Okay boys and girls, now that it is competition season let's review so rules about competitions.
I know this is the moment you have all been waiting for, and you are all so excited to see this wonderful game in action. Unfortunately, this excitement turns into rudeness sometimes so here are some helpful tips be mindful of.
1. Please be graciously professional! Sadly, its not hard to find rude people at competitions. Please refrain from making rude comments about other teams while in public. It makes you and your team look bad. If you are feeling stressed out, vent to a friend in private.
2. Do not hit on girls at competitions!!! *This goes for guys mostly*. As a girl I have been hit on many times at competitions. It doesn’t make us feel good, it makes us feel like crap. We know we are pretty, cute, interesting, etc. We don’t need anyone to remind us. Instead of hitting on girls, maybe you could make valuable friends that you can hangout with. Friends are great.
3. If you ask someone out, and they deny your offer, stop asking immediately!!! Another thing I have experienced is boys following me around, and begging for me to go out with them. WHEN A PERSON SAYS NO THEY MEAN NO!!! Please respect people and don’t be a total creep. Its honestly scary, and immature. This goes for unwanted touching too. Respect peoples limits, or you could have legal consequences!
4. Tell one of your adult leaders where you are going if you go off site. This ends so much confusion!
5. Don’t get in the way of scouts and spectators. Instead, wait until them match is over to walk around.
Please remember this and have a great time!
Also respect non-male drive team members! So many teams have disregarded me and ignored me when wanting to talk about strategy for a match in waiting for the other driver who is a male. Even during strategy sessions for the elimination rounds have other teams left me out. All members of a drive team have valid opinions and strategies.
Make sure you have a buddy for walking around at a regional, especially if it’s unfamiliar to you.
As a mentor, #4 is absolutely essential. Whether you like it or not, we are ultimately who is responsible for you guys at events, so if none of the mentors know where someone is we tend to go full panic mode. Respect your mentors and communicate to them where you are.
Also, please bring and wear deodorant. Reapply as necessary. This goes for any student at events. Someday I’m going to have my team give away mini deodorant sticks as a giveaway...
