[Paul Copioli]

FACT:

1. The win, loss, tie way of qualifying was an idea taken from this forum last year (the one where everyone's opinions were asked).

OPINIONS:

1. This game is way more complex than we think. There are many, many ways to win.

2. We (the CD community) had some complaints the last few years about the human player not having any real impact. That has changed. By the way, I will take a soccer player over a basketball player. Did you see how the goals reacted? The trajectory looks more like a throw in than a shot into a basket.

3. There are many defensive strategies, but there are just as many offensive strategies. This means more diversity.

4. The win-loss-tie method is the best way to do qualifying. Don't get too wrapped up in the tie breaker. I'll explain. In football a win is a win and the fans can understand that. But what happens when there is a tie for the last playoff spot? The tie breakers are confusing for the average fan, but that is O.K. Most of the time if you win, you are in. The spectators can now understand the game during qualifying. If they see a team win every time the team is on the field, they know the team will be on top (research how many teams actually go undefeated at regionals). The wins and losses are just like hockey: 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie, and 0 for a loss. FIRST will never let go of the coopertition idea and having everyone get the loser's score for a tie breaker seems to accomplish that. There will be very few teams that actually get hurt by the tie breaker.

5. The elimination rounds are going to be awesome! A tie is a tie and we replay. If each team has one win and they tie in the third round, then they get to play again. The rules cap it at 4 games total, but I think 2 ties in a row is very unlikely. This will bring great excitement to the eliminations.

6. I think the game is great. I think the people who are unsure of this game will like it when the first regionals start.