Dear SPL Teams,

TL;DR

This is a call for nominations to the SPL organising committee (OC) and technical committee (TC). Without the work that these committees do, RoboCup SPL would not be possible. Both committees generally require 4-5 members each. We ask that all teams nominate candidates for the committees. This year, we are particularly focused on strong representation from as many active teams as possible to help drive the new direction of our league.

Please email your nominations to the Execs by Thursday 17 July, 5.00pm (Brazil - Brasilia Standard Time) as indicated below.

What does being a committee member entail?

The two committees (OC and TC) each have a different focus, although they work closely at times.

The TC is responsible for writing the rules and technical challenges of the SPL and implementing the league's longer-term roadmap year by year. The TC also manages the call for participation and qualification decisions. The time commitment varies depending on the time of year, but the TC usually meets at least once a month and the responsibilities are divided between the committee members. This year will require flexibility and major rule changes as we move to a new platform.

The OC helps implement directives from the TC and is responsible for organizational aspects of the league and the RoboCup event. The OC interacts with the Local Organising Committee for the RoboCup event itself to ensure that the physical environment, network, etc. matches the league's needs. The OC also helps organise the running of the SPL at the event, including the game schedule, referee allocation, the collation of results, etc. Like the TC, the time commitment varies, but OC usually meets at least once a month after the call for participation has gone out. The OC is an ideal committee for newer members of our league, who will be participating last year.

Nominees to both committees are voted for by the teams but must be approved by the trustees. (The trustees can also appoint members.) The trustees have specifically asked for diversified representation from different geographical regions and teams at different levels of the competition, in addition to other kinds of diversity.

You don't have to be an experienced RoboCupper or from an experienced team to join the committees. All we ask is that you have a reasonable expectation of attending the next RoboCup event and will commit to the role for at least the year leading up to that event. (If you might be able to participate for a couple of years, that is even better). By participating you get a chance to reshape the future of our league, develop long-lasting relationships, to help the league operate and improve, to add to your resume, and to genuinely make a difference.

Nomination and election process

Any member of any team may be nominated. You can nominate yourself, or another person (but ask them first to make sure they are interested in being nominated). To make a nomination, simply email all the execs ( j*****a@cs.wisc.edumailto:j*****a@cs.wisc.edu, r*****p@stefan.seeri.ngmailto:r*****p@stefan.seeri.ng, and t***********y@rmit.edu.aumailto:t***********y@rmit.edu.au ) with the following information by Thursday 17 July, 5.00pm (Brazil - Brasilia Standard Time) :

Committee (TC or OC)? Nominee’s name: Nominee’s team: Nominee’s email:

After nominations have been finalized, the list will be circulated and each team may vote for three preferred nominees for each committee. More instructions will be given when the election opens. We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Best regards, Josiah, Stefan, and Timothy (SPL execs)