:

• Moving someone's belongings so I can sit there
• Leaving my trash in the stands
• Trampling over several people to snag the one open seat, in the middle of an entire team
• Saving entire rows of premium seats when other people are in need of them, and my own team is not present
• Yelling "Robot!" as loudly as I can when pushing my robot through the pits and there is no one even remotely close to being in the way.
• Knocking someone in the head with my flag that I am so ferociously waving that I don't realize people around me.

I don't mean to ruin anyone's parade, but I have experienced all of the above, and it simply is not fun. I am a big fan of teams showing their spirit, but there is showing spirit, and then there is being obnoxious.

When showing your spirit, please remember you aren't the only one trying to have a good time. Not everyone likes to express their spirit in the same ways. Please be respectful to those around you.