2015 HINT DISCUSSION

[D.Allred]

"Change" is coming is not a new message from Frank. It must be something relatively fundamental otherwise it would be anticlimactic.

2v2v2: Possible, but doesn’t seem very much like a sport or easy to explain to an outside observer. We have enough trouble with 2 sets of bumpers. 3 would be madness … unless there are no bumper color requirements.

4v4: That would be tough for a 30+ team district event and crowded without smaller robots.

Recycle last year’s game: Recycling games elements is not new. Recycling last year’s game is just odd. (We’re changing by not changing the game.)

No bag and tag / stop build day: Admin manual says otherwise, unless that gets tossed in the recycle bin.

Change size or weight: Possible. Doubt we would go with larger weight or starting configurations. More weight is more cost and a safety hazard. Lighter would need to be for a specific game purpose. The kit base appears to be roughly the same size.

Change the field: Shape is roughly set. Primary surface could be different. Multiple surfaces and elevations have been previously done.

Match length change: Possible. There was a minor change last year. Autonomous end game could be interesting game change, but difficult for most.

Different elimination tournament format / ranking system: Obviously something has to give for Einstein. Don’t see this changing at regional or district events.

As for the game hint, I’m going with the triangular game piece theory because it fits my predefined paradigm. I’ve been waiting for a Triple Play re-do.

David