Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Congratulations to all FIRST teams in Minnesota! This bodes well for all of us!

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/index.asp

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Lets not forget to also thank those responsible for this! The amazing growth of Minnesota teams over the past 6 years wouldn't be possible without all the amazing work and support put in by FIRST employees and volunteers here to match sponsors with schools and spread the word of FIRST throughout the state. Those same individuals brought us the "Double Regional" mentioned in the article, and this past year a third regional in the state (Duluth) - making us one of 4 states with that many regionals this past year. Now they bring us a State Championship...

Personally, I'll love having the chance to be up against the best in the state. All too often a team will go to one of the regionals and do well... without knowing how teams are doing across the street in the other regional. In fact, some teams in the state have likely never seen each other in a regional! I'm incredibly hopeful this will help pull the state-wide FIRST community even closer together.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Congrats to Minnesota. How does this news affect teams from out of state who want to travel to regional events in Minnesota? Will there still be regionals, or is the state moving to a Michigan like district system?

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I don't know many details, but I we aren't going to a district model (our state tournament will be after the world Championship unlike Michigans). I think that the MN regionals will somehow be used to determine which MN teams go to the tournament, but will stay about the same for registration and qualification for Championships in St. Louis.

Of course, I could be wrong, so if someone knows more than me, let me know because I'm kind of wondering too. Does anyone know if we are going to be under the MSHSL rules(meeting times, fundraising, etc)?

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I'm excited to see what changes this brings to regionals and other competitions in Minnesota.

A huge thank you to the entire MN FIRST team for the work they put into this!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I am intrigued as well to see what does actually change and see this "state championship"

Because of the nature of FIRST I am sorta confused how much MSHSL can actually do without interfering besides promoting.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

While I am very excited, I am also very reserved in expressing excitement because of the perceived threat to the open innovation and red-tape-free environment the teams have been able to grow under. I am very glad MSHSL is recognizing FIRST, but I hope that the red tape they throw for the athletic departments will not be applied to FIRST as it will add a lot more headache to strapped teams in Minnesota

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Well Done

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

From what I've heard (which could change at any time), it won't affect out of state teams at all. Regionals will operate the same as they always have. The only difference is Minnesota teams will earn "points" based on some criteria, and the top X teams in points make it into the State Championship.

What red tape are you worried about? I didn't grow up in Minnesota, so I don't really have experience with MN athletics...

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

This is exactly what has made me wary. I participated in 3 MSHSL sports in high school (Cross Country, Track and Field, Nordic Skiing), and I can attest to the ridiculous rules and regulations that have been instituted just because there are people who will take advantage of the situation because they are so crazy about the sport. The blunt way I like to say it is "stupid rules are for stupid people." But unfortunately this doesn't exempt the rest of us from having to follow, and quite frankly they would not be conducive to the growth of a program.

I think FIRST is blessed by a relative lack of these kinds of "stupid people" due to the competition model, culture, ethos, etc., so we hopefully don't have much to worry about here. Also, I get the feeling that robotics will be treated more like band, choir, debate, theatre, and other non-athletic extracurriculars, because no matter how much FIRST tries to mimic the sports model, robotics is not a sport.

From what I've heard, the MSHSL will be pushing for more support of the mentors/teachers heading the school teams (i.e. stipends), and will also be sponsoring/organizing this "State Championship" event, which I'm looking at as the first large, permanent off season event in Minnesota. (We've had others in the past, but they've moved around, the dates are usually different, and there hasn't been as much manpower behind the organization of them). I'm mostly just wary of the extra bureaucracy we'll have to deal with.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Congrats to all the teams in Minnesota.

I gotta agree with Kehun, while this is a fantastic oppurtunity, hopefully more red-tape doesn't get added.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

This is what I have heard as well, this information of course being limited. Talking to the instructor and administrators at the school district I mentor for I know that MSHSL provides stipends for sports, and other activities. So one could rightfully assume that it would do the same for a Robotics Team. Although I believe that MSHSL will charge an entry fee for students to join the program at their high school, at least when I was in band that is what happened.

I wonder if this also means that super-seniors will no longer be allowed to participate in the program, I believe that is a MSHSL policy. They don't want those robotics nerds cheating by sticking around an extra year ;)

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

While I see the concern for red tape, etc; I can also see it from the perspective of someone who was on an early MN FIRST team. We had huge struggles with our school district to be recognized as a legitimate student organization, I was called into the principal's office for violating the school attendance policy (the only classes I missed were due to illness or competition travel), and a wonderful veteran FIRSTer friend of the team ended up calling our school superintendent to try and impress upon him that FIRST was actually worthwhile.

Fast forward to today... this recognition will help these teams with the support offered by the MSHSL, show administrators the legitimacy of FIRST, allow for friendly competition within the state, and hopefully better support the teacher/mentors who help the teams so much!

Congratulations!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

The sponsored idea for a state championship in the offseason has been thrown around since the double regional wrapped up, and from what I know of the plan that was written up then is that the team's first regional in MN would be given points ranking similar to Michigan's system but with less emphasis on awards and more points given to seeding. Then, the top 30 or so teams would be invited to an event in the off season that would be held over 1 or 2 days to determine the state champions.

Do note that the plan could be completely changed between now and next season.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

From what I have heard, FIRST will be handled similarly to marching band, dance, concert band, orchestra, choir, and drama; all of which are MSHSL-sanctioned activities.

Most of these are not as restricted as the MSHSL sports are. They are in a different class of MSHSL activities with different regulations. I am not sure exactly what the differences are, but I never felt as though the league hampered any of the other activities at all.

EDIT- You can find the fine arts rules and regulations here on their website.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

The inaugural Minnesota State High School Robotics tournament is this weekend. You can see the press release here:

http://www.mshsl.org/mshsl/arts/12_RORelease.pdf

For the record, our team doesn't consider this an 'off season' event. It is the final event of the regular season. Considering we have been required to keep our bot in the bag (except for 8 hours) since our last competition, I think this is definitely in-season.

Some differences from regionals:

Top 24 teams by point system at their first FIRST regional (28 this year due to ties)
One day event, 10 qualification rounds, only semis and finals in elims.
Abbreviated inspection process (due to time constraints, mostly)
$5 admission for the public, unfortunately ($3 student)
I suspect the program will be for sale as well and not free.
No free parking for volunteers.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Don't expect the inspection process to be too abbreviated! We'll have 2 hours to get through all the robots, and 1 inspector for every 2 robots. Even with a full inspection process, it shouldn't be a problem! Plus, there's going to be 4 LRI's at the event, so nothing should be getting past us :)

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I am so exited for this weekend! I am bringing a bunch of members from 2470 even though we are not competing, we want to show our support for FIRST and our sister/brother team #3081. I look forward to seeing the Minnesota FIRST community there.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Will the event be webcast?

Are there any changes being made to the FMS to better diagnose communication errors?

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

<sarcasm on > Jon, I was hoping all the other teams would try to bring in illegal robots and be disqualified so we could win! You are messing with my evil plan <sarcasm off>

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I don't know if it will be webcast, but I will be doing my best to be sure that all the elim matches are recorded from both ends of the court with cameras shooting thru the 3-point baskets so you can see ALL the action. Example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPOoPb2Qk3g

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I recieved an email earlier about needed additional camera crew for the final matches, so I am going to assume it will be on a local television station. Hopefully they will do a webcast as well. If not I'll find some free time this summer to parse through the recordings from whatever station, and upload the matches to youtube.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

It will be webcast on http://www.prep45.com

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Anyone else have the webcast go back to the beginning of the elimination matches in the middle of the first final match?

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

They were replaying 10,000 Lakes during the break.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

That makes sense thanks, came in the middle.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Congrats to 2169, 2508 and 3883 on winning the first FIRST Robotics MSHSL State Championship!

Also congrats to 3081, 2232 and 3747 on placing second!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Does anyone have Yoji's Top 10 from right before elims?

Also in one qualifier match, a human player (2470?) made three cross court shots for 7 points. Probably the best human player performance this year, period. If the video for this is anywhere do post it

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I am sorry to announce this but.....
Team 2470 Had no pit or bot at the competition XD

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

It's been a long day.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

There were no changes, but I am very happy to report that there were no (apparent) communication issues during matches.

This was definitely one of the highlights of the day! I almost didn't believe my own eyes when I saw that. Truly remarkable.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

As Camren said, this totally was not us. But is an understandable mistake, as multiple times throughout the day the Kennedy team(3081) was announced as the Jefferson team(2470).

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I probably have video from the basket cams, however, during the later part of the qualification rounds, I only have it from one end of the court. If you can tell me more about who else was playing bumper color, etc. that would help.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Does anyone have the match schedule for the day?

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

As the MNC event had the full FMS, it tweeted match results using #FRCMNC. If someone could scrape this, it would be great.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Easter Egg of the tournament

The field had to be Archimedes because of the 3081 sticker on blue 1's driver station.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I think that was 2450, from Cretin Durham.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Second that!

The winners had a great strategy, we had absolutely nothing to shoot. KING TeC's shooter never missed either, which didn't help our cause. :) That was fun to watch.

It was great playing against y'all and congratulations to a great winning alliance. Also, a big thank you to all the coordinators, volunteers, and teams that made this a great event!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I think it was around 10:30 or 11:00, if I remember right. It's hard to remember though... time tends to get a little warped at these things :) They were scoring on the red baskets (Those were the ones on the right, if you were sitting in the stands, right?), the kid was 3/6 in that match, and the other 3 were all within a foot of a basket. Truly amazing!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I had the extreme pleasure of being at the first ever State High School Championship in Minnesota this past weekend. Robotics is now recognized as an official high school sport and it was announced that students in Minnesota can letter in robotics. The letter design having been chosen from designs submitted by teams. Congratulations to all who attended this event, you are a big part of FIRST history.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I found the video.. I'll put it up on YouTube later when I have a chance... It was match 13, Red: 2450, 3840, 2825 vs. Blue 3277 2883 2169 Score

The Red bots actually scored zero in this match, all points were scored by the human player... 2 + 2 + 3. The last shot (the 3 pointer) was thrown before the buzzer, but didn't get to the basket until after the buzzer -- I think that still counts as scores are possible until 5 seconds after the buzzer. I remember seeing that buzzer beater shot live, but I missed the preceding two 2 pointers.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

During semi-finals match 4, there was a somewhat controversial call regarding balancing on the bridge... Initially I thought the wrong call was made (I saw it up close) and was fairly "disappointed", but after thinking about it for a while, I realized it was a good call, which conformed to the rules and Q&A. It was an extremely close call.

Many thanks to Dick Gillespie, the head ref for the great job he does at Minnesota regional and state tournament competitions.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Thanks. I didn’t think this strategy would work that well but hearing it form you i guess we did our part. I was driver of team 3883. It was different playing defense when before all we did was offence. Never going over to the other side for anything, literally I don’t think we ever went over to the opposing side in either regional until state. You guys put up a great fight for the champs! And again thanks to all who help make this event happen!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I have that match on video, and I have the entire balancing sequence for Red Alliance from the right media box. I'll upload it when I get the chance.

Also thanks to Dick Gillespie for being the head ref at all the Minnesota events I attended this year!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I had a great time at the MSHSL this past weekend. The drive in the truck was a bit long, but it was worth it. A big thanks goes out to the all star Minnesota field crew. You guys were great!

I went ahead and posted the Tournament Bracket, Elimination Results, and Final Qualification Rankings on our website in case you guys wanted to take a look at them. The links are below:

http://files.andymark.com/MSHSL+Elimination+Bracket.pdf
http://files.andymark.com/MSHSL+Elim...ch+Results.pdf
http://files.andymark.com/MSHSL+Qual...n+Rankings.pdf

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Top 10 reasons why all high school students should be on a First Robotics Team:

10. You get to wear safety glasses... all the time.

9. It's the best never-go-to-sleep excuse. But Mom, I ONLY have 6 weeks to build a robot.

8. You know Rule G26 and you aren't afraid to use it.

7. Your interactions with mentors makes you feel like that adults are actually interesting, fun and inspirational people.

6. You know that "Chief Delphi" is not a native American.

5. You know that Woodie Flowers is neither wood.. nor a flower.

4. You can work on your simple math skills by ocounting down to Kickoff 2013 (226 days until Jan 5th)

3. When asked what you want to wear to prom, you reply "Blue jeans and a blue jeans shirt"

2. You get to show every new student in school your latest robot, CAD drawings, programming code, workshop, business plan and website as you successfully recruit them to your First Robotics Team!

1. Its the hardest fun you'll ever have!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Actually, the field had been Newton this year at Champs.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Really? That's an interesting piece of information because if blue 1 driver station had a 3081 sticker that they placed their at champs that means it must be a hybrid? unless one of our media team had stuck it on their?

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

I Would like to thank team 2169 and team 3883 for a great alliance. Also to the teams we faced I would also like to thank you guys for putting up great matches and making it a fun and rather tense state tournament. Now we are starting to make all the other sports teams at our school look bad:D

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

A slight correction to #7 - "Your interactions with mentors makes you realize that adults are actually interesting, fun and inspirational people."

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Team 2508 - you are very welcome. It was our pleasure and honor to team up with you and 2169. It was very nerve racking when your chain slipped off on the ramp and we tipped you guys over :eek:

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Video here: http://youtu.be/OvDPNQbLtyY

Also, watch the ref on the near left side at 0:47. A ball leaves the court, bouncing off the railing on the far side, and he returns it to the court, bouncing it off the railing in almost the exact same location.


Edit: Oops, something got messed up in the translation to YouTube... It doesn't look anything like it is supposed to for me.
Edit: I think it is fixed now.

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

Yes, this is it! The greatest human performance of 2012, if not years!

Re: Minnesota FIRST Robotics accepted into MSHSL
 

You can find my video here.

http://youtu.be/x2KE2Kihon0

edit* it is fully uploaded now