Sitting down during matches

[Don Wright]

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but I would like to express this once again to hopefully continue to try and change the culture...

I'm still frustrated at teams that stand during the matches. I know I've mentioned and discussed this here before, and I know teams have been doing it for years...but I really don't think it is necessary...

During the championship event, I tried talking to a few teams about it (instead of just yelling "sit down" at teams) and received mixed a response. Anything from VERY rude "Hey...we've been doing this for years and if you don't like it, don't come" to people actually considering it and sitting down. I was surprised at how rude I was reacted to when all I wanted to do was talk and express why... (the team shall remain nameless).

However, we sat up in the very back row and I can tell you for sure this. Not only did you block all the teams and scouts behind you (yes...as you pointed out...we can stand up too...but it's hard with laptops, notepads, etc...) but the little kids they tried to stand up still couldn't see. And the two grandmas that were sitting next to us (one in a wheelchair) couldn't see either (and if you would like to tell her to stand up...be my guest).

I completely understand and expect for your team to stand during the team announcements, but why do you have to stand during the match and block everyone behind you? Just because you've always done it? I feel this is along the same lines as saving seats...but more rude.

So...I'm posting this to hopefully have people think about this before you go to your next competition. I will continue to ask teams to sit down during matches so my niece and nephew and the grandparents can see. I will continue to be polite when I do it...I will continue to try and NOT have a negative opinion of your team because of it.

Hopefully you will consider your actions and realize I'm just trying to change the culture for the better...

Thanks.