Team Update 03-14-2012
 

GAME - Team UPDATE - 2012-03-14
GAME
Special Message from the GDC



The Coopertition Bridge in Rebound Rumble is this year’s method of fostering Coopertition and Gracious Professionalism among students while inspiring an appreciation of science and technology. The white bridge's purpose is to motivate participating players, teams and alliances to collaborate with other players, teams and alliances (even in the heat of competition) by rewarding them for working together. Coopertition and Gracious Professionalism are tenets of FIRST – they are part of what makes FIRST different and wonderful; all FIRST participants, teams and alliances should strive to exercise those principals at every given opportunity. To quote Woodie, “FIRST does not celebrate being an incompetent jerk. FIRST does celebrate high-quality, well-informed work done in a manner that leaves everyone feeling valued.” In other words, bullying, coercion, and unsportsmanlike conduct have no place in FIRST. We expect all teams to always try their best to accomplish the tasks at hand, and always push themselves to achieve even greater successes. Best of luck to all of you as you continue to balance the real-life struggles of competing against each other while cooperating with each other – both on and off the Court.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

Then that's that. No more strategically preventing balance to create an influx in QF points. Oh well.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

Very true. Best of luck to you and your team also. :)

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

After what happened last weekend, and the huge argument that took place in the forums here, this was bound to happen. I personally think its a good thing the GDC did this. FIRST is all about gracious professionalism and coopertition, and tipping that bridge, especially after it is already balanced, goes against both of those principles.

If anything the rule will prevent future conflicts, by not allowing teams to sabotage the bridge.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

two comments:

1. the GDC does have their finger on the pulse of the FIRST community.

3. This update = best update!

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

While it's a great way to word all of it and to address the situation, it'd be nicer if they actually gave a ruling and would set forth a penalty for some of this stuff. Obviously, there's no way to know if certain "meta-coopertition" strategies actually are those strategies, or if they're just a simple mistake. But they should at least address teams intentionally ramming the cooperititon bridge...

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

The GDC knows the problems, but we will have to wait until tomorrow to learn if the message was heeded.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

Libby K. mentioned it in another form, but I gotta agree this was needed, and the best way to address the situation at hand.

I think we've said it before, by trying to penalize those who break the spirit of the game, we get into a huge grey area that could be more trouble then it's worth.

The GDC has said doing that isn't in the spirit of FIRST, and there basically implying they don't like what happened this past weekend.

I applaud the GDC for their handling of the situation.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

I see no rule in this update. Nor do I see any penalties either.

I am in full agreement that the actions described in the forums are reprehensible. There is no place for them in FIRST. But I still see no way on the books to stop them.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

That is true. I guess this is more of just FIRST saying they don't approve. Maybe if it continues to be a problem, they will make a specific rule/penalty. At least they are acknowledging the situation. :)

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

I see no rules on the books that says we should loan/give parts/expertise to other teams who need them, regardless of how it impacts our own team, just because it's the right thing to do... but it's the right thing to do, so it doesn't need a rule. It is perhaps the absolute best thing about FIRST.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

Character development can't be legislated. :)

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

You typically don't legislate or codify good behavior. It isn't necessary. Most people or teams already know the right thing to do. But based on last week's problems, clearly some people or teams do not know what should be done here so rules will likely be necessary.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

I was actually appalled when i heard about the unbalancing. It is definitely not in FIRST's nature and has no part in it as well. If I were to see it happen at one of our events i would blacklist you. Even if you placed higher than us and decided to choose us i might say no. It is something that you just don't do. I don't know what more to say. I'm glad that First addressed it because it definitely needed to be.

Re: Team Update 03-14-2012
 

I see it as a rule without being a rule. It is a way of saying: "this is not what we want, don't do it" that is perfectly black and white.

Also, I think there is a rule somewhere which penalizes actions not in the spirit of FIRST but I may be remembering a rule from a previous year. Anyone know what I'm thinking of?