2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

2nd Annual Texas Robot Roundup (TRR) FRC Off-Season Competition
Sponsored by Time Warner Cable and National Instruments
Planned and organized by Alamo FIRST, the ausTIN CANs – Team 2158, and Austin area teams and volunteers!
www.robotroundup.org

When:
Saturday, July 28th, 2012 (Friday, July 27th is an optional practice day)

Where:
Anderson High School, 8403 Mesa Drive, Austin, Texas
(Home of FRC Team 2158 – ausTIN CANs)

Cost:
Early Registration by May 25, 2012: $200
Regular Registration by June 29, 2012: $250
NOTE: This year, FIRST in Texas will NOT be managing registration funds, so please do not send checks there. See the Team Registration link for more details.

Registration:
Teams
Volunteers

Why:
This is an opportunity for FRC teams (Veteran, Rookie, and Pre-Rookie) from all over Texas and beyond to come together one more time after the end of the competition season to share experiences, learn from each other, build new friendships, practice and compete with their robots, and have a fun time. TRR is also an opportunity to bring new team members, mentors, sponsors, and the community up to speed on what FIRST is really all about, so please feel free to spread word of the event.

Feel free to share the attached flier. Please contact us at RobotRoundup@gmail.com with any questions!

Who's excited?! :)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

To answer some questions that are certain to come up:

• Any Austin locals interested in taking part in the TRR Planning Committee please send an email to RobotRoundup@gmail.com. I plan to start having meetings following Championships.
  
• The schedule is not finalized yet, but will be made public as soon as it is ready.
  
• We plan to again host a variety of workshops, presentations, and meetings! Stay tuned for details later this summer.
  
• As of right now, we plan to once again hold a Mentors Tournament and a Robot Skills Challenge. Stay tuned for sign ups to come out later this summer.
  
• Like TRR 2011 and many other Off-Season Events, we do not plan to have robots inspected at TRR 2012. However, we expect teams to follow the 2012 Game Rules and abide by the values of Gracious Professional.
  
• We will be working with our Head Referee, Referee crew, and the decisions of other Off-Seasons to determine if we will instate any changes to the game play rules. Any rules changed will be done so in favor of the teams. We will make announcements of any rule changes as soon as possible.
  
• We plan to give out a variety of awards again this year, though the full list is still to be determined. Definitely look forward to some new additions.
  
• TRR 2011 Awards were all peer-judged. As of now, the intention is to continue with this tradition.
  
• The ausTIN CANs will be hosting their Annual Tin Can Food Drive. The team who contributes the most cans will receive an award.
  

Again, please send an email to RobotRoundup@gmail.com with any questions!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

The Bronc Botz #3481 from San Antonio will be there!!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

We're excited to have TRR 2011 finalists, the Bronc Botz, back for 2012! Your alliance partner (148) was the first team to register (besides the host team)!

As of right now, we have 8 teams already officially registered, and at least 13 more who have told me they will be registering soon. Teams, make sure to register soon! We haven't set an official cap yet, but may need to in order to ensure that teams each get enough qualifying rounds.

I will post a list of registered teams this weekend and continue to provide weekly updates.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Spectrum will be registered by the end of the night. The school internet isn't liking Google Docs right now for some reason.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Team 441 might make an appearance!!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Hello,
We are a team from San Diego CA, with some interest in going.
However the main issue we face at the moment is getting our robot from SD to Austin, is shipping something that is feasible in cost for a small team?
Not sure if any parent would make the 12hr drive...

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Team 3997 Screaming Chickens Lone Star Rookie All Star will be there and ready to rumble.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

We'd like to come.
Since we plan on going to IRI the weekend before..........

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Oh god. Because we need more competition in Texas ;)

Naw please do. I talked to one of your mentors for a while at Lonestar, and you guys were awesome.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I'm thinking about mining the wisdom and experience through a workshop or a session of training and Q&A. Oh... the possibilities. Oh, oh, oh... the possibilities. :D I think I'm just going to sit here and say that to myself over and over all night. It would be totally aMAZing to even dream about much less think about.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Will there be an official field or what??

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Of course. :) Just like last year, we are arranging for AndyMark to provide an official FIRST field. We hope to have a partial practice field for teams as well.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Yess! Full FRC experience! Lol

Thank you

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

We are extremely excited that teams from beyond Texas are interested in attending the Texas Robot Roundup. At this time, we have not yet investigated shipping options for teams, but will certainly look into how other off-season competitions that often cater to many non-local teams, like IRI, manage shipping. Please feel free to send me an email if you have any thoughts or questions about the event. We would love to be able to host your teams and will do our best to provide you with assistance and options.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Since you guys will be at IRI, if you're able to find any Texas teams that are attending, once the team list is announced, I believe there may be a few teams that wouldn't mind "babysitting" your robot for a week until you guys arrived in Austin.

TigerBytes from Baton Rouge, LA is really thinking about attending. If we do, we might rent a U-Haul trailer for the weekend. It's a 6 hour drive for us so we could just make it our team-summer-vacation-road-trip.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Our team will speak with Andy and Chris about IRI shipment possibilities, now that BAX Global no longer does shipment from HI to US mainland due to a "reorganization" of the company when I last checked with them.
It was also part of the reason why we had to cancel going to Utah week 3 since the shipping company fell through to get our robot back in time for HI week 4.

Since a school is hosting the event, can the robot be housed (shipped) directly to your school from Indianapolis after IRI? That's what we either need to arrange for find out from you folks what alternatives there are.

Thanks.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I don't see there being any issues at all with housing your shipped robot from IRI. I will be sure to check with our teach advisor and facility to be absolutely certain but otherwise don't foresee any problems! Regardless, we should definitely be able to secure a place to safely keep your robot until you would arrive.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jess and Glen,

If we help at out (2468) with the storage of the robot at Westlake, let me know.

Norman

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Thanks so much for the offer, Norm!

In fact, since you both posted, Mark and Glenn, I've received an outpouring of support from Austin teams who want to make sure our far traveling fellow FIRSTers can attend. We will, without a doubt, be able to receive and store robots before TRR.

Now, we still have to see what we can do about the actually shipping costs. Perhaps there is a possibility of seeing if we can get a shipping company to donate shipping or to find some shipping sponsors. That would be pretty great.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

As another backup plan, I just confirmed with the store manager (my husband, Michael :) ), that we could have it/them shipped to Callahans for storage, etc. A potential plus with that is that our team trailer is stored at Callahans, too. Oops, sorry, Jess - the last post I saw was Norm's. We could have a crate parade!

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Thanks, Jane! Hehe, I was actually referring to your personal message to me, regarding crate storage at Callahan's, in addition to others too, as the outpouring of support. I think we will have plenty of viable options. :)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Team 3999,The Shadetree Mechanics will be there. We should be able to supply a few volunteers as well.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I am looking at options before even telling my team about this.:p

We will look into it after CMP.
We have one of our biggest fundraising events 11 days after CMP, so our robot must come home first, before returning to IRI in July. There is lots of time for us to look at viable shipping options, and we are grateful that you folks are looking at drayage(storage) possibilities.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

624 will be there! Looking forward to attending this event again. It was such a fun, positive experience for our team last summer.

Many thanks for organizing/hosting again this year! If there's anything we can do to help, let us know.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

FIRST Team 1296 will be there - looking forward to a great time with our Texas friends and guests!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Maybe we'll actually get to play together for once.... :rolleyes:

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Registered Teams as of 4/16 at 12:00pm: 14

57 - Leopards - Houston, TX
148 - Robowranglers - Greenville, TX
624 - CRyptonite - Katy, TX
647 - Cyberwolves - Killeen, TX
1296 - Full Metal Jackets - Rockwall, TX
2158 - ausTIN CANs - Austin, TX
2587 - DiscoBots - Houston, TX
2833 - Robo-Scorpions - Brownsville, TX
2952 - Brackenbots - San Antonio, TX
3481 - Bronc Botz - San Antonio, TX
3735 - Klein Bots - Klein, TX
3847 - Spectrum - Houston, TX
3997 - Screaming Chickens - San Antonio, TX
3999 - Shadetree Mechanics - Killeen,TX

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

You can add Texas Torque to the team list. We've been looking forward to this since we had so much fun last year.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Registered Teams as of 5/1: 20
The cap has been presently set to 40 teams. We're half way there. Make sure to register before May 25th to take advantage of the early registration fee of $200. After that, registration goes up to $250!

57 - Leopards - Houston, TX
148 - Robowranglers - Greenville, TX
418 - Purple Haze (LASA) - Austin, TX
624 - CRyptonite - Katy, TX
647 - Cyberwolves - Killeen, TX
1296 - Full Metal Jackets - Rockwall, TX
1477 - Texas Torque - The Woodlands, TX
2158 - ausTIN CANs - Austin, TX
2583 - RoboWarriors - Austin, TX
2587 - DiscoBots - Houston, TX
2833 - Robo-Scorpions - Brownsville, TX
2881 - Lady Cans - Austin, TX
2952 - Brackenbots - San Antonio, TX
3481 - Bronc Botz - San Antonio, TX
3679 - Rattlers - San Marcos, TX
3735 - Klein Bots - Klein, TX
3847 - Spectrum - Houston, TX
3997 - Screaming Chickens - San Antonio, TX
3999 - Shadetree Mechanics - Killeen,TX
4282 - Cowboys - Brownsville, TX

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

We're stilling missing a few Texas Powers. Where's 118, 231, 704, 1429 and 3310 off the top of my head. I know a bunch of other TX teams still need to register, this is the closest thing we have to a TX state championship. (though other states would be awesome as well).

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

118 just hasn't said we're in on this thread. There are definite plans of going, it's just a matter of Mason or Ridley signing up. Like we'd miss our own state's off-season event, yall know us better than that.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Many of those teams have already expressed interest in participating. Like 118 above, they just haven't officially registered yet!

Friendly reminder, team and volunteer registration for TRR can be found at robotroundup.org! :)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Looking forward to Robot Round up. It should be fun just like last yr. Cant wait to see all the teams there.
:)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I liked the thread that you started about TRR. It showed a lot of enthusiasm for the event and I'm sorry it was closed so abruptly. We can use all the enthusiasm we can get here in Texas. :)

To answer the question in your thread - I'm going! I've already asked off from work and I can't wait to see all the teams. I know Jess and the folks helping to plan the event are working very hard to make this year's TRR even better than last year's. It's going to be a lot of fun.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

If I may; I would like to offer one piece of constructive criticism to make this year's event better: Please make sure all of the teams have checked in before releasing the match schedule. It is unfair to teams to have to come to the field with a scheduled disadvantage.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jess, what about practice bot entries... allowed? If yes, how are you planning to handle?

Also, could you provide an updated registration list? THANKS!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Thanks for the feedback, Ed! We are doing our best to make sure we put on a great event for the teams.

Michael, we won't be allowing teams to register two robots (ie competition bot and practice bot), however, we highly encourage veteran teams to invite another school or organization to compete with practice bots as a pre-rookie team. Pre-rookies get to play for free.

The most up-to-date list only has two additional teams from my last update. I need to send out a registration confirmation before posting the newest list, but I will post it tomorrow when I have the chance. I plan to send out an email again before then to Texas teams to remind them to register if they are interested. In addition, we should end up with a team(s) from Oklahoma, Louisiana, and perhaps Hawaii and California.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jess, what if we pay TWO entry fees? Then that shouldn't be a problem, right?

We'd enter as 3481 and 3481P... that's what we're doing at Ozark Mountain Brawl and what we intend to do at Cow Town ThrowDown once they announce... we want to give non-Drive Team students a chance on the field...

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Michael, I understand your interest in doing that, however, the decision to only allow each team to register with just one robot had already been made in order to ensure that there are enough slots for all interested teams and potential pre-rookie teams. While TRR is not an invitation-only event, the hope is that we can build this competition up to eventually be much like IRI.

It is of course up to you and your team entirely which students you decide to have drive your robot.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

NOT SURE how to react to this news... since we have an off-season strategy that involves using BOTH robots (twins) to further our primary drive team AND _reward_ non-drive team students... and we have a budget for THREE off-season events ALL to utilize both comp and practice bots... PLUS, we're traveling to IRI to observe/learn...

We may have to look elsewhere other than TRR to accomplish this... I'll discuss with the team...

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I find myself wondering why you are electing to conduct this discussion in CD rather than in a private e-mail.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Why... is this controversial?

Isn't entering comp and practice bots in off-season events pretty much pro forma?

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

You have asked a question and received an answer. You have stated your team's objectives and that it is possible that TRR does not meet your team's objectives. If you care to pursue it further because you do not like the answers provided then, in my opinion, the more professional way to handle it would be to continue the discussion in private.

Edit: I don't know the answer to the question about practice 'bots. From the off seasons that I've traveled to and volunteered at, I'm not familiar with their use other than to be provided to pre-rookie teams.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Sorry, Jane... I respectfully don't agree... I know _my_ standards of the "professional way" are _at least_ as high as yours... ;-) ...and I'd like to "air" the issue on CD...

I went and checked the original flier and there's NOTHING stated about NO PRACTICE BOT entries... and we made plans around this event and we take our plans/commitments to the students seriously... and this will put us out from what we intended...

NOT SAYING Jess or anyone did anything wrong... it's Jess's and Patrick Felty's decision... it's their event, not mine... just wish I knew this upfront so that we didn't make plans around TWO bots being entered...

We may have to withdraw to find another off-season that allows two entries... NOTHING controversial about that...

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Michael , I'm glad you are discussing this issue on Chief Delphi instead of through email. A public forum can bring many different viewpoints to the conversation.

If your team is thinking about helping a team in San Antonio. I would suggest that your team bring in members from other teams to help work on the 2nd robot. You don't need an official FRC number to participate in TRR,

Shadetree Mechanics 3999 were a pre-rookie team last year that gained tremendously by participating in TRR before their 1st official season of FRC.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I have to agree. 3999 was a pre-rookie team last year and we got the opportunity to compete in the TRR with the help of teams 2158 and Purple Haze(LASA). The off-season is a great way for teams to get a head start on the coming season. Jess and Patrick do an excellent job of running the event and I believe they would allow as many teams and bots as possible if they could.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I agree... Jess and Patrick do an _excellent_ job on TRR... and everything else they're involved in!!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Andrew, that may work as a compromise and is actually a good suggestion... blend our non-Drive Team students with pre-Rookies and we'll "show them the ropes" through pit work and competition steps... while fulfilling the promise to our hard working team students that they can get a chance to drive/operate the practice bot on the field... I LIKE!

My only request would be that the two pits be next to each other for obvious reasons as we only have one-set of tools/equipment...

I'll ask Jess to set us up with a pre-Rookie team... THANKS!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jess, have any pre-Rookie teams registered yet?

We'd be happy to assist one or more teams with experiencing an FRC competition using our practice bot as long as they don't have an expectation of driving/operating it in matches and we can have two pits next to each other...

We can rotate pre-Rookie team students as "Human Player" to get them in the queue and on the field...

Will this work? Is this a good thing?

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

2158 loaned us the parts for a rolling chassis last year. We also were able to have a build day in their lab. Members of their team, as well as some team members from LASA came out to help get the chassis ready to roll. We did the rest. I am in full support of any team helping out a pre-rookie. The bot we used at TRR had a shower curtain rod for an arm. It was ugly but it worked. We want to give as many of our students the chance to drive and will do so at TRR,but I dont think that a team can get the full experience if they do not get out on the field.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Please read my EDIT to the above post... do you think that'll work as a good experience for some pre-Rookies?

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

The point of providing a practice robot for a pre-rookie team at a competition event is for the pre-rookies to have the full experience of competition.

The teams that donate their robots and help to support the pre-rookies efforts are very generous in helping to grow FIRST in the region and in helping the pre-rookie team to have a positive experience at the event. It is a win/win for both teams to be a part of that experience.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

If teams can go the Championships with a kit bot and compete than I think that a pre-rookie team will get a much better experience if they can get something on the field. We all know that there will be teams that have robots that aren't competitive but they still show up. Being on an alliance with veteran teams and going through the competition was invaluable to us, even though some of our students had been through it before.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jane, is 418 "donating" their 2012 practice bot to a pre-Rookie Texas team?

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

-This- is one of the reasons why off seasons like TRR are so valuable and so needed in FRC. Not just for the pre-rookies but for the teams who can improve in the competitive side of things. It's also the appropriate place for the strong veteran teams to identify the region's strengths and weaknesses, the teams that could use some support, and the sustainability dynamics that are in motion.

I have another opinion. :) This one has to do with one of our weaknesses in Texas, as a whole. Teams too often only think about their own advancement and their own rate of success. They don't take the time or create the opportunity to look around them and see how the advantages of networking and supporting each other, strengthen the entire region. For teams who value IRI and want to be those teams who participate... take a look at their programs and what they bring, not only to their teams, but to their regions. Look at the other off seasons that have been around a while and you'll see much of the same thing. They've been busy as teams building the community of teams that compete at events.

Edit: Michael, we've never gotten to the point that we build a practice 'bot, sad to say. We donate what resources we have and can offer. That can be in the way of skills needed, materials, expertise, friendliness, and.. if we have it, we will help. But, unless something changes that I'm not aware of at this point, we won't have a practice 'bot to donate or loan. Loan is the better word, maybe.

Also, please keep in mind... in our area, pre-rookies are a treasure. The Shadetree Mechanics were a gift to all of the veteran teams, teaching us the value of the pre-rookie experience. I'd love to be able to say that we're going to have more pre-rookies at the 2012 TRR but it's not something that we can take for granted. And the Shadetree Mechanics were amazing because they did want to do so much, themselves, and attend TRR, ready to play.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

AGREED... much better experience if they have _their own_ running bot...

We'd LOVE to help _any_ FRC pre-Rookie team build a "kit-bot" to compete at TRR... I hope we get asked to do this...

We pretty much did this in one day at Dallas-East with a Rookie team and it contributed to our winning EI award there... we also had a student win Dean's List at Alamo based on the strength of 3 season's aiding Rookie and struggling FTC teams and starting a team for disabled-teens...

We were FRC "pre-Rookie" just 17 months ago... and two weeks ago we were 3 matches from Einstein... and it's no secret that we owe our successes to 148 Robowranglers who took us under their wing and greatly affected/enabled our team to dream big and realize goals...

We'd LOVE to try to do the same for an FRC Rookie team... but, we have to get the call/email requesting help first...

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jane, that's not been our experience with 148... and to a lesser extent 1477 Texas Torque who has been very helpful to us at key moments when we needed it...

Texas teams, new and veteran, who are truly not "posers"... meaning they exude the desire to iterate to excellence in competition robotics... need only to _ask_ the teams we know you're referencing and the help/aid will be there... I KNOW this to be a fact.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I'm not referencing any teams. I'm referencing our state, Michael. Teams like 1477, 3847, 118, 1587, 57, and, to an extent, 148.. are making strides in helping to strengthen our region by reaching out and helping other teams. But the teams who are helping to build a sustainable community/region need to be in the majority, not the small minority. Texas is huge and we have a lot on our plate. If and when we do go to the District Model, teams need to be prepared to volunteer, assist, support, and help each other adapt to the big changes. You have to think today, tomorrow, 3 years from now, 5 years from now, 10 years from now - in order to help sustain your team and your region.

A word to the wise, sir... don't twist my words or try to turn them into something they are not.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

For the 09 and onward offseason events, 973 has competed with 2-3 robots at every event (aside from IRI). Sometimes there is a pre-rookie to try it out and get some experience, sometimes there isn't; but we've never been told we can't compete with them. Most of these events are hurting for teams (usually only about 15-20 attend), so there is never a competition for space.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Thanks, Adam.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

THAT'S what I thought, Adam... THANKS for weighing-in !!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

But.. as Jess has stated early on in this discussion - this is not the problem that TRR has and it is also not the vision. She is quite serious when she says that TRR is setting itself up to be the next IRI. When you go to IRI, talk to the teams about how they manage their drive teams and what they do there. I'd have to go back through some older threads but I think there are teams that field new drive teams and they switch them out, sometimes, so that team members can have access to the experience. Teams can correct me with that but, again, that is an option available to your team at TRR.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I think it's FANTASTIC that Jess and Patrick want TRR to become another "IRI" and we'll FULLY support that how we can...

Its not my area of expertise as to how you achieve "IRI" legend-status as an off-season event, but, I do know that you can't refer to yourself as a "powerhouse" FRC team _unless_ a good amount of _others_ from the outside do it first... and I think the same rule may apply to TRR... SO, what do you do in the meantime? I think you conduct yourself to accommodate ALL the different _modes_ the teams (WHO WANT TO go to the trouble/expense of attending your event) want to use.

JUST my humble opinion... ;-)

ALSO, we don't have the option of rotating inexperienced students on our comp bot Drive Team... we're on a mission... we got a taste of CMP's elims and we "smelled" Einstein... ;-) HOPE I didn't just "jinx" ourselves... 8-i

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

The off season event is a great way to give other drive team experince, just like miss Janeyoung said, but is also a good way for the season driver, to get experince in managing the team, plus for them to see what the team coach goes through at regionals, when they have to make hard decisions, and to guide the newer drive team on what they can and cant do out on the field

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jane, you said "I'm not referencing any teams. I'm referencing our state..."

But, I saw the quote above in your previous post which referenced specifically teams "who value IRI"... and, we all know the Texas teams who regularly go to IRI, have applied this season to IRI, and who aspire (like us) to go in future seasons... if you didn't mean to reference "any teams", I don't know why you put the IRI aspirational reference in?! Maybe I'm reading the original post wrong...

I'll factor in your clarification into my thinking on this...

As for "A word to the wise, sir... don't twist my words or try to turn them into something they are not. Jane"

I think that's a little over the top...

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Many many teams aspire to attend IRI, Michael. I'm addressing them, not the ones who already qualify. If you read my posts, you will see that I consistently reach out to the teams who aspire to be better, to dream, to create opportunities for themselves to achieve those dreams. There will be 72 teams chosen for IRI with some alternates reserved for any that drop out during the process. How many FRC teams are there world-wide, Michael? How many FRC teams are there in Texas? How many of those Texas teams who have applied but could potentially not be accepted - still aspire to attend and compete?

Look at the bigger picture. You want to achieve your goals for your team. That is what this discussion has been about. Only your goals for your team: Einstein. Nothing wrong with that. However, I've attempted to open the discussion up to a few broader goals and insights. So have the other posters who have contributed to this discussion regarding the value of off seasons for everyone.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Isn't a system where INDIVIDUAL teams are encouraged to achieve their goals for team betterment by definition a system where ANY team can achieve their goals? Or does it just depend on what the goal is?

Let's hypothetically say we can rank all the teams within FIRST using a "strength ranking" from 1 to 10. I won't quantify this ranking (that is a longer discussion) but I'm not just talking about "on field" successes.

It seems to me... there is emphasis within the community to advance teams from skill level 1 to 2, 2 to 3... but no one seems to care if they advance beyond about level 5 (especially those who are more interested in starting more and more and more and more level 1 teams).

Sorry for the somewhat off-topic post, but this is related to something I've been meditating on.

I guess I'm surprised to hear that the event is already full enough that 3481's request has been denied. Good for TRR! I hope that is the case, and the event managers just "aren't here to help 5's become 6's." Though, that is their prerogative.

-John

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

John,

Thanks for posting. This could be a good topic for a separate thread. How to get from 1 to 3, 3 to 5, and 5 to 10. What's the formula? Is there a formula? Can a team skip over some of the ranking steps?

Individual teams can achieve that, certainly. Regions have a harder time, especially when the regionals/Regionals are focused on the lower rankings because of the realities of the situation.

Before TRR began last season, how many years had it been since we've had an off season in Texas? Why did the off season stop? Why don't we have more off season events in Texas?

What's wrong with the event planners establishing the registration process in the manner that they see fit or that they envision? They are the ones who stepped up to fill the need for an off season in Texas and the use of practice 'bots as a second robot for a team is not a part of their plan this year.

I think your topic is a good one but I think TRR has the right to be the way it is, as decided by the event planning committee. One that I'm not a member of but that I try to support. (Please, don't anyone read anything into that statement and say I'm accusing them of not supporting TRR. That's not what I'm saying. But... I am saying that they set the rules, registration requirements, and process, and I'll support that and make my suggestions for future TRRs in the survey that will follow the event.)

To add, I think we've all heard enough from me. I'll try to stay off this thread and out of the discussion. Thanks for your patience.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Before someone beats me to it.
* - Unless you're from Michigan. :)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I've been very impressed with the level of play at the Texas regionals this year, especially Alamo and Lone Star. The depth of quality teams was high and these regionals were among the most competitive of 2012.

Many people and teams had a part in this, and TRR is a major part of the improvement. I have a big heart felt thank you to everyone that contirbuted last year and again this year. Your efforts are paying off.

As far as practice bots and multiple entries for the teams, I don't really have much of an opinion other than we should all be thankful and supportive of the sponsors of this competition. They are doiong a great job and have influenced dozens of teams!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I will repeat part of my response from yesterday evening: "the decision to only allow each team to register with just one robot had already been made in order to ensure that there are enough slots for all interested teams and potential pre-rookie teams." With regard to pre-rookies, our aim is to provide a supportive environment for these new, interested teams to get a head start with the help of veterans and perhaps place themselves in a more sustainable, successful position before the beginning of the official FIRST season... not simply to create new teams. While we have not yet officially reached capacity, based on all the interest we've received we won't be hungry for teams. The decision to allow one robot entry per team is final. It is entirely up to teams to decide whether or not they choose to participate because of that constraint.


With regard to my earlier comment as well, my apologies if my intentions were not clear. I said: "While TRR is not an invitation-only event, the hope is that we can build this competition up to eventually be much like IRI." I intended this to mean that we are trying to grow TRR to be an off-season competition that teams from all over are excited to attend, based on the quality and merits of the event. I think this is a fine and reasonable goal to set. We may not yet be at that level, but we aspire to grow and develop in that manner. As such, we always welcome constructive recommendations and feedback that we will consider and utilize in a way that will best match the values and goals of this event.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jess, 3481 Bronc Botz will help ANY pre-Rookie team get a working kit-bot ready for TRR _IF_ they make the trek to our shop.

For those pre-Rookie's not in a position (time/funding) to have a kit-bot but would like to get some competition experience @ TRR we would offer our practice bot, but with 3481 students as Driver/Operator... I cannot risk a $3,100.00 (plus $3k-$4k in donated sheet-metal labor) machine on getting broke/damaged via inexperience. HECK, we break-it enough ourselves... ;-)

So, please pass my contact info on to any interested TRR pre-Rookie teams: 210-858-8575 / michaelblake@insurancelabs.com / www.broncbotz.com

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

EXACTLY, John. There's no "program" or group initiative in Texas for those who truly desire to get to all-around "Black Belt" level...

I know, even with acute desire and laser-like goals, we may never rise to the level of 148, 118, and 1477... but, our quest to get there SHOULD NOT be subordinated to someone else's "vision" of prioritizing our finite capacity/resources to elevating generic teams just for the sake of elevating generic teams...

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I agree with your sentiment and would be upset in a similar situation, but I think you've made your point clear, and Jess has made hers clear, and you made yours clear again, and she made hers clear again... so on.

Look for other events to attend that will allow multiple robots, and/or be content with a single robot for this event (or choose to not attend). We don't go to Calgames for that reasons as there are several other California events more reasonable priced that allow multiple entries.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Got it... I'll retire from this thread... THANKS, Adam!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Is there a reason you felt the need to call attention to 148 and point out they're only helping strengthen your region "to an extent"? If you asked teams in Ontario "which Texas team has most affected the growth and learning experience of your team?", the answer would most likely be a unanimous vote for 148. I'm not trying to "twist your words or turn them into something they are not" [sic], but I did find this call out, quite puzzling.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

This is the definition of a team who will accept help. I wish ALL my teams cared passionately about their own success. My experience with 6 rookies this past season is that there is no lack of help, but lack of teams who take advantage of it or admit they need it.

(Sorry to be off-topic.)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

It's funny, I didn't consider 148 a call out. In my opinion, again, 148 has done some work in Texas, directly, to help with the fast growth and sustainability issues that the region has faced in the past few years, since the Dallas Regional came into being. They have done superlative work at regionals, like the Alamo Regional, as far as trouble-shooting, problem solving, helping to get the teams up and working... at the regional. If I were to make a complete list of teams that have contributed to developing programs that help rookies, young teams, and struggling veterans teams, before they get to the regionals, I would have to include other teams that were excluded from that short list, including 2158, the ausTIN CANs, who have donated the space and team energies towards the development of TRR in Texas. It was not meant as a call out or a slight. 148 moves and competes on the global level, regarding competition for the Einstein glory. John's work and contributions with white papers, Championship conferences, and one-on-one behind the scenes mentoring with individuals and teams, impacts the FRC community.

There are some teams that have traveled to 148's facilities in the past few years and have been worked with and mentored by the team. The standard of excellence that 148 maintains impacts teams that pay attention and who learn about 148 via competing with or against them or by word of mouth or through videos, networking through Facebook, Chief Delphi, and other resources that I am unaware of.

What the team actually does to help with developing the program in Texas regarding sustainability and team development for the teams that are new and struggling, is not as evident as their other initiatives.

Michael Blake just said, "There's no "program" or group initiative in Texas for those who truly desire to get to all-around "Black Belt" level...." John talks about the strength ranking and getting past the 5. As an FRC World Champion in Texas, 148 is in a very small minority with those bragging rights. We have one WFA in Texas. Texas is a very big state and has had a boatload of new teams come into the program over the past few years. There are also good teams and there are strong teams. There are no other 148s around that are capable of helping Texas teams understand the value of an all-around "Black Belt" level or... how to get to that level, in my opinion.

I was coming in here to apologize about posting again and to encourage Michael Blake to look into starting such a program, gaining the support that he and the team would need from World Champions, CCAs, and WFAs. By working to do that, it would also bring in some of the Texas teams who are consistently competing well and bringing home the gold and recognition, and the teams who have succeeded in achieving a sustainable program. The 7s, 8s, and 9s.

I have great respect for 148 and for their contributions. I also have great respect for the teams in Texas who are working very hard to strengthen their areas/regions to help the teams reach 3s, 5s, 7s, and oh my gosh, wouldn't it be amazing... 10s.

If I've rambled, sorry, Karthik.

Jane

Edit: Meredith, you posted while I was writing. That post is not off topic. It's actually a good topic. I would say though, that not all teams are receptive to help or assistance.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

It seems to me the last sentence holds the flaw in this logic. These outreach programs and pre-rookie experiences are designed so that there will be no level 1 teams. Through the cameraderie and connections made through competitions, teams gain many resources more than the hunger that comes from winning and losing. They gain friends, associates, colleagues, possibly sponsors.

Events that treat teams evenly, regardless of veteran status or accolades, raise everybody up. Pre-rookies start as 3s and 4s, and together we rise. Perhaps some of these teams that start with a borrowed robot may create black-belt programs in the near future.

I am fortunate enough to be on the planning committee of an offseason event in October. We choose to focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere to those new to coopetitive robotics. In 2009, we had two pre-rookie teams play with borrowed "practice bots" - one of them now hosts their own annual VEX competition; the other became Rookie All-Stars. That team went on to help another team - whose first FRC experience came at our event - they became RAS as well. Another pre-rookie from 2010 - Rookie Inspiration, RAS, Regional Champs in their first year. This past year, we hosted three pre-rookies; two of them won Rookie Inspiration, one won Rookie All-Star, Regional Finalist, and Regional Winner.
I'm not arrogant enough to say our dog-and-pony show created these soon-to-be-pillar teams, but I think every experience is helpful. The more the merrier.

The TRR planning committee had a decision - should they allow one team the opportunity for more drive practice and experience, or should they allow a new team the opportunity to be inspired by the event. I feel they made the right choice.

Our team isn't as competitive as many of our neighbors on the playing field - we're getting there though. But the kids are still inspired, they still go on to postsecondary ed in STEM fields, they keep in touch and spread the mission of FIRST - that's better than a full trophy case.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Why assume a full trophy case and spreading the message of FIRST (mentoring rookies) are mutually exclusive? Team 16 supported 6 rookies this season and earned 5 banners - I am equally proud of both.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

You can replace my quote that you mentioned with the number "4" and the point remains the same. :)
Of course you realize I'm not just talking about loaning robots at off-season events anymore, right? I'm waaaaay off topic at this point.

-John

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Of course they are not exclusive; much like this year's game, balance is essential.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

In talking about FRC teams, I once heard a wise man named Andy say that you can't judge a team unless you understand what it's goals are. In my few years in FRC, I'm glad to see that teams with different goals can still come together in this community and share a greater sense of connectedness. I know my team is humbled by the amount of work chairman's award-winning teams (yes, we do scout teams based solely on awards) put into helping other teams, and while my team helps out other teams when asked, I feel like we as a team are focused on getting our own house in order before we feel confident enough to take other teams under our wing. While that may sound self-serving, it is rooted in the belief that our team still has much to learn and accomplish before we will feel capable of being able to help other teams on a deep and meaningful scale.

Our team has traveled to three out-of-state events over the past few years. We have learned a great deal about the greater FRC community, and made connections with teams that run the gamut of any scale you could put on calibre of program. This coming year we plan on going to all of the Texas regionals so that we can participate more in the local community, and so that we can deepen relationships with friends we've made on other teams from here in Texas. It is my hope that in doing so, 2789 will continue to grow strong enough to someday be able to help other teams, rookies, rebuilding teams, or otherwise. Last year, the TRR was a great growing experience for us, and we are definitely looking forward to this year's roundup!

I would also like to point out that teams like 148, 118, 1477 and 16 mentor and inspire 2789 without even knowing it by not making it easy for us to beat them. :-)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I like ice cream. If I walk into an ice cream store, I will choose one of my favorites to go into my waffle cone (or a cup, if I feel like it). Then, I may put a topping on it or I may not.

Each time someone else goes into the ice cream store with me, they never order the same thing I did. How can this be? I like ice cream, and so do they, but they don't like the same flavors! Aaaaah!

Also, there are times when the folks who run this ice cream store don't have the flavors I like. Can you believe that?!!! Although this really frustrates me, I get over this treachery and I still order something. After all, it is ice cream. I like ice cream.

Andy

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Andy Baker is my hero. I like ice cream too; mint chocolate chip to be exact.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Hi Andy!
I like ice cream too. I also like certain flavors more than others. Sometimes I like one flavor, other times I like other flavors. There are types of ice cream I really don't like (yes, not all ice cream appeals to me).

So the cool thing is, I'm part of this super-special ice cream club. A bunch of me and my ice cream liking friends get together and share our perspectives and opinions on ice cream. The result is, we work together to make BETTER ice cream!

Now, even after our club talks about it, sometimes there are flavors of ice cream I don't like. I don't eat these, and I just let the ice cream maker know I'm disappointed they don't have my flavor of ice cream. Sometimes the ice cream maker takes my feedback, sometimes they don't -- but at least they get to hear how I feel about the ice cream.

It is tough to make good ice cream without feedback from the ice cream community.

Ice cream is an iterative process. :)

-John

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

List of Registered Teams can now be found HERE




(I really like ice cream... yum. Darn you guys are making me hungry...)

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jess, what's the team count cap this year? Last year I believe it was 32?

THANKS!

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

The cap is set at 40 for veteran team registration; we are reserving an additional 2 slots for pre-rookies that are in the works. 26 teams have completed registration. I have received expressed interest from more teams than spots still left.

We are currently in the Early Registration period until May 25th. Regular Registration closes officially on June 29th, after which the event committee may accept additional teams on a wait list.

Last year the cap was set at 30 teams. 29 teams registered. Two backed out before the event due to circumstances out of their control, two were no-shows.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I feel like this should be on tshirts.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

When I'm eating ice cream with loved ones, one of my favorite things to do is to trade and share. Somewhere is a photograph that I think exemplifies summer. It's an empty bowl with about a half dozen spoons in it.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

What I don't get are the folks that keep pushing on the door to the ice cream shop when the door is clearly labeled, "PULL".

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I had no idea so many people like Ice Cream on CD.

Maybe those people should start an ice cream thread :ahh:

In the meantime, can we channel this discussion back to TRR ?

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Good luck to all the teams at this event.
I wish we could go, but the robot shipping logistics nightmare is just too much to worry about.
We intend to just do IRI the week before as we try to find possible alternatives to not having the same shipping company handle our robot just for that event.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

You will be missed. But I think you need to keep a little sanity. Traveling back and forth over 5 time zones have got to wear a person down.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Well, that is our loss. Seriously. I was really hoping you guys could make it to TRR. That would truly be amazing.

P.S. Good luck at IRI. Bring it.

Jane

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

I was really looking forward to getting a better look at you guys at TRR. I didn't get a chance to get a closer look at your robot at Lone Star. I did enjoy talking with one of your mentors and was hoping to speak you all again. Hopefully you guys can make it next year.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Jess,

I ran out of ice cream, so can you give us any new updates on the team list?

Thanks.

Re: 2012 Texas Robot Roundup
 

Sorry to keep you waiting on an update! Hopefully you found some more ice cream to hold you over! ;)

The current list of teams officially registered for Texas Robot Roundup 2012 can be found here: http://www.robotroundup.org/registered-teams
I update it with newly registered teams as soon as I have the opportunity to send out registration confirmations to those teams.

For your quick reference, here's the current list:

57 – Leopards (Washington HS & HS for Engineering Professions) – Houston, TX
118 – The Robonauts (Clear Creek ISD) – League City, TX
148 – Robowranglers (Greenville HS) – Greenville, TX
418 – Purple Haze (LASA) – Austin, TX
457 – Grease Monkeys (San Antonio HS) – San Antonio TX
624 – CRyptonite (Cinco Ranch HS) – Katy, TX
647 – Cyberwolves (Robert M. Shoemaker HS) – Killeen, TX
1296 – Full Metal Jackets (Rockwall HS) – Rockwall, TX
1429 – Team KAOS (Galena Park HS) – Galena Park, TX
1477 – Texas Torque (4-H Robotics) – The Woodlands, TX
2158 – ausTIN CANs (Anderson HS) – Austin, TX
2468 – Appreciate (Westlake HS) – Austin, TX
2583 – RoboWarriors (Westwood HS) – Austin, TX
2587 – DiscoBots (Lamar HS) – Houston, TX
2789 – TechXsplosion (Manor New Tech HS) – Manor, TX
2833 – Robo-Scorpions (Brownsville Early College HS) – Brownsville, TX
2881 – Lady Cans (Girl Scouts of Central Texas) – Austin, TX
2952 – Brackenbots (Brackenridge HS) – San Antonio, TX
3103 – Iron Plaid (Duchesne Academy) – Houston, TX
3320 – Miracles & Machines (Eastside Memorial HS) – Austin, TX
3481 – Bronc Botz (Brandeis HS) – San Antonio, TX
3676 – Warrior Robotics (Martin HS) – Arlington, TX
3679 – Rattlers (San Marcos HA) – Marcos, TX
3735 – Klein Bots (Klein ISD) – Klein, TX
3847 – Spectrum (St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit College Prep) – Houston, TX
3997 – Screaming Chickens (BSA Robotics Explorers Post 42) – San Antonio, TX
3999 – Shadetree Mechanics – Killeen,TX
4271 – Gladiators (Reagan HS) – Austin, TX
4282 – Cowboys (Gladys Porter HS) – Brownsville, TX


Just a reminder: FRIDAY is the last day teams may sign up for TRR during Early Registration and pay the Early Registration fee of $200. (NOTE: your check does not need to be received by Friday. You simply need to register and get it out in the mail as soon as possible to take advantage of the reduced cost.) After Friday, the registration goes up to $250.