Well, I personally think a huge factor as to why Team 610 did pretty well as a rookie team last year was because of the nature of the game. I'm just speaking from reading the rules and comparing the games from last year to this year. This year, the game is more physical (as in lots of contact). What I'm afraid of is that many of the Canadian rookie team's robot might get bashed to pieces and never even make it to Florida (if they are going at all). Last year, the game wasn't as much contact and thus, robots were generally in good shape when they arrived in Florida.

For example, our robot actually totally disabled another robot during the recent practice competition. It was an accident. We almost destroyed their control system and their drive system as well.

Having their robots bashed and killed the first year they get into FIRST isn't exactly a nice welcoming. Some teams might back off and give up the next year because they feel that they can't win. I dunno, I'm just a little afraid ....

Canadian Teams
 

Wolfe
I'm from an american team in New Jersey and I have to say that new teams don't do as well as veterans, but there is hope. I have seen rookies do quite well in their first year. Our team will be at the Toronto Regional. If you guys need help with anything we'd be glad to assist you.

Pictures
 

SSwaszek,

Can you post a picture of your robot?

I dont have any pictures of my robot, but I'll try to get some. I can describe it though. It has a lot of rollers going up at an angle. We believe we can hold about 10-14 balls easily and roll them up into the goal. It is quick and very manuverable. We have a miniature robot that comes out of the bottom of the robot to go and reach the endzone ( I hope the judge doesn't declare it as entaglement). And we have a goal hook on the back. I'll try real hard to post a picture.