Hybrid Challenge-No Robot Left Behind

[Waynep]

The idea of this challenge came from this post, which deals with our responsibilities as veterans of FIRST to emanate positivity and foster the future of FIRST by encouraging and cultivating these younger teams. If you have time, I ask that you please read it.

HYBRID CHALLENGE
The GDC could not have done a better job at designing an autonomous/hybrid challenge to encourage all teams to at least move in the hybrid period. By simply putting a drive forward command into your code, you are then able to cross your start/finish line, allowing you to score points. There is absolutely no reason we should see robots take a "static defensive position" during the hybrid period, as we've seen too often in the past. A daunting portion of the game, many teams dismiss hybrid/autonomous period as being too difficult, whether due to lack of programming knowledge, or an absence of confidence in making a considerable difference or contribution in the match. Let's work together and change this mindset.

Veteran teams (or any team with a robot) that are attempting to do something in hybrid: it is my challenge to you to work before and at the regionals to ensure that NO ROBOT GETS LEFT BEHIND in hybrid; everyone DRIVES at the very least and attempts to cross one or two lines. Just giving the team the proper code does not fulfill the challenge. I fully expect you to help them understand the code (whether you enable them to dead reckon or use an IR remote to move), answer their questions, leave them with the confidence and knowledge to continue to improve their efforts and know you will be there to help them if questions arise, as well as to leave your door open to anyone seeking advice.

On a more selfish note, helping these teams will increase your odds of winning the match, so not only is it the RIGHT thing to do, but it will prove beneficial to your team as well. The level of play will only get better if we pair up these younger, less experienced teams with confident veterans and help them mature. We can slowly wait for this to happen, or we can come together and push this along.

MEASURE OF SUCCESS
There are 41 Regionals, thus 41 chances to get it right. Teams who scout, please report back in this thread what percentage of robots at your event attempted to move during hybrid period. I normally discourage overt bragging, but teams keep track of the teams that you helped go from "non-hybriders" to those who will actively participate in hybrid/auton mode. You will have earned your bragging rights and such accomplishments should be celebrated. I'd like to see 100% across the board, and do think that this is possible, but only if we work together to make it happen.

ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE AND SPREADING THE WORD
If you accept my challenge, please insert the Hybrid Challenge Banner (courtesy of Joey Gannon) into your signature. I expect that by accepting the challenge you are committed to the cause, will help to spread the word, and will do your part in making this vision take life. Please share your thoughts and suggestions. I thank all of you in advance who will work to make sure that NO ROBOT is left behind during the hybrid period.