[Racer26]

Seems to me that those policies are somewhat flexible. If the teams calmly, cohesively, and respectfully approach their school board, they can usually get the board to make concessions given the time-restricted nature of the competitions. I know that originally back in 2003 when 1075 was a rookie, and had the opportunity to go to CMP in Houston, TX following the Canadian Regional where we were regional finalists (thanks 188, 306) we didn't end up going because the school board would not let our students cross the USA/Canada border on a school trip. We have subsequently gotten the school board to change this policy, and have been actively participating in Offseasons in Flint, MI (Kettering Kickoff) and North Brunswick, NJ (Brunswick Eruption) as well as attending 2010 CMP in Atlanta.

School board policies CAN be changed, if the school board is approached correctly. Whining and stomping feet will get you nowhere, however.