Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

wasn't sure where to post this, since it's a topic in 2 threads right now. so sorry if its in 2 places.

I didn't mean to start any issues, just thought others in the area might be wondering if QCC was having an event again and what was going on. Once I found out why, figured this was a good place to share it so others in our spot would know. I don't think anyone has said anything mean or anything, so I hope I didn't do anything wrong or start something that needs to be closed. Plus it seems like the point of the forum is for teams and people to share information, discuss and talk about things going on in FIRST. I was very surprised to see the reasoning behind the change, especially since the QCC event was so cool last year and it looks like they offered to do it again this year. Every team we talked to said they had a great time at the Quinsig events and recommended we do it, that's why we were planning to start a FTC team.

Either way, this forum led us to the right info and now we still get to play at the quinsig events, so thanks to everyone who gave answers and helped. Too bad it won't be an FTC event, which sucks cause now we won't get a team number and can't qualify for Atlanta. Again, thanks QCC for still holding the events, we're really looking forward to it.

Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

Count another vote for leaving the thread open. FIRST doesn't really owe us an official explanation for anything ever, other than to stay within the bounds of 501(c)(3). However, it would be very helpful for those of us who believe in FIRST but aren't familiar with the specifics of FTC if someone more familiar could explain the purpose of the Affiliate Partner system, particularly why it would be structured in such a way that seems to discourage students (most notably in Michigan and near Worcester) from participating. I suspect that that's the source of frustration for many; a lot of us volunteer a lot of time to expand the reach of the FIRST programs, so it seems reasonable to search for answers when FIRST makes decisions that counteract this.

Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

How about if, instead of closing threads, we instead work together to not have dirty laundry in the first place?

Applying lots of sunlight is the best way I know to clean dirty laundry.

Blake

Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

I would be among those in favor of keepng this discussion alive. Anything that provides insight into the mysterious workings/decisions of the blackbox called FIRST can only be beneficial IMHO.

My sense is that because APs want to remain APs, they are unlikely to be forthcoming with the reasoning (if they even know) behind many of FIRST's decisions, nor are they likely to raise much objection to the policies as set forth.

Thus, we are left with threads such as this to try and piece the reasoning together ourselves.

Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

The Affiliate Partners are individuals or organizations which sign a contract legally agreeing to hold FTC Championship Tournaments (and leagues and Qualifying events if necessary) in their area which will adhere to the guidelines and standards put forth by FIRST. We are not employees. We are volunteers like everyone else. Some of us chair the FTC Tournament Planning Committees and some choose other people to chair them. Some of us have decided to work on promoting the FTC program in our areas as well. Most of us work on this program year-round.

FIRST is not discouraging students from participating; last year's Affiliate Partner for Massachusetts left FIRST last spring and a new AP is holding an event in Palmer, MA (less than 45 minutes from Worcester). The CT event is less than an hour away from Worcester. There are now two unofficial events using the Vex Robotics Design System being held right in Worcester. I would say that Worcester is an area that is providing more opportunities for students to participate than most areas of the country!

Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

From the explanation provided by Ms. Lauer, it seems that this person was asked NOT to be an AP based on her son's affiliation with IFI. As has been observed, this appears to be neither gracious or professional. These actions by FIRST are having an effect on how the organization is percieved by those who are new to FIRST as is evidenced by robosteve's teacher's comments.

I am bothered by this action by FIRST and I very much hope that someone can clear this up.

-Joseph Vanderway
Coach
Robodox

Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

I received the following e-mail this afternoon from FIRST, addressed to the FIRST Tech Challenge Affiliate Partners, and am sharing it with their permission to the Chief Delphi Community. I hope that this clarifies some of the issues brought forward in this thread so we can put this to rest:

Re: Worcester FIRST event?
 

I don't really get that letter- it doesn't answer either of the two main questions I have
If QCC told FIRST in September they were planning on holding a FTC Champiionship again, then why didn't FIRST tell them before the game was unveiled and before QCC held their FTC kickoff? Seems if this letter was right, then FIRST would have told them at that point that they weren't going to let QCC be an affiliate partner again.

More important,this letter doesn't answer the main question. Did Mr. Chism tell the QCC lady at any point that where her son worked was part of the reason QCC wouldn't be a partner or not? I find it hard to believe she made that up, and if he didn't say that to her, then why didn't he personally write the letter and say it isn't true. Mrs. Morrison, are you saying that Mrs. Lauer made that up and that her son working for IFI had nothing to do wtih QCC not being a partner? That is the answer I'd like to hear.
This whoel thing seems dumb to me- if other states have multiple partners,why can't ours? If QCC was willing to hold an FTC event for our teams, why would FIRST say no? Explain that. Do they not want more teams? None of the FIRST letter makes sense to me, just looks like spin. Oh well- at least we still get to play either way.