[DougHogg]

Originally posted by Mr. Van
I posted this in the terribly long "Fixing Matches" thread. I think it might be of some use here...

Its the RULES, not the Players

Hello All-

So here is my take on the situation:

I honestly do not believe that very many FIRST teams participated in "agreements" with the intention of "cheating", "making up for their robot's shortcomings" or "knocking teams down in the seeding ranks".

I believe that most teams who participated in "agreements" felt that they were executing a strategy that was within the rules and perhaps even encouraged by the rules. Perhaps even being an example of adversaries working together as is often supported by FIRST.

The problem is that not all teams have interpreted the rules in this way. The solution is to clarify the rules. Since "official" FIRST responses have been somewhat vague, I suggest the following:

At each regional to come, announce a meeting of ADULT COACHES on THURSDAY (perhaps at lunch, or after the last practice round) to discus (briefly) and ultimately agree on the "opposing alliance agreement issue". Take a vote if necessary, but I feel confident that if we consider what we are doing and WHY we are doing it, people at each regional can come to an agreement before the next match is played.

Level the playing field again, help each other, celebrate what we've learned and get back to what FIRST is all about.

-Mr. Van
Coach, Team 599
RoboDox

I agree. I will look for you at the S. Calif. Regional to discuss it. If we are all playing by the same rules, the disagreements on this issue will fade away, harmony will rein, and we will all enjoy the competitions to the fullest.

Originally posted by A. Snodgrass
No offence meant to you mr van but Im not sure this was the appropriate thread for that post....
While a valid point I think that issue needs to be first looked at by EACH TEAM INDIVIDUALLY.
one of the regional advisors has already commented on the rule and FIRST's approach to it.

Actually I remember a post that had words like "discussion", "diplomacy", and "consensus" and phrases like "teams making decisions".

See this link (it should work now).