FRC Blog - 2014 Championship Pros & Cons

[Patrick Flynn]

Originally Posted by Cynette

Can we think outside the box? I enjoy the thrill of seeing the successful paper airplane soar from the heights, down, down, down... (not so much when the smack me in the back of the head on the way down) If the residue is the issue, why don't we all commit to taking a plastic grocery bag in with us, or a trash bag, and spending two minutes at the end of the event to pick up in and around our seats. Seriously, we aren't going anywhere, anyway, because of the crowds. Teams with floor access can gather the few airplanes that make it to that level.

Originally Posted by Libby K

Except it's NOT a tradition. The first time I remember it was in St. Louis, maybe 2011. Three years out of twenty-three seasons of FRC, is not a tradition. The crowd clearly doesn't know when to stop - because they never should have started at all.

If you've been around CD for a while, you already know my feelings on the airplanes. It's disrespectful, and I'm happy that Frank finally spoke out about them. It's time for the airplanes to end.

I couldn't agree with Libby more. They are an embarrassment to our program, and I think that anyone who throws an airplane should be removed from the dome, I mean I dare you to throw something on to the field at any professional sports event* and try to stay to watch the rest. You simply won't be able to you will be dragged out by security.

Now I think what my hit this home for some people is what if you hit the president of Google or Qualcomm and caused them serious harm. Like took their eye out? Sure maybe they should have safety glasses on, but most people in the VIP section don't. How would you feel after that? I would be embarrassed and ashamed.

Now lets say they make the decision to pull their funding from FIRST now how would you feel? These people pay millions of dollars into this program. Don't let your need to throw a paper airplane ruin it. Lets act mature here throwing airplanes is dangerous and unnecessary.

*Throwing hats at a hockey game due to a hat trick does not count here