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Originally Posted by JVN
The solution is not to decrease the level of veteran play -- This doesn't seem like what FIRST is about. I believe the solution is to INCREASE the level of rookie play. If the gap between veterans and rookies seems too large, perhaps we need to "raise the rookies". Instead of asking ourselves how to limit the veterans -- ask yourself "How can we help the rookies kick butt...?"
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Exactly, eventually limiting the veterans will limit the rookie teams. Rookie teams are supposed to learn from the veterans, and if we cannot improve our practices by learning from past years we cannot help the rookies learn. Every year teams post white papers, mentor teams, assist at competitions and do other things to help the rookies. This NEEDS to increase year after year. Veterans need to mentor more teams, rookies need to seek help from as many veterans as needed. Sure taking away abilites from the veterans and making everyone start over year after year may level the playing field a bit but it also takes away from what FIRST is about. Inspiration, learning, team work and so much more.
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Originally Posted by JVN
Lucien,
You seem to believe that robot practice during the 6-weeks is somehow the magical factor needing adjustment. So, ask yourself how we can give rookie teams more practice (for the big game).
Why can't rookie teams take the drivebase included in the KOP and practice with that? We (229) haven't used it in the past, but I know many teams have used it to great effect. Isn't it supposed to be up and running in a few hours? (I'm almost positive I saw some video of Blair in 2003 and Vince in 2004 building one in an hour...) What is stopping rookies from practicing with that?
If this drivebase is inadequate (is it?), maybe FIRST should consider a newer, more competitive version. Certainly this seems like a better solution than rules which disallow veterans from using their resources.
Hopefully I will be able to someday rise to Lucien's "higher level" -- Until Then,
JVN
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Just because veterans have old robots to practice on doesn't mean it can help them that much. Drive systems can change dramatically year after year, and even if they dont you can't truly simulate a real competition. Drivers truly learn whats expected of them in practice rounds and during the competiton. This can also be resolved with veterans letting rookie teams in their area borrow old robots if they wish. The drive base from FIRST could also help a bit.