How do you scout?

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by klrswift

I have noticed that most of you have said that you use 6 people per match, one per robot on the field. We have done it a bit differently. Usually, we assign a number of teams to each person that isnt in the pits, whether they are parents, students, siblings, etc.

The advantage of this approach is that you get to know the teams that you are watching. You are able to note their progress through the qualifying rounds, whether they are better or worse at the beginning and end. That is something that is not as easy when you are just gathering stats. This approach also allows scouts to not have to watch every round, and are able to get up and take a break.

A HUGE disadvantage of this system is that you can easily be forced to watch 2 teams in 1 match. This is fixed by asking someone who doesn't have a robot to watch that match to help. I am working on a way to sort the teams so that this can be minimized, but it is also difficult if your scouts aren't all there at the beginning of the day.

Another problem ive noticed is that scouting is seen as an undesirable job, which is a far nicer way to say what was said to me about it by one of our other alumni. Be sure to emphasize the importance of scouting and strategy to your scouts, otherwise they will see it as a chore and not do a good job.

good point. First of all, we also include 2 or 3 people overseeing the entire field. These certain people are highly skilled at identifying and interpreting a robot's performance, driver skills, and just about everything you can imagine. I highly suggest that teams do this. Its something insanely useful. PM me if u have more questions about it.

Second, basically what riles up our frosh scouters is the usual "Scouting wins us regionals" talk. And swear to god it has won us regional even with a mediocre bot.