Match Scheduling

[Richard Wallace]

Good memory, Ed. 2007 brought us the Match Schedule Algorithm of Death. Paul and John were very quick to bring the issue to my attention as a Week 1 FTA that year. It caused quite a stir, and everyone I have talked with was very glad to see FIRST HQ correct it.

Originally Posted by jvriezen

3. Good scouting should cause the best teams to get to play in eliminations, regardless of the shortcomings of scheduling.

This is generally true. However, better alliances are formed when the strongest teams seed highest. Scheduling algorithms were improved several years ago to help with this. The District-era trend toward 40-team fields and 12 match schedules helps even more.

Jim Zondag will gladly say more about this, if asked. He has a lot of data.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Richard Wallace

Good memory, Ed. 2007 brought us the Match Schedule Algorithm of Death. Paul and John were very quick to bring the issue to my attention as a Week 1 FTA that year. It caused quite a stir, and everyone I have talked with was very glad to see FIRST HQ correct it.This is generally true. However, better alliances are formed when the strongest teams seed highest. Scheduling algorithms were improved several years ago to help with this. The District-era trend toward 40-team fields and 12 match schedules helps even more.

Jim Zondag will gladly say more about this, if asked. He has a lot of data.

I think the event I remember the most glaring was Florida. Pink was scheduled four different times against Shark Attack who that year was a Pink killer and practically drove them into last place with their relentless defense.