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Posted by Jason, Coach on team #252/254, Bay Bombers/Cheesy Poofs, from Broadway High and NASA Ames.

Posted on 3/14/99 9:26 PM MST


In Reply to: Only 4 qual rounds in florida? posted by Nate Smith on 3/14/99 8:07 PM MST:



The First problem is this:
Nate, you are right - 4 fields would make a difference over the three from last year. However, I have been told that they are actually reducing the fields this year. The main reason we are only being allowed 4 qualifying matches is that THERE WILL ONLY BE 2 FIELDS AT THE NATIONALS. It seems this is a done deal, so we can count on only 4 qualifying matches - maybe 5 at the most.

I agree with Joe, in that with such a format, it is basically pot luck as to which 8 teams finish at the top. I would expect that the level of luck needed will be even more than what Joe expressed, because I think with 200 teams having only four matches each, the 8 top teams will all HAVE to win ALL 4 qualifying matches. There will be too many teams winning 3 and 4 matches. One bad pairing will knock out a top 8 team.

I am sure that FIRST has some pretty good reasons why they can not fit in more than 4-5 qualifying matches, as unfortunate as this is. However, if this is the case, I have a proposal that I know others have made and that FIRST has discussed. The present format almost guarantees that finishing in the top 8 will now be more a result of luck than ability - maybe not at a regional with 30-50 teams, but definitely at a National with 200 teams. Because there are 200 teams instead of 30-50, the playoffs should be expanded to include the top 16 teams (or maybe 12 with the top 4 seeds getting byes). Once allies have been chosen, that will mean that the top 32 (or 24) teams (about the top 12-15%)still get a chance to prove themselves and compete against each other.

After all, the main purpose is for the kids to have a great experience and feel like winners regardless of if they make the final 8. One of the things that impressed me when I observed last years competition (this is our first year), was that the kids would at least have a lot of matches before they were done. This year many kids will work months and travel across the country and maybe only have 4 matches (not to mention the amount of teams that will go 0-4, with more mathces at least every team is likely to get a win or two)

If the number of qualifying matches can be increased to 6-8, great. If not, I feel the number of teams making the playoffs should be expanded.

Anyway, I think Joe & Nate bring up a very good question. Just thought I'd throw my two cents in. See ya in Florida everyone.

Jason