Remote Kickoff Weather Problems

Out here in Washington State it is very likely that we will have snow and (because we have .... limited snow clearing equipment) a few inches means everyone panics and schools & roads close, etc. Which means that our remote kickoff may be canceled . Does that mean that FIRST will not let us pick up our kit of parts, even if we miss the kickoff broadcast? When kits of parts are handed over to remote kickoff locations, does possession transfer to the team that's organizing the kickoff or does it go to FIRST-hired (or volunteer) staff? What has happened previous times when remote kickoffs were canceled?

[Timothy D. Ginn]

Originally Posted by SilverStar

Out here in Washington State it is very likely that we will have snow and (because we have .... limited snow clearing equipment) a few inches means everyone panics and schools & roads close, etc. Which means that our remote kickoff may be canceled . Does that mean that FIRST will not let us pick up our kit of parts, even if we miss the kickoff broadcast? When kits of parts are handed over to remote kickoff locations, does possession transfer to the team that's organizing the kickoff or does it go to FIRST-hired (or volunteer) staff? What has happened previous times when remote kickoffs were canceled?

I'm pretty sure not all teams actually attend a kickoff event, and that those who don't are able to make alternative arrangements to pickup/have delivered their kit of parts. If there is a concern, you should talk to the organisers of your local kickoff. At any rate, you will be able to get the kit of parts; it just may be a bit delayed compared to other teams who were able to attend a kickoff. FIRST is pretty good at planning for this sort of thing, so you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

If your'e really worried, you may want to contact a FIRST representative about this. As said above, they may have encountered the situation before. Good luck with the weather. Is there perhaps a possibility of reserving an emergency backup location that isn't closed, if there is such a thing in your town?

[Jessica Boucher]

Originally Posted by Eugenia Gabrielov

As said above, they may have encountered the situation before.

May have?!?!? It's practically traditional!

Many a year have we plowed through the snow and ice to the NH Kickoff. I would be shocked if there wasn't alternate plans in place due to weather - your team leader would probably have the information about being contacted in case of emergency.

[Stephen Kowski]

last year 1368 did not attend their remote kickoff and their parts went back to FIRST....when they contacted FIRST they had been told their parts were given to other teams to fill missing item requests....hope this helps

[phrontist]

Originally Posted by Stephen Kowski

last year 1368 did not attend their remote kickoff and their parts went back to FIRST....when they contacted FIRST they had been told their parts were given to other teams to fill missing item requests....hope this helps

Woah, what happened? Did you not compete that year?!

[Justin]

If you think that just getting to the remote kickoff in bad weather is your biggest weather related problem...think again ;-) I think it was 2 years ago when there was a huge ice storm here in NH and the NASA truck with that satellite couldn't get to the kickoff site...when it did there were lots of transmission problems due to the blizzard like conditions ;-)

Figured I'd throw that in there just for nostalgia sake.

Justin

[Ian W.]

You will get your KOP, it just may be a few days after other teams. Honestly though, you don't need the KOP the first day, or probably even the first week. Then again, I came from a team who believed the robot had to be finished by the last match of championships...

[Ian W.]

Originally Posted by Justin

If you think that just getting to the remote kickoff in bad weather is your biggest weather related problem...think again ;-) I think it was 2 years ago when there was a huge ice storm here in NH and the NASA truck with that satellite couldn't get to the kickoff site...when it did there were lots of transmission problems due to the blizzard like conditions ;-)

Figured I'd throw that in there just for nostalgia sake.

Justin

I think that was last year, could be wrong though. I remember sitting at my friend's house who had satellite tv, and we saw the FIRST Logo, and heard audio, but it took a while for them to get the video equipment working (something along the lines of it was frozen inside of the truck is what I remember).

[Stephen Kowski]

Originally Posted by phrontist

Woah, what happened? Did you not compete that year?!

i am not/have never been on 1368....and from what I have heard they did end up competing, but they got sent the controller and not much else and had to purchase whatever else they needed.....but im not 100% on that.....

[Madison]

The remote kickoff in Seattle is, to my knowledge, being shown on a tape-delay. That will provide a few extra hours for road clearing on Saturday morning if it does end up snowing.

Maybe it isn't a bad idea to decide upon an alternate location to view the web simulcast of the NASA TV broadcast that is closer to Bellevue if you are concerned that the 520 floating bridge will be a parking lot. You'd have to wake up earlier to see it live at 7 AM, though.

I'd love to see it snow on Friday or Saturday. It's hysterical to watch the entire city become paralyzed by 2" of snow.

[andy]

Not to gloat or anything, but today, in Atlanta, it was 65 degrees Fahrenheit
Look forward to a tropical championships!

[Camerzn]

Originally Posted by andy

Not to gloat or anything, but today, in Atlanta, it was 65 degrees Fahrenheit
Look forward to a tropical championships!

It's unseasonably warm for March. Problem is, we'll be marginally more likely to have the autoreset breakers autotrip on us.

[Stephen Kowski]

Originally Posted by andy

Not to gloat or anything, but today, in Atlanta, it was 65 degrees Fahrenheit
Look forward to a tropical championships!

heh.....65 is our low on saturday....lol you guys must be freezing up there.....I know I would be.....

[Joshua May]

Originally Posted by Stephen Kowski

last year 1368 did not attend their remote kickoff and their parts went back to FIRST....when they contacted FIRST they had been told their parts were given to other teams to fill missing item requests....hope this helps

If we are unable to get to the remote kickoff, what do we do to keep something like this from happening, is there a specific person/department at FIRST to contact?