Sitting down during matches

[IKE]

Originally Posted by Rob

Hi Don,

I have mixed agreement with you here. I think that if teams want to stand during their matches they should be able to do so, but also need to take this into account when selecting where their are seated.

It is possible to stand and cheer during a match without blocking anyone elses view. There are plenty of seats diagonally to the side of the field and at the top of each section.

If teams want to stand and cheer then they should not grab seats that are front and center.

I thought in our division that team 33 provided an excellent axample of where to sit if you want to stand and cheer, they were diagonally off to the right side of the field and I don't think they blocked anyones view by standing and cheering. There are teams that sat in the center that did block everyones view behind them, and it was quite frustrating.

Thanks for recognizing the efforts.

Our team has always stood during the matches to show solidarity and enthusiasm for the team. Having won a couple spirit awards, and as a mentor, I will say this is actually expected of them.

I heard the other side of this before reading this post. I was told that there were some that handled the situation politely (this might have been you Don) and others that just yelled. One of our mentors told our team that they needed to move if they wanted to stand and so that is what they decided to do. This was possible at this venue, but that is not always the case.

Don has actually put together the best argument I have heard for not standing. If everyone can agree on allowing standing during the anouncements and when action is not occurring on the field (i.e. must sit when the match starts until it is over), I can propose that. My students will be dissappointed, but I feel that they should be able to understand the scouting issues they are causing (by the way, we use paper to scout to get around the standing issue, but I see your point). This format will allow them to cheer when their teammates notice it most, and dance and enjoy themselves between matches (for many students, that is part of what makes FIRST special for them).

I must say though that I am a bit worried about the slippery slope effect. If we granted everyones wish to the least offensive format, we would be sitting the entire time, everyone would be very quiet (so as not to offend the noise persons), and the music would be brought down about 20 dB and switched over to easy listening. The infectious enthusiasm is such an important part to the culture of FIRST that they give a Team Spirit award. Our team has won this award because they have such great spirit for their team, and they cheer for the friends they have met (they will even change seats after being eliminated to go help other teams cheer).

I am OK with improvements, but please be careful when making cultural and inspirational changes.