QotW 10-26-03: Team Socials.

[Madison]

By special request, we're going to have two questions this week.

Normally, I'd use this great question next week, but your answers to it may be time sensitive, so I thought it best to get it out there so that we can start discussing it and give the people behind the scenes the time they need to properly consider our suggestions.

Question of the Week 10-26-03: What activities would you like to see at Team Socials and at Regional Events? What has been enjoyable in the past? What has not?

Now is a good time to be heard. Planning for these events is already underway and, in an effort to better accomodate all of the participants, those involved are looking for suggestions that help make these exciting events even better.

Please, keep the suggestions within reason -- that is, I don't think anyone's budget has enough surplus for a Dave Matthews Band concert or something -- but be creative!

[Ian W.]

How about a Dave Matthews Band concert!

Err, on the other hand, I'd settle for a projector and a screen at SBPLI this year...

In all seriousness, I never did anything at the socials. I'd go off with members on my team, or maybe other teams, and spend an hour or two playing hacky sack or frisbee. Oh, and we'd eat some food at some point too.

It's just the way that the socials are organized, they play, what I feel, is crappy music, if it can even be considered music at all, and you can't really do much, legally, because of the issue two years ago. If they could just play some good music, give us good food, and hacky sacks and frisbees, I think that'd do it for me .

[sanddrag]

Originally posted by M. Krass
a Dave Matthews Band concert or something

All in favor...

<raises hand>

[Joe Matt]

<cough>Blue Man Group</cough>

If there is one thing that anyone likes, it's loads of FREE ice cream and a place to hang.

[sanddrag]

Originally posted by JosephM
If there is one thing that anyone likes, it's loads of FREE ice cream and a place to hang.

Don't forget pizza. Anyway, I thought the Phoenix social was pretty good at the Arizona Science Center, but the food was mediocre.

Originally posted by Ian W.
Err, on the other hand, I'd settle for a projector and a screen at SBPLI this year...

Yeah, something to that extent for the Midwest Regional. A different setup more like previous years with the bright anoying Gym lights off and more then one little camera sitting up in the boonies. The Midwest Regional was a great regional until all the budget cuts and Motorola dropping their name out of it made it obvious that it has become a low budget regional.

Oh, and how about a team social for starters too...

[BandChick]

Hopefully decent food this year.

That and maybe open the field up for a dance/party (controlled) thing.

[Matt Krass]

If they return the screens to SBPLI I'd like to see replays with some good music playing, maybe announcer commentary? Just something to watch and enjoy

Dancing probably wouldn't be such a hot idea with all those 130lb chunks of sharp pointy metal, and if the field has any ramps.....ehhh....better not to risk it.

[Steve W]

I am really interested in input for the Canadian Regional. There is on idea that is floating around about a talent show. Teams could do skits, sing, play instruments or generally showcase any talents that they have. Of course there would be limits but if mentors approve of presentation then it would probably fly. Of course we will have food. What about video of that days play like last year.

The Canadian Regional continues to grow and I know they try to make it the best. We might not beat the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but we can easily be the 2nd best party with proper input.

Thanks for starting this post as with proper input things can improve.

[Matt Leese]

Dancing was banned by FIRST for liability reasons. I doubt we'll ever see a come back of that. Not that I really miss it. The dancing portion of the team social never was particularly good.

Matt

[Specialagentjim]

I must have missed this "legal issue" 2 years ago. Anyone care to enlighten me?

[Matt Krass]

Didn't it involve somebody breaking their neck at a regional during a concert, involuntary crowdsurfing or something?

[Adam Y.]

Dancing probably wouldn't be such a hot idea with all those 130lb chunks of sharp pointy metal, and if the field has any ramps.....ehhh....better not to risk it.

Yeah I agree. My advisor said someone broke there neck during the social. He was riding a mosh pit. The guy had a full scholarship to Drexel. Also it was not two years ago it was three.

[Steve W]

I believe it was 2002 that it happened and it was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I was watching from directly overhead when it happened. This mosh pit had been stopped at least 3 times before the accident. It put a real damper on the event. It seems that no matter how many times you try to stop things people still feel they can.

[Jeremy_Mc]

Replays would be great...and maybe throwing in some animation entries also.

The talent show idea would be awesome, but it might turn into a lengthy event if each team has one entry. Example: 40 team regional (general estimate...most have more). Five minutes per act = 200 minutes = 3 1/2 hours (when you add in introduction times what not).

Then again, if some teams opt not to do it I think that would be awesome as long as the talents are reasonable yet entertaining.

If this becomes a serious consideration, I wonder if they would allow bands to play??