How DO you get recognized as year round? And why should that make an exemption? I'm sure many teams will claim to be year round FIRST teams since it takes all year to fund raise the money for the registration. If FIRST thinks they are a very active year round team I am sure they will offer the Chairman's Award.
I'll stick to my guns- the Championship should be for teams who earn the slot in the current year by either winning a place through competition or being awarded a technical award for design.
Animation is a great thing but it has little to do with building a viable competitive robot. I don't think that should warrant a spot at the Championships. Sorry.
As for a team being 12 years old, or 13, or 14 or whatever. It is nice to recognize them on their anniversary but to forever roll out the red carpet? Come on. What about the teams who came in in the second year? or third year? I can think of some 2-3 year teams with terrific programs who would deserve equal recognition. The 12 year teams listed are all great teams but I hope they have great enough programs to stand on their merits rather than need a free ride.
Let the competition decide who goes to the Championships. It is the fairest way and least subjective. We can still all be friends and feel good about each other. And the regionals can be the fun events they have always been.
Don't hate me now!!
WC
