Lessons learned 2005: The positive

[Andy Baker]

There are soooo many good things that happened this year. Although this list is long, there are many more.

• Kit gearbox, 2 provided to each team (effort led by Paul Copioli & IFI)
• Kit frame, 1 provided in each kit (effort led by JVN & IFI)
• IFI Distribution panel - awesome addition
• More freedom of additional materials to design robots
• Defining what an approved "VENDOR" for a FIRST team was (aka the AndyMark issue)
• The addition of 5 excellent new regionals, with a new favorite regional of mine being the Boilermaker Regional
• The fact that FIRST Game Design Committe stuck to their guns on the penalties and made teams play more offense by limiting defensive strategies
• The addition of the driver station roof at the Championship was excellent.
• The fact that enough people volunteered to help run each event, for a game that demanded many volunteers (more referees needed, more field reset, etc.)
• A great game that did not include balls
• A vertical game that awarded teams who could design more than just a drivebase
• The electrical hardware system for the field is better than ever
• The robot inspection checksheet, process, and equipment are better than ever
• The new sponsor banners at the Championships were very good
• Lighting at the Championship event, especially for the opening ceremonies and the finals were very good, providing a much more professional appearance.
• The introduction of VEX Robotics to the FIRST community was good
• The pit layout in the Georgia Dome Convention Center was great, especially our pit location
• The increased attention for the Championship Conference Sessions
• The fact that 3 great teams of purely admireable people won the FRC Championships
• The fact that although many of us disagree on specifics of how FIRST should conduct events, design a game, and facilitate as much fairness between teams as possible, in the end we still greatly enjoy each other's passion for FIRST and provide genuine respect for each other

There are many more... too much for just one post.

Andy B.