Dangerous precedent set by Q&A 461: Loaning Parts/Assemblies to other teams

[RonnieS]

Originally Posted by Chief Hedgehog

I completely understand the element of FRC to aid another team to develop a portion of the robot to work better in the game itself. However, to 'loan out' ramps, claws, grabbers, etc. - that goes against all things FRC.

As a coach, I would have severe hesitation to allow another team to 'loan' an element of their allotment so that we can satisfy their needs. If my team is drafted, I would expect that you do so knowing my robot's limitations. However, if we do have the allotments necessary in our own arsenal, then so be it.

Yes, it is great to win a competition. It is also heartbreaking to lose it. However, to draft a 2nd team just because they are the best fit for your own allotments, that is wrong. Not just against the ubiquitous 'GP' - but plain wrong.

There is both positives and negatives in finishing in the top positions... you get the first pick. However, it also means that the top teams must look deep into the field to get a team that can work with them. If the top tier teams are drafting their 2nd picks because they can 'remake' the 2nd pick - that is wrong. Then why even pick them? Find a robot that can truly aid them 'as-is' with little manipulation (and no lent elements).

Why? Well, ask the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. alliances that have worked their butts off to build their robots. - and then for the alliance captain's scouting team working to no end to create the best alliance for their chances. Do they think adding a completely non-COTS element to the 3rd team on the first alliance is acceptable?

I saw 2526 draft two robots in Duluth that were better than them in scoring from the tote chutes. Not ranked higher, but better robots that could do what 2526 could not. Team 93 (rank 15) and 4818 (Rank 62) were great Tote Chute Bots that secured the win against an incredible alliance built by 2052. No shenanigans on either side - but 2526 won the Lake Superior Regional because they drafted robots that could complement their strengths - or in other words, played on 2526's weaknesses.

Perhaps it is easier to pick your 3rd bot at an event with more than 50 teams. It is a lot easier at district champs and worlds to find the robots that do fit with your strategy; the ones you don't have to modify. When you are at a district event with more than 20 rookie teams...it becomes very very difficult.

It becomes more about how you approach that team about your intentions. In all of my experiences, when we told a team that we had some ideas on how to make their robot more competitive and win...they love it and want to help. It is then our job to make sure they are involved in the process and learn from it.

We are competing this week, we now will be bringing a ton more raw materials to the comp in order to help our teams. There will be over 25 rookie teams once again and I am sure a ton of them will need assistance...this rule just scares me. I don't know if I will be able to tell a team, " No I cant help you get your robot on the field because we are not allowed to give you this per the rules"...that is something FIRST has to help with.
-Ronnie