Pit Politics

[Mike M.]

I have not noticed this but now that you mention that i agree. I think it is because the teams near your pit get to see how well your robot is working and how you are doing in the competition.

[Ryan Albright]

Politics in the pits is one of the biggest parts on if you are gonna get picked or not. Shure you have your teams that are awesome every year and make it into the top 8. Thats why you come up with a business plan being able to sell yourself to that team. You have to convince them that you will be better then the 30 something other teams there. We are going into are fourth year and i know that durning the three days we are there you go friendships with the people in the next pit wiht you. You let them borrow tools and they let you borrow tools you exchange ideas. I think that the politics that go's on are great. Its just like in the real world you have to be able to sell yourself and FIRST is just getting a headstart on it

[Ashley Weed]

I don't know if I totally agree with the proximity of your pit to others helps with a selection. I haven't ever dealt with it, however, I guess it is possible. Building friendships with others helps. Not only do you have that to work off of at a given competition, but if the proper people build the relations it may benefit your team in the future. In addition to that team, I have found relations with certain teams, will help you create relations with other teams at the same time.

I don't totally agree with the politics though. Yes, you may be good year after year, or you may be on the other end and get a lucky break, and be good for one year and be noticed. However, I wish that it could be a level playing field for all to be noticed equally. But the real world doesn't always allow that.