There has been some discussion about making match-ups more fair for teams based on ability. (sorry I tried to reply to another message but it didn’t go through) I think changing the worlds layout by dividing everyone by competitive/less competitive could create a bad atmosphere. Basing anything on average score throughout the season could have some very negative effects. For example, there would be more pressure on teams to win and score high every match in every tournament. This could foster more “strategy” involving the lesser scoring robot to move out of the way and let the high scoring team do their thing. I already do not like this kind of talk, but I see it happen everywhere. There’s a reason it is called a teamwork challenge. Regardless of a team’s ability, a strategy involving both teams should be encouraged. Mentors should also be letting their students do the talking, even if language is a barrier. There are many lessons to be learned in the way teams interact with each other.
Coming from a competitive team, I understand where the frustration comes from. I’ve had kids who felt other teams had more favorable match-ups at the state and world level. I explained that the match-ups are completely random and not worth losing sleep over. The only thing you can do is be prepared and figure out strategies in advance that can maximize a score in a routine with actual teamwork. Nobody likes a bully, and that’s what more competitive teams become to less competitive teams.
I don’t believe the answer is in dividing teams up. The experience of Worlds is amazing, but I think teams need to temper expectations if they are realistic to how high they can score. However, at the end of the day, we should not lose track of what Vex IQ is all about. This is an excerpt from the REC page: (The VEX IQ Challenge fosters student development of the teamwork, critical thinking, project management, and communication skills required to prepare them to become the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.) Notice, there is no mention of adults designing/building/programming so that their students can win. You really have to ask yourself what are your goals as parents, mentors and students. If your main focus is on winning then you have already lost.
I did not always think this way. I wanted so badly for my son to win. He has the talent but sometimes life just happens. He’s got 1 more year of eligibility in IQ, but he’s going to move up to VRC because he is ready. People with more wisdom than myself explained one of the main goals of Vex IQ, which is to prepare students for Vex. The analogy I use now is this…Vex IQ is like learning to ride a bike. At first you put on training wheels. Once you’re able to ride without the use of training wheels, you should take them off…and move up to Vex. If adults ride the bike for the kids, then they’ll never be able to move up to Vex. In other words, we are not setting up our kids to succeed if they are not learning. It is very frustrating to see my students have to compete against a bunch of adults or even an entire country.
How can we fix this issue? First of all, most people probably don’t think there’s a problem. We can start there. My suggestion is to put more focus on excellence. I like the many changes to the World Championship this past season, but I think an excellence award should be given to each division. Maybe there can be recognition for 1st through 10th place for excellence. This can also be done on a regular tournament level. Give teams incentive to strive for excellence at Worlds by awarding grant money or something. Our number one goal when entering a tournament is to win Excellence. Anything else is gravy. I do not think most teams think the same way. Winning Excellence should mean that you are doing something right. Your program is actually fulfilling the goal of preparing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.
Having said that, I admit the growth of Worlds is a concern. There are many good teams that miss out on the finals. The level of competition varies greatly so the scores can be skewed depending on schedule. Perhaps more teams should be considered for the finals. I mentioned this in an earlier post. Expand the playoffs to involve more teams per division while also including wildcard teams. I don’t believe REC is allowing for more teams every year for the money, but the proof is in the pudding, so we’ll see if they respond to our concerns. There is a way to accomplish REC goals without losing the competitive component, which is probably what attracts people to Vex IQ in the first place. But like with everything in life, change starts with discussion. Let’s open it up.
Sorry for the long message. I will now step off my soapbox.