Quote:
Originally Posted by Warlord
Well, let me elaborate a bit more.
Essentially, I can play the game myself.
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Not to be a nay-saying-nay-bob-of-negitivity, but the reason you're getting a negative reaction is because you're opening with cocky lines like this.
And one of the things that I believe is that a driver should not be that cocky. If literature has taught me anything, it's that hubris can take down anyone. And I believe that it applies to drivers. I understand that drivers should walk the fine line between "listening to" and "just knowing" what to do, but if a driver thinks they don't need a coach, I don't want them touching the controls. That attitude tells me that they can't work with others and they believe that their opinion is best. Yes, this also requires that a team has an optimal drive coach, but we're talking about an ideal world.
However, I do understand that you mean to say you don't need the mundane instructions "go straight, turn left, pick up tube". So you're point isn't just going over my head.
SIDE NOTE:
Those who say the best driver shouldn't need a coach, I disagree. In my mind, your three driving positions -sans human player- should focus thusly:
-Robot Base (or "Primary Driver") should only be aware of where the wheels are taking the robot. Their attention should only be on the components they control, and the immediate surroundings of said components.
- Manipulator (or "Auxillery" or "Secondary" Driver) should only be focusing on their manipulator in relation to the robot/game pieces etc at all times. They should only be aware of actions pertaining to what they control. The secondary and primary shouldn't be able to tell you much (if any) of the match outside of actions pertaining to their controllers.
- The Drive Coach should be aware of the entire match. They need to know everything else that is going on so that the Primary and Secondary can focus solely on the components they control. The drive coach shouldn't look at the robot; the drivers already have that covered.
All three should communicate what they know so that the others can adjust accordingly. The drive coach should be able to give a report on what happened in the match, the drivers should not.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Warlord
Essentially, I can play the game myself.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by akoscielski3
For the next two years the drivers are me and another person, period. The reason is becasue we both work great together, we are EXCELENT drivers and are always the people working on the robot.
We know that we are good drivers because...
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This is me taking this personally: I'm sick of drivers telling me that they are THE BEST driver ever. Just because you are good now doesn't mean that you will be the driver for the next two years. Someone better can (and will) come along. When you assume you will be driver, you're killing morale and annoying your teammates. </end rant>
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian Curtis
So, let's say next year you get a very dedicated freshman, there every day of the season, contributes to the best of his/her ability, knows the robot well, has lots of R/C experience and is clearly a very qualified driver. Are you willing to give that person a shot at driving?
It's easy to discount the seniority card when you don't have it, and very easy to use when you do.  |
Driving is half-reward, have skill in my mind. Driving is also a "glamorous" job. I know there is a lot of pressure and work that goes into it: I was there once. But for some, driving is the be-all-end-all; it's the coolest thing you could do. I don't feel as though I need to argue that point. And because of that, I'd be hesitant to give it to a rookie.
As Dean always says "You get what you celebrate". I understand the kid put in the hours and was dedicated (thus celebrating hard work), but you're also telling your students that longevity isn't important. If all of the older kids aren't giving it the time, then give the kid the sticks... But if you have dedicated students who are older but with reasonably less skill, I would argue the veteran students should get it. They've invested a lot of their time into the program and team and should get some sort of reward for it (the satisfaction of a job well done doesn't always cut it).
But I get torn, because this is a competition, not just a show. And you want the best people out there. At the same time, we're dealing with people and we have to treat them like such.