FRC Blog - Something New - Team 'Standards'

[P.J.]

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...team-standards

I didn't see a link to the newest forum post yet. Interesting concept. It seems that the medieval theme is going to carry over into gameplay.

(I'm not fancy and don't know how to quote the body of the blog post like Hallry does so I apologize)

[Justin Montois]

No game elements above the driver stations this year.

Not sure how I feel about the Standards. Definitely different.

[TDav540]

Originally Posted by Justin Montois

No game elements above the driver stations this year.

Not sure how I feel about the Standards. Definitely different.

Sounds like a pretty awesome idea! I'm definitely looking forward to it, but it does limit the opportunities for goals in a projectile shooting game

[Cory]

Ah yes, the next step forward in making FRC more professional and attractive to television and outsiders.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by Cory

Ah yes, the next step forward in making FRC more professional and attractive to television and outsiders.

I'm baffled by this step sideways/backwards.

[James1902]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

I'm baffled by this step sideways/backwards.

I'm not sure it's a step backwards. It adds visual representation of achievement or experience with the game, and I think it will add a cool look to the field. This could provide an understandable shorthand for people who haven't watched all season to appreciate the relative "power level" of the teams on the field.

College football does something similar by adding helmet stickers for players who reach certain achievements throughout their playing career.

I don't mind FIRST going all in on a theme as long as it helps people understand action on the field, as opposed to FLL style themes that have little to no effect during their matches.

I think this is a much better execution of a game theme than the teaser trailer.

[AdamHeard]

Originally Posted by James1902

I'm not sure how it's a step backwards. It adds visual representation of achievement or experience with the game, and it keeps in the theme of the game. This could provide an understandable shorthand for people who haven't watched all season to appreciate the relative "power level" of the teams on the field.

College football does something similar by adding helmet stickers for players who reach certain achievements throughout their playing career.

I don't mind FIRST going all in on a theme as long as it helps people understand action on the field, as opposed to FLL style themes that have little to no affect during their matches.

I think this is a much better execution of a game theme than the teaser trailer.

I can't see how such themes help get normal people involved.

[James1902]

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

I can't see how such themes help get normal people involved.

Fair. But I don't think it'll drive anyone away, and at least this may have a bit of utility for the non-FIRST observer.

[PayneTrain]

I like the idea of teams being able to display their brand in a static, standardized method like something you see at center ice or in an endzone.

The streamers, loose controls over design, STREAMERS... uhh... Not really a win for those who see FRC as something that should have a professional look, but a definite victory for those who think FRC is supposed to be FLL for high schoolers.

[Jay O'Donnell]

For those of you talking about how this will detract from the "professional look", strive to make your standard look professional and help other teams do the same. No need to talk down about FIRST trying something new that doesn't impact competitions in a serious way. I'm excited that non-STEM interested students will have more things to do and stay involved with an FRC team (disclaimer: my girlfriend does the art stuff for my old team).

[Andrew Schreiber]

Are you kidding me? FRC has many problems but "not enough chances for teams to express themselves" is not one of them.

Can we maybe address the abysmal/decentralized webcasts, lack of recorded footage, high cost of participation, lack of quality control at events, abusive volunteers... ?

Nah, but we got banners yo.

[James1902]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

Can we maybe address the abysmal/decentralized webcasts, lack of recorded footage, high cost of participation, lack of quality control at events, abusive volunteers... ?

I would wager that giving teams the option to add a banner above their driver station has absolutely no effect on FIRST's ability or willingness to address those issues.

I would like to see those problems fixed as well, but it doesn't mean that FIRST should do absolutely nothing until they are addressed to our satisfaction. This would be akin to saying the Red Cross shouldn't run fundraising efforts to combat malaria until the bubonic plague is completely eradicated.

[bEdhEd]

Well, time to talk to my team tomorrow about this! I think the standards are a neat idea, especially if you've got a matching one hanging in the pit! I've already got some designs brewing in my head. Celtic/Norse knots definitely should be part of our design. Might upload a pic of a draft/sketch later when I have time.

[Briansmithtown]

This is beyond pointless. The crowd won't really be looking at the flags, the opponents will be to busy driving, and this will just add more time to the field setup, which already is a bit too long. When I first got involved, FIRST was all about the future and interesting people into science and technology, but now it's just kinda stepping back. These flags will make it look like an animatronic Medeival times. Also kinda make it look a bit more, ugh should I say, nerdy.

[MooreteP]

At some arenas, this will block the view of spectators as much as, if not more than, the Aerial Assist or Ultimate Ascent goals did.

How will they be supported? What if they fall onto the field? Will they affect Field Reset times? We're gonna need a bigger....ladder.

Originally Posted by Cory

Ah yes, the next step forward in making FRC more professional and attractive to television and outsiders.

All marketers end up in Hell. Outsiders We have a few of these on our teams.

Originally Posted by AdamHeard

I can't see how such themes help get normal people involved.

Why be normal? But I get your point. There is theater in FIRST, but the casual spectator may want to just "watch the game".

Originally Posted by Jay O'Donnell

For those of you talking about how this will detract from the "professional look", strive to make your standard look professional and help other teams do the same. No need to talk down about FIRST trying something new that doesn't impact competitions in a serious way. I'm excited that non-STEM interested students will have more things to do and stay involved with an FRC team (disclaimer: my girlfriend does the art stuff for my old team).

This^

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

Are you kidding me? FRC has many problems but "not enough chances for teams to express themselves" is not one of them.

Nah, but we got banners yo.

Interesting comment from 125, who have many banners, and often good spirit with overly bright LED's in the stands.

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

Can we maybe address the abysmal/decentralized webcasts, lack of recorded footage, high cost of participation, lack of quality control at events, abusive volunteers... ?

Another thread?

All this being said, I like this idea. It puts the A in STEM.

Now, if the endgame involved impaling a losing alliance's Robot with your "standard" for 50 points...... That would be an engineering challenge beyond a six-stack with a can & noodle.