Why does everyone hate this game so much?

[Alex2614]

Coming from someone who has had horrible luck in the past with referee calls, iffy rules, dead alliance partners, judging discrepancies/bias, other types of adversity etc. I can see why some people have seen the need to call out those responsible. But I just want to throw out a word of caution as we proceed.

Two years in a row, we were eliminated from regionals because of an alliance partner that invoked a red card (or two yellows) completely accidentally and unknowingly. My junior and senior years of high school. Talk about devastating. 2009 we saw many many robots that drove around, had no way of scoring, but still made it to the top seeds of an event. Point is, every year we see problems, and every year we have complaints. Every year, we think we have the winningest design, and poured countless hours, dollars, and manpower building a winning machine. Our team even have a team of students/alumni whose main job is figuring out how the game will be played so we can design accordingly. And every year, we are faced with problems on the field that prevent us from winning. It happens, and it has actually prepared our students for the real world more than anything else.

Every year, we see problems with the games and everything associated with it. Yes, the GDC has made some mistakes with this particular game. They tried to go in a new direction this year with input from the students and mentors with feedback from the previous year. This kind of change is healthy and refreshing. It was a learning year for all of us involved. But again, to quote Dean Kamen, life ain't fair.

But saying things like that will only make things worse. The GDC has one of the toughest jobs in the world. Honestly, they do. And, in trying to put ourselves in that position can maybe help us understand a little better. Honestly, I can guarantee that if we all sit back, take a couple deep breaths, get one or two nights of sleep, we will have much fewer regrets.

Speaking out against FIRST and the mistakes it has made in the forms of tantrums, rants, raves, etc. only reflects very poorly on FIRST and only succeeds in tearing the organization apart, rather than constructively seeking change. If we, as a community want to see change, it is our duty and responsibility to seek such change from our leaders. Nothing is more frustrating as a leader than to see those you lead talk negatively about mistakes you have made behind your back and not constructively with you. I'm sure this is something those persons on the GDC right now are going through. Talk to them personally about why they made the decisions that they did. Find out what went into making the rules this year. I guarantee you will gain a fresh new perspective on things, and rather than seeing the issues through an "emotionally charged lens" and more through a critical and informed one.

The best thing we can do, as a community, is continue through this year graciously and professionally. At our next events, figure out what we can do to win (whether that is what you initially had in mind in January or not). Then we can go from there. If we don't have any next events, continue supporting FIRST's missions and spreading their ideals through outreach, service, etc. as well as cheering on our fellow teams. No amount of complaining, ranting, raving, etc. is going to make the situation any better. I guarantee the GDC has learned their lessons this year. And if we want to be entirely sure, I'm sure they will welcome personal feedback. I can't wait to see what they have in store for next year, and I certainly can't wait to watch the competition in St. Louis (whether from home or in person).

/rant. Sorry if the length or breadth of what I have said is inappropriate. I tend to get more wordy the later I stay up. I'm not trying to say that I'm better than anyone; I have gone through these situations many, many, many times before, and I am only simply offering what has worked best over the years both in FIRST and in the many other organizations/communities in which I preside. I look forward to working with and talking with all of you in the coming times. Thanks for listening.