Why Have a Shoe Booth?

[MurphyAlter]

In 2009, our team (FIRST Team 1557 - "12 Volt Bolt") recognized a need to have safe footwear available for visitors to the pits in Regional Competitions. There were many people who were unable to visit the pits because they had worn things such as flip-flops or sandals. We decided to take matters into our own hands, and, with approval from the Regional Volunteer Coordinator, set up a table where guests could swap out their shoes for free.

We were met with a fair amount of success, and decided to go for gold. That year, we went to Championships, and were approved to set up a shoe booth just inside the main entrance to the pits. We had much more activity there than at the Regional. At some times, the booth was swamped with people who hadn't worn safe footwear.

We have continued to set up our shoe booth at the Florida Regionals ever since, and are planning one this year as well. It has become an integral part of our safety program.

This year, we have developed Shoe Booth operation policies. We have laid down a defined procedure for how to handle exchanges. We are interested in finding out if there are teams in other regions who have a similar program, or would be interested in starting one.