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Posted on the FRC Blog, 7/13/15: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-The-Palmetto-Regional
The Palmetto Regional
Blog Date: Monday, July 13, 2015 - 12:58
Today's blog comes from Andrea Winegar, FIRST Manager of Field Operations.
Hi there, FRC Teams…
I hope the start of your July has been super!
As Frank and the FRC staff here in NH begin to post the dates for the 2016 FRC season, I’m sure you are eager to learn about when and where each awesome event will occur. Today’s post is intended to share with you an important, “One-Time Only” event date change:
The 2016 FRC Palmetto Regional will be held February 25th-27th, 2016! This will be one week before “Week One” of the 2016 FRC schedule. As you all know, Week One of the 2016 FRC season will begin the first week of March, 2016. This event season start date is a week later than in the past due to the FRC Kickoff being held on the second Saturday of January, rather than the first Saturday as we most often do, to ensure minimal conflict with the New Year’s Day holiday. As a result of this change, the Myrtle Beach Convention Center (proud home of the FRC Palmetto Regional) was already booked for all of the dates within our season.
While these early event dates may seem to be a logical choice, it did not come about without a lot of consideration and evaluation. In order to hold a single FRC Regional prior to the start of the regularly scheduled competition season, much discussion and careful planning has to occur. Other alternate options were considered, and all of the South Carolina FRC teams were surveyed for input and feedback. Throughout this process, the FRC Palmetto Regional Planning Committee, FIRST staff, and the Myrtle Beach Convention Center staff have been in constant contact with ongoing discussions to identify the best option. With that, we are committed to hosting a terrific 2016 FRC Palmetto Regional beginning in late-February!
One more note to share: It is important to understand that this change in dates for the 2016 Palmetto Regional is an exception, not an expectation. The necessary changes for future dates at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center have already been made for the Palmetto Regional.
Big THANKS to all of the parties involved in this event schedule decision. See you in 2016!
BrennanB
13-07-2015, 18:04
So week 1 isn't really week 1 any more. Interesting.
Steven Donow
13-07-2015, 18:06
So week 1 isn't really week 1 any more. Interesting.
Just for this specific event this season...
One more note to share: It is important to understand that this change in dates for the 2016 Palmetto Regional is an exception, not an expectation. The necessary changes for future dates at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center have already been made for the Palmetto Regional.
Billfred
13-07-2015, 18:25
So week 1 isn't really week 1 any more. Interesting.
Considering the alternative was to stage a Wednesday/Thursday/Friday regional the following week (which drew overwhelmingly negative feedback from South Carolina teams for many reasons), this was a hail-mary shot that connected. Bring on Week 0 For Realsies!
To all the "guinea pigs" in South Carolina...
...May you not find anything seriously broken with the game mechanics or fields!
Richard Wallace
13-07-2015, 20:37
To all the "guinea pigs" in South Carolina...
...May you not find anything seriously broken with the game mechanics or fields!^+1!
For the record, as a native of SC, let me say that even when all geographic neighbors* are moving in other directions, South Carolinians will find their own way and make it work. Or, as Billfred often expresses it, "win anyway."
-----
*Georgia, North Carolina, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Jacob Bendicksen
13-07-2015, 21:20
To all the "guinea pigs" in South Carolina...
...May you not find anything seriously broken with the game mechanics or fields!
Seconded. As broken as the game might be at Palmetto, it'll make the rest of the season more enjoyable for everyone else, so for that, we thank you.
MARS_James
13-07-2015, 21:53
It will make for an interesting regional to see who competes from not South Carolina as 18 of last years participants are now in districts, and it is now a pre week 1 week 1
Since "Week Zero" is already taken for events on the Saturday before Bag and Tag, what do we call Palmetto this year? "Week Zero Point Five"? Or perhaps "Week Seven minus Bleen (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bleen)?"
Brian Maher
13-07-2015, 22:32
It will make for an interesting regional to see who competes from not South Carolina as 18 of last years participants are now in districts, and it is now a pre week 1 week 1
Agreed. Any team from any district or region can register without risking missing out on their local event, because there are literally no events at the same time. I imagine it will the regional for travelling district teams.
Since "Week Zero" is already taken for events on the Saturday before Bag and Tag, what do we call Palmetto this year? "Week Zero Point Five"? Or perhaps "Week Seven minus Bleen (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bleen)?"
I was going to suggest that events before bag day get "Week -1" this year, and Palmetto gets "Week 0".
Billfred
13-07-2015, 22:36
To all the "guinea pigs" in South Carolina...
...May you not find anything seriously broken with the game mechanics or fields!I figure anything that's broken will be obvious by the end of the scrimmages. There may be some surprise bolt-ons they have to send outside the truck, but bring it on!
^+1!
For the record, as a native of SC, let me say that even when all geographic neighbors* are moving in other directions, South Carolinians will find their own way and make it work. Or, as Billfred often expresses it, "win anyway."
-----
*Georgia, North Carolina, and the Atlantic Ocean.Believe me, I want to be moving in those same directions. We're about ten teams from entertaining that direction in South Carolina, though.
Seconded. As broken as the game might be at Palmetto, it'll make the rest of the season more enjoyable for everyone else, so for that, we thank you. Have a little faith! ;) For at least last year, and I think several before that, Palmetto has raced other events to fire off the first official match of the FRC season. I think the game will be fine, or at least no worse than what we'd get in Week 1.
Since "Week Zero" is already taken for events on the Saturday before Bag and Tag, what do we call Palmetto this year? "Week Zero Point Five"?I'm gonna stick with "Week 0 For Realsies" until Frank blogs otherwise.
It will make for an interesting regional to see who competes from not South Carolina as 18 of last years participants are now in districts, and it is now a pre week 1 week 1With the traditional Thursday-Saturday alignment, being Week 0 For Realsies won't affect anything--it will be another full house and another year of Palmetto among the biggest events in FIRST by team count. The exact teams may be different with Georgia and North Carolina joining the other districts at the back of the line, though.
I figure anything that's broken will be obvious by the end of the scrimmages. There may be some surprise bolt-ons they have to send outside the truck, but bring it on!
2014 week 1 had horrendous FMS problems, and no lexan on the bars in the goals so the balls would frequently bounce out.
Jon Stratis
13-07-2015, 23:01
I was going to suggest that events before bag day get "Week -1" this year, and Palmetto gets "Week 0".
I think this might be a little confusing for people - so many teams and regions that hold week 0 events have websites and templates all set up for it, and they would all need to be changed - some would change them, some wouldn't, and it would just get confusing for everyone.
How about calling this event "Preview Week"? Week 0 is practice, everyone gets the kinks out... then Preview Week we all get to see how the game is actually going to be played for weeks 1-7!
It will make for an interesting regional to see who competes from not South Carolina as 18 of last years participants are now in districts, and it is now a pre week 1 week 1
Agreed. Any team from any district or region can register without risking missing out on their local event, because there are literally no events at the same time. I imagine it will the regional for travelling district teams.
Of course, these rules are inviolate, just like the bumper rules from 2014! (Heck, there are four or five months to rework these rules before anyone is confirmed!)
MechEng83
13-07-2015, 23:15
I think this might be a little confusing for people - so many teams and regions that hold week 0 events have websites and templates all set up for it, and they would all need to be changed - some would change them, some wouldn't, and it would just get confusing for everyone.
How about calling this event "Preview Week"? Week 0 is practice, everyone gets the kinks out... then Preview Week we all get to see how the game is actually going to be played for weeks 1-7!
Week 1: The Prequel
Billfred
13-07-2015, 23:20
2014 week 1 had horrendous FMS problems, and no lexan on the bars in the goals so the balls would frequently bounce out.
As the leader of a brand new team at the 2014 Palmetto Regional (which was Week 1) that was completely and royally screwed by abysmal partner luck, I'm acutely aware. (My teams over the years are 0 for 7 attempts at Highest Rookie Seed.)
Even with this spot on the schedule, FIRST will have seen the scrimmages. The game will be no worse than Week 1, in my eyes--FMS is just gonna be what it's gonna be. The difference will be that, not unlike Championship or IRI, we will have the undivided attention of the community.
We've got an Einstein-working head ref, several experienced refs under him, the FRC Chief Referee is a couple hours up the highway, and FIRST already sends two FTAs (often including HQ staff) to Week 1 events. The regional committee is long-serving, many back to the old days at the Colonial Center. This will be the fourth time Palmetto is held in Myrtle Beach. The greenest part of "the show" may well be me.
This isn't to say I love Week 1, but Week 0 For Real doesn't scare me any further.
I can't imagine what it would be like for me to forgo my 3 days of post bag and tag sleep that I schedule for myself.
For those competing, good luck, it won't be easy on your bodies!
Palmetto always has a class week 1 event. A real week 0 event will be even better. As for out-of-state teams, 3824 is pumped for it. The team was practicing for IRI last night and this was a hot topic of conversation. Bag-tag-load then play all in the same week!
SoccerTaco
14-07-2015, 09:00
So I guess our schedule will be:
Tue Midnight: Bag and Tag
Wed: Travel to SC / Load in
Thu-Sat: Palmetto Regional
Sat night: Travel home
Sun: Collapse!!!
This sounds kinda fun! :rolleyes:
Zebra_Fact_Man
14-07-2015, 09:19
Week ½, anyone?
D.Allred
14-07-2015, 09:31
This isn't to say I love Week 1, but Week 0 For Real doesn't scare me any further.
Agreed. We'll have undivided attention from FRC staff to handle any issues.
So I guess our schedule will be:
Tue Midnight: Bag and Tag
Wed: Travel to SC / Load in
Thu-Sat: Palmetto Regional
Sat night: Travel home
Sun: Collapse!!!
:rolleyes:
It will be worth it if you pull off the Palmetto three-peat! I don't think that has ever happened.
David
Danny Diaz
14-07-2015, 13:42
Agreed. We'll have undivided attention from FRC staff to handle any issues.
Laser-focused will likely be a better way to describe it. Aside from Championships, there are rarely any single-official-event weekends. I would be surprised if you didn't have FIRST staff AT your event (no pressure, of course!).
-Danny
Billfred
14-07-2015, 15:43
Agreed. We'll have undivided attention from FRC staff to handle any issues.
It will be worth it if you pull off the Palmetto three-peat! I don't think that has ever happened.
DavidNope! Only two teams have won Palmetto back-to-back: 2815 (2011-2012) and 3824 (2014-2015). Only one team has won it three times (11 in 2004, 2006, and 2013).
Laser-focused will likely be a better way to describe it. Aside from Championships, there are rarely any single-official-event weekends. I would be surprised if you didn't have FIRST staff AT your event (no pressure, of course!).
-Danny
We've had FIRST staff attend Palmetto in the past; I distinctly remember Kate Pilotte was our FTA in 2013. We had a difficulty with our inspector over recommended vs. required (probably the main breaker labeling), I'd emailed Team Support Thursday night, and she caught me by the field the next day. We also had then-president Paul Gudonis attend in 2010, and Woodie came in 2014. I'm sure there have been others too.
GaryVoshol
14-07-2015, 16:54
"The Week Before the Week Known As Week 1" (TWBTWKAW1)
SoccerTaco
14-07-2015, 17:10
"The Week Before the Week Known As Week 1" (TWBTWKAW1)
Considering how fresh this will be after build season, we might as well just go with:
"Our brains are too fried to know what week this is."
pmangels17
14-07-2015, 17:20
*Monty Python King Arthur Voice*
The week until recently known as Week 1
Perhaps this year the event should be nicknamed the Pal-meso (or Palmezzo) Regional because it's on "the week between weeks".
Nate Laverdure
14-07-2015, 17:59
Week NaN
jvriezen
14-07-2015, 18:19
Week NaN
I like it.
Billfred
14-07-2015, 22:28
Week "4 Red Bulls Won't Be Enough This Year At Palmetto".
(You think I have enough energy naturally to watch my team and game announce?)
Week NaN
That one's sure to spread all over the place.
Omena Mushale
19-07-2015, 11:16
Week Zero...?
Week Zero...?
The weekend before bag and tag, (two weeks before week one) is already known as week zero.
Kevin Pardus
19-07-2015, 17:32
HQ FIRST is referring to this week as 'Week 0.5' - see Frank's reply posted to my comment/question about naming of the special Palmetto Regional Week:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/blog-The-Palmetto-Regional
Comments
Naming the Palmetto Regional Week
Permalink Submitted by Kevin Pardus on Wed, 07/15/2015 - 10:21.
Since the 2016 Palmetto Regional falls in between 'Week Zero' and 'Week 1', what does HQ FIRST plan to officially call this special, one-time only Week on the Season Calendar? There have been numerous suggestions posted on various forums.
reply
Week references
Permalink Submitted by Frank Merrick on Wed, 07/15/2015 - 15:43.
We refer to events as falling on certain week numbers to help orient folks within the season as a whole. As an example, we know by tradition that 'Week 0' is the weekend before stop build day (even though it's actually two weeks before Week 1 events) and 'Week 7' is two weeks before Championship. To help keep this orientation consistent, and to highlight the fact that the dates for the Palmetto Regional in 2016 are an exception, we'r referring to it internally as being part of 'Week 0.5'.
Alan Anderson
19-07-2015, 23:41
The weekend before bag and tag, (two weeks before week one) is already known as week zero.
This should be an opportunity to revisit that label. If it's week one minus two weeks, it should be week "minus one".
How about week bag, tag, un-bag?
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