2009 IRI - Event Update

[Chris Fultz]

Plans are finalizing for the 2009 IRI (Indiana Robotics Invitational).
Here are some of the Highlights

July 31 - August 1
Lawrence North High School.

Entry Fee - $500
Includes competition, dinner, all activities

Application Period May 1 to May 8

After the Applications are Reviewed, 78 Teams Will Be Invited
The First 72 to Complete the Registration Process Are In

Basic Lunacy Rules, Except -
4 Team Elimination Alliances,
The Elimination Alliances can mix and match Robots and Payload Specialists
Modified Draft Order (1-8, 1-8, 8-1)
Other Rule "Tweaks" To Be Determined

Mentor Match "Elimination Tournament"
12 Teams, Randomly Created Alliances of these Teams
Separate $100 Entry Fee - All $$ Go to the IRI Charity Fund

Early Career Teams Event
Special Field Set up for Pre-Rookies and other Early Career Teams who would like more Field Time.
(These Teams are not in the 72 team IRI field.)

Charity Auction, Talent Show, Scholarships, Great Competition, and

A Few More Changes - To Be Announced….

www.indianaroboticsinvitational.org


Chris & Andy

[Team 135]

Thanks for the update. Team 135 is planning on being there! Cannot wait, this is our way of breaking in our incoming team members, to get to see what a competition will be like.

[Taylor]

Wow, the Mentor Matches return to IRI. Very cool.

[johnr]

Once the 72 teams are picked, you may want to set a deadline for that mentor round or even set-up a bidding process and deadline. It is for charity and i think alot more teams then 12 might want to get in. Opening bid $100.00. Also you might institute some rule for the placing of robots during finals and since you are going 1-8, 1-8 maybe the higher ranked team should place their robots first. Oh, and no time outs since you have four robots ready to go.

[Travis Hoffman]

Wow, the Mentor Matches return to IRI. Very cool.

Awesome! What are the age/experience limitations of this grand escapade? Are competitors playing for honor and glory alone, or will there be some form of awesome tangible compensation bling for persevering?

*throws modesty out the window* - Just sayin', but if any participating team is short a driver/copilot and wants one of the better (or luckier, I haven't figured it out yet) IRI mentor drivers out there (2-0-1 from 2004-2006 - I even survived the Karthik/Amanda Morrison Grateful they Volunteered But Not For Their "Skills" Emergency Team 48 Drive Team Partners Scare Of 2005 :)), I will be available for "hire" and temporary team adoption...that is, if 48 isn't already fortunate enough to participate in the mentor challenge.

I can hear teams lining up for my services already. :rolleyes:

****

I agree that the IRI folks could stand to make even more money for charity if teams were encouraged to bid on their entry fees, given the ample positive talk we've heard from many on CD about wanting to do this again.

Perhaps the drive team with the highest entry bid could receive X extra orbit balls in their robot at match start as a bonus (scale down the bonus for 2nd highest bid, 3rd highest, etc.)?

And just prior to a match, perhaps you could "sell" additional orbit balls to each team for $1 per, and perhaps pre-charged supercells for $20?

[Taylor]

I think I'd pay $50 not to break the robot.

[ATannahill]

I think the 6 minute delay and a timeout should stay, but I think the backup bot should go.

[Travis Hoffman]

...but I think the backup bot should go.

It appears to me that they've already decided to keep the backup bot rule (:)). No further debate needed.

[Jimmy Nichols]

I like the backup bot rule. Its a throwback rule that gives more teams the opporunity to play in the elim's and with the caliber of teams at IRI, there usually isn't a short supply great bots.

1038 is excited to apply again and hopes to be competitive.

[dlavery]

Once the 72 teams are picked, you may want to set a deadline for that mentor round or even set-up a bidding process and deadline. It is for charity and i think alot more teams then 12 might want to get in. Opening bid $100.00. Also you might institute some rule for the placing of robots during finals and since you are going 1-8, 1-8 maybe the higher ranked team should place their robots first. Oh, and no time outs since you have four robots ready to go.

I will bid $100.00 right now to keep the serpentine. :D (I just couldn't resist)

-dave



.

[Chris Fultz]

This could become a new fundraiser -

"Alex, I would like to buy a Rule Modification for $300"

[JB987]

Jeff and fellow event organizers,

Thought I would let you know that 987 won't be able to make it to IRI to defend last year's title...we will miss the great company and competition! Best luck to all who do take part...

[Richard Wallace]

This could become a new fundraiser -

"Alex, I would like to buy a Rule Modification for $300"

Given the controversial nature of the rule in question (i.e., the serpentine draft), maybe we could settle it using a non-democratic election. One in which vote-buying is actively encouraged. For example, votes might cost $100 each, and anyone can buy as many votes as she/he wishes. :]

The IRI committee might raise a lot of money for charity this way.

[cziggy343]

ga... i would love to go to IRI... ive never gotten to go =[

[Cory]

Given the controversial nature of the rule in question (i.e., the serpentine draft), maybe we could settle it using a non-democratic election. One in which vote-buying is actively encouraged. For example, votes might cost $100 each, and anyone can buy as many votes as she/he wishes. :]

The IRI committee might raise a lot of money for charity this way.

I think Paul would probably sell his house if that's what he had to pay to get rid of the serpentine.

[David Sherman]

Haha, Dave will have to put up some more money then if he really wants to keep the serpentine draft. I like the thought of auctioning off votes for rules, IRI Charity would make a killing I suspect. Another rule to bid on....G14. I can't wait to finally go to IRI and have another chance to meet such great people in FIRST.

[Billfred]

I agree that the IRI folks could stand to make even more money for charity if teams were encouraged to bid on their entry fees, given the ample positive talk we've heard from many on CD about wanting to do this again.

I'm a sucker for supply and demand, so how about adding the twelfth and final slot in the tournament to the silent auction? Depending on the timing of the tournament, it might be the fairest way to settle the matter across those too slow to pass the hat around their mentors.

[Chris Hibner]

Another rule to bid on....G14.

I don't think G14 will make a lot of money. I'll put down $1 on removing it and I'll wager a hundy that will be all it will take...

[Herodotus]

4 Team Elimination Alliances,
The Elimination Alliances can mix and match Robots and Payload Specialists

I want to make sure I understand this correctly. Let's say team 100, 200, 300, and 400 are on an alliance. You can put team 100, 200, and 300 on the field with their robots, but substitute team 300's payload specialist for team 400's?

[AndyB]

I want to make sure I understand this correctly. Let's say team 100, 200, 300, and 400 are on an alliance. You can put team 100, 200, and 300 on the field with their robots, but substitute team 300's payload specialist for team 400's?

That's how I'm interpreting it. I can't imagine what else it would mean.

[Chris Fultz]

I want to make sure I understand this correctly. Let's say team 100, 200, 300, and 400 are on an alliance. You can put team 100, 200, and 300 on the field with their robots, but substitute team 300's payload specialist for team 400's?

Yes

[Chris Fultz]

And as an extra incentive, the 4 team winning alliance will receive an automatic invite and waived entry fee to the 2010 IRI.

[Taylor]

And as an extra incentive, the 4 team winning alliance will receive an automatic invite and waived entry fee to the 2010 IRI.

~This is great, because teams need incentive to do well at IRI.~

Honestly, if our team was fortunate enough to participate in IRI and win the doggone thing, I think we'd still pay the next year's fee because we know where that money goes, and it's well worth it.

[Herodotus]

~This is great, because teams need incentive to do well at IRI.~

Honestly, if our team was fortunate enough to participate in IRI and win the doggone thing, I think we'd still pay the next year's fee because we know where that money goes, and it's well worth it.

This.

The automatic invite would be nice though. :)

[smurfgirl]

I'm looking forward to my first IRI! I'm trying to get my team to apply this year... we almost did last year. (:

[ebarker]

question about IRI ( and other off-season events ) :

How closely are the inspection rules adhered to at this and other off-season events ?

The reason I'm asking is because we are going to make changes to the bot that make it more 'show friendly'.

It will add a few pounds to the machine and it isn't weight we want to shed to participate in a match.

Rules and Opinions anyone ?

[SamC]

question about IRI ( and other off-season events ) :

How closely are the inspection rules adhered to at this and other off-season events ?

The reason I'm asking is because we are going to make changes to the bot that make it more 'show friendly'.

It will add a few pounds to the machine and it isn't weight we want to shed to participate in a match.

Rules and Opinions anyone ?

See http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2251 I don't think you will have any problems.

[ebarker]

See http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2251 I don't think you will have any problems.

The 5 pounds allowance is PERFECT !!! Thanks

[ShaneP]

Awesome! What are the age/experience limitations of this grand escapade

Any updates on this? :D

[Aren_Hill]

Any updates on this? :D

seconded:D

[Adam Freeman]

And as an extra incentive, the 4 team winning alliance will receive an automatic invite and waived entry fee to the 2010 IRI.

Great. Now I have to evaluate the usage of this years "senior" drivers v. using IRI to get next years drivers early experience.

Well maybe not, I guess last years new driver didn't fare that bad at IRI or in 2009.

[XaulZan11]

Any updates on this? :D

According to this: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2251, 3 mentors over 21 and 1 pre-collage aged coach.

Any chance you could make it 20 and 208 days?

[EricH]

According to this: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2251, 3 mentors over 21 and 1 pre-collage aged coach.

Any chance you could make it 20 and 208 days?
In other words, nice try, Shane. And if there's experience involved, you're not driving...

[Paul Copioli]

Usually one of the rules for the mentor's match is that you could not have been on the drive team as a student in any capacity, but I say "bring it".

[JaneYoung]

I think the mentors match should include cute older-than-average blondes that have never driven a robot before. But, then, I would never say 'bring it' to Paul Copioli in any driving or coaching capacity, unless I did some extreme wardrobe planning in regard to being trounced. Total.

... just sayin'

[Andy Baker]

I suppose that now is as good as ever to announce this update to IRI.

Stu Bloom will be the IRI head ref. This change is planned for not only 2009, but future years also.

After 9 years of serving as IRI head ref, I am stepping back. There are a few reasons:

- I get distracted with various things during IRI and would like to help out in other areas (entertainment, expo events, fundraisers, etc.).

- I will still be serving as Chris Fultz's right hand man (Chris = big cheese, me = medium cheese). This medium cheese is a big job.

- Stu started as an IRI ref in 2002 and has steadily improved his skill and reputation as an awesome ref. He has been a division head ref during the last 2 years at the Championships... IRI is in good hands with Stu.

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. I recall having a rousing argument with Ricky Q in 2005, while still maintaining our friendship. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends... that is the kind of stuff I will miss. I truly enjoy those dynamic engagements. I never tried to make them happen, but seeing people who are passionate about this event and the competition is a good thing.

It boils down to this: Stu is an awesome ref. I am needed elsewhere at the event. I am very happy to be able to hand this off to Stu.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

[IndySam]

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Ah the end of an era. I will never forget when you thought Patrick was giving you an obscene jester.


Can we say that IRI is copying the CAGE match by having Stu as head ref?

[Dave Scheck]

I will never forget when you thought Patrick was giving you an obscene jester.Nothing's more memorable than giving someone a foul mouthed clown :cool:

[Mike Schreiber]

I suppose that now is as good as ever to announce this update to IRI.

Stu Bloom will be the IRI head ref. This change is planned for not only 2009, but future years also.

After 9 years of serving as IRI head ref, I am stepping back. There are a few reasons:

- I get distracted with various things during IRI and would like to help out in other areas (entertainment, expo events, fundraisers, etc.).

- I will still be serving as Chris Fultz's right hand man (Chris = big cheese, me = medium cheese). This medium cheese is a big job.

- Stu started as an IRI ref in 2002 and has steadily improved his skill and reputation as an awesome ref. He has been a division head ref during the last 2 years at the Championships... IRI is in good hands with Stu.

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. I recall having a rousing argument with Ricky Q in 2005, while still maintaining our friendship. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends... that is the kind of stuff I will miss. I truly enjoy those dynamic engagements. I never tried to make them happen, but seeing people who are passionate about this event and the competition is a good thing.

It boils down to this: Stu is an awesome ref. I am needed elsewhere at the event. I am very happy to be able to hand this off to Stu.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Andy, You will be missed and you are an excellent ref. and a great asset on the field. I hope you enjot your new role as much as you did your old one, I know you'll be just as good. Good luck to Stu, he has a big pair of shoes to fill, but I'm sure he can handle it.

Good luck at IRI everyone, still don't know if I'll see you there.

[Aren_Hill]

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends...

guilty....:p i dont think i've had an argument with Stu yet, i'll have to fix that lol

guess what my favorite part of this game is?:D

[Chris Fultz]

Usually one of the rules for the mentor's match is that you could not have been on the drive team as a student in any capacity, but I say "bring it".


All we have is an age rule - over 21 on the day of the event.

ID required.

[Kevin Kolodziej]

All we have is an age rule - over 21 on the day of the event.

ID required.

So...what you're saying is.....I'M ELIGIBLE TO PLAY AGAIN!?!?!?

I'll pay my team's entry fee...travel fees...hotel fees.....under the table fees....whatever it takes to get back in the game!:D :D

[Alex Cormier]

So...what you're saying is.....I'M ELIGIBLE TO PLAY AGAIN!?!?!?

I'll pay my team's entry fee...travel fees...hotel fees.....under the table fees....whatever it takes to get back in the game!:D :D

Not so fast... I think this excludes you "Team 71: '99, '00 (Driver), '01 (Driver, Animator), '02 (Driver, Animator)"...

[EricH]

Not so fast... I think this excludes you "Team 71: '99, '00 (Driver), '01 (Driver, Animator), '02 (Driver, Animator)"...Nothing about experience... Just remember, I think you're eligible too, Alex.

[Alex Cormier]

Nothing about experience... Just remember, I think you're eligible too, Alex.

Only if a team would allow me to drive the bot... (I was back up each of my 3 years on a HS team... and lead pit guy) :p

[Stu Bloom]

I suppose that now is as good as ever to announce this update to IRI.

Stu Bloom will be the IRI head ref. This change is planned for not only 2009, but future years also.

After 9 years of serving as IRI head ref, I am stepping back. There are a few reasons:

- I get distracted with various things during IRI and would like to help out in other areas (entertainment, expo events, fundraisers, etc.).

- I will still be serving as Chris Fultz's right hand man (Chris = big cheese, me = medium cheese). This medium cheese is a big job.

- Stu started as an IRI ref in 2002 and has steadily improved his skill and reputation as an awesome ref. He has been a division head ref during the last 2 years at the Championships... IRI is in good hands with Stu.

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. I recall having a rousing argument with Ricky Q in 2005, while still maintaining our friendship. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends... that is the kind of stuff I will miss. I truly enjoy those dynamic engagements. I never tried to make them happen, but seeing people who are passionate about this event and the competition is a good thing.

It boils down to this: Stu is an awesome ref. I am needed elsewhere at the event. I am very happy to be able to hand this off to Stu.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

I must say ... I was very surprised when Chris and Andy asked me to take over this responsibility. I mean ... C'MON ... this is Andy's gig! I never thought I would see him step down. And you are right - them are some mighty big shoes to fill.

Well I am honored, and glad to accept the position. I'll do my best to ensure that the historically high level of officiating is maintained at IRI.

BTW, I also very much appreciate the passionate people involved in this fantastic program. And I'll be glad to pass on any yelling and/or gestures to Andy.

[wendymom]

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. Andy Baker



We can still yell at you if it will make you feel better.

[Pat McCarthy]

I'll offer my driving services, but I think 67 has capable mentors already. :rolleyes:

[GaryVoshol]

So for these mentor matches - who you gonna get to ref? Must be students, right? And only one non-student over-21 gets to go to the box to yell and argue (erm, question and discuss).

Stu, I think you'll be great reffing the main show. After all, you have the color-coordinated hard hat.

[Koko Ed]

Nothing about experience... Just remember, I think you're eligible too, Alex.

Trust me. You don't want him touching the robot.

[Jetweb]

Darn, when your 18 the number 21 is always ruining your fun :(

o well, its more fun to watch notable people drive anyways

[Ricky Q.]

I suppose that now is as good as ever to announce this update to IRI...

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. I recall having a rousing argument with Ricky Q in 2005, while still maintaining our friendship. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends... that is the kind of stuff I will miss. I truly enjoy those dynamic engagements. I never tried to make them happen, but seeing people who are passionate about this event and the competition is a good thing.

It boils down to this: Stu is an awesome ref. I am needed elsewhere at the event. I am very happy to be able to hand this off to Stu.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

This is a sad announcement, in my abscence from IRI the last two summers this is the thing I have missed the most.

I hope to return this year and perhaps get the opportunity to yell at a new head ref.

In all seriousness, having seen Stu ref at several events, I know he will do a great job at IRI.

Baker: I still have that signed yellow card from 2005, great memories.

[Taylor]

I think the mentors match should include cute older-than-average blondes
... just sayin'

Daww, Jane, you're makin me blush. But I wouldn't classify myself as "older-than-average" quite yet.

Can we say that IRI is copying the CAGE match by having Stu as head ref?

I think that's EXACTLY what he's saying. My only concern is that Stu will be too expensive come October....

[ShotgunNinja]

I have a question: Where would I go to get information on applying for my team to get into the IRI? Our main mentor wants to have some more information, and I can't find many specifics on the IRI site. (Although I haven't checked out the other IRI thread yet...)

[Ice Berg]

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2251?

That has all the information about IRI.

[its da PAT!!!]

. I will never forget when you thought Patrick was giving you an obscene jester.





Ha I don't remember this at all :confused: