VCU COMPETITION STATUS

[Alavinus]

Since msot people are still at the social I will try to give the first update.

Peoples predictions about seeding were very close. I believe only one robot is undefeated. Many, many, many penalties have been given out and were the deciding factor in some cases. Overall the reset field team is performing like pros and the matches are going smoothly. Hanging robots are consistently doing well and the 2x ball has been the deciding factor in several matches. And yes, my former team 339 capped with Kilroy several times.

On to some warnings: the small balls are still a problem with teams riding up on them and teams are also having trouble negotiating the step. Also, several teams took nasty shots while attempting to hang so be prepared for some robot roughhousing.

Finally, unfortunately, <rant> this is aimed at people at VCU but also at competitions that follow: Please stop harrasing the volunteers. The scoring software that FIRST usually has to sort the rankings was broken. The pit admin table could not fix it. FIRST was working frantically to get it working. Yelling at us did not resolve the situation, it just tired us out.

Please feel free to ask the volunteers questions-- that's what we are there for. However, when you receive the answer and it is not to your liking, think "Can this person solve my problem if I discuss it with them?" After that think, "Let us have a cold rational discussion to have this issue resolved." Remember the volunteering is not mandatory for the people to do it. It IS mandatory if FIRST is to survive and the regionals to leave a positive impact on eveerybody. </rant>

In closing, good luck to all teams tomorrow and if you want to meet me in person I will probably be at the pit admin table.