A few thoughts on gracious proffesionalism by a rookie mentor...

[Cappeh]

As much as FIRST pushes gracious professionalism, there are always teams that play just to win. Most people won't admit it, but I've seen teams that are rude and unpolite; it's usually not the entire group, but two or three individuals that bring down their reputation for being a gracious team.

I agree, though, in the sense that some teams don't show gracious professionalism- however, playing hard defense doesn't mean that they're being ungracious. When it comes down to it, many teenagers see this as a game to play and win- it still is just a game, afterall. I do respect your opinion, however.

I believe that this year was intended to be a year for rookie teams to do just as well as veteran teams; there are many rookie teams that do not have the expertise or ability to make a highly-offensive robot. Keeping defense in the game gives them somehting that not just rookies, but any team can fall back on if their robot doesn't function properly.

Woody says that gracious professionalism is "acting how you would if you grandmother was watching you"... some people must have some really crazy grandmothers. (: