Stop Build Day Survey Clarification

Yesterday, I announced the opening of a survey in which we ask for feedback on Stop Build Day. I should have included the information that, regardless of the survey results, no significant changes will be made to the Stop Build Day system for the 2017 season. We would want to publish information relating to any substantial changes to the system many months in advance, hopefully not later than early- to mid-summer of the year before. So, for example, if we were intending to make major changes for the 2018 season, we would want to announce them in early- to mid-summer 2017. We know that teams order their lives around the build season, and it would be unfair of us to make any significant changes with less notice than that. I apologize for not including this information in yesterday’s blog, I certainly should have done so.

Note that we have already announced that FRC teams will have a world-wide, simultaneous stop-build time in 2017. I recognize that for some teams this change might be considered ‘significant’, and so required more notice than we gave, but my sense is this tweak is not likely to change the planning required for major family or personal events for too many folks.

Return of an Award

We’re pleased to announce the return of the digital animation award for the 2017 season! The Digital Animation Award sponsored by Automation Direct will be presented to a single FRC team in the 2017 season and the winning entry will be shown at all official FRC competitions. Details are still being worked out, but submissions will likely be required by mid- to late-January 2017 and will be collected and judged by Automation Direct. Thanks, Automation Direct, for sponsoring this award!

Note that this award does not replace the Safety Animation Award sponsored by UL. Both awards will be presented in 2017.

Stay tuned for more details!

Frank