[Mr. Van]

There will be no-shows - especially on Friday morning. Just think about the bumper rules this year. How many teams (some have already posted this as their plan) are going to say "it seems OK to us, we'll let the Inspectors decide" only to be told that they must correct their bumpers.

For some of these teams (in order to have a completely supported bumper, for example) may have to make MAJOR changes to their chassis. Note if the kit chassis is assembled according to the instructions, it can not pass inspection because of the unsupported corners. How's that going to go over with unsuspecting rookies?

FIRST has always allowed teams that were working on their robot to send out a human player to participate. Previously, it hasn't been so important, but this year, the human player is able to score in exactly the same way a robot can. With Supercells, the star human player is worth potentially 30 points!

The trailer is part of the playing field. Seems to me that if if a robot is not available to tow one, it remains on the field. Any other options lead to craziness - (no show strategies, complaints about replacement 'bot capabilities, etc.)

If the trailer is not on the field, even if you take away the human player, then the three-robot alliance is at a disadvantage (even more so if there are two no-shows).

Just thinkin' about it...

-Mr. Van
Robodox