[ptrautwein]

I agree that this autonomous mode is the thing that separates authentic programming with RC robots. I would like to see more autonomous time maybe up to 20 or 25 seconds.

I have now started my second team and to see a new set of Rookies reminds me of the basic programming struggles. Three things that we need to remember and help Rookies and young teams are these:

Rookie teams have a lot of reading to do and need to be pointed toward good information and given directions and how it can be applied. The code should have a lot of obvious and descriptive notes embedded into it.

Rookie teams need to see old code, with explanations of how and why it worked and what it did. These could be codes shared by teams with details and pictures of their robot. Gracious Professionalism should weigh more than secrecy of code.

Rookie Kits should get a Dongle. Yes it is simple to make, but Rookies are too busy catching up that they don't realize how important it is to be able to practice that autonomous code, and how to do it at home safely.

We don't need to give all the answers but we do need to provide Rookies and young teams with the resources that allow them to know what questions to ask.