What can we do to get noticed

[Wayne C.]

Team 25 has been picked more often than getting to be the picker since we usually play a defensive game and that doesn't score lots of points for seeding. We were the second to last pick in the third round in two events in 2000 and went on to win the Nationals. Gray hair is standard on our adult team these days!

Don't be disheartened about not getting picked. Many teams have old favorites they like to work with and know they can rely on. That's life. With time and experience your team will develop a fine reputation and catch the eye of the big guys too. I've found that teams we've allied with become good friends and we look forward to the next time we can work together.

Since you asked for advice here are a few suggestions from someone who has been there a few times

1. Make a robot which is robust. Robots which are always needing repairs probably won't survive the fast pace of the elimination rounds.

2. Show the other teams that your operators are professional, know the game and are easy to work with. Sometimes teams with great robots make dumb decisions because their operators really don't know the rules. Vice versa also works. Interaction with other teams should be collaborative, not authoritative.

3. In the practice rounds be sure to demonstrate exactly what your robot can do. Show both its good points and limits.

4. Try not to make promises of your robot which it cannot keep. That was a big problem last year. I must admit we let a few teams down too I'm afraid! If you over extend yourself people will remember your team from the seeding rounds as "the little robot who couldn't"

As for buttons and pins, they are for fun and friendship in my book- not bribes. Scouting sheets may come in handy for basic stuff but there is nothing like watching robots actually in a round to see what they are capable of.

I hope it helps. We'll keep an eye out for you!

WC

PS- there is nothing wrong with a wooden robot which works well and I've seen plenty of metal robots which haven't. Wooden robots don't short out to the frame and go up in smoke on the field ! If you really want to fool them cover the wood with metallic paint and decorations!