Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

I agree with the many who feel that there is way to much to do to have downtime, however, I think there is also an important fact that is overlooked:

Some members on FIRST teams don't "get" it yet.

This isn't their fault (or a fault at all), however, if a person is new to FIRST, competitions can just go by in a boring blur. What should be noticed? What can be learned?
Perhaps a solution would be having a mentor or active parent who is more aware of all the opportunities of a competition lead a "guided tour" on the first day and point out all the unique, extraordinary, or just plain cool ideas that other teams have pursued. Enthusiasm must occasionally be instilled by someone who is already excited.

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

If you want to fill up your free time just take up programming, everytime there is a problem or something that needs to be tweaked it is your fault and your job (even when the drve team is using the wrong joysticks)

There is always something to do, if all else fails just go watch matches and write down what you see, who is good , who is bad, it will help alot when the scouting team is trying to figure out "who has the bot with the balls on the arm".

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

downtime what downtime...i really never had downtime my entire time in FRC yet...but if I had the time i would meeting up with friends i've met from other states and going around and trying to learn like everyone else has said.
and championships going to some those workshops..a lot of them i've heard are really great and all.
also not only walking around to learn but to see if any team needs help.

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

Cheer for everyone else that IS competing that match. Go to other teams and challenge them to some spirited cheering. If your team is one of those who doesn't do much cheering, go find one that is cheering and sit with them (I've done it) - they are having fun and you will, too! Visit the pits and observe the other robots, make notes on the pit displays. Read their "judges information" - you will get lots of ideas of how your team can improve by reading about what other teams are doing. If they are a veteran team you admire, ask if they are competing in the Chairman's Award process and ask to look at a copy of their submission. If you are a mentor, organize a lunchtime meeting of other mentors. or whatever role you play on the team. Check out the mascot costumes to figure out how to make one for your team.

Your experience is whatever you choose to make it. Choose to be bored and sleep? Your choice. Just don't let me see you do it, or I'll give you the lecture that my former team members have heard from me before... I didn't spend all that time, all that money, and all my vacation days to come to this event to watch you sleep through it. This is what you've worked so hard for. Don't miss a second of it!

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

last year, #340 had around 50 students. during the day we cheered and watched and fixed the robot when it broke down. at night we would always find something to do. we normally would go out to a restaurant that we reserved for 60+ people (including mentors). after eating, i recall going bowling some nights, and other nights just chilling at the hotel. we would go swimming watch the day's matches on video. that is what we would do. it kept us busy most of the time.

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

At competitions We don't have a ton of downtime but during lunch when the majority is out and around eating we enjoy hacky sack.

Most of our downtime is during build season while we are waiting in the hall for the advisor's to come open the door to the room. so if it is too cold outside to play in the parking lot luckily there is a kind of cul-de-sac in the hallway where there is room to fit 5 people comfortably playing the official game of 204 Hacky sack.

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

Thank you for all the suggestions so far, they have all been really helpful. I think Conor was referring to the new members. Team 1403 went from 20 active members last year to over 70 active members this year. We assign them roles at the competition, but its hard to find new things for a team that large to do. Cheering is always an option and those of you who went to Brunswick Eruption know how spirited 1403 was :cool: . The problem with playing with the hacky or ultimate frisbee is that much like FIRST its hard to stop and its easy to lose track of time :p . We are trying new methods at every competition, and we are starting to find our way in terms of management. We just wanted to know if anyone had any more suggestions for us to try out. Thanks a bunch!

GO 1403!!!

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

What i have been trying to convince my team to do since my freshman year but they don't seem interested but ill open it up to everyone now is have a wireless lan party in the stadium. Many teams bring laptops so you burn a lot of demos of a popular multi player game such as an fps or a rts. You might want to set it up for a specific time in a specific area so people don't suffer from weak signal.

playing an rts or a game like counter strike helps build inter team relationships, keeps the kids in the stadium, and keeps them thinking and adapting to new strategies

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

Im fairly certain that there's a rule against setting up and operating your own wireless network. You might want to check the "at the competition" section of the rulebook to be sure.

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

what do i do during freetime?? hey there is alot of loud techno so...
I DANCE!!!!!!!!!!!

anykind will do, even the numa numa dance....

besides dancing there is always heckeling the drive team to make sure they can take the pressure and sniffing for wifi so i can get the latest ctrl-alt-del

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

What no one seems to have posted yet filled up a ton of downtime for our team last year....BUTTON COLLECTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :]

Re: Downtime at Competition?
 

Mostly my team scouts other teams. But we still sneak in some time to play hacky sack.