[Nate Smith]

2002 Season Overview
-Rules will be fewer, clearer, and stuck to - one of the writers of the FLL rules is being recruited to help in this.
-There was mention of a game review group...not much detail was given on this, but I assume those who are included know a lot more than what was said...

-As was mentioned in the previous summary, they are already well into the 2003 game...so far, it is designed to be made for tv with quite simple scoring

-All of the Fedex/UPS account info was the same, so I'll leave that alone...

Important Dates:
Kickoff-January 4
Epcot May 1-3
22 total regionals - schedule will be made available in 1-2 weeks

-Significant changes coming in the kit
-4A or better charger assured
-Preseason kit will be shipped when your payment is recieved(no earlier than October 15)...includes the software and the EduRobot.

-Most likely will still be 2v2....
-Event schedule for an individual event will remain
-National qualification will remain the same, with just the needed changes for the regional chairman's award

Web Site Issues:
-was mentioned current site is hard to navigate
-need to make info to contact individual teams easier to get to
-site needs to be kept up to date
-flag new/updated information

-was suggested that mfg. part number is included on the pre-kickoff field component parts list - makes it easier to get parts from other suppliers

Q&A/Yahoo Board
-One main "voice" needed
-Overwhelming support to overhaul Q&A methods
-Perhaps keep a Running list on web site?
-set up question submission form which requires topic of question and rule or section which it applies to
-possibly expand phone availability hours, maybe just during last week?

CD/Manual
-consensus was that CD was very useful
-provide 2 sets of prints for field
-maybe a 3d model of field?
-add capability to search manual as a whole
-make sure motor data is accurate
-include control system manual/software tools on CD

Inspections
-possibly get team members to perform inspection
-minimize what is being looked for
-spot checks as going on/off field
-re-weigh before finals
-specialize inspectors(mech/elec/pneu)

-Some power-related issues with control system
-Impact tripping of breaker
-standardize connectors across all IFI components
-possibly internally connect or pre-supply connectors for Victor fan
-what about an IFI-supplied valve driver(diodes, etc. pre-built)?

Autodesk
-better training needed
-judging improvements needed
-what about using other software?
-what about getting a site license?
-have an animation viewing location at all sites

Carpet Damage
-looking at possible alternate surfaces, however, carpet is liked for various reasons
-was suggested limit materials which could contact ground (i.e. no metal)

Pneumatics
-add rodless cylinder
-more flexability in what could be used - team sponsors want to be able to use their own brand
-more valves
-check valve specifically suggested

-it was suggested that more in the way of prefab components(gearboxes, etc.) be allowed...much discussion on this, no clear consensus

Shipping
-Fedex overwhelming a good thing
-many issues with drayage, esp. at Epcot

-There will be a mandatory review of contact information during registration this year
-event registration will be staggered as follows:
*Sep 3 - open to update contact data only
*Oct 1 - open to register for 1st regional and championship(if qualified)
*Nov 3 - 2nd regional and beyond
* Dec 6 - registration closes
*Dec 10 - 1st event payment due
*Feb 14 - final payment due
Regionals between Mar 4 - Apr 12

There was a lot more discussed, but this is what I had jotted down as being important...