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Originally Posted by steelerborn
I know that we only have 6 weeks to build the best robot we possibly can. However what stops a team from building two bots, ship one, and then get an extra few weeks to practice driving with the other. I know that a few teams do this, and those teams are also very good.
This is totally against the spirit of FIRST, and gives an unfair advantage to those teams, and should not be allowed. It all comes down to if you think Dean would be upset, or not, with what those teams are doing.
I would like to know other views on this subject.
Thanks
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You should look at rule R27 and especially the text in the blue box at the end of this rule:
Quote:
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The primary intent of this rule is to allow teams to withhold the ROBOT control system, the OPERATOR CONSOLE, and selected relevant subsystems, and access them after the shipping deadline. This will allow teams to have the maximum time possible prior to each competition event to develop and complete the software for their ROBOT while maximizing the potential capabilities provided by the control system.
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It very specifically states that they are encouraging teams to continue software development after the ship date.
Another point to consider is teams who can only afford to attend a single regional in week 5 or 6, where other teams that they are competing against have attended several before that. Those other teams would have had the advantage of the driving practice (and robot system tuning) during those previous competitions.
The point is that every team must make choices to get the most out of the resources that are available to them (eg. $ for a prototype vs. $ for another regional)... and possibly work to get more resources. Engineering is about more than just what part to bolt where and what wire to connect where; it is about trade-offs and making the most of the time, talent, and physical resources available. The spirit of FIRST is about learning not just about winning.