Texas Offseason

[James Tonthat]

Due to NI Robo Showdown being canceled, I have quite a few Northside Roboteers here that are disappointed. I’m sure there are other teams out there with the same feeling. Right now, I'm scoping for ANY interest what so ever.

I’m asking under what conditions your team would attend this event. For example, your team may only be able to attend certain dates, if the entry fee were under a certain amount, or if it were held in the Houston area. Any sort of requirements, please list them.

I’m also asking what resources you have that you could bring or contribute to this event. (Volunteers, balls, track sections, trailers, extra robots, a high school gym for a weekend, anything!) Even if you aren’t to attend the event but are willing to loan out any items, please reply!

Don't hesitate to contact me with any concerns and comments.

ChiefDelphi PM: jtkellertx
AIM: hjtkellertx
Email: jtkellertx@gmail.com
Phone: 832 620 5575

Every year I hear “We should have a Texas offseason this year.” This year, let’s do something about it!

[JaneYoung]

I've suggested to James that he start a thread independent of the NI off season thread. Perhaps this way, people will express thoughts and opinions a little more freely.

Because of the size of Texas, travel is involved for the regionals and for any potential off season other than for the teams that can participate locally. Travel is expensive, especially if it is not planned in advance and built into the budget for new off seasons. There has to be an understanding of the value and importance that off seasons bring to the teams that compete in the regular competition season. There also has to be an understanding that the local teams will support the off season by helping with the planning and implementation.

Regions and areas that don't have, and/or have not had an off season, may not have that basic understanding or appreciation and they have to learn that. It's one thing to hear each year that we need to have an off season in Texas and it's another thing to follow all the way through with that desire/suggestion.

Many teams take a break during the summer months. There are changes in the leadership, both students and mentors. It is difficult to access the robot and the shops if they are located in the schools that are closed. And money can be tight, esp. when it is not budgeted. These things can impact a community of teams that are trying to get an off season off the ground, esp. in a state the size of Texas.

All this said, if you do get some interest generated locally, it would be a good start, even at a scrimmage level.
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I wish you all the best in this effort and will help you in any way I can, James.

Jane

[James Tonthat]

Jane, thanks again, you have been a BIG help.

My preference would it be an event early August and it take place probably in a Houston-area high school gym.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by jtkellertx

Jane, thanks again, you have been a BIG help.

My preference would it be an event early August and it take place probably in a Houston-area high school gym.

Your first hurdle is to get a contact list together of the team leaders. I noted in the other thread and in the email sent that you are asking folks to pass the word. For the Houston area, you might can get that list together pretty quick. One thing I've learned is that not many TX teams participate in CD or check it, esp. during off season.

You also need to figure out the field - and where you're going to get that in 3 weeks time. That's where teams have to pitch in as you have asked them to.

And here's a thought - you don't have to do this past year's FRC game. And, it wouldn't necessarily have to be FRC - if you can find a way for the different teams to compete with robots, having a common goal.

Just an .02
Jane

[lynca]

I hope Texas teams can rally and put together an offseason event. I will help volunteer and call teams to attend.

Thanks for your effort !

[James Tonthat]

I should probably say offseason scrimmage at this point.

[James Tonthat]

At this point it will be...

At The Woodlands HS in The Woodlands, TX (77381)
(Saturday) August 15th, from 9 to 5PM.

This location isn't confirmed yet but I will confirm soon.