How are we going to optimize field reset?

[GaryVoshol]

Now for the next fly in the ointment. How much of a delay will there be following the buzzer to allow verifying the scores, before reset can even begin?

[EricH]

Ya know, Gary, I was thinking that with the refs having it "easy" this year (in comparison to last year) they might take some time to supplement the field reset crew, at least in terms of starting boxes moving on the path to proper setup.

I think they've tried to make it pretty obvious for the refs--if it's tilting, it probably isn't scored, and if there's a robot that has to get the paper test it probably isn't scored. (Both in blue boxes, mind you, so highly unofficial.)

[Doug Frisk]

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol

Now for the next fly in the ointment. How much of a delay will there be following the buzzer to allow verifying the scores, before reset can even begin?

That is a well taken point. The field reset crew will not be able to touch any totes that are stacked or anything in the landfill until the refs enter the final scores.

That said, I doubt most refs or FTAs would let the field reset crew touch anything at all until the score is in simply to prevent an over excited field reset person from grabbing and moving the wrong thing.

[Chief Hedgehog]

Long delays before matches can begin - can't imagine how schedule will be affected.

[protoserge]

6 minutes for a field reset sounds about right. I don't see anything about this game that would hinder an efficient field reset. A large number of bins line up against a solid wall (the STEP) and with resetters having defined "go-to" positions, it shouldn't at all be a concern once a rhythm is established.

If you have concerns with your venue, you should be discussing this with your FIRST regional director and event coordinator to ensure you have volunteers to fill the roles. There's time to get more volunteers for roles if needed!

[Doug Frisk]

Originally Posted by stinglikeabee

6 minutes for a field reset sounds about right. I don't see anything about this game that would hinder an efficient field reset. A large number of bins line up against a solid wall (the STEP) and with resetters having defined "go-to" positions, it shouldn't at all be a concern once a rhythm is established.

If you have concerns with your venue, you should be discussing this with your FIRST regional director and event coordinator to ensure you have volunteers to fill the roles. There's time to get more volunteers for roles if needed!

There's 4 weeks. Volunteers for week 1 need to be in VIMS by Jan 31.

Because of the YPP we can't just haul in people off the street at the last minute.

[protoserge]

According to the FIRST YPP site, walk-ons are still allowed. Unless some other information has been presented that contradicts this statement?

How are walk-on volunteers handled?

Walk on volunteers are handled in the same way they always have been. With supervision, and not assigned to work alone with students.

I think you'll be fine and the venue will be success. FIRST has the best volunteers out there

[Koko Ed]

Let's also be real here: there's gonna be many matches where bins will be barely touched. Maybe shoved around a little but this game requires teams to actually have to manipulate game pieces to be successful and you're not gonna see that on a consistent basis til later week, district championships and the world championships.

[rich2202]

Assuming you have 20 volunteers, then each volunteer handles 7 field items. Assign each to an ending position for their designated field items.

First can put out a message today that each team is expected to supply volunteers for field reset. Assuming 50 teams at an event, and each team provided 2 volunteers each day, ...

Use inexperienced volunteers to move pool noodles, yellow totes, and totes to the human player area. The "regular" volunteers handle the landfill area.

I don't think a dolly is the solution. There are only 4 entrances, and the teams need those for the bots.

[Karibou]

I seem to be the only one not worried about how to move totes around...we've had games with loads of game pieces before (see: 2009 orbit balls, 2013 frisbees) and managed just fine. These totes are just bigger, but they don't have to move nearly as far as they have in the past. They won't be crossing the field frequently (if at all), and aside from moving some to the player stations, they only have to move halfway down the field at most. I second what Koko Ed said about most bins probably not moving too far from the start of the match.

What I'm more worried about for field reset is robot/human traffic. The totes are going to be harder to navigate around when there are also robots coming on and off the field, and unlike inner tubes and balls, they actually can hurt if you run into someone while carrying one. I know that there's not a lot of time between matches, but I think that this is a year where it would be better to give the field crew a minute or two to clear the field (or at least take down stacks of 3+ totes/clear the stacking zones) before humans and robots come on and off.

I'm also going to be interested to see how high stacks are taken down. If a robot manages to put up a 5- or 6-high stack of totes and put a recycling bin on top, getting that bin down safely and in a controlled manner will be harder with so many objects (people, robots, etc) in close vicinity.

[Foster]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

You'd be shocked at the skill and efficiency of a FIRST volunteer.
They are some of the best and the brightest out there and they will come through.
Trust me on that.

I'm thinking the pros like Koko Ed will figure it out. I would guess that the first week scores will be pretty low in most of the matches so the reset teams will be able to figure it out. They appear to pass on what works and what doesn't to the next (and next) week events.

I recall there were 1000's of orbit balls and the carts for Lunacy and the field reset didn't take days.

At least give them a week to look at the problem