After Coming Back From The LA Regional: My Thoughts On FIRST

[davidthefat]

Originally Posted by ZonChau

You could try giving FRC a shot by not playing a video game for a lot of the time? Teams would slam down on the vast disinterest shown by going all the way to competition then spend a lot of time looking at a video game.

The problem was Robotics Club was fun until the middle of the competition... There was no more bugs for me to fix, no more stuff to put in, all the problems were hardware, so I had to spend my time somehow... I was a "driver" so I had to be in the pit till our turn, so I couldn't go watch...

[XaulZan11]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

The problem was Robotics Club was fun until the middle of the competition... There was no more bugs for me to fix, no more stuff to put in, all the problems were hardware, so I had to spend my time somehow... I was a "driver" so I had to be in the pit till our turn, so I couldn't go watch...

Maybe you could have spent your time helping out another team with their non-hardware problems? Or spent your time cheering on other teams. Or helped the scouts. Or made some friends on other teams. This is how other students (who enjoy the competitions more) spend their time.

[davidthefat]

I guess I just went to the competition with a sour taste in my mouth, the code was messy, so I got in trouble by my mentor for that... and we had problems first 4-5 matches, the class mate was broken and had to be reformatted. We were in the match that the field wifi system went hay wire or something. Our robot didn't respond a match. The IR sensor did not work in autonomous mode so our robot drove into the tower and we got a penelty for crossing the line. It was the only regional we could go, so I know this was the last time I had to work on the robot, I was not in a good mood. When it worked, it was fantastic little robot. Just pissed why we didn't make the finals... Just regret is all I remember from the competition.

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

I guess I just went to the competition with a sour taste in my mouth, the code was messy, so I got in trouble by my mentor for that... and we had problems first 4-5 matches, the class mate was broken and had to be reformatted. We were in the match that the field wifi system went hay wire or something. Our robot didn't respond a match. The IR sensor did not work in autonomous mode so our robot drove into the tower and we got a penelty for crossing the line. It was the only regional we could go, so I know this was the last time I had to work on the robot, I was not in a good mood. When it worked, it was fantastic little robot. Just pissed why we didn't make the finals... Just regret is all I remember from the competition.

After being in this nine years, I can say if this little bit of unfortunate times is all you've experienced, you're doing just fine. ;-) Next time, check out some other team's robots, an figure out how they do what they do. Meet some people, make some friends, and have a good time. When your own team isn't doing as well as you'd like to, there's still plenty of fun to be had in other ways.

Your FIRST experience is what you make it.

Also, if your team is willing to raise the funds, I'd like to remind you that the fabulous Indiana Robotics Invitational will (I think?) be taking place in July. Team 980 from not too far away has gone every year. You might consider proposing to your team that they apply for this event.

[davidthefat]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

After being in this nine years, I can say if this is the worst you've experienced, you're doing just fine. ;-) Next time, check out some other team's robots, an figure out how they do what they do. Meet some people, make some friends, and have a good time.

Your FIRST experience is what you make it.

That is true, but I always been taught, get in, get out, get the job done and just say good game, nothing more, nothing less. Always know what your job is and your team mate's job. But I guess that does not apply to FIRST then...

[EricH]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

Just pissed why we didn't make the finals... Just regret is all I remember from the competition.

24 teams make the eliminations. 59 teams are on the team list.That means that 35 teams don't make eliminations, and at least 27 have no chance at all (not high enough of a seed to be a backup robot).

You seeded 20th. This is generally regarded as backup robot territory. As a matter of fact, you were the #6 robot on the backup list (which goes up to 8 robots). This is not the best spot to be in, but at least you have a chance, however slim, of making it into the eliminations.

I have a challenge for you. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects that you observed, find a way to become competitive enough to consistently be in the quarterfinals, or the #1 backup robot. I've looked at your team's history--you've been twice. You've got something that can get you there. You need to cultivate it. (Note: the last time you made it, in 2008, you ran up against 330, 1717, and 980 in quarterfinals while paired with 1538 and 207. There wasn't much anyone could do in that type of situation except fight hard.)

Oh, and try to convince your advisors to sign up for the SCRRF Fall Classic. It's a more low-key post-season event, where you can relax, talk to other teams, and just enjoy the competition. It's also much smaller, giving you more time to interact with other teams and a higher chance of making eliminations.

[davidthefat]

Originally Posted by EricH

24 teams make the eliminations. 59 teams are on the team list.That means that 35 teams don't make eliminations, and at least 27 have no chance at all (not high enough of a seed to be a backup robot).

You seeded 20th. This is generally regarded as backup robot territory. As a matter of fact, you were the #6 robot on the backup list (which goes up to 8 robots). This is not the best spot to be in, but at least you have a chance, however slim, of making it into the eliminations.

I have a challenge for you. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects that you observed, find a way to become competitive enough to consistently be in the quarterfinals, or the #1 backup robot. I've looked at your team's history--you've been twice. You've got something that can get you there. You need to cultivate it. (Note: the last time you made it, in 2008, you ran up against 330, 1717, and 980 in quarterfinals while paired with 1538 and 207. There wasn't much anyone could do in that type of situation except fight hard.)

Oh, and try to convince your advisors to sign up for the SCRRF Fall Classic. It's a more low-key post-season event, where you can relax, talk to other teams, and just enjoy the competition. It's also much smaller, giving you more time to interact with other teams and a higher chance of making eliminations.

Do you realize all I remember about your team was your yellow skinny jeans that the girls wore... Back to the topic, I personally want more interaction in the off season, thats where it counts the most in anything, sports and academics.. You don't study like the day before SATs hoping you will ace it, you need to prepare. I agree we need more offseason stuff, I got to tell my teacher that, cause my mentor says the only thing the team does after the regional is a final party at the end of the year and thats it...

[Grim Tuesday]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

Funny thing was, I was playing Madden on the Laptop half the time..

I think that this perfectly describes your problem: You were not in to the game, so you didn't like it.

It seems to me that the more people attend build sessions, the more fun they have at competition. How often did you attend? Were you one of the people who shows up once a week, or when you were there did you just play Madden?
I don't mean to insult, or accuse, but as I have seen from my team, the amount of fun is directly proportional to the amount of work you do.

This was my first FIRST attendance, and I was amazed by how much fun I had. I feel sorry for you.

[alicen]

i personally don't agree with your opinion, but we're all entitled to our own.

FIRST is out there to get students excited about science, math and technology careers. The best way to do that is by showing how much fun you can have doing it. Who really wants to go end up in a job where they're not going to have any fun at all? Most people don't.

There are actually some awards that are based off the numbers (highest rookie seed award) but the majority are based off of how well the team presents themselves and tells their story. Which you end up having to do to get into both college and a good job. --> very important in the professional world.

As for the "costumes" many of the things i think you're calling 'unprofessional' are mascots and cheerleader type costumes. They're made for the sole purpose of cheering their team on, just like football and most other sports. As for shirts and jerseys, it makes finding the other students on your team ten times easier, especially is a crowd of thousands of students. Remember in kindergarten, when you had to wear a specific shirt to go on the field trip? same concept, but also so that other teams can recognize where you're from.

MC's -like a DJ at a dance party, they're meant to entertain and keep people excited and moving (back to the point of not making things seem boring)

also, maybe you didn't have a good experience because you spent the majority of the time playing a video game i agree with most of the others, you should give FIRST another shot, an open mind is the best kind to have.

[IBdrummer]

A lot of the most spirited/weird/out there teams are that way because they embrace FIRST, but not only the spirit side, also the professional side. As a FIRST alumni of 233 I wish my team was the most spirited and colorful out there this weekend, but I know for as much effort they put into being spirited and cheering, they put at least ten times that into being professional. Judges like color because it shows enthusiasm for the competition and equally important to them is knowing your robot. FIRST might not always make sense to an outside observer; and trust me I'm no fan of the BCS (even if it helps my team out...Go gators!), but you have to look past the colorful outfits and screaming teams to get the real point of FIRST, Inspiration. If they have all these kids screaming at the top of their lungs for science and technology, then they're doing something right. FIRST changed me from a lawyer to a mechanical engineering student in college and that is something I will never forget.

In terms of the finals, I know my team as well as most others have a pretty good system down for ranking teams, in which team color isn't a factor. Yes, opinion matters and in selections sometimes luck plays in, but we've picked teams that were plywood boxes before because we thought they were the best team.

If you're a football guy, I'm surprised you aren't a driver (maybe you tried out, idk), but that's probably the best position for a guy who is competitive. I knew thats what I wanted to be, so I went for it, and if you haven't tried it, you might want to go for it because there is nothing funner than being on that field. Just some of my experiences/suggestions, but either way, I hope you give FIRST another shot.

[davidthefat]

Originally Posted by IBdrummer

A lot of the most spirited/weird/out there teams are that way because they embrace FIRST, but not only the spirit side, also the professional side. As a FIRST alumni of 233 I wish my team was the most spirited and colorful out there this weekend, but I know for as much effort they put into being spirited and cheering, they put at least ten times that into being professional. Judges like color because it shows enthusiasm for the competition and equally important to them is knowing your robot. FIRST might not always make sense to an outside observer; and trust me I'm no fan of the BCS (even if it helps my team out...Go gators!), but you have to look past the colorful outfits and screaming teams to get the real point of FIRST, Inspiration. If they have all these kids screaming at the top of their lungs for science and technology, then they're doing something right. FIRST changed me from a lawyer to a mechanical engineering student in college and that is something I will never forget.
In terms of the finals, I know my team as well as most others have a pretty good system down for ranking teams, in which team color isn't a factor. Yes, opinion matters and in selections sometimes luck plays in, but we've picked teams that were plywood boxes before because we thought they were the best team.
If you're a football guy, I'm surprised you aren't a driver (maybe you tried out, idk), but that's probably the best position for a guy who is competitive. I knew thats what I wanted to be, so I went for it, and if you haven't tried it, you might want to go for it because there is nothing funner than being on that field. Just some of my experiences/suggestions, but either way, I hope you give FIRST another shot.

Loved one of your mentor's pink beard... I was a "driver" I just stood next to the actual driver and just got first row seats.. I was the big asian guy with a buzz cut

[IBdrummer]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

Loved one of your mentor's pink beard... I was a "driver" I just stood next to the actual driver and just got first row seats.. I was the big asian guy with a buzz cut

I didn't go lol, I'm at UF...but yeah, thats Mike, hes a great mentor
if you ever see him again, go talk to him, I always learn something new when I talk to him.

[Grim Tuesday]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

I was a "driver" I just stood next to the actual driver and just got first row seats..

Not to be giving suggestions, but if you guys want to actually use the full complement of two drivers like our team does, allocate duties: One driver drives the robot while the other person does the auxiliary tasks, such as kicking and hanging. It has worked great for us every year.

If you guys really dont want to do that, let you second driver be a second pair of eyes, or a coach.

[davidthefat]

Originally Posted by Grim Tuesday

Not to be giving suggestions, but if you guys want to actually use the full complement of two drivers like our team does, allocate duties: One driver drives the robot while the other person does the auxiliary tasks, such as kicking and hanging. It has worked great for us every year.

If you guys really dont want to do that, let you second driver be a second pair of eyes, or a coach.

IDK if that idea really works... because when you play games, does that ever happen? One guy moves the player and the other aims and shoots? Our driver was fantastic, when our bot was working fine we got all our balls on our side into the goal. and we has 2 or 3 "coaches", and 1 driver at a time

[MagiChau]

Originally Posted by davidthefat

IDK if that idea really works... because when you play games, does that ever happen? One guy moves the player and the other aims and shoots? Our driver was fantastic, when our bot was working fine we got all our balls on our side into the goal. and we has 2 or 3 "coaches", and 1 driver at a time

Team 85 here does that. One guy does the driving. The other one controls the kicking mechanism and the roller, later arm when we get it working eventually .