IRI - Registration, Plans, Changes for 2010

[Chris Fultz]

Here is an IRI 2010 Update.

Some things will stay the same, some will be similar, some will be much different.

IRI - 2010
July 16 & 17
Lawrence North High School

Entry Fee - $500 + a Filled Backpack

3 May - Applications Open - www.IndianaRoboticsInvitational.org
3 May - Volunteer Sign Up Opens
9 May - Applications Close - 6 PM
10 May - Team Selections Announced
24 May - Full Payment Due
25 May - Waiting List Opens

Changes from FIRST Breakaway
- None at this time (well, at least none to post)

What will be consistent with the 2009 IRI?
72 Teams (Application and selction process same as past years)
One Field
Backpacks for 2nd Graders
Charity Auction
Team Dinner
Talent Show
Scholarships
Mentor of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Winner Trophies
Cool T-Shirts to Purchase
Supplier Displays
Basic Schedule
4 Team Alliances

Changes from 2009 IRI *
More VIP Activities
More New / Forming Team Activities
Scholarships, Volunteer and Mentor Awards during Saturday Morning Opening Ceremony
No Closing Awards Ceremony Except for Winners and Runner-Ups
No Judges or Judged Awards


* WHY THE CHANGES?
* We want to be able to recognize the mentors and students who receive special awards and scholarships
By announcing these during Saturday morning these individuals can be congratulated during the day Saturday.
* Many teams bring a small crew and are not able to have people in the pits for judges - this allows students to mingle and relax.
* The awards ceremony gets pretty long, when teams are ready to head home after along weekend.
* We will put more focus into VIP activities (lunch, tour guides, etc.) to introduce more new people to FIRST.
* After the finals, the winning and runner up alliances will be awarded their trophies, and we will have a very short closing ceremony.

[jblay]

What seeding system will you be using? The one that they used this year or the old win loss system.

[Chris Fultz]

What seeding system will you be using? The one that they used this year or the old win loss system.

we don't have detials yet, but a system that really encourages winning the match and scoring by both alliances.

[JaneYoung]

Well, although I'm very sad that I won't be able to talk with the teams during judging interviews and goodness knows - what an amazing experience that always is - I'm very glad that I'll be able to hang out with the teams and make some noise!

Can't wait!

Jane

[Chris is me]

24 May - Full Payment Due

I'm assuming the filled backpack can wait until the actual event?

I'm already excited for IRI. 2791 and 1714 are both applying. One's a bit more likely to get in than the other, but I'm hoping for both.

[BJC]

we don't have detials yet, but a system that really encourages winning the match and scoring by both alliances.

Perhaps, if you created your own version of the seeding point system and showed how well it worked the GDC would consider it for next years game. If you want to change the seeding system this would be the perfect opportunity to try something new.

[Josh Drake]

I was wondering if the elevated and suspended points will be increased. I think that's one thing the GDC missed. It was just as easy to score a couple balls and not hang for some teams. Maybe the teams that have weight to spare will build something for IRI. If we don't get in, I know I'll be watching the webcast.:D

[johnr]

Speaking of webcasts, will there be one this year? If yes ,maybe they could do the talent show too.

[R2D2DOC]

How about auton scoring bonus. Could make it easy or interesting:

Option 1: 2 points per auton score
Option 2: 1 bonus point per n auton scores ( if option 1 is too high)
Option 3: Higher auton score gets a bonus (like the opponents auton score added?)

Any other ideas ?

[Chris is me]

How about auton scoring bonus. Could make it easy or interesting:

Option 1: 2 points per auton score
Option 2: 1 bonus point per n auton scores ( if option 1 is too high)
Option 3: Higher auton score gets a bonus (like the opponents auton score added?)

Any other ideas ?

I think winning autonomous is already a huge advantage, especially considering how many regionals were won by starving the back zone.

I can't really think of any changes the game really needs that would make sense. Making suspension a 5 point endeavor would have been cool, but it's too late for that change to do anything other than reward specializing in the wrong task during the regular season.

[Vince lau]

what's the address for the school?

[Allison]

what's the address for the school?

7802 Hague Road
Indianapolis, IN 46256

[Taylor]

what's the address for the school?

Lawrence North High School
7802 Hague Road
Indianapolis, IN 46256

edit: Allison's faster.

[haye321]

Is it just July 15 and 16? Because the technokats website lists it as the 15, 16, and 17?

[Andy Baker]

Is it just July 15 and 16? Because the technokats website lists it as the 15, 16, and 17?

Setup is on the 15th. The competition takes place on the 16th and 17th of July.

[yodameister]

Whether 2791 is invited or not (I will be there either way), I am assuming that any help offered to set up will be accepted?

[haye321]

Sorry, I'm a little confused, do teams need to be there on the 15th or the 16th?

[ATannahill]

Will the information for the application be the same as last year?

[Sunshine]

Team 2062 will be applying. It would be our first time at the event.

[Andy Baker]

Whether 2791 is invited or not (I will be there either way), I am assuming that any help offered to set up will be accepted?

Yes, definitely. There will be a way for volunteers to send an email on the same site as registration. Thank you for your willingness to help.

Sorry, I'm a little confused, do teams need to be there on the 15th or the 16th?

Most teams show up during the morning of the 16th. Some show up on the evening of the 15th, just to put stuff in their pit. Matches will start at 11:00am. We do have a few practice matches between 9-11:00, first come, first serve.

The reason why the TechnoKats have this listed as the 15th, 16th, and 17th is because many of the team members spend all day on the 15th setting up for the event on the 16th and 17th, as they assist with running the event.

Sincerely,
Andy

[haye321]

Yes, definitely. There will be a way for volunteers to send an email on the same site as registration. Thank you for your willingness to help.



Most teams show up during the morning of the 16th. Some show up on the evening of the 15th, just to put stuff in their pit. Matches will start at 11:00am. We do have a few practice matches between 9-11:00, first come, first serve.

The reason why the TechnoKats have this listed as the 15th, 16th, and 17th is because many of the team members spend all day on the 15th setting up for the event on the 16th and 17th, as they assist with running the event.

Sincerely,
Andy

Ok thanks for the clarification

[Jeremiah Johnson]

I'll be there for 4th straight year!

[Now to go back into hiding]

[Akash Rastogi]

Whether 2791 is invited or not (I will be there either way), I am assuming that any help offered to set up will be accepted?

If all goes as planned (and 2791) I will try to travel with them to IRI :D

Otherwise 1771 will be adopting me if they go.

[Chris is me]

If all goes as planned (and 2791) I will try to travel with them to IRI :D

Otherwise 1771 will be adopting me if they go.

Same here, except I'd probably be adopted by a different 17xx team in addition to volunteering. Man, I sure hope it all goes as planned... :)

Either way, there will be a ton of 2791 representation at IRI; I think 2 or 3 students are planning on volunteering if they don't get in in addition to the aforementioned others.

[yodameister]

If all goes as planned (and 2791) I will try to travel with them to IRI :D

I believe that we may be able to accommodate you. Glad to have you along! :)

[Karibou]

I'm so excited that I can finally attend this year :D I won't be with a team, so I'll be either wandering around aimlessly or volunteering (still undecided, but I'm heavily learning towards volunteering).

With 4-team alliances, how will the field look at the start of the match? Where's the 4th bot going?

[Collin Fultz]

With 4-team alliances, how will the field look at the start of the match? Where's the 4th bot going?

The fourth team is the permanent back-up. It can be used at the Alliance Captain's discretion.

[kjolana1124]

Our team's applying, but I'm planning on going even if our team doesn't.

Any team ever wanted to claim their own Starr?[/lamepunsftw]

[JaneYoung]

I think we should have IRI Orphan Adoption tee shirts:
Please adopt me as a member of your team for the weekend.

And all the orphans should gather for a Talent Show entry. What could go wrong?

Jane

[Chris is me]

Any team ever wanted to claim their own Starr?[/lamepunsftw]

Well, you've already got the 2791 shirt... :) If you show up there completely stranded, you're welcome to say hi and chat and cheer.

Any chance of a mentor tournament this time around? If I ask nicely enough I bet I could get behind the glass somehow.

[wendymom]

There's always room for a couple more on Bacon. We gather all orphans. (if we get in)

[MadeAtMidnight]

1625 loves company!

[waialua359]

Chris,
First of all, thanks for doing this year after year. We will be applying, but a few questions.
What exactly is the filled backpack thing? for second graders?
Dinner-location? attire?

Thanks,
Glenn
Here is an IRI 2010 Update.

Some things will stay the same, some will be similar, some will be much different.

IRI - 2010
July 16 & 17
Lawrence North High School

Entry Fee - $500 + a Filled Backpack

3 May - Applications Open - www.IndianaRoboticsInvitational.org
3 May - Volunteer Sign Up Opens
10 May - Team Selections Announced
24 May - Full Payment Due
25 May - Waiting List Opens

Changes from FIRST Breakaway
- None at this time (well, at least none to post)

What will be consistent with the 2009 IRI?
72 Teams (Application and selction process same as past years)
One Field
Backpacks for 2nd Graders
Charity Auction
Team Dinner
Talent Show
Scholarships
Mentor of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Winner Trophies
Cool T-Shirts to Purchase
Supplier Displays
Basic Schedule
4 Team Alliances

Changes from 2009 IRI *
More VIP Activities
More New / Forming Team Activities
Scholarships, Volunteer and Mentor Awards during Saturday Morning Opening Ceremony
No Closing Awards Ceremony Except for Winners and Runner-Ups
No Judges or Judged Awards


* WHY THE CHANGES?
* We want to be able to recognize the mentors and students who receive special awards and scholarships
By announcing these during Saturday morning these individuals can be congratulated during the day Saturday.
* Many teams bring a small crew and are not able to have people in the pits for judges - this allows students to mingle and relax.
* The awards ceremony gets pretty long, when teams are ready to head home after along weekend.
* We will put more focus into VIP activities (lunch, tour guides, etc.) to introduce more new people to FIRST.
* After the finals, the winning and runner up alliances will be awarded their trophies, and we will have a very short closing ceremony.

[ratdude747]

Chris,
First of all, thanks for doing this year after year. We will be applying, but a few questions.
What exactly is the filled backpack thing? for second graders?
Dinner-location? attire?

Thanks,
Glenn

the backpack is to be filled with school supplies IIRC... to be donated to 2nd graders.

[Wayne Doenges]

Here is a list of the Backpack contents:
Materials: Small Backpack
1 pair scissors
3 pocket folders
1 box of 24 crayons
3 glue sticks
1 ruler with inches and centimeters
1 package pencils
2 large erasers
2 black pens
2 red pens
2 packages loose leaf notebook paper
1 school supply box
1 package colored pencils
1 package washable markers
2 packages tissues
3 spiral notebooks

I hope this helps

[Josh Fox]

So there are no rule changes planned at this point in time right? Or did I miss something?

Aside from the non-serpentine draft of course.

[ratdude747]

no changes yet... but you KNOW there will be.

[Chris Fultz]

no changes yet... but you KNOW there will be.

but of course..... (in due time) :yikes:

[IzzieB]

Our team has never been to IRI, yet we are thinking about applying this year. If our application is accepted, yet we somehow cannot go, do we simply withdraw to allow for someone to move up from the waiting list? We will probably know for sure on if we can/can't go by the end of this week (which is after May 3rd).

[Katie_UPS]

Our team has never been to IRI, yet we are thinking about applying this year. If our application is accepted, yet we somehow cannot go, do we simply withdraw to allow for someone to move up from the waiting list? We will probably know for sure on if we can/can't go by the end of this week (which is after May 3rd).
As long as you give reasonable notice, its okay. Plenty'o'times I've seen teams drop from the list and other teams bumped up for whatever reason.

[Chris is me]

Our team has never been to IRI, yet we are thinking about applying this year. If our application is accepted, yet we somehow cannot go, do we simply withdraw to allow for someone to move up from the waiting list? We will probably know for sure on if we can/can't go by the end of this week (which is after May 3rd).

They admit 80 people and only 72 get in, to allow for stuff like this. There is also a waiting list on top of that, so I think you guys should be fine unless someone else who knows better than me posts and says I'm wrong.

[Chris Fultz]

The listing posted above for backpacks is accurate.
You can bring the backpack to the competition with you and turn it in a check-in.

Dinner is in the school cafeteria. We start serving towards the end of Friday matches, and try to have everyone served before the talent show starts.
Dress is "FIRST Casual". :)

We will send invitations to 80 teams. The first 72 that respond with an acceptance and payment are in. If we do not have 72 by the cut-off date, anyone in the first group of 80 goes to the bottom of the waiting list and we send invites to the next group of teams to fill the field.

If you sign up, commit and pay, and then cannot attend, a refund depends on timing. Before June 18, we may be able to do a refund if we fill the slot. After June 18, there will be no refunds available.

The objective is to create a strong field of 72 teams and to give teams time to plan for the summer travel. It is difficult to invite teams at the last minute due to school travel restrictions and logistics during the summer.

[wilmo]

Anyone else having trouble finding where to sign up as a volunteer? I guess I'll just send an email in.

[jtdowney]

Anyone else having trouble finding where to sign up as a volunteer? I guess I'll just send an email in.

In the past its always been you need to email volunteer@indianaroboticsinvitational.org and offer to help out.

[Chris Fultz]

this information is at the top of the page, under "CONTACT INFO".

We will add more detials and easier links this week, but you can send an email to the Volunteer link below, with your name and contact info, what role you are interested in, and what experience you have.


Contact Info

General IRI questions: pc@indianaroboticsinvitational.org

Volunteer questions: volunteer@indianaroboticsinvitational.org

[Kit Gerhart]

I'll be there whether or not Team 233 attends. IRI is always a great event, and since I spend summers in Kokomo, I'm only about 50 miles away.

[Joe Ross]

What exactly is the filled backpack thing? for second graders?

There's a walmart a few miles away from the high school. We find it's easier to buy the stuff there, then to try to bring it on the plane.

[JaneYoung]

Chris,
What exactly is the filled backpack thing? for second graders?
Glenn

Glenn,
The teams that participate will be busy with the competition but if and when you get a chance, look around at all the other opportunities that the event planners make available; it is really something. One of the things they do that is thoughtful and wonderful is that they keep the backpacks present as much as possible. In the past, they've lined the backpacks up under the tables that have the Silent Auction going on against one wall. They've also put them on the field as a quiet backdrop and presence during the awards/closing ceremony. It's like the backpacks are involved in the the event(s) with everyone, as a recognition of their importance and a thank you for all of the teams' generosity. Really neat. I always get a backpack put together and would be more than happy to get your team's ready for you guys and have it there for you, if you're accepted. Just send me a pm and let me know if I can help.

Jane

[waialua359]

Joe,
Thanks for the great advise.
Jane,
Thanks for your generous offer.

I think we will bring some items that have "Hawaii" marked on them and buy the rest at Walmart in town.

We have already made reservations for hotels and rental cars (which can be easily cancelled if we dont get accepted). Thank God its relatively cheap, since our airfare quotes are starting at $1050/person.
We plan to only bring a drive/mentor team since our kids are all tied up with other things for the summer.

[PVCpirate]

How exactly do the 4 team alliances work for this game?

[dodar]

all it is, is kind of a "pick your own back-up" 4th pick

[yodameister]

It appears that 2791 is going to have a few people at IRI this year to volunteer. Is it possible for us to bring our bot to possibly compete in the mentor matches (assuming we contribute enough greenbacks)?

[J93Wagner]

all it is, is kind of a "pick your own back-up" 4th pick

With the exception that your back-up has to play at least once.

[EricH]

With the exception that your back-up has to play at least once.
Not at IRI! That was the pre-2005, 3-team finals alliance, 2 teams playing rules that we no longer play by, except maybe at some offseason events; IRI, whether or not the backup is used depends on the scenario/strategy. Just to pick a team, 68 won in 2008, but never entered the field during eliminations.

To reiterate: 4 teams, 3 on the field, 1 as a reserve, which teams you play is an alliance decision.

[J93Wagner]

I stand corrected. Thanks for catching that.