Hi all .... Duncan .. you have proposed ... > "The organisers will allow all comers to demonstrate robots in the maze. >This is intended for builders to show interesting systems and techniques >without the constraints of the formal competition. In particular, outsize >robots, umbilical systems, external position references and similar will be >permitted. The entrant may request that formal timing is carried out >according to the rules. The organisers may choose to award prizes. The >constraints are: > > The judges must deem the mouse safe and unlikely to damage the maze. > > Demonstration time will be limited to 10 minutes or less depending on the >time available" Sounds like a 'run-wot-u-brung' .. as we quaintly and colloquially named it at MM2004. Why do we need to add a statement like this to the 'rules'? The rules are for the competition, yet we have here a rule for an event outside of the competition. I don't believe an event such as micromouse can, or should, be defined in a totally objective way. We appoint judges to ensure that the mice, maze, and competitors follow the spirit of the rules, to provide subjective assessment, and to rule on the grey areas. We should be trying to simplify the rules, and provide guidance as to the spirit of the competition, NOT extending the rules with a mass of text in a vain attempt to cater for every eventuality. Nick Smith wrote: "The rules should be written to encourage people to have a go, not exclude people from trying" I agree entirely - . The areas where we most need consensus are timing and scoring .... and here we need international consensus. Regards Tony -----Original Message----- From: owner-micromouse@cs.rhul.ac.uk on behalf of Duncan Louttit Sent: Tue 11/2/2004 7:51 PM To: micromouse@cs.rhul.ac.uk Cc: Subject: RE: The Rules Hi Everyone again, The rules issue doesn't go away I'm afraid. Someone suggested that there could be a rule allowing everyone who turns up some maze time to demonstrate their prowess with as few constraints as possible. This seems eminently reasonable, but there is always a problem with wording etc. Here is a "first go" for you to pick holes in. "The organisers will allow all comers to demonstrate robots in the maze. This is intended for builders to show interesting systems and techniques without the constraints of the formal competition. In particular, outsize robots, umbilical systems, external position references and similar will be permitted. The entrant may request that formal timing is carried out according to the rules. The organisers may choose to award prizes. The constraints are: The judges must deem the mouse safe and unlikely to damage the maze. Demonstration time will be limited to 10 minutes or less depending on the time available" Comments please. Regards, Duncan
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