How important is scouting in 05

[FIRST JerseyKid]

This year I see scouting being a very important factor for every match we go in. I think its more important than other years what do you think?

[Cory]

Absolutely more important than last year. After on field strategy, the second most important element of the game.

[Alex Pelan]

Scouting has always been important, and this year is no exception. Last year, without a doubt we realized that scouting was what gave us the extra boost in competition, and our alliance partners ended up complementing us extremely well. This year, it's just as important as always. Teams are going to have to find teams that are reliable, and versatile, as on-field stategy is key, as Cory stated. While I don't know that it is as important as last year as there are less game tasks, it should still be a number one priority for every team. It will not only improve performance due to picking good alliance partners, but it will also improve qualifying performance, because you know the other team's strategy, and what your own partners can do.

[Adam Richards]

Well, I have to say, if SigmaC@t is doing team ranking/statistics at your regional, WATCH THEM! It makes scouting so much easier. They're really a help to the whole community with their live updated stats at the regionals. Keep up the good work Team 108!

[Orangeblossom]

Originally Posted by FIRST JerseyKid

This year I see scouting being a very important factor for every match we go in. I think its more important than other years what do you think?

Our team has always considered scouting important, especially during qualifying rounds. It gives you a heads up on what the other teams can do. We distribute scouting sheets to everyone on our team, and we go interview the other teams in the pits and in the stands. We also make it a point to observe the robot in competition...you know, trust and verify. It's always important to improve your scouting methods too! Good luck 1089 !

[Aignam]

Scouting will be extremely important this year, and it will be to any team's benefit to have an inclusive, organized database of scouting information.

[Koko Ed]

Considering the need for strategy to suceed it is highly important that you know what each and every one of your partners are capable of as well as your opponents so you can impliment a proper strategy to suceed.

[MrAmazing]

We have always had scouting. However, this year we are really digging deep. This is going to be our best year yet for scouting...

[Nick Mac]

Scouting is goign to be extrememly important this year. The last time i can remember it being this important was in 2002. This year we're really going to have to pay attention to specific, minute details. And i suggest if you want to win, you're going to have to scout...a lot.

[Billfred]

How important is scouting?

Essential.

Of course, the way this year's game is, it'll be awful hard to run D against a strategy this year, unless you go with the notion that the best defense is good offense.

Still, there will be counterstrategies for Triple Play, mark my words.

[Warren Boudreau]

I think that scouting will be more important this year than ever before.

1). You have to know the abilities of 5 teams per match rather than 3.
2). The autonomous tasks are expanded (hanger, search, cap, block, etc).
3). There are a lot of different speeds to worry about (robot, loading, capping).

There's more, but I only have time for three examples. As it is, our scouting cards are going to be stuffed. I almost feel sorry for the scouting crew.

[Rich Wong]

I think scouting is always important, but this year with three teams per alliance tracking the combinations of teamswill be a nighmare if the teams are not communicating or paying attention.

[Bill Moore]

Scouting will be as important as ever, no more, no less. It is always important to select complementary alliance partners for playoffs. The surprising fact is that many teams only scout and rank the top tier of competitors. How many times have alliance captains been left hanging because their team only supplied them with a list of 10 or 15 teams? By their third pick, every team on the list has already been selected. Teams with good scouting crews will have a list at least as long as the total number of teams in the playoffs (24).

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by Bill Moore

Scouting will be as important as ever, no more, no less. It is always important to select complementary alliance partners for playoffs. The surprising fact is that many teams only scout and rank the top tier of competitors. How many times have alliance captains been left hanging because their team only supplied them with a list of 10 or 15 teams? By their third pick, every team on the list has already been selected. Teams with good scouting crews will have a list at least as long as the total number of teams in the playoffs (24).

Our kids are required to scout every team in our competition (or division in the championship). You have no idea who you are going to be paired with and it might be a good idea to know exactly what you are in for.

[Spikey]

With the increased number of robots on a team, picking a good team will be vital. Scouting will be very important.