How do you handle PDA on your team?

[Ekcrbe]

Originally Posted by jwallace15

This is my team's definition of PDA from our code of conduct:
"In order to insure a professional environment on the team, the team will not allow any forms of PDA while a team member is representing the team. Hand Holding, Kissing, and sitting with arms around each other are all examples of PDA. We intend to keep the robotics program a professional one and this will not be tolerated. NOTE: This includes when a team member is in uniform away from the team. A team member represents the team while in uniform and must conduct themselves as a professional."

On our team, holding hands at dinner would be a no-no. But there would be no problem sitting with your significant other in the stands (as long as you don't have arms around each other, aren't cuddling, and aren't sharing a blanket, etc.). Our advisor's definition of appropriateness is "A high-five, handshake or fist-bump.". I personally feel that what you did was appropriate, but don't take my word for it; I'd consult your team's rules.

I'm just going to add that our rules differ somewhat from last year; we now allow dating between team members as long as it stays appropriate. If an issue arises, there is usually a bullet at our next full team discussion about a "trend" occurring so that it hopefully doesn't happen again. I can't speak to what happens immediately in individual cases.

[ChristopherSD]

Originally Posted by ksafin

We draw the line when our students are more affectionate towards the tools rather than eachother.

Oh screwdriver, you understand me so well.

[ttldomination]

Originally Posted by ChristopherSD

Oh screwdriver, you understand me so well.

Chrome plated, ball-end, 5/32 allen wrench. That is all.

- Sunny G.

[Carol]

We extend the PDA to

No Public Display of:
Affection
Annoyance
Aggression

[Nick Lawrence]

Originally Posted by ttldomination

Chrome plated, ball-end, 5/32 allen wrench. That is all.

- Sunny G.

Square end for me. I tend to snap ball end wrenches really easily.

Now, back to the topic.

-Nick

[synth3tk]

My team had separate occasions where people dated. One was good, one... not so good.

The first couple is still together today. They remained focused on robotics during meeting times and competition. No display of PDA at all. Great couple, too.

The following groups were disruptive and even caused several members to leave over the resulting drama (which we never could afford).

Being slightly unorganized, we never really put our foot down and set specific rules, especially ones against PDA. I would encourage teams to follow along the lines of the others here who have specific rules and consequences. In our case, that one good experience is horribly overshadowed by all the bad ones.

[Andrew Remmers]

Oh what a fun topic.

As going through a few horror stories from this I'm going to have some input.

Firstly, If you have a rule make it universal. Please. Students nor mentors a like should be able to have any PDA if you choose to have a rule against it. Granted mentors are more likely to be older more mature adults, however I have seen inconsistency causes tons of trouble you just won't want to deal with.

Secondly, don't stick your head in their business outside of robotics. While yes I believe it is correct for you to be able to control them at meetings and such, but outside of Robotics I don't think the team as an entity should have enough power to be overbearing to the point of interfering in personal lives to such an extent.

My point is don't be a jerk about it. Be logical and mature and everything will be perfectly fine. Otherwise you just get horror stories, and thats not a good thing.

Oh and if you are having a problem with PDA don't make it so obvious that other teams start noticing you have problems with it.

I will also close with these rules in my eyes would be universal no matter the situation.

- Andrew