Lessons Learned - The Negative

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by BurtGummer

Well, I have nothing against 3091. But they did have FTC and FLL experience from what I have read. Summer camps or not, they have robotics experience. It might not be FRC experience, but FTC isn't something simple. In my opinion, if a team has experience in robotics, that needs to be put in consideration, or maybe a separate award.

Compare 3091 or 2753 with us, 3020. We have never touched a robot before this year. But from what I have read, both 3091 and 2753 have, and 2753 has been champions in FTC. Rookie to FRC yes, Rookie to robotics, not in the slightest.

I think FIRST needs to take a closer look at things like these.

I respectfully would like to point out to you that the way 2753 and 3091 started their FRC teams is exactly what FIRST intended and is what is expected of new rookies. Do NOT criticize these teams for taking the leap into FRC correctly or take away from their accomplishments, as a mentor I would really expect to hear better than complaints of awards. Students like me are the ones who complain about awards.

Frailty in rookie FRC teams is common but is avoidable when the team is initiated properly. Big name PA and NJ teams have been with 2753 every step of the way, and we can vouch for them in saying that they have built a strong foundation by themselves AS A HOMESCHOOLED TEAM. When they needed help from anyone, THEY ASKED.

Do not downplay the accomplishments of these teams because they started out the way FIRST intended them to start out, through FTC and FLL.

The best lesson learned for team who feel 2753 or other successful rookie teams this year had the upper hand: Learn how to have the upper hand. There is always a way, just find it.