Paper Airplanes

[neshera]

I always thought the paper airplane thing (which I remember from at least one year in Atlanta) was a creative, pseudo-engineering, organic/spontaneous, participatory activity. From the stands, it didn't seem embarrasing at all when done before the actual closing ceremony/matches.
I was not hugely concerned about the risk of serious injury; given the number of planes thrown over the years, with no reported (on CD, at least) serious injury means the odds are quite low.
I was even planning how to get our team involved in recycling the airplanes as a fundraising/community assistance opportunity.

Then I read this thread.
Libby Kamen, I commend you for not losing it on stage during the Image Award presentation and telling people how grotesque and disgusting their actions were.

The story of the Rockwell executive is telling.

You all have convinced me - this is not an acceptable activity.

But the big problem, and I think the big impetus for the airplane throwing in the first place, is the "down time" BEFORE the Einstein events begin. Not the length of the Einstein events themselves, but rather the time between when seating is opened for the general public, and when the action/awards/recognition begins. This can be hours, if you want any kind of a decent seat. There is nothing on the big screen, no music, just sitting in the seats with lots of adrenaline flowing because of what you just saw on your competition field and what you anticipate.

So I think an official ban on paper airplane throwing is reasonable, but I think it is much more likely to succeed if there is something to do/watch in the Einstein seating areas before the Einstein events begin.
Some thought/suggestions:
Show the videos the students have made, i.e. the Safety videos, and if it returns the AutoDesk Animation Award videos.
Have music for dancing
Have lessons for some of the more popular dances (e.g. Macarena, Electric Slide, etc.)
Show highlight reels from some of the District/Regional competitions (yes, someone would have to make/narrate these; but I bet people would be happy to help)
Mascot/flag parade.

I strongly feel the main reason paper airplane throwing begins is boredom. Alleviate that, and stop it before it starts, and no one should be throwing anything while the Einstein events themselves are occuring.