Rookies
 

So...the Championship's over...does that mean we're no longer rookies? :)

Seriously, when are rookies not considered rookies anymore? Now, or not until next season starts? I was wondering about this earlier. What do you guys think, or is there an official distinction?

Re: Rookies
 

I think right when championships ends, because you have experienced competition, either regional and/or nationals. Welcome to the veteran side.

Re: Rookies
 

So, now can we be considered tried and tested veterans? :p

Re: Rookies
 

Not until the next rookies come along. Remember, this is still new to you guys!

Re: Rookies
 

it's tough to decide. we need some median term for the rookies of this past season. maybe "new veterans".

Re: Rookies
 

As soon as the Championships are over you are no longer a rookie, you are experienced, once next years new teams sign up then you are veterans.
just my 2 cents

Re: Rookies
 

Back in my day, Dean would always congratulate the rookies at the closing ceremonies during Nationals. In case you missed it, I'll do it for you.

Congratulations to all of the new teams this year. You are no longer rookies. Welcome to the FIRST family of veteran teams. Now my homework for you guys is to go out and get the people in your areas interested in FIRST.

:D

<edit> Bah, Kyle! You beat me to it! </edit>

Re: Rookies
 

personally.. our team stoped considering ourselves rookies once we got to the semi finals in great lakes and got highest rookie seed and all-star :D

so i would have to say.. . once you become a 'picker' .. your stepping into the realm of veterans :D

ty jake

Re: Rookies
 

For me, you are no longer a rookie when you have played your first match in the Championship arena. Sometime Friday morning you crossed over, congratulations!

Re: Rookies
 

That one only works if you qualify for Championship your first year. ;) As of our wrap banquet this year, I will stop referring to our group as rookies.

Re: Rookies
 

When you realize the spirit of FIRST, embrace it fully, and do everything in your power to cheer for and aid every single first team in the competition, you are no longer a rookie. When the students on your rookie team ignore the latest football game for the new episode of Nova, you're no longer a rooker. When you fall asleep and dream of gears pwm cables and truly believe that the IFI controller challenges the greatest Monet, you are no longer a rookie.

Congratulations to the rookies this year, btw. I was VERY impressed with not only your robots but with your spirits - I met teams that had spirits rivaling teams of 7 years, even when they fell into last place.

And don't believe for a second that your age diminished any respect we hold for you, rookies. With each induction of a mind into our program so too does creative ideas come. So too does the quality of the program improve.

Re: Rookies
 

Once you have completed your Official Competitions, then you are no longer rookies. At post-Championship Off-Season comps you may still be first-year teams, but no longer "rookies". You've been through the grinder already and you have survived as a team! Give yourself a great big pat on the back!

Now, next year, since you will enter the competition as "seasoned veteran teams", we will expect to see top-notch scouting, world-class spirit, record-breaking pit crew, comp team par excellence, and mentoring at least two or three new rookie teams just like all the veterans this year did! :D

You only THINK you've finished for the year; you'll find that at FIRST the year is never finished!

Re: Rookies
 

But for some of us (you've seen me post this before) we are still rookies and still learning our lessons - we consider ourselves entering our seventh rookie season. After six year's of being a rookie team - we kind of like it.

Re: Rookies
 

And some of us keep trying to start new rookie teams and joining them. w00t to the possibility of my third straight rookie season! I'll get that Allstar one of these days! :p

Re: Rookies
 

all things considered, woohoo! (my highly scientific analysis)

it feels good not to be a true rookie anymore, and to know that the whole process really is possible, despite what it might seem like sometimes

the relief of being done has worn off, i now miss spending 20+ hours a week in a room with no windows. hehe.