Proposal: A New Way to Run FIRST Choice

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Hallry

One must remember, there are now 2,500 teams in FIRST. This would require employees of FIRST to dedicate much time towards this, instead of other possible work.

Also, some might say that if they implement this, why wouldn't they do this for Regionals as well? Have teams send in lists of what competitions they want to attend and then do a draft based on that, instead of everyone logging on right at 12 noon when registration opens.

(Just trying to play Devil's advocate)

Actually, it can be done algorithmically with very little involvement from FIRST staff.

[Clinton Bolinger]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

Actually, it can be done algorithmically with very little involvement from FIRST staff.

You would think the same thing about signing up for events. However, in Michigan we had to wait a 2 weeks to sign up for an event if we did not plan on attending our home event. Then those teams had to rush to sign up for two events on the same day.

But yes having teams create priority list for Events and FIRSTChoice would help relieve some of the system load, as well as, increase the level accessibility for teams (ie. mentors that have jobs that don't allow for them to have internet access at a specific time).

-Clinton-

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Clinton Bolinger

You would think the same thing about signing up for events. However, in Michigan we had to wait a 2 weeks to sign up for an event if we did not plan on attending our home event. Then those teams had to rush to sign up for two events on the same day.

But yes having teams create priority list for Events and FIRSTChoice would help relieve some of the system load, as well as, increase the level accessibility for teams (ie. mentors that have jobs that don't allow for them to have internet access at a specific time).

-Clinton-

I WOULD. However, my logical assumption would be that minimizing travel distance would be my priority metric. This is a naive assumption though since it could throw people into events they cannot attend for other reasons (timing for example). Whereas parts selection is relatively simple and doesn't have as many constraints. It'd be a simple matter of optimizing the top choices for teams. I guess I could apply this logic to events too.

[Clinton Bolinger]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

I WOULD. However, my logical assumption would be that minimizing travel distance would be my priority metric. This is a naive assumption though since it could throw people into events they cannot attend for other reasons (timing for example). Whereas parts selection is relatively simple and doesn't have as many constraints. It'd be a simple matter of optimizing the top choices for teams. I guess I could apply this logic to events too.

Yes.

The priority should be set by the individual team (both for Events and FIRSTChoice). If team think the travel distance is important then they would use that metric when organising it. If traveling to events they have never attend then the sort their list accordingly.

As for Michigan and "home" events you easily run through teams that have signed up for their home event. Then you go to the teams pick list for events.

I still think you can still have people make a list for their 1st event. Then wait 2 weeks to use a new or same list for their 2nd events.

-Clinton-