|
rigging
Ah, I see your point. I would agree that "rigging" a match, where the outcome is pre-determined is definitely against the spirit of the game.
If opponents agree, however, not to knock each other's stacks over (for example) and still compete as hard as possible (to get on the HDPE, push boxes into scoring zones, etc.) it seems to me that they are simply using the rules of the game for the benefit of all.
Consider the following analogy: Runners are competing in a race. There are several heats and the 8 best times of all the heats are going to be eligible for a final race. The rules of the race allow for runners to elbow, trip and push each other. Someone realizes that if runners do not engage in elbowing, tripping or pushing, they will have a better time.
Should they make the suggestion to other runners in the race?
If they do, will they be able to trust the other runners who agree with them?
Should a rule be made stating that you must push, elbow and trip? That you can not push, elbow or trip?
These are only some of the questions brought up by FIRST's unique scoring system. (Another is in elimination rounds when it is an advantage to lose with as few points as possible. That system makes the finals really a "best of 1" for each round!)
If teams decide that "agreements" are "non-graciously professional" scores will be very low in upcoming regionals and at nationals and it will be a very, very, very rare stacking robot that will be effective against a "stack knocker". If on the other hand, teams decide that using whatever is within the rules to maximize QPs, then stacking robots have a chance and scores will go up.
In Sacramento, the students on our team decided that they would try to maximize QPs by not knocking down human player stacks. Sometimes this worked wonders - other times stacks were knocked over and scores were low. In every case, the driver/operators/strategists competed hard and I believe the team learned something about trust and competition - which is part of what FIRST is all about.
I would like to know what others think... Perhaps we should start a new thread somewhere else?
-Mr. Van
Coach, Team 599
RoboDox
|