How do you scout?

[IndySam]

Find a veteran team in your area and scout with them. Just ask, most veterans would be glad to show you the ropes.

I can't tell you how much we learned by doing that.

[flyingcrayons]

we had a sheet that included a robot's performance in a round. usually we recieved 3-4 sheets a robot. also a major role in our decision was seeing how a robot fit with our gameplan.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by IndySam

Find a veteran team in your area and scout with them. Just ask, most veterans would be glad to show you the ropes.

I can't tell you how much we learned by doing that.

Yep. They show you how they do it, both teams get data and sort.

I'm a fan of Excel sheets for this, because you can print one version and keep the rest for data analysis. Don't like the analysis results because they don't match what you're seeing? Change one master number and get a different sort.

[Lil' Lavery]

The Thursday questionnaires are primarily used for the first couple matches before actual scouting data has been collected (combined with some generic notes on performance from practice day, which are taken with a grain of salt). They are also useful for seeing what teams still have work to be done (shows both that they won't be at 100% and that they have potential to improve).
Match data is what's incredibly useful for both match planning, and more importantly, creating pick lists for the elimination rounds (which should be done even if you aren't likely to be in the top 8). Take data on all game aspects, such as all scoring, penalties, etc.
Try to keep match notes as objective as possible, to provide consistent valid data regardless of note taker. Some subjective data should be taken (such as if the team appeared controlled, or were they struggling around the field), but keep it minimal.