Teams missing matches, something must be done

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by petek

I suggest:

1. Find out which teams are struggling on Thursday and help them. Team 237 did this in Chesapeake and made a big difference for several teams. In one case, they worked on a robot right up until match time on Friday; we finished inspection in queuing, and I put the sticker on it as the team placed their robot in the starting box.

2. Make it a point to find out if your alliance partners are having problems as soon as you get your match list Friday morning. If they are, offer your assistance. Not just for the first match, but keep checking with your partners a match or two ahead as the day goes on.

Your scouting organization should be doing these things already. If they aren't here's an opportunity for them to expand their contribution.

At Chesapeake, (15 rookies) we handed out sheets first thing asking who needed help and who was willing to help with specifics that could be circled. We circulated the pits every hour, doing followup, mixing and matching needs and wants. Team 237 was a great help, but so were about 10 other teams. One of the keys is prodding the teams to get at least a partial inspection early on Thursday. 24 had not passed inspection at 4 pm on Thursday, but all had on Friday morning. (and thanks to Pete for being so flexible!)
At Boston, we did the same thing. (14 rookies) Once again, there were 24 teams at 4pm on Thursday that had not passed. By Friday, they all had. There were about 5 teams helping one of the rookies at one point. As I explained to all the rookies, "your job is try not to be a burden to your alliance partner if you end up first tomorrow. You must get inspected. After you pass inspection, you can then work on whatever cool thing you are trying to finish."

This is the magic of FIRST.