Do you think gaming devices (PSPs, DSs, etc) should be used for personal use at Regionals? I’m not talking about during travel or in the hotel, I mean at the actual event site.
No way! When I was a freshman, I wasted my first regional playing Gameboy all weekend (Back in the day, we didn’t have all of these fancy Wiii’s and PSP’s and DS’s and BRB’s). I regret every day for wasting my experience at an event that changed my life so much.
I don’t have any time for it, but I’d say if there isn’t anything you could be doing for your team, go right ahead! There is absolutely nothing demeaning or insulting about my PSP. It is a device to occupy some of my otherwise unused time, and it does this well.
I don’t agree with the demeaning part but you have a perfect oportunity to meet people with the same interests and talk with mentors from all walks of life. Why waste your time playing games, get out there and talk to people. Besides it’s free! If you aren’t assigned to anything in the pit, your team needs your scouting info.
at competition i find myself rather busy there isn’t much “free” time available if so i would much rather be out mingling with other teams
Nintendo DS
All that needs to be said. Probably one of the most fun multiplayer gaming devices ever created, whether it be for a quick little game of Tetris or Meteos, I love it. Besides, its a great socializing tool/can be a great conversation starter.
So yeah, I have nothing against gaming at a regional, as long as all the work I need to get done is done and I have nothing to do other than homework which will be postponed until a much later date: after the regional. 
YES!, we could so do this, If you go onto the Chatrooms on a DS at a regional, we can share scouting information. this would be AWESOME
Agreed
Being able to start conversations without a DS will be a very useful skill later in life.
Wetzel
Yeah, when you’re older there will be other game systems you’ll have to know how to use 
I dunno, a few years ago, I would have been opposed to the games. But, I started watching interactions, communication, fun occurring among teams.
I’m not saying that I promote it, I don’t - but when it occurs, I have seen positive effects. The competition is long and it is loud. Some students relegated to the stands have difficulty handling that for that length of time, though they are very happy to be a part of the team and the competition. They like to take a break and then come back to it. Also, we have some teams who have varying age groups from elementary age up through high school that travel with the teams and the occasional availability of the games helps keep them from spazzing out.
Side note: there is usually a multi-national game of hacky sack on-going outside throughout the competition as well during lunch breaks, etc. It is a wonderful way for people to enjoy each other and celebrate being together.
.02
I have a PSP and play it so much I need to get it reapired now (d pad sticks and it’s starting to mess up my kicking game in Madden) but I don’t think it has no place at competition. You are there to be there for your team. So be there for them. Not with your head buried in some virtual fantasyland. Save that for the hotel.
Heck yeah, especially if there’s WiFi available
Plus during breaks I can see if anyone’s on PictoChat or whatever. Or if they’re doing the Chicken Dance 
Definitely don’t think games should be played at the events. Walk around and learn something. Play the games when you don’t have the chance to learn, although that’s not possible.