Clowns or Announcers?

[Doc Wu]

Watching a few regionals online today and I've got to wonder what some of the announcers/MCs are thinking in putting their costumes together.

I have nothing against the occasional Hawaiian shirt, sports jersey, or colored hair. It's all part of the spirit of the event, but I'm seeing one guy in a Silver Lab Coat, a big floppy hat, silly sunglasses, pants rolled up to show his colorful knee-socks and purple canvas sneakers. He'd feel right at home with Barnum & Bailey.

And that's just one example.

This strikes me as a little condescending to our kids. Do they really think this is what they want to see at a competition? Our teams are made up of High School aged kids, young adults, not children. They are world-wise and sophisticated in 2010 and I doubt that they are impressed by such theatrics.

The best announcers are those with a real personality, not one they pull out of their closet. They know the FIRST program and the teams and share that knowledge with the audience as they do their job.

Am I the only one that feels slightly put off by the clown suits or is that really what everyone wants? Or is it just a case of some adults once again completely out of touch with young people?

[George A.]

Being an annoucer for FIRST since 2006, I can say that at each competition I wear a different Hawaiian shirt, as well as spray paint my hair different colors.


Also, some differentiation has to be made from MC's and announcers. An announcer should be heard and not seen, so my dressing up is purely for my benefit and to make some of the volunteers smile.

The MC's on the other hand, are a completely different story. They are the face of the regional, and are meant to stand out to the crowd. Often times this involves wearing jewelery, a Hawaiian shirt or painting their hair.

Some of the things that you are describing could be coming from the teams themselves. Some teams don't have flags or banners to wear around, so they might give the MC a cape, a hat or the like. If that is the case the MC is simply doing to to give the teams some spirit. If they are wearing the things that you described out of their own ambition, then that is their flair they are trying to add to the competition.

However, I can't speak for all announcers or MC's in the organization. But it isn't an easy thing to keep an audience entertained for 2 days worth of competition.

[Doc Wu]

Originally Posted by George A.

Being an annoucer for FIRST since 2006, I can say that at each competition I wear a different Hawaiian shirt, as well as spray paint my hair different colors.


Also, some differentiation has to be made from MC's and announcers. An announcer should be heard and not seen, so my dressing up is purely for my benefit and to make some of the volunteers smile.

I wasn't sure of the correct term. If the announcer is the guy behind the scenes, then I am talking about the MC.

The MC's on the other hand, are a completely different story. They are the face of the regional, and are meant to stand out to the crowd. Often times this involves wearing jewelery, a Hawaiian shirt or painting their hair.

Some of the things that you are describing could be coming from the teams themselves. Some teams don't have flags or banners to wear around, so they might give the MC a cape, a hat or the like. If that is the case the MC is simply doing to to give the teams some spirit. If they are wearing the things that you described out of their own ambition, then that is their flair they are trying to add to the competition.

However, I can't speak for all announcers or MC's in the organization. But it isn't an easy thing to keep an audience entertained for 2 days worth of competition.

No, I'm not talking about the hats and flags that teams bring out. And, again, I have nothing against the shirt/hair color, just going too over the top with it all. There's a point where it stops being a display of spirit and becomes a costume used to attract attention. It's demeaning to our students to imply that we need a clownish figure to keep their attention.

We have some great announcers and MCs who entertain and educate while doing their jobs, regardless of what they wear. I know a few whose knowledge of the teams and the game can only be described as encyclopedic. That's what I enjoy.

[Wetzel]

The MC at Chesapeake put himself through college as a professional clown.

Wetzel

[BrendanB]

Originally Posted by Wetzel

The MC at Chesapeake put himself through college as a professional clown.

Wetzel

Are you serious?

[TubaMorg]

We have some great announcers and MCs who entertain and educate while doing their jobs, regardless of what they wear.

This is perhaps the most pertinent point you made in your argument. Relax and let them have some fun.

[synth3tk]

You mention the teams are made up of high school students, young adults. You are correct.

But FIRST is meant to be more than just for the teams. You realize that there are people in the public? Non-teammates? Young siblings, older parents, etc. I don't think it's condescending at all. A little fun never hurt anyone.

[Edoc'sil]

Plain and simple, they're an eyesore that has annoyed me form day one.

[George A.]

Originally Posted by Edoc'sil

Plain and simple, they're an eyesore that has annoyed me form day one.

What specifically has annoyed you?

[Edoc'sil]

Originally Posted by George A.

What specifically has annoyed you?

Mostly the fact that you need a welding mask to look directly at them most of the time.

The other reason is that I find their act to be extremely unprofessional.

I have been told that I hate fun a time of two before, so quite likely my view is overly pessimistic, I just wish the competitions had a bit more of a serious air.

[Kimmeh]

Originally Posted by Edoc'sil

Mostly the fact that you need a welding mask to look directly at them most of the time.

The other reason is that I find their act to be extremely unprofessional.

I have been told that I hate fun a time of two before, so quite likely my view is overly pessimistic, I just wish the competitions had a bit more of a serious air.

I've found that the competitions are quite serious. A quick check in the pits or on a driver's face during a match will show that. However, the field and the stands should be a fun place to be. It's a place where everyone is there for the fun and excitement of the event. A lot would be lost from competitions if there wasn't any dancing or "field entertainment." That's what will make your memories.

Or, remember that this is a program targeted towards high schoolers and we like to have fun.

[Edoc'sil]

Originally Posted by Kimmeh

I've found that the competitions are quite serious. A quick check in the pits or on a driver's face during a match will show that. However, the field and the stands should be a fun place to be. It's a place where everyone is there for the fun and excitement of the event. A lot would be lost from competitions if there wasn't any dancing or "field entertainment." That's what will make your memories.

Or, remember that this is a program targeted towards high schoolers and we like to have fun.

Don't get me wrong I, enjoy the rest of the festivities, just not the MCs usually. Their act is funny for the first 6 hours, but its the next 12 where it gets old.

[DarkFlame145]

Originally Posted by Edoc'sil

Mostly the fact that you need a welding mask to look directly at them most of the time.

The other reason is that I find their act to be extremely unprofessional.

I have been told that I hate fun a time of two before, so quite likely my view is overly pessimistic, I just wish the competitions had a bit more of a serious air.

But your missing the best part of FRC and the rest of FIRST, to have fun and learn. If your not having fun, smiling, and or laughing, what is the point? I tell everyone that asks me if it sucks to lose "Yes it does, until I realize how much fun I had." Being serious is ok, but dont be too serious and suck all the fun out of it. Win or lose, if I have fun and enjoyed myself, I had a great time. Winning is awesome, but not everything. The MCs need to be able to cut loose a little. When I first saw Steve at FLR I thought it was so cool how he had his hair painted and would make jokes just for the sake of entertainment. I have never seen a MC go over the line and be unprofessional. Remember you dont have to be 100% straight cut and in a suit to be professional. I mean look at Dean with his Jeans, Jean shirt and he makes jokes when talking while still being professional. Sorry for beating the dead horse so many times =P

[Madification]

I think the students feed off of the energy of the MC and at the regionals that I've been to, the MC (while decked out,) is still not as crazy as some of the students. This included me at one time: hair died red, black, and yellow (team colors), wearing football pads with stuffed squirrels ziptied on them (team mascott,) red cape with giant squirrel and "Go Nuts" on the back (team motto) and a tall "Cat in the Hat" hat. FIRST is about having fun and being yourself without worrying about what other people think of you I believe. And as several others have said having fun has never hurt anyone and if you don't enjoy a FIRST event then obviously you need to chil-lax!

[Ringo5tarr]

I was wearing tutus (multiple tutus, all over, not just on my waist), little green John Lennon glasses, a vikings hat, and christmas tree lights at a regional, the only time I worry about condescending adults is when a mentor starts acting high and mighty.