paper: Stop the Stop Build - Counterpoint

[AllenGregoryIV]

Originally Posted by Richard Wallace

Certainly there will not be enough available late-season slots for all the teams that would prefer them, if John's speculation is valid. Lack of availability does not refute the speculation, though. If playing late really is an advantage, then how will FIRST decide which teams get that advantage?

My own (FiM) team prefers playing one district early and another late; e.g. Week 2 and Week 5 in 2016. The early one is an advantage for teams that work hard and finish the robot(s) so they can practice. The late one is an opportunity for improvement. So, for us, John's speculation is not an issue.

For a one-and-done Regional team, I think that John's speculation is valid.

It't not an advantage though as you just said competing early is often an advantage. Everyone at each event has the same amount of time. Teams competing at late regional if it is their first regional will still be at a slight disadvantage from the teams that may have been able to get more experience at earlier events. Abolishing SBD or giving more robot access time is only designed to improve the lower and mid tier preforming teams not level the playing field.

More money, skill, people, resources will always be an advantage in this sport (and most sports) but we can at least do everything we can to make it easier to feel accomplished and be inspired.

Each event is scheduled mostly on venue availability. FIRST HQ isn't deciding much anything.