2011 New Jersey Regional

[Phalanx]

Here's the published agenda from FIRST for NJ Regional

http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedfiles..._NJ_Agenda.pdf

Wednesday, March 2, 2011
6:00PM 5 Team Reps Load-In (Bag and Tag) For Drop Off Only
9:00PM Pits Close

Thursday, March 3, 2011
9:45AM 3 Team Reps to Load-In
10:30AM Pits and Machine Shop Open
10:30AM-2:00PM Registration and inspection
12:00PM-1:00PM Lunch
2:00PM-8:00PM Practice rounds
10:00PM Pits and Machine Shop close

[DonRotolo]

That ^^ is what I have as well. Much later than years before on Thursday, maybe teams will be able to get some actual sleep that morning!

We're loading in Wednesday evening, just a lot less stressful.

[George A.]

Originally Posted by Phalanx

Here's the published agenda from FIRST for NJ Regional

http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedfiles..._NJ_Agenda.pdf

Wednesday, March 2, 2011
6:00PM 5 Team Reps Load-In (Bag and Tag) For Drop Off Only
9:00PM Pits Close

Thursday, March 3, 2011
9:45AM 3 Team Reps to Load-In
10:30AM Pits and Machine Shop Open
10:30AM-2:00PM Registration and inspection
12:00PM-1:00PM Lunch
2:00PM-8:00PM Practice rounds
10:00PM Pits and Machine Shop close

Thanks to NJ having HSPA testing this coming week, many school districts will not allow teams to travel. (Even though seniors don't take the tests) Since the tests end around noon we are giving teams the chance to get here so they can fulfill everything they need to do on Thursday. The practice rounds will start later and we will have 2 drivers meetings. Thanks to all the volunteers for putting in a long day to help pull this off as seamless as they can make it.


I'll have my annual "reminders" post this week, and I'll see everyone on Thursday!

[thefro526]

Just out of Curiosity, would anyone like me to do predictions for NJ again this year? I'm not sure if LF is still around or not, and I have a bit of fun writing them.

If anyone wants to be considered for Predictions, shoot me a PM with some robot specs or a picture or whatever. I will keep the info in the post as vague as possible.

[George A.]

Originally Posted by thefro526

Just out of Curiosity, would anyone like me to do predictions for NJ again this year? I'm not sure if LF is still around or not, and I have a bit of fun writing them.

If anyone wants to be considered for Predictions, shoot me a PM with some robot specs or a picture or whatever. I will keep the info in the post as vague as possible.

I predict that by Saturday night we will have 3(possibly 4) teams with a champion banner, one team with a Chairman's Award trophy, and a bunch of exhausted volunteers.

[Libby K]

I so wish I could be at New Jersey! I will be supporting you all in spirit, with a special cheer in there for Team 1923. There's no way you could find a prouder alumni. Best of luck to everyone!

[Dancin103]

Originally Posted by thefro526

Just out of Curiosity, would anyone like me to do predictions for NJ again this year? I'm not sure if LF is still around or not, and I have a bit of fun writing them.

If anyone wants to be considered for Predictions, shoot me a PM with some robot specs or a picture or whatever. I will keep the info in the post as vague as possible.

I would like to know what you're thinking. I always find that reading well thought out predictions is very entertaining.

Cass

[George A.]

OK, here's my annual "Things to remember about the NJ regional"

1) This is the first year in recent memory where the forecast doesn't call for snow this week. Which is awesome. That being said the weather here is kinda wonky. Combine that with the fact that we are playing in an ice rink, please dress appropriately. It's easier to take off an extra layer if you're hot, than to try to find extra clothes if you're cold.

2) Don't save seats. If you have a group of students then it's understood you want to sit to get together for safety reasons. But if someone comes and wants to sit with you, don't be so quick to shoo them away. If there is ONE person, and you blatantly have more than one seat just let them sit, you might go a long way to spread the good word of what this program is about.

3) Safety first. Remember to wear close toed shoes, and safety goggles. If you don't have safety goggles you won't be allowed into the pits. It's black and white, no goggles no pits. We don't have nearly enough for everyone, so make sure that for everyone that will have access to your pits, you have goggles to go around (that includes parents that are visiting)

4) Please be patient. This year is our first year doing a bag and tag event. So there are bound to be some hiccups. Combine that with the fact that we are a first week event, it's only natural to become hot under the collar. Just take a deep breath and we can all get through this together.

5) Thank a volunteer. We don't get paid, we do this job for the sheer fact that we love FIRST and want to see you kids have a good time. We pull long hours, are standing around all day and barely get time to go to the bathroom sometimes. A thank you and a hand shake go a long way!

That's all I can think of for right now, but I'm sure there are things I forgot. I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday!

[nlknauss]

Originally Posted by George A.

A thank you and a hand shake go a long way!

Amen George!

Just to follow-up on what George said here, please be patient and be sure to have read the "Bag and Tag" document on the FIRST website so you are aware of the procedures the event is following. Do not forget to bring your "Robot Lock-up" form.

Looking forward to seeing that NJ spirit at the Sun National Bank Center! Go Teams!

[Steven Donow]

No snow this week?(haven't checked weather at all lately). Awesome! First time in a while...I know up here in Northern NJ it was beautiful out today.

One more day! So excited!

[Brandon_L]

Who else is going Wednesday night for drop off?

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by George A.

2) Don't save seats.

This one bugs me the most. I'm not a confrontational kind of person, but this year I'm thinking of making an exception (and example).

[rcmolloy]

Heading up to the drop-off in a few with a couple of people from my team. If you see us, be sure to say hi!

...that means you Mr. Knauss

[Deetman]

Just a heads up for anyone attending...

I and a few of my fellow Lockheed Martin co-workers/FRC mentors will be present Friday to exhibit the 2011 FRC "Logomotion" Fifth Gear simulation. Feel free to stop by and play or say hi!

[Dancin103]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

This one bugs me the most. I'm not a confrontational kind of person, but this year I'm thinking of making an exception (and example).

Could you please elaborate on this one?

I have never understood this. I don't understand why holding a certain amount of seats so a team can sit together is problematic. I know I will get people wanting to debate this with me, but that's not what I'm looking for, I would just like to hear Don's response.

Cass