Championship Event - Where the "Random" Match Sorting Really "Shines"

[GaryVoshol]

Originally Posted by dlavery

Again, just to set the record straight, the match pairing algorithm is NOT what FIRST wanted. It was implemented by the software developer without the concurrence of FIRST. It was not corrected during the season, despite multiple FIRST requests.

FIRST knows the match pairing algorithm is a problem. They know it is an intolerable situation that caused significant problems with allowing teams to fairly display their capabilities and performance. It will NOT be continued next year.

-dave

Originally Posted by dlavery

Perhaps. But I have to give them a little bit of slack when they tell the developer to make a change to the system (for which they are paying a significant price), and the developer just says "no - I won't do it. My way is so much better, and you (the customer) are just not smart enough to understand that."

Originally Posted by Steve W

I would like to thank Dave L for his post. From what I have learned by speaking to the developer I can believe fully Dave's statements. Dave, again thanks for posting and keeping us informed.

Interesting. I know the developer was very proud of his algorithm. Incidentally, he believed that he had convinced FIRST that the algorithm was a valid way to load-level teams.

He also wrote the PDA/scoring program, which was certainly an achievement, much better than last year. Although to be fair to Hatch, counting "hits" on a PDA is easier than counting balls rolling through a chute. Still, very few scoring failures, and certainly nothing like the fiasco last year when the program couldn't even calculate standings correctly.

Btw, for those that wanted to email him, he does have a CD account. Perhaps he's reading.