Re: Why only one ball?
 

I understand that the pedestal will not light up until the last ball used during autonomous goes through the goal. That will allow only one ball after the 3 or less balls used during autonomous goes through the goal. What says that the ball cannot score in the goals. A CYCLE is defined as first starting from a lite pedestal, however that is for scoring ASSISTS. Does the manual every say that if you put those balls used during autonomous through the goals that they wouldn't score in the 10 point or 1 point goal during TELEOP?

Re: Why only one ball?
 

I think I found the answer to my own question reading with more intent.



3.1.4
Points are awarded once per CYCLE for BALLS SCORED by ROBOTS in the GOALS, BALLS SCORED by ROBOTS over the TRUSS, and for each ROBOT CATCH. Additional points are credited to an ALLIANCE upon each GOAL based on the number of ASSISTS earned by the ALLIANCE for that CYCLE.

A CYCLE is the series of events that recur regularly, and each CYCLE begins with an ALLIANCE member retrieving their BALL from their lit PEDESTAL and ends when the BALL is SCORED in a GOAL. Major events in a CYCLE are depicted in Figure 3-1.



Finding this bit of information about balls used in autonomous not being score is interesting. Teams will need to be very strategic about balls in play.

Re: Why only one ball?
 

The point of having one ball is to add emphasis on teamwork.
With only one ball, you have to work with your alliance members.

Re: Why only one ball?
 

Precisely. Lets say we had 3 balls in play. If all 3 robots could score, that's WAY faster than trying to get a 2 assist truss cycle, and you get the same points. Cycles and speed of them will be important. I'm expecting minimum 3 2-assist cycles for a decent alliance, and I wouldn't be surprised to see upwards of 4 or 5 2-assist cycles for a very good alliance (I would put a 3-assist truss catch cycle at 3-per-game for a very good alliance)

Re: Why only one ball?
 

... and this is WHY there is only 1 ball. It forces teamwork (which I believe is a good thing).

Cycles and speed are very important, but in this game strategy and teamwork will determine winners far more than just machine design.

Re: Why only one ball?
 

I think the reason there is only one ball is to level the playing field.

By only having one ball it prevents one stellar robot from dominating the competition all through qualifications. A team of 3 average bots can overcome the one by using a little bit of teamwork. Therefore, the great bot will need even better teamwork if they want to win. They can't do it by themselves.

In a sense, this teaches us we can't do it alone, but we need to use those around us to succeed.