Championship Disappointment

[Rickertsen2]

First off i do not mean to downplay the efforts that went into planning the nationals. I am merely expressing my individual opinions.

Today Was my team's first time ever attending the championships and i must say i am disappointed. I was expecting the same sort of environment as our regional only bigger and better. At regionals there is a sense of community and connectness which i am just not feeling. Everything is very spread out and chaotic. The pit announcements are garbled. It feels like a large city in which one is surrounded by millions but interacts with no one. After a while all the robots seem the same. I can't quite pinpoint why, but nationals just arn't very special to me. A number of factors arn't coming together to form the experience i know as FIRST. I am hoping that tomorrow, things will be more organized and out team more energized with a new outlook. Maybie i am just burnt out when it comes to FIRST. I was expecting something grand, and this is definately grand but only in size. I would really like to hear how other people feel. I know that i am probably in the minority.

[sanddrag]

Very interesting. I've never been. Perhaps you could elaborate on what factors lead to your disappointment.

[DonRotolo]

I found that it definitely does take more effort at the Championship. But, everyone is feeling that way, so reach out to the teams next to you, behind you, across from you. Make a greater effort.

By the time Saturday comes along, you'll feel the warm fuzzies...

Don

[Darkforces]

How about the game being changed from aim high to push match 2006

[Beth Sweet]

The Championship is quite a bit different from regionals. Be that its charm or its funny taste is left to you to decide.

Personally, I always preferred it. Mind you I go to the university in the US with the largest student population...

Yes, the environment is very different, however you can make it a little bit smaller. Go around your hotel this evening, or better (so as not to disturb non-robot teams) have a mentor ask the front desk for the room numbers of other robotics teams staying at your hotel. Get together with them and have an outing, go play in the pool.

Regionals force closeness, the Championship allows it. I hope that your experience isn't soured entirely by the large-scale environment of the event!

[Jherbie53]

It's probably just the practice day, they are always a little slower. By tomorrow or Saturday you should feel more connected. Yes it's big, and a bit of a pain to go from the stands to the pits, but just start looking for any teams that might need some help. The matches tomorrow will get everyone fired up and energized. :D

[KenWittlief]

You spend 6 weeks building your robot, then you ship it off...

at the 1st regional you attend there is a lot of anticipation and excitement, the first time you get to see how your team did compared to everyone else

and there is the added drama of winning a local regional and getting to attend the championship

so, yes - much of that is behind you by the time you get to the championship. The championship is different - its on a different level, with people from all around the world.

[looks at watch] its still only thursday - let us know how you feel sunday morning :^)

[jdhawg]

Well, our team isn't at the Championship this time around, but after attending the past two years, here's what I think.

Regional competitions tend to feel quite a bit like a close-knit family reunion. You are seeing people you haven't talked to in a year, and it's a chance to catch up, reminisce with those teams you partnered with in the finals from previous years, and meet the new babies (Rookie Teams) in the family. Sure, there's the cranky old Aunt or the Uncle that shows up drunk, but you love them anyway. (Wait a minute, maybe that was at my last family reunion!)

The Championship event is like working for someone a month, then going to the company picnic with several hundred people you might have seen across the way, but never had a chance to talk to before. You will feel lonely and out of place if you just sit there eating chicken and not talking to people.

Here's some ideas for meeting new people and teams. If you stay in the pits, talk to your neighbors. I like to walk around and find people who are in their pit with the robot gone to the field. Strike up a conversation and you never know what kind of really neat people you might meet like that. If you are in the stands, look for a team with only a couple of people there and start cheering with them when they are on the field. Their drive team will wonder what's going on when there's suddenly a roar from the stands when the team is introduced instead of the squeak they are used to.

[Will Hanashiro]

I'm with Jherbie on this one... today was only a practice day, and it'll only get better. I've always found Thursdays to be slow, but there will be much more excitement tomorrow... starting off with the amazing opening ceremony, and concluding with the event finals.

[StephLee]

Get together with them and have an outing, go play in the pool.

This is an excellent idea. Centennial park makes a great place to play ultimate frisbee; we spent an hour or so there with Buzz tonight. It was a blast.

Also, try randomly talking to teams. It's a good way to make friends when it's not happening on its own. Come over to 1629's pit in Curie and say hi; most of us are pretty friendly.

[Steve W]

I have always found the Championships to be very hectic. That said I have met more people and made more friends and finally met people that I have only "met" on CD. Make sure that you go to the web hug AND introduce yourself. I also make it a point to visit every team in at least my division. When there I only have Thursday because I usually am announcing. Because I visit every team I find that a lot of the teams come up and say hi when they start playing on the field.

Make an effort to meet others. It is well worth it!!! Wish I were there !!!!! :(

OOPPSSS Web hug is over. Another idea is to meet up with other team for dinner. I have always crashed team meals and have felt welcome.

[Lil' Lavery]

It's only as distant as you make it. It is completely different from regionals, especially smaller ones like the Peachtree regional that you're used to (45 teams may not be that small, but the venue is fitting of a "smaller" regional, and forces that feeling). Go out, talk to other teams, hand around in the stand or the pits, etc.
It is alot more free if you have the ability to roam, but that isn't always the case, especially if you're on the pit crew or drive team. But when you have the oppurtunity, go around and watch other teams compete, talk to other pit/drive crews, talk to other cheering sections, etc. Find people you know if you're more comfortable with that. It's a big event, but you can find your small little world within it.
And it's just Thursday. I have never liked Thursday, so much stress and so little to show for it. (Well, and my Thursday in Richmond this year I was vomiting, that never helps ;) ). Everything that can go wrong, seems to on Thursday. Teams skip practice matches, and the fact that they don't actually matter means that the matches tend to be dull. Tons of scouting work to do if you're a coach/scout. Repairs galore if you're pit crew. Unpacking your crate, setting up your pit, etc etc etc=TONS of work.
Wait for friday and saturday. Just being able to watch the Einstein finals in person is a reward in itself. The level of play is extraordinary, above anywhere else you will ever find (yes, even IRI).
Yeah, the "commutes" between the pits and the stands/field are a pain. Yeah, its HUGE. Yeah, it's high pressure. But that's all part of what makes it great. Just wait and you'll see. :cool:

[yodameister]

My only disappointment with Nationals so far is that the teams are lined up in numerical order, meaning that all of the rookies (like us) are all in a row together. I would like to see the teams mixed up a bit.

[KenWittlief]

My only disappointment with Nationals so far is that the teams are lined up in numerical order, meaning that all of the rookies (like us) are all in a row together. I would like to see the teams mixed up a bit.

with 300 teams there, that is the only way anyone can find specific teams in the pits, they start at Team 1 at one end...

[UlTiMaTeP]

I could not understand one pit annoucement

[Richard Wallace]

with 300 teams there, that is the only way anyone can find specific teams in the pits, they start at Team 1 at one end...The only way?

Let's see, 300 teams, 4 divisions, ... I get 75 teams per division. There were 74 teams at GTR.

Did GTR arrange the pits in straight numerical order? Or did they (like most other regionals) alternate high and low numbered teams?

As I said in an earlier post (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=478531&postcount=9) I'm a fan of the non-sequential pit ordering scheme used at most regionals this year. It is disappointing to hear that it was not used at the Championship.

[Lil' Lavery]

I like sequential order, but that may be my scouting instinct kicking in. So much easier to find teams to scout and coordinate with.

*BAM! 1000th post! :D *

[Hiteak]

I like sequential order, but that may be my scouting instinct kicking in. So much easier to find teams to scout and coordinate with.

*BAM! 1000th post! :D *

Congradulations on 1,000 posts!

I perfer having a random order because you meet more new people that way. It became easier for my team this year for older teams to be near by because we are still rookies and we needed the help at times.

[Steve S.]

The only way?

Let's see, 300 teams, 4 divisions, ... I get 75 teams per division. There were 74 teams at GTR.

Did GTR arrange the pits in straight numerical order? Or did they (like most other regionals) alternate high and low numbered teams?

As I said in an earlier post (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=478531&postcount=9) I'm a fan of the non-sequential pit ordering scheme used at most regionals this year. It is disappointing to hear that it was not used at the Championship.

There are 86 Teams per division :)

[Koko Ed]

Personally I've always preferred the regionals to the Championship (the excitememnt is much more concentrated) but the Championship has it's charms as well.

[Richard Wallace]

There are 86 Teams per division :)Of course you're right.

I just plugged in Ken's (rounded-off?) figure of 300 teams. The actual number must be closer to 344.

My point is still the same -- if large regionals like GTR(74), VCU(64), NJ(63), and GLR(63) can use non-sequential pit ordering to get the rookies closer to the veterans, then a Championship division with 86 teams should be able to do the same.

[Martinez]

I've only been to Nationals once (Houston) and was completely overwhelmed. When I saw the entire Astrodome filled with team pit areas, I realised how BIG FIRST is. It was when I really saw the fully size impact of the program. I love the picnic anology, and can't say much more than has been said. All I recommend is get out there an scout. Find a couple teams to hang out with, get close to, and cheer on. If your not confortable in such a large setting, then just explore the entire world of FIRST. You do not need to belong to all of it to still have some sense of belonging.

[lukevanoort]

Although my team isn't at nats this year, we went last year. Although I agree that the announcements are hard to hear, remember the game's effect too. I don't know about other people, but I found most of the robots to be variations on the same basic designs this year. Many are conveyors on one end and shooters (or dumpers) on the other... most people are using a spinning something, or a trap door. (Yes, I am aware there are catapults, they just aren't very common) Last year, there was quite a large variety, you had bottom scorers, pneumatic elevators, motorized elevators, telescopers, thingys mounted on swivels, see-saws, hooks, grippers, so on. The big thing for me at nats was seeing the mass of varying technology that resulted from ~300 teams, some of which were already winners, this year the innovation seems to be more in the small, hard to see stuff and the control and less so in large amazing fast moving structures.

[DonRotolo]

As I said in an earlier post (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showpost.php?p=478531&postcount=9) I'm a fan of the non-sequential pit ordering scheme used at most regionals this year. It is disappointing to hear that it was not used at the Championship.
I agree. Having the rookie teams next to veterans really helps the cross-pollination that is such a big factor. Having the rookies on the ends as much as possible is also great, so they get more exposure. I'd think that someone could spend a few hours on making that happen - BUT until I volunteer to do it, I am not in a position to criticize.

Don

[Greg Ross]

I could not understand one pit annoucement
Which one? ;)

But seriously, James' experience sounds very similar to mine in my first year. I'm not sure what all the factors were that contributed, but I enjoyed my first regional much more than my first Nationals. (Both in the same year. And yes, it was called Nationals then. :) )

I think the main thing was that at Nationals, there were SO MANY people, and so much going on that I was TOTALLY overwhelmed.

[TimCraig]

Mind you I go to the university in the US with the largest student population...


Have you transferred and not updated your signature? :p

[379Robocat]

This is my 5th Championship in my 6 years on this team involved in FIRST. This year was a lot better for our team. We only have 16 students here and what we did was communicate with teams in the hotel make new friends. One morning we brought a team to the competition, the other night we brought a team to the mall and dinner with us on our bus and back to the hotel. We sat our team one to a seat so they would have to sit next to another team member and communicate to them. The kids had a great experience. We advisor's got ideas off their team they got stuff off of ours and exchanged numbers. They even invited us to come to Florida to the regional by them and they will take us around and show us around. Lending something to a team that is really needy to them is another great way. A team needed a track belt and we had one for them. If it wasn't for us they wouldn't be here. Someone was throwing tracks away so they took them but they still needed hubs because they were the wrong size and we had the ones they needed. It's about interacting people and helping them. I am somewhat disappointed but this is my 6 the year on the team, so therefor things in my opinion are pointless.

[mtaman02]

Very interesting. I've never been. Perhaps you could elaborate on what factors lead to your disappointment.

I have to agree with sand on this, FIRST in my eyes has always been a very fun organization to participate in. Espicially the Grand Finale of all Regionals. The First year I went to nationals was 2002 in Orlando - That was my first year in FIRST, first time on a plane, first time away from my folks espicially out of state, but most of all that was the best senior trip I would have ever imagined being on. All the things that would send me into shock were healed by the fact that I was part of something special, something I knew I could keep up with. FIRST has never let me down and with the choice of music played at each individual event made that event so much better then the rest. I went to nationals last year and had a blast with the team I graduated from and with my sister who I managed to get hooked on FIRST. In short I say FIRST may lead us into dissappointment but only with the small unavoidable common problems, but as far as level of play and the GP at the events it cannot be matched by any other Robotics Program. FIRST is truly great and if the Bug as yet to bite you then maybe I suggest volunteering at a few regionals local to you and maybe then go to nationals and see how exciting the championship can really get. You see it as a dissappointment only b/c of the amount of work that is going on around you, pay no mind to that stay focused on the game and you will surely enjoy your experience a whole lot more. =) hope that didn't sound to negative and it wasn't meant to be.

[dangerousdave]

James Rickertsen said: Today Was my team's first time ever attending the championships and i must say i am disappointed. I hope as the event progressed, your disappointment changed! Perhaps when your team was I believe, the first team from Georgia to win a division championship, it helped a little. ;) Congratulations!

You being on a local ATL team as we are, did you commute or stay with other teams downtown? Staying with other teams helps a lot I think, in keeping you more involved and in higher spirits but of course it takes great fund raising that our team is very fortunate to have!

Our team has a fantastic time at regionals including the Peachtree, which we compete with James's team. The Championship event is obviously much larger than a regional event but we have a great time there too.

Dave

[SURVIVORfan44]

Even though at Championships there are so many people and it seems overwhelming, the experience is worth it. You get to see all the robots you have seen on the webcasts and through videos/pictures. Also, playing with some of the most well-known and well-respected teams is also a big deal. (Especially when everyone underestimates your robot and then your team ranks far better than anyone ever expected.)

I didn't get to go to Atlanta this year, but we went last year. We had the best time. The teams shouldn't make this all about the competition. In Atlanta, they need to go out in downtown and visit all the places. It should be a neat experience, especially, if you're from Canada, or a cold climate area and you've never been "down south" such as Atlanta. I'm from Virginia (not that far from Georgia) and I had the best time in Atlanta, so it really doesn't matter where you're from in my opinion to enjoy the competition.

[coastertux]

Staying with other teams helps a lot I think, in keeping you more involved and in higher spirits but of course it takes great fund raising that our team is very fortunate to have!
Dave
I agree with that totally Dave! Although I have never been to Atlanta, it was a totally different experience this year going to Philly and commuting with my team than going to Annapolis and staying in a hotel. I had a great time at both regionals, but I must say I had a better time staying over and not commuting.

[laurenlacy]

I think that the championship is what you make of it... this was our teams rookie year, and so our first year at the championship, and I was a little dissappointed at first--it seemed really big and impersonal

After I moped about for a bit though, I realized how great it was. I mean 10,000 kids coming together in one place sharing this incredible experience? Thats pretty amazing. And I realized we all had something in common, and that it was only as impersonal as I made it.

I think part of it is getting out there and talking to other teams, getting to know people... Someone said it was a good idea to go around and talk to the people who were in the pits while the robots were out, and that is a great idea--I met so many people who stopped by when I was alone in the pit organizing, and you never know what you'll have in common.

The hotel is also a great way to meet people and make the experience seem more personal and close knit--through many looooong elevator rides I met so many people, and it was incredible... we shared our triumphs and frustrations, and I wouldn't say we got to know each other really well but enough so that when I was walking around at the championships there was always a friendly face, and most definitely not always from my team.

I think in the end, you have to make of the championship what you want it to be... if you aren't enjoying yourself, get out there, join one of the numerous frisbee or football games... go to a braves game with another team... show someone a random magic trick you know... there are all sorts of great people in FIRST, you just have to work a bit more at the championships to meet them.

just my $.02, I hope you all had as great of a time at championships as I did!

[Rickertsen2]

James Rickertsen said: I hope as the event progressed, your disappointment changed! Perhaps when your team was I believe, the first team from Georgia to win a division championship, it helped a little. ;) Congratulations!

You being on a local ATL team as we are, did you commute or stay with other teams downtown? Staying with other teams helps a lot I think, in keeping you more involved and in higher spirits but of course it takes great fund raising that our team is very fortunate to have!

Our team has a fantastic time at regionals including the Peachtree, which we compete with James's team. The Championship event is obviously much larger than a regional event but we have a great time there too.

Dave


My disappointment did change. Btw it was great seeing yall at nats.

The second day, our spirits were much higher and we felt much more energized. We started to get to know the teams around us, and i think the opening ceremonies helped us feel more connected rather than just one lost in a crowd of many. The third day was absolutely Awesome. I never imagined we would end up a division champion. Even if we had not been though, i think the third day would still have been very awesome. I was really impressed with the magnitude of some of the speakers. I don't know why the first day didn't feel quite right, be sure enough we found our spirit. I must still day however that the nationals are quite different than regionals. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. I like the small sense of community at regionals. They have a sort of humble familiarity. You get to see all the annual teams once again and meet their new robots. You get to watch your friends suceed and you know the venue well. The nationals on the other hand are cool too. All the teams you hear and read about are there. People from CD are there too. Unfortunately i couldn't make it to the webhug but ran into quite a few of you her and there. With all the high power speakers and media, there was a sense of being part of something big. I don't know if it was just because we were an Atlanta team but we ended up on Good Morning America, CNN, the AJC, and i am told FOX. I was amazed at how much of the dome FIRST occupied as well. The nationals are HUGE!

Its been fun guys. I hope everyone else enjoyed this first season at both regionals and nationals a much as i did. While part of me feel a little burnt out of FIRST, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I learned and experienced ALOT.

Btw, Circuit Runners, it was great seeing yall at nats. We did not stay in a hotel. Most of the team stayed at my house and we rode MARTA.