pic: Another Time Out?

[BandChick]

I'll say it, even though I said it probably six times at Monty. I am SORRY that 1676 did not get to turn on their robot, and I'm also sorry that team 11 wasn't done in time. I was TOLD that time-outs were being cut down to five minutes, so that decision didn't even come from the refs. The biggest problem was 1403 had a deadline they needed to be out of the gym by, and were cutting it dangerously close.

Even as the five minute time out dwindled down, 1676 was asked numerous times, by numerous refs and volunteers to turn on their robot so we could start the match. George even announced it over the audio system. It is unfortunate that they had not turned on their robot, I wanted to see that match as much as anyone, but the fact of the matter is, there was a time to do it, and they didn't. I hated to sit there and say "sorry, no rematch." It really ate my heart out, but EVERYONE was being pushed yesterday, including the referees.

We tried to make as many breaks as we could. We were EXTREMELY lenient on penalties, and even after ramming penalties were discussed, we did our best to just WARN teams rather than punish them. In all fairness, Monty Madness is an off-season. It is about having FUN, not about who is right and who is wrong. But if there is anything I have learned from being on a field, it is that the referees decisions are FINAL. SEVERAL refs told me about 1676 and from there we were forced to start the match. Somehow the drive team heard the "get to your controls" announcement I made, so I don't know how they missed the five before it. Still, I'm sorry for what happened.

I'm really proud of the GP at this competition, A LOT of teams gave up timeouts to help out other teams. Wicked. Also, I really appreciate Libby, Conor, Joe, and Elgin's remarks. I had a great time at Monty Madness, and I was pretty sure that's what it was all about.

Oh, and Kev Shaw, stop looking so emo!

[George A.]

Yes what happened was sad, but what's done is done. I heard a rumor from the 1403 crew that the power was being cut on the gym at a certain time and the competition had to be over and the field packed up by then. I'm not sure if there's any truth to this rumor, but that could be the reason that the "5 minute timeout" rule was put into effect.


With that said, great job to 1403, a very snazzy event especially for your first time. I'm more than willing to come back and announce for you guys in the future.

[Graham Donaldson]

To All:

To anyone I have accidentally offended in my post, I apologize. The main point was simply to get the word out that something had happened that should or shouldn't have. I don't know. I wasn't down there (on the field), but I was told by everyone on the drive team that they didn't hear the announcements, that they were scrambling around trying to get 11 up and operational. Maybe what has to be done is to have the refs turn on any robots for teams that do not turn them on. That is an option. I don't know.

I hate to detract from 1403's excellent event, so I won't go on any longer. And I also recognize that it is only a postseason match and really doesn't count for anything. Thanks 1403!

The Canuck

[Mike Nawrot]

I see I accidentally opened a can of worms here. I was overall very satisfied with Monty Madness, and I had a blast. I'm only a little disappointed that we didn't get the opportunity to show 271, 237, and 1302 what we were made of, and give them a run for their money, but in the end, like everyone has said, it was about having fun. Not to sound redundant, but what's done is done, and we're all fine with that. Judging by the turn out and the set up, I would have never been able to guess this was Monty's first year, had I not known. It was the size of a small regional !! The event was the biggest post season I've gone to, and it was very impressive. I still wish I could've seen that match happen, but what can I say, you live, you learn. My only concern is that our robot is rather beat up for our board of education showcase tonight..... Congrats to teams 237,271, and 1302 for moving onto the finals. I hope Monty Madness will continue to grow and improve through the years, and maybe we'll wind up with our own little post-season championships .