Cheering, standing ovations, and required team actions during matches and awards

[Andy Baker]

It's good to see this thread revived.

Here was a impressive thing that happened at the Boilermaker Regional:

During the awards ceremony, judges, referees, and the regional planning committee all come up on the stage in Elliot Hall to shake hands with award winners. I was able to see the crowd very well from the stage. During the first few awards, some individuals would stand and clap, along with the entire TechnoKat team. No one made the team do it... it is just what we do. Then, as the evening went on, more people would stand as awards were announced.

On Saturday, the trend continued. As each award was announced, more people and even entire teams would stand and applaud. By the end of the ceremony, almost the entire crowd would get up at each award announcement.

This was a pretty cool thing. The fact that people wanted to show their support and give a standing ovation for their fellow FIRSTers shows much. It gives respect for the hard work that we all go through. It shows grace and support for a job well done. It's an easy thing to do and it means much.

Andy B.