California Offseason Event Feedback

[Gary B.]

Originally Posted by Michael Corsetto

Do teams usually run off-season events for a profit? At the Fembot's pre-ship scrimmage they sold snacks to make a bit of money, you might want to consider that as a small way to fundraise. Other than that, if you want a lot of teams to come, keeping the costs down will be a must. And keeping the costs down would be nice because I'm sure 1678 would like to come (and we don't have much money )

The Fembots were not so much selling snacks to make money at our scrimmage. We were trying to offset the cost of the field setup ( for example, the many 4'x8' sheets of FRP) without directly charging anyone. Our goal was to have as many teams participate as possible and we don't want the cost to attend to be an issue. That being said, keeping the costs down is an admirable goal. If you can manage to get enough teams (I'll bring it up with my team) to get the commitment of the facilities, I highly recommend jumping right into rounding up volunteers. My Calgames experience (and last year the Fall Classic) has shown that these off season events live on the enormous effort of their volunteers.

[smurfgirl]

I think that this is a great idea, and I am sure it will receive enough support that it is more than worth having. If I lived anywhere remotely near California, I would love to come, but I don't think I could justify the expense of flying across the country to go to an offseason, especially one where my team isn't competing, to my parents. Good luck with planning your event, and I'm sure it will turn out well. Have fun!

[joshy1323]

Originally Posted by Michael Corsetto

Getting the venue donated is a great deal, its will make your life a whole lot easier when you plan out the details for the competition. Another thing I was thinking about was the 3 day competition length you mention. I've never actually heard of an off-season competition lasting that long. You might run into problems with teams not willing to shell out the extra money for travel costs, which is I think why off-season competitions are traditionally 1-2 days.

You are absolutely right and that is likely what we would end up doing. Three days will probably be too much but we will most likely leave it up to the teams attending to come the day before and set up or practice if they wish. Thank you all the feedback is great keep it coming. And if anyone is in contact with teams that would probably wish to come but aren't likely to see this post please have them contact josh_1323@yahoo.com

[AdamHeard]

973 would probably go as it is much closer than our other options.

[ay2b]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

It would be open to anyone and run with exactly the same rules and regulations used by FIRST.

I'd suggest leaving yourself open to modifying the rules slightly. Everyone, every year, has their own favorite rule that they want to change. Let whatever organizing committee you have make whatever minor rule changes you see fit. Just make sure to publish the changes early. As an example, the IRI folks hate the serpentine draft, so they change that. They also have 4 team alliances in elimination. (Some years it's a 4-team alliance; some years it's a 3-team alliance, but you pick your own backup.) Some years they've also made the autonomous tasks worth more points. I am not advocating any particular rule change, just suggesting you leave yourself open to it.

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

It would be held over three days in June, July, or August, but most likely July.

(a) Try to avoid picking a date too close to another off-season event, especially off-season events which are near by. IRI is certainly not close, but several California teams which I think you would want at your event are hoping/planning on going to IRI, which is July 31st/August 1st.

(b) Three days seems like a long time for an off-season event. IRI is the biggest off-season event, and it's only two days; all other off-season events which I can think of are just one day. San Diego's "Battle at the Border" is officially more than one day, but Friday night is party/setup/practice, and Saturday is the competition. Remember that while students are likely to be on summer vacation, a lot of mentors still have to work and likely will not want to have to take more time off in order to attend. Especially for a new event, I'd recommend making it one day, with the option to grow it next year.

All that said, I'm certainly interested in going.

[Untitled]

I'll bring this up with our team (1671) and clovis north. I think both of us would be more than happy to help you guys out.

[JaiM]

Team 971 considers alll off-season events in California and would be open to attending the one you are proposing.

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by JaiM

Team 971 considers alll off-season events in California and would be open to attending the one you are proposing.

We have been working on this, currently we are contacting FIRST about the Field and the Controller. We are getting everything else organized. We will be posting up more info in about a month or two.

[Matt Howard]

Originally Posted by rc_cola1323

We have been working on this, currently we are contacting FIRST about the Field and the Controller. We are getting everything else organized. We will be posting up more info in about a month or two.

Please do. 1622 is already considering off season events, a CA event would be great for us.

[BurtGummer]

Personally, I'd be interested. If I can find a way to get the $300 I will more than likely go. I'm not sure about other team members though. Would it be possible to recruit people from other teams to shoot if that ends up being the case?

Volunteering wouldn't be out of the question either. I did field reset at Vegas and enjoyed that.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by BurtGummer

Personally, I'd be interested. If I can find a way to get the $300 I will more than likely go. I'm not sure about other team members though. Would it be possible to recruit people from other teams to shoot if that ends up being the case?

Volunteering wouldn't be out of the question either. I did field reset at Vegas and enjoyed that.

RC and I are talking about a couple ways to bring this cost down to around 200-250. The more teams the better because the cost can be brougth down per team, so if there's other rookies (technically veterans now) please do let them know about this upcoming event.

[jab0ii]

I believe Team 846 will be interested in this event. Although most of the team officers will be in DC early July for Botball!
We'll def. be attending Calgames

Suggestion: I think 3 days is too long, considering how much effort it takes.
2 days max would be enough.

八四六
846

[pyr0b0y]

Our team is based out of the Bay Area and might attend depending on how far it is....4 hour drive to Clovis

[Doug G]

Originally Posted by jmarsh24

TEAM 2085!!!!!

Well if the Bulldogs are going, you bet there will be some Vikings tagging along!

[Akash Rastogi]

Seems like event updates will be coming shortly everyone!

Things need to be finalized and a final plan needs to be organized.

Come on people we need to find more teams who are interested in attending!