Saving seats and Dean's homework

[galewind]

At the NJ regional, I'll admit that we were guilty of blocking off a section of seats for our team and guests, and we fully utilized them (and then some). In addition, at least once there was a seat open in our section and someone else came to sit in it, and we didn't say anything to them about it because, well, they needed a seat, too.

What I often find to be true when the public comes and sits in a seat surrounded by a team, they sometimes feel awkward when they realize that they're not here to root for that team. In at least one case, the individual asked where team 293 was sitting, and we gladly directed them.

Now, I may be alone on this opinion, but here's what I believe are reasonable guidelines to think about in regards to creating blocks of seating:

1. create a block of seats that you believe your team will need, and try to use a "border" as a guideline. Either consider taking half-rows, or start at the top or bottom of a section to box yourself in.

2. Think about the needs of other teams, and make sure your neighbors have adequate seating. Don't take 6 rows in the middle of a section only leaving two rows on top and two rows on the bottom. Take the bottom 6 rows or the top 6 rows so that a team that needs 4 can fit in.

3. Don't be afraid to mingle within a row. If you find that your neighbor needs more seats and they're above you, there's absolutely no reason that they shouldn't be able to share a row with you.

4. Don't discourage the public from sitting with your team, even if they're not associated with you. You may be surprised that some guests may be interested in FIRST and may not be associated with a team.

5. As someone suggested above, be helpful to the public! Explain the game, direct them to places as necessary, and extend to them the gracious professionalism that we all tout so much.

Feel free to add to the list, but remember, don't just think about your own team -- you might just happen to be sitting next to the team that may end up being your alliance partners!