Lessons learned 2005: The negative

[KTorak]

Most have already been said but, these are some negative things I saw.

Penalties: A 30 point penalty is a lot when it was hard enough to score above a 30 in a match. We got a 30 point penalty and lost when we accidently bumped into a robot in the loading zone. It was when we were hit while trying to cap the opposing alliance center goal, and we spun around and non maliciously bumped into the robot there.

Distance to and from Pits: I know it was longer as houston, but it was still a very long walk, especially while dragging a robot with you. Maybe FIRST came find a way to shorten it.

Pit Area in General: I don't think FLL and FRC pits should be in the same building. FLL teams are encouraged to be loud in their pits and scream/shout on the way to their matches, which was distracing in FRC pits while trying to talk to others/work. Don't get me wrong, I thought the South Korean teams drums were cool, but REALLY loud. I also didn't like the Pit Admin announcing. You could not understand a word they said. I also wish you could get sound from the matched in the field. I had to go back and crate our robot during closing ceremonies/finals becuase it took so long to get the crate and I didn't want to miss the Wrap Up party. I was dissappointed I couldn't hear what was going on.

Wrap Up Party: I know FIRST tried their best and it is hard to have a large scale party, but...First, I have to say that the live entertainment was pretty good. The food on the other hand was ok, at best. By time you got to sit down, it was cold. Also, the carnival style attractions were, in my mind, more suitable for younger students andhad ridicuously long lines. A few other team members and I took advantage of the Wrap Up by using the Omni Pool/Hot Tub. Every other night there were 50 or more people there resulting in security kicking them out. When we were there, they stopped by and left..no issues at all.

Ceremonies and Awards: I disliked the way they were ran/given out. I think saving chairmens award for last took away from the winning team becuase the matches were over and people were more interested in going to the Wrap Up Party. Also, inserting awards between finals matches took away from both of them. Opening ceremonies were also lengthy, they shouldn't have caused the matches to become delayed by 30+ minutes.

I do have to say there were some good things. First off, I got my FIRST segway ride...it was awesome. The hotel was (Omni) was pretty nice...I liked having a massive food court near by and being so close to the GWCC and Dome. The pits themselved were also layed out nicely...good walking room and such. Hopefully, FIRST can make some improvements for next year.

Also, how long is the Dome and GWCC contracted by FIRST for use? I heard rumors of one more year, becuase I would honestly like to see it moved to the west...California, Seattle, Salt Lake, or even Arizona would be cool places to hold the competiton. Even michigan would be cool...since we have the most FIRST teams.