okay, anyway, getting back on topic..

We use scouting to know as much as we possibly can about our alliances and opponents during qualifying. That decides how we'll play the match out to use everything we have. It also let's you know how reliable your alliance partner will be. (Watching the rounds scouting)
We also have scouts in the pits, finding out about the functions (and then they can watch and see if they are used), and how strong the drive train will be.

Then, come eliminations, the scouts and drive team can compile a list of the team's they think we would work well with. An important part of the alliance is if they compliment us (if we're in the top 8 that is) not just how high they're ranked. And of course the same thing about scouting your opponents in eliminations.

We have scouting sheets that we fill out, but we think the most important aspect is just having a feel for the robot. Why does it matter if they can go 20 ft/sec if their drivers don't know how to use it? So, that's how we do scouting.

If you read the next thread about forming a database, I think that would be great and save a lot of time that would otherwise have scouts in the pits. That way, scouts could simply WATCH, not have to worry about sheets, and get a good feel for a given set of bots. Umm...also on that note, I should probably put it over there too.
Would we be able to record how a robot did in the database after they competed in a regional? I think that would be useful to everyone...

I think we're one of the low tech teams because our scouting is done on papers in binders (that's when it's good)...or random sheets (bad!). So if anyone has a system they'd like to explain to me and show me how to use... that would be awesome! Private message me, or AIM Idreamincolor62

Anyways, there's my thoughts on scouting systems.