BotFest 4 (25th April 2020)

[Ocracoke]

So AWs in general don't typically adhere to the FRA rules in their entirety and BotFest models its tech checking requirements off of the AWS rules as well. I've attached the form I use to do the check with (noting that the mention of Beetleweights is a potential future thing... :P) though I think I may end up changing this a touch after this event. Cradles I don't insist on for AWs.

Screenshot_2020-09-06_00-54-30.png

In my experience of running these events, I don't think the extra social distancing measures should be too much of a problem.

[Roboteernat]

Just a thought, there should be a section on checking failsafe for drive also? I notice you have AW weapon failsafe test only? AWS events for ants I have been to (one) have tested failsafe on drive and I am sure future BW events you may hold it would be required?

[Ocracoke]

I've only ever been to Ant Freeze events where the drive isn't checked as far as I recall but good point. Beetles definitely will need their drive checking I agree. The tech sheet was written in the mindset of having a non-spinner BW arena.

Update: The drive check has been added for both AWs and BWs.

[James Williams]

I've been to over a dozen antweight events & have never had the drive failsafe checked. I imagine it's mostly a time saving thing, since some events recently have actually ran over the time the venue was rented for. 4 of the last 5 AWS's had over 100 bots & if we spent 20 seconds checking each bot that would be over half an hour gone.

[Roboteernat]

good point, maybe it was done to me as i was a new bot into my first comp?

[Ocracoke]

I dunno. I think it rather depends on the event organiser. Even when I was new to the Ant Freeze events, the drive wasn't checked as far as I recollect. Either way, we are talking 35 entrants to this event. 30 seconds a check is 17.5 minutes which isn't terrible considering we also have a break after the group stage as well.

Group draw is nearly done, just need to validate that the robots have been split up correctly.

[James Williams]

Group draw is nearly done, just need to validate that the robots have been split up correctly.

Will you be posting the draw once it's ready?

[Ocracoke]

Yes, I will be.

[Ocracoke]

Please find attached the group draws, please tell me if you have two or more robots in the same group but I don't think that is the case here.



As previous events, it will be a "everyone fights everyone 1v1" in that group with each match being a maximum of two minutes.

The 8th slot to go into the quarter finals will be filled by a last chance rumble with each team picking a bot to put in if still operational of course. This match will last until last one stands though we'll be stopping at each time someone is pitted or otherwise disabled to prevent a large amount of people being around the arena for a long period of time.

Important: Though I am still hoping this event is going to take place (and that is still the case at present), I've seen in the news today that there is the potential for the number of people who can socialise to be reduced quite significantly from 30 to 6 in England as I understand it (ref). I don't know if this includes sport events but I am hoping it doesn't. I'll be keeping an eye on the news for updates but the chance is there that this could be postponed yet again.

[Mr Manuva27]

Edit: Rephrased due to poor wording of the original post.

Is there a reason why the draw has been done so far ahead of the event? I was hoping to have a second robot completed in the next few weeks and as far as I was aware, a registration deadline was not set.

I also know of at least one person who has to drop out due to personal reasons, plus there is still time for people to have to potentially drop out due to self-isolation.

[voyanuitoa]

Hopefully we can finagle our way past the new lockdown restrictions as an organized team sport. We have a set date and group stage draw, so its organized. Everyone had to put down a team name on the form and robot combat is a sport. Apparently a full list of the exemptions will be released before it comes into effect on the 14th.

[Mr Manuva27]

As much as I wish we can, I very much doubt robot combat will be classified as a sport for the purposes of these rules

"The Council of Europe charter on sport uses the following definition: "Sport means all forms of physical activity, which through casual or organised participation, aim at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental well-being, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels"."

I don't think robot combat meets that criteria purely due to the lack of physical activity. Obviously it's still down to Lucy if the event goes ahead, of course.

[Ocracoke]

Is there a reason why the draw has been done so far ahead of the event? I was hoping to have a second robot completed in the next few weeks and as far as I was aware, a registration deadline was not set.

The assumption was that everyone who signed up would attend. If there are dropouts for whatever reason, I can always shuffle them around to balance things out as best I can. I did the draw ahead of time to save time at the event itself and represents a "best case" scenario of who you might be facing. If you have a second robot that can fill that space, I've no problem swapping that in.

I don't think robot combat meets that criteria purely due to the lack of physical activity. Obviously it's still down to Lucy if the event goes ahead, of course.

I need to see the full list of exemptions (specifically the law bill itself) before making the call on it. The BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-54081131) make specific reference to "organised team sports", which fighting robots is technically but I agree, this is a grey area at the moment.

[THomas weatherley]

I think it would be classed under it but it honestly though it's down the govement at this point we just have to wait and see

[team death]

Oh Lord !-This is no doubt a headache for any organiser but I think if you regiment the event itself as proposed
the only sticking point would be keeping the competitors apart during breaks.
Guidance from the Government is woeful at best-use you own judgement.