Thoughts from an Outsider

[Tstone]

I wanted to mention a few thoughts to the FIRST community after getting exposed to the sport for the first time this year as a parent.

First let me say I have been "bitten" by the bug. My oldest son (the one in robotics) is a sophomore and I have four other kids who after traveling with the team and experiencing the regional events at KC and Denver are stoked about the sport. I have a feeling I'm going to be shelling out lots of cash towards robotics for the next 10 years.

As an outsider, I think one of the most difficult things to overcome is grasping the event. I think there are several things First (or the teams) could do to make the events a lot more enjoyable for all the parents, grandparents (aka sponsors!) and friends who show up to watch the events.

1. If there were banners or a-frame signs around the entrances that explained the gameplay and penalties.

2. If there were programs for sale (I would have easily paid $5.00 to $10.00 for such a great item) which gave photos and bios of all the teams, and a little history about their teams. It could also contain sections explaining rules, penalties and gameplay.

3. If the announcers would, from time to time, explain what the penalties and scoring are. There is a lot of "fluff" time between matches where the host or announcer could take a moment to explain some important aspect of the game using instant replay video or even just some canned animation. This would add a lot of useful info to the event.

4. Understanding the ranking system is imperative! This is a sport! Scores matter to the teams AND spectators. Its like going to a football game and having to wander down to the locker room to have to find out what the score is. So much focus is put on match score but nobody talks about the ranking system as it builds through the event. Thats not very fan friendly. I watched the enitre KC regional and was halfway through the Denver event before I realized that points of the LOSING team had an impact on the winner! I think that ranking boards like those found in the pits need to be displayed in a couple of public areas and a clear explanation of the ranking system should accompany the board.

I believe First Robotics is one of the most compelling stories that need to be told to our culture. I cannot tell you how often I talk with people who are afraid that as a country, we are hopelessly behind in science and technology. When I start telling them about First Robtics, they are mildly surprised and very excited to know that such an event exists and that so many participants are involved. This event is more than a sport, it represents a cutting edge transformation within our culture and has the capacity to get people EXCITED about learning science and technology. Given this opportunity, I think we must take seriously the importance of "infecting" the rest of the world with this passion. That is done much more easily if the people we invite to our events understand what they are watching.