[dtengineering]

We have submitted RCAs every year with the exception of our rookie season when we really didn't know what they were. That's okay... we didn't know the effect that a carpetted playing field would have on skid steering that year, either. We really were rather clueless.

Since then we have always submitted a strong RCA and have always received very positive feedback from the judges, but have never won. Which is perfectly fine with me, because I don't think winning is the point behind the RCA... it is trying to win. Doing the best you can with the resources you've got to accomplish the goals of FIRST is worth more than a trophy, banner, and invitation to Atlanta. Not that the latter aren't nice, mind you, but with the RCA it is the journey, not the destination that matters.

I have also come to observe that amongst the major "you're going to Atlanta!" awards, the RCA is probably the least subject to luck. You can build the best robot in the competition, but not win the championship, or build a moderate robot and be the third partner on a winning alliance (or fourth, if one breaks down!) simply due to the vagaries of competition. But if you want an RCA you can pretty much guarantee that you're going to win one by simply outworking, outhustling and outdoing every other team for an entire year.

I didn't say it was EASIER to win... just that less luck was involved. As good as our team's submissions have been, there has always been at least one team (and possibly more) that has clearly outworked us and earned that award. So make an effort in the off-season, and make a submission, and make sure that the winning team really does work their butts off to get that high honour. Your team will be stronger for it regardless of who wins.

Jason