Teams missing matches, something must be done

[RoboMom]

Originally Posted by petek

I suggest:

1. Find out which teams are struggling on Thursday and help them. Team 237 did this in Chesapeake and made a big difference for several teams. In one case, they worked on a robot right up until match time on Friday; we finished inspection in queuing, and I put the sticker on it as the team placed their robot in the starting box.

2. Make it a point to find out if your alliance partners are having problems as soon as you get your match list Friday morning. If they are, offer your assistance. Not just for the first match, but keep checking with your partners a match or two ahead as the day goes on.

Your scouting organization should be doing these things already. If they aren't here's an opportunity for them to expand their contribution.

At Chesapeake, (15 rookies) we handed out sheets first thing asking who needed help and who was willing to help with specifics that could be circled. We circulated the pits every hour, doing followup, mixing and matching needs and wants. Team 237 was a great help, but so were about 10 other teams. One of the keys is prodding the teams to get at least a partial inspection early on Thursday. 24 had not passed inspection at 4 pm on Thursday, but all had on Friday morning. (and thanks to Pete for being so flexible!)
At Boston, we did the same thing. (14 rookies) Once again, there were 24 teams at 4pm on Thursday that had not passed. By Friday, they all had. There were about 5 teams helping one of the rookies at one point. As I explained to all the rookies, "your job is try not to be a burden to your alliance partner if you end up first tomorrow. You must get inspected. After you pass inspection, you can then work on whatever cool thing you are trying to finish."

This is the magic of FIRST.

[Wetzel]

For those who have not heard, or don't remember, I point you to Professor Gradys lecture on the Placebo.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...hlight=placebo

Wetzel

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by RoboMom

As I explained to all the rookies, "your job is try not to be a burden to your alliance partner if you end up first tomorrow. You must get inspected. After you pass inspection, you can then work on whatever cool thing you are trying to finish."

This is the magic of FIRST.

Well said, RoboMom!

At STL, I say something similar to teams that have not passed inspection at 4 pm on Thursday. After 5 pm, pit admin starts announcing the numbers of teams that have not reported to the scale for initial inspection, and asking those who are able to provide help to do so.

Friday morning, I visit the pits of teams that are allied in early matches (esp. matches that require queuing before opening ceremony) with those who have not passed inspection, advise them of their alliance partner's inspection status, and recommend they try to help out.

In my three years as STL lead inspector we've never had a robot fail to complete inspection before the first qualifying match.

[Jherbie53]

Originally Posted by robochick1319

I know from experience that making it to matches is not an easy task. In Purdue the matches were literally back to back!! We got back from a match and we were already on our third call for the next match before we could even get the robot on the table to change the battery!!

I totally understand why teams can't make it to matches and don't worry guys! It is possible to win 2 v 3. We did it in Florida when our partner was gone. We just changed our strategy and escaped with a win and decent ranking points.

I appreciate though when teams tell us they can't make it. At least we have time to change our strategy to accommodate. These robots are going to break, whether we like it or not. We just have to make the best of it!

I'm sure that was the same for just about every team. At West Michigan last year we had it twice that we needed to go to queuing straight from a match.

We all want to compete, so helping your alliance partners is what everyone should do. I'm thinking of not helping scout to wander the pits at West Michigan, for the very reason of helping other teams. Of course we want to win the robot part of the competition, but I'm looking forward to the Woodie Flowers and Chairmans awards this weekend even more.

[mtaman02]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

This is a competition, not an exhibition. In a competition, the goal is to win. If you are not trying to win, you are not competing.

Sandman FIRST was and will never about "Winning". The Reason FIRST has exsisted over the many years is b/c teams have been giving a task to complete in six weeks - whether they are funded or under funded. We all know and have experienced the Six Weeks of what I like to call (excuse my french) Hell. Six Weeks is a very short time to build a masterpiece have it tested and shipped. Whether you have a whole bunch of materials & money or not. Many Teams at the few regionals unpacked their robots into 2000 pieces and have close to 1 Day to build it and have it inspected. When friday comes around they may or may not have that rolling chassis (as my teacher calls it). Its the job of how ever many teams in that particular regional to help this one team get their robot rolling so that it can be at least be defensive. Espicially if you are their alliance partner. Anyone who settles on the belief that they are not obligated to help another troubled team is wrong. If you don't have all the required parts that they may need no problem - remember every little bit helps. I can understand that having one or two less teams on the alliance is unfair but if you at least try to help them out maybe they'll have a better chance of being an effective alliance partner. FIRST has and will always be about Team Work. Without Team work your nothing, Everywhere you go Team Work is applied in everything.

In 2003 I and a couple other alumni went to the NYC Regional w/ our team old team (522) there were many teams w/ either incomplete robots or completely non-functioning robots. Since 522's robot was working and needed very lil maintenance, the alumni and the many who helped build the robot set off into the pits and helped just about every team that needed help whether it was assembling the robot correctly or just helping w/ the necessary adjustments. The teams that we had helped seeded better then they would have just by having a rolling chassis and being able to be out on the field. This had been that teams goal since their inseption and continues to that day and that was to help any and every team that needed it. To me thats Team Work and Gracious Professionalism.

To me that story may or may not apply to this specific thread by does have some basis to whats being discussed. As I said before Its never about winning, Its about Team Work in achieving the task set forth, Its about Being Gracious and Professional to all the surrounding teams, Its about HAVING FUN.
Its what FIRST's all about.


Thats my $2.00 worth.

[KenWittlief]

The only solution to the problem of AWOL robots in matches is to go back to one on one games. No alliances.

Having a stand-in robot for a team that is having problems will put pressure on them to let the pitch-robot stand in for them, even when they could have their bot on the field. The teams with robot issues would end up sitting on the bench for the entire weekend (hey, that sounds familiar - just like HS sports!)

[MrForbes]

I think the missing matches thing is a non-issue. If your team has a very good, competitive robot, you will rise in the standings. And if the odds really do play against you in the matches, at least you will be at the top of the other teams' scouting lists.

One thing that I notice lacking in this thread is the mention of helping the teams on the opposing alliance get working. A few times Friday we helped other teams with parts/tools so they could get going again.....and then played against them. It's a great feeling to know that you helped them out!

I agree that it is a robot competition, but it's one where we all win if we all do our best.