Standing Up During Competition...

[Stephi Rae]

I think that Steve W. may have said it best a couple of years ago on a somewhat similar thread...

"I will make a post as one from a team that is just "getting it". First let me say that the teams that have posted above, do not cheer because they have to. I have become friends with many over my 4 years in FIRST. They cheer because of what's inside. A genuine love of FIRST and a real spirit of good will toward others. I have talked with a lot of the individuals and believe it or not they ARE contagious. The spirit does infect all that they come in contact with. Our team over the past season has changed from one that I could not move calling from the floor with a mic to one that was on the field leading cheers at SoCal. What a difference in the team spirit and attitude. I sure hope that it continues next year.

As an announcer I can tell you that there is nothing worse than a quiet field. It actually draws energy from everything. Where there is spirit, there is energy. I am a little selfish I know but as a 50+ person I need the teams to give out energy so that I can take it and do my job better. I love FIRST and all of those involved. I love the untapped energy that is running free at all FIRST events. This needs to continue. Don't become doorstops and just sit there. Stand up and cheer for yourselves and others. That is FIRST, don't change it."

Standing up and cheering generates the energy, and excitement that we all know and love about FIRST. Without this, there is still the experience, but with it there is so much more. More people can learn to appreciate it right away when it is fun, exciting and loud. It's not just about cheering for yourselves. If you don't get picked you don't retreat into a little corner and wait until awards, you cheer for the teams that are down there making their dreams come true! And you feel just as good about it as if your own team were down there! That's what it's about. I can understand that it may be frustrating to want to sit down and watch, but if you are able, why aren't you standing too? No, that is not an attack, I just wish everyone could be equally excited.

Maybe it would be more possible to have a section for the people who want to sit and enjoy. Maybe the first few rows or so reserved for "special guests and those who would like to sit and enjoy without obstruction" that way the teams can cheer and be excited, along with those involved parents, while those who need some time of "relaxation" (whatever that is) for a few moments can do so near the front without the risk of your view being obstructed. Just my thoughts...