[FTC]: FTC 2012 Season Speculation

[Coach Doug]

I think the FTC game needs a few changes or updates. FRC is a good model.

My recommendations:
1: The yearly challenge needs to allow faster set up and scoring by the judges.

2: This would be an enabler for more matches. With either bluetooth or samantha being some sort of a hinderance to many teams - there are way too many matches where its 2 robots vs. 1. Most tournaments only have 5 to 7 matches today and there is not enough separation to show good teams vs. lucky teams. More matches also would de-value the RP differentiator. Most alliance captiains are in that position only due to RP values. Remember last years Hot Shot game - was scoring in your opponents goal to raise the RP an act of gracious professionalism?

3: Limit the alliance selection pool - if only twelve teams will be in the playoffs - selection pool is limited to only top twelve. current system enables the behavior of friends picking friends and de-values any team's record if their not in the top four ( 5th place team is equal to last place team - both have equal chance of making the playoffs). By limiting the selection pool - your scouting is more important as you need to know all the teams.

My two cents based upon 2 yrs of FTC and this year's championship.