[waialua359]

Just wanted to add observations made this past week which I'm sure others could add based on observations at other regionals.
Types of referee calls (consistent), defense, and what the role of the non-hurdling robot should do.
Many were amazed/shocked/happy/mad at the same time during the matches between the 2024/846/2460 vs 233/254/2454 matches in the semis where the pink alliance barely pulled out the win in the rubber match.

Before you watch the vids, you have to wonder how the heck did they almost lose. Remember, this alliance pulled out a record 148 points in the finals, while pink was undefeated during the weekend dominating matches, and to add 254 to the alliance which was dominating. 2024 and 846 averaged under 2 hurdles per match, yet were very, very confident as I watched them from behind. If they had won, 233, 254, 968, and 25 all would have been knocked out in the semis (the top 4 offensive teams at the regional, IMO).

The referees allowed the teams to play without strict penalties (not counting G22). The strategy by the other alliance clearly worked to immobolize the scoring. I dont want to get into the tipping over part as it shouldnt be argued over on CD.
My point is that the referees controlled the tempo of the matches which were consistent throughout the whole tournament. I wonder what will it be like at CMP.
Anyone can be immobolized by a good defensive robot. I've heard great praise about team 8 from 2024 at SVR and their defensive abilities, where both of them teammed up. 2024 has shown great confidence, great driving, and great strategy in their 2 regionals.
Those two may not be among the greatest of hurdlers, but they certainly should not be passed up at CMP, at the very least as the 3rd alliance partner.

Just another note: It was the first time I saw where the strategy in some matches were to act as if you were herding the opponents ball for them very intently the WHOLE match, in preventing hurdling. That is truly a GREAT strategy.

Sean,
Where are you? What do you think? Acccurate?