Standing Up During Competition...

[KarenH]

Most of the posts supporting standing during matches seem to ignore the fact that there are some people who really cannot stand up. I was shocked to read about the faculty at Purdue suggesting that the older “Boosters” stay home. If such a suggestion were EVER made to me by the higher-ups of an organization, I’d stay home all right—along with my “Booster” dollars. Any organization that treats its supporters with such gross disrespect doesn’t deserve any support.

Opinions aside, here are some facts:
--Many people can not stand up each time there is a match. They may be very old, they may be infirm, or they may temporarily be on crutches with a broken leg. At FIRST events, such people went to a lot of effort to travel to the event to watch it. At the Georgia Dome in particular, the size of the place will be daunting to such people. They will expend a good part of their strength just getting to their seats.

--People with physical infirmities often can’t help being that way.

--Even if you are healthy and fit today, you, too, may one day become infirm and weak.

--Years ago, the federal government enacted legislation commonly known as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One effect of this legislation was to counteract the idea that it is OK for society to ignore people with disabilities, telling them to just stay home, don’t work, don’t travel, don’t go out, they’re not worth any extra consideration. A person with a physical infirmity already has difficulties way beyond what a healthy person experiences. He or she doesn’t need others putting additional obstacles in the way.

--Unlike many of the aging venues in which FIRST competitions are held, the Georgia Dome was built after the ADA was in place. In the stands, the steps are at a shallow angle and handrails are provided to make it easier (and safer) for everyone to move about. (This also makes it harder to see the playing field when people in front are standing up.) Ramps and elevators are logically and conspicuously placed.

--Dean Kamen, founder of FIRST, has shown special concern for the disabled by inventing a wheelchair that can climb stairs. Its favorite feature for users: the ability to put them at eye level with others who are standing up.

--Dean Kamen’s parents, who are getting on in years, are staunch supporters of FIRST, and attend the Championship every year, despite their age.

Now I have some questions:
--Some teams have a “tradition” of standing for every match. Many teams do not. Is your team going to continue its tradition, even if it causes problems for other people? What if Dean Kamen's parents were sitting behind you, and didn't want to stand up? What if your team's top sponsor were sitting behind you, and unable to stand up?

--People can have their experience at an event marred by others’ inconsideration. But who will be hurt if your team sits down for most of its matches? (Yes, I know, if things really get exciting the emotions will take over. That’s OK—sometimes.)

--The most basic rule in FIRST is called “gracious professionalism.” If your team habitually offends other people, is your team being gracious?