[Matt Krass]

Originally Posted by The Lucas

I actually like this idea as an off season experiment. The major uncertainty here is not robot improvement but regression due to a driver change. This is probably not as big of an impact as on the lower tier, so here is my suggestion:


-Hold an off season competition, cap the registration at a multiple of 6 teams
-Have a selection committee identify the lower third tier of robots, using stats and elimination draft postion.
-That lower third is notified a week before the competition that they are alliance captain than they need to make a pick list. Scouting data is shared with them.
-First thing we hold a draft where those team pick their 2 partners is serpentine fashion. No inter picking, no declines.
-One Practice round per alliance.
-Round robin play between alliances to determine seeding. Depending on the size of the bracket & number of alliances, you could eliminate the lower seeds from the elim bracket. Although, instead of excluding the lower seed alliances I prefer single elim play in games for the lower seed to get into the bracket.
-Play the elim bracket out as best of 3 series (outside of play in games), and crown a champion.

I like off season experiments they are interesting beyond the same old game. It requires more work as an organizer, but it may be more fun. I also like the role reversal with those teams the didn't make elims as an alliance captain with a week to make a pick list. It would be interesting.

I think that would be pretty awesome, and a good experiment. Maybe we can convince some of the offseasons in the northeast to take up this idea, so I can see it first hand.

I like your idea of putting the lower third in the captains position to pick their teams, this would help keep the alliances balanced (no dominating powerhouses) and could be very good for those teams to work with the 'better' (I use the term very loosely) teams for their personal growth.

Matt