Utilizing breaks between matches.

[ratdude747]

Originally Posted by SpaceBiz

So If Chris is right and it only takes one extra volunteer per event to do something like he is talking about, can some of the people who think it is not worth changing the current event cycle explain why?

I know making more software is not really easy, but if having this extra announcing is only optional for event organizers, what are some other disadvantages this? I don't see how more noise over the speaker for an extra minute can make scouting harder, because scouts can just ignore it.

I can think of a few things:

-Liabilities: Having such a table would be one more person to accidentally say something that would not be in the best interests of FIRST. A hot mic is a powerful tool that can be abused. Not to say such would be likely but I could foresee a well intended comment offending a team or coming off the wrong way, and while most would laugh it off, it could be seen as a risk.

-Perceived bias: This is sorta the same thing as above, but I'll mention it anyway. I could see a team not doing so well not get as much mention in said commentary, and then try to claim that the commentator was "biased" and deliberately didn't give them much mention. If said team nearly missed playoffs (or got picked somewhat low), now they could try to claim discrimination. While such probably wouldn't work as a civil suit, it could become a PR nightmare, and most organizations wish to avoid the risk of such.

-Nothing to say: Let's be honest, many events (and even some fields at champs) don't have all good matches with positive commentary to be made. IRI/Einstein playoffs are never dull, which is IMHO why such commentary tables work there. But some early-week events... *crickets chirping*.

I do think that commentary tables at regionals/districts have potential as an idea, but I don't think it will be a slam dunk like IRI live has been. I don't mention these things because I think it's a bad idea, but because realistically there may be some roadblocks to getting such implemented in an official event.