AWS44 - Brize Norton, Oxfordshire

[razerdave]

I've been stood here staring at the box wondering what to say. I suppose I have little choice; the beetles are cancelled. Problem solved.
Now we can do back to normal, average proceedings.

[EpicentrE]

There's no need to overreact like that. We've had side events ran at AWSs before (albeit on a smaller scale), such as mini-sumo, and we've had absolutely no problems with it because they've ran as a completely separate entity. I think the best answer to keep everyone happy is fairly simple; do some beetles while you're doing draw for the AWS, and preparing all that, as you were suggesting, and then possibly over lunch. Once the AWS is ready to start, we run that to it's conclusion. The beetle guys can then finish their tournament off while the rest of us do antweight fun-stuff. Win-win-win.

[peterwaller]

That sounds like a good compromise no one want's to see the people with Beetles disapointed we just don't want the AWS event deminished.

[razerdave]

When do organisers usually do a 'lunch break' during the schedule ? I just eat when I please usually . If the lunch break/AWS draw was 45 mins then I could fit most of the fights in, and then leave the last 4 fights until the end (which is what I wanted to do, so we had the climax of both near the end of the event, plus gives the 4 finalist a chance to repair after the heats).

[EpicentrE]

My experience of running, watching, and competing in tournaments (not just robotics ones) is not to plan too strictly. Part of the skill of being an organiser is not just the prior planning, but being able to react and adjust on the day to what is happening.

With that said, play it by ear. Aim to have lunch at a specific time (somewhere between 12:00 and 13:30 is a good bet, and you can have half an hour if we're running late or an hour if we're making good time), see what time it is when you finish the AWS draw, and make a decision then as to what we're doing and when.

[Remote-Controlled Dave]

Dave, would it help if I offered to run the AWS part? Even just the initial stages. I'm experienced in getting a tournament organised and flowing. I could sort out the FWS, draws, tech checks, early rounds etc leaving you and Hazzzz free to tag team between the two and run the majority of the beetles through early on (maybe after the FWS\warm up). Then once the beetles are out the way you can come pick up the AWS.
Are you doing the draw manually or using antlog or some such computer tool?
I never really need a lunch break either.

[razerdave]

I was going to do all 3 draws on the computer but the Antlog is in a program I don't have, so I'll have to get that. I was hoping to have someone do the FWS draw as soon as sign ups close (11am), then right into it, and either myself or Haz (probably Haz, because I will be judging) can do the beetle draw whilst the fighting is going on (stopping momentarily to kick your arse ). If you can do the fleaweight draw, I'd really appreciate it.

I hope to have it up on a moniter so people can see (you should be able to see it, it's not a lecture hall that needs the projector screen ) when you're due up next.

[Remote-Controlled Dave]

I can definitely sort the FWs out and can get sign ups and the AWS draw done, and start the AWS if the beetles overrun a bit, as long as everyone turns up in good time. We can get there early. The more people who can get there earlier the easier it'll all be. What's everyone's thoughts? People OK to arrive between 9 & 10am? Can get fleas going by half 10 if they're all signed in promptly. Double elimination fleaweights might take longer than half an hour though...

[razerdave]

If you do the draws for the FWS and AWS, that would probably speed things up, since, if I'm honest, I'm a tad slow at things like that .

I watched Will's unedited footage, with 13 fleas it only took 20 mins, but that was knock out with a losers melee, so it does depend on numbers. The main AWS started approx half an hour after the fleas ended, so in that interim, you can do the AWS draw, whilst Haz and I do the beetle stuff (I'll make sure you get some lunch ). We will stop our fights once half an hour is up regardless of how far we got. I may bring the lunch break/draw time up to 3/4 of an hour, depending on when we're done. I do believe that we can fit it all in and not disturb the AWS halfway through.

[Remote-Controlled Dave]

Sounding better. Who's arena will the fleas be in? Cos I know the majority of us would prefer Scott and Andy's for the AWS (if they can provide) but its probs a bit big for fleas. However, adding in a third arena to an already packed hall is also a problem.

I do apologise to everyone for the tone of some of my posts. They can be negative but its not anger that fuels them, its passion. Sometimes the organisation of these events can be frigging difficult, all good intentions aside, and often they just need a w***** like me to say "that's rubbish and wont work". Obviously I want the best event for everyone involved. I am still haunted by memories of having to run someone else's AWS practically on my own because the person who was meant to be doing it was too busy socialising and being distracted.