Rigged partner assignments?

Originally Posted by Karthik

I've spent some time discussing match scheduling with FIRST this season. The algorithm does have a provision which tries to place older teams with younger teams. It's not always possible, but an attempt is made.

What? I thought partner and opposition assignment was completely random! This makes certain things very unfair. As you said, FIRST makes an "attempt" to put veterans w/ rookies. That means sometimes they can't, and some rookies get ripped off.

For three years I've been under the assumption that all partner and opponent assignments are random. Someone, clarify!!!

[edit]If you can, specifiy a specific rule in the manual or a quote from a official FIRST person.[/edit]