Going over some of the Nate posted stuff from the NH forum--
Topic 1: Game
We got a 'don't worry, we will be going back to the competition-format'.
Although there seemed to be a consensus on a viewer-friendly game and scoring system, teams were reluctant to be rid of the multipliers of the game (often the confusing part).
Time multipliers were discussed. Some teams spent much time and effort building robots to play 4-5mins of an entire competition. At least give them the full 2 minute match back.
Other suggestions included a definitive way to tell right at the end of the match who won, by some sort of flag raising up or a more capture the flag-like game.
Topic 2: Tournament Structure
Pre-inspection was also discussed. Seemed slightly divided. Feel other teams would be pickier than actual FIRST inspectors.
Practice was discussed and deemed important at regionals but possibly less essential at Nationals. Suggested that a practice field be built at Epcot for teams to sign up for if they wanted time and have matches start Thursday to maximize match playing time.
Also suggested that much of the morning is wasted uncrating, removing crates, and just trying to plow through the mass and chaos. Possibly let 4 team members in Wednesday night to uncrate their robots and get the crates out of the way. Inspection could even begin then. That way teams can easily use all of Thursday morning on work and repairs.
Topic 3: How many teams build entire fields?
It seemed not that many of the group built entire fields, due to cost or space issues or both. On top of that, better blue prints are needed.
Keep the same parts from year to year and don't get any bigger with the field.
Make the parts more portable and lighter (i.e. bridge was overengineered and a truck could drive over it) for easier movability.
Allow teams on the field @ competitions either before practice, at lunch break, or after the matches are done Thursday to make critical measurements on the field that effect their robot performance so they don't have to interrupt practices.
Topic 4: Kit of Parts
More speed controllers!!
Suggested to have a rookie kit and a veteren kit: for example, veteran kit wouldn't have any battery chargers because most teams have many and it would reduce cost to FIRST (and heck, weight in shipping those puppies back home)
Suggested that FIRST possible take out really expensive parts that teams don't tend to use and reduce the cost of kit by $X and then allow teams to purchase more with that $X of parts that are actually useful to them.
Topic 5: The Manual
Suggested either 1 hardcopy, 1 CD or simply the essential game rules and scholarship information handed out at kickoff and the rest on CD. Mentoring materials and other tools to be put on CD.
Topic 6: Small Parts & Innovation First
Discussed was using parts that were stocked or if teams used their 50% off gift certificates and bought things now they know they would need, and then simply buy them again come kickoff time to be within the rules but save themselves the waiting time on shipping.
Suggested that rookies could be mailed a Small Parts catalog upon registration and be informed by mentors and such the advantage to stocking up on chain, etc.
Questioned whether it is ok to go the local store, buy the same exact part and simply account for the Small Parts price on your BOM. Generally agreed that it would be good, saving at the minimum the huge shipping costs to teams. Teams agreed. No definitive word on the manner yet (not that I remember at least)
IFI- good work. Can we get another language besides PBASIC though? It is good for new programmers, but the experienced would rather another language (C, Java, Assembly). Unanimous by group that they would like the team to be allowed the choice of language for writing their programs if possible.
Admin
Topic 1: Shipping/Drayage
As long as teams can be allowed to make their own shipping arrangements to save $$$, all is ok. Yellow frieght waaay too expensive even with the 53% off.
Have some sort of security to ensure the careful and proper delivery of the crates. Every year crates come back damaged from where they were clearly dropped. Damage to robots inside is inevitable. One team had their batteries break and acid leak everywhere due to a dropped crate in Florida. Lots of time and money in these robots and some parts just are replacable in the time-span of one competition or that machine shop. Also, this year, crates w/ robots were left out in the rain- no good!
Problem with Freeman Decorating 'slipping in' hidden costs to many teams.
Topic 2: Online Registration -- good stuff.
Topic 3: Mentoring -- Let's do some better advertising for these mentoring tools of FIRST. Some don't know they exist. Link up at the top of
www.usfirst.org to "Teaching Tools"
Topic 4: Program Books -- Teams get more than they need. Possibly take out the straight list of teams in the back and keep just profiles. Reduce the space for judges.
Topic 5: Kick-off
In NH is good. With remote kickoffs, people would still send reps but they like for the rest of the team to learn the game and see it at least on the TV right away.
Topic 6: 2001 Regional Re-cap
Hartford: It's moving to another undisclosed Connecticut local. The team party= no good.
Long Island: Great local, great comp, great party, awesome food. Close atmosphere.. party was right at the field venue and was very cool. Attitude of teams was great.
NJ: Needs a bigger venue. Close atmosphere is nice but kids on teams shouldn't get stuck outside and not let into the competition.
PA: Suggestions to move it back to Temple for size reasons. Friendliness of the volunteers needs to be higher priority.
Topic 7: Team Party -- Team party suggestions: The way they did in it NH in '98. Incorporated awards ceremony into team party. Buffet style but w/ sit down tables for everyone. Give out awards while eating with dancing and music in the next room. It was nice, bring it back.
Topic 8 - Nationals/Disney
Divisions: a wonder to the scouting process. Typically you would really only play among the same smaller pool of teams anyway. Liked that it was random... allowed you to work with new teams not just from your region.
Disney is the main draw for many students/teams but it's the biggest hassle. Easier to do own reservations than through the FIRST packages. Saves time, money, and guarantees your choice of hotels. FIRST requests that we be 'graciously professional' and respect the partnership with Disney and that they are doing all they can. As well, teams who want to stay longer/shorter than packages offer wind up w/ problems.
Shouldn't make it elimination to get into the Nationals: all should be allowed to go.
Suggested: There is still alot of parking lot left.
Suggested: Two nationals... East Coast 'National' and West Coast
'National' (Disneyworld & Disneyland???). FIRST then foots the bill for winners of each to come to a 'final match' at a designated place and time.
The forum had a lot of good ideas come out of it. Many which I probably forgot to write but I just wanted to give the NH feedback on the comments brought from the MI forum. Other issues can be written about when I'm less tired.