Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
Phil,
I really hate the performance part of the award. For so many years we have been told 'it is not about the robot', but now it really is. As a judge we bypassed some teams who were having a bad day at the table. In an attempt to let everyone on the team at the table, these great teams had some issues with inexperienced drivers. Teams who played very well at the regional level also fell apart at the state level.
|
I think clearly it IS about the robot, just not just ALL about the robot.
I don't want advancement to be JUST the robot game, but why is the concrete result of all that effort thrown away.
Science and Technology is about producing results, not just about putting in the effort. We are trying to instill the concept of work hard, produce great things and it will be incredibly rewarding.
I know every event and team is different. We have kids of all grades. We all have good days and bad. On my team, everyone always works the table every time. We always work for the best project we can, work hard for the technical presentation and core values.
We strive to be the best in every category.... so WHY is the robot score thown away.
When kids leave the judging rooms they all think they did great, but we know that's very subjective. However when they see their table score at the top of the list, there is no doubt in anyone's mind.... yet, that score doesn't amount to a hill of beans for advancing to worlds.
I just don't want the message to change from "It's not just about the robot" to "Don't worry about the robot, it's good enough."
Side question...
Does your dislike of the performance part of the award extend to FRC? I know Wild Stang is a world class team so maybe it wouldn't matter to them, but do you think the regionals be the same if ONLY the Chairmans and EI teams went on to worlds?
Phil.