Quote:
Originally Posted by Wing
I feel like the "budget" point looks towards Districting to counter the cost issue. I feel like having districts will also make the FRC experience much better for newcoming teams, and promote growth in the areas (the huge growth in estimated number of teams by 2016 could be attributed to this). Though, i sort of felt like this was more of a skimming of the actual strategy, and doesn't discuss much implementation. Maybe that's for the eyes of those in FIRST only?
|
On the one hand, you're definitely right about the cost aspect. But I know a lot of the more competitive teams have to travel away from their "home" regional just to have a balanced field of play. Losing the travel and the higher level of competition is a major barrier to getting the district model working outside of Michigan and MAR. I hope FIRST is prepared for that, and I wish there was a compromise solution that allows both rookies and veterans a fair competition. Maybe the district model, but with a way to qualify for out of state competitions?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jcarr
I noticed that FTC is targeting middle school which is interesting. We had two middle school FLL graduates on our rookie FTC team and the team reached the World Championship, so they can handle the competition (although the kids were an accomplished FLL team that won a state championship). However, going younger doesn't quite mesh with the rule change introducing welding and machining parts into the FTC game.
|
Here in Houston, we ignore the ages FIRST gives. For the most part it's JrFLL/EARLY for young elementary, FLL for old elementary, BEST/VEX/FTC for middle school and the fall season in high school, and then FRC in high school for spring. The model works really great for kids who start at the elementary level and move all the way up. I'd like to think that FIRST noticed, and is hoping it can work in other regions.
One of the issues I wish FIRST would focus on is the lack of a mentor base. Starting new teams everywhere is all fine and dandy, but those teams need mentors. I think a slower growth model, with a focus on getting both new mentors and FIRST alumni who have graduated college to join new teams, would be more beneficial in the long run. It creates a feedback loop, and I think it's important for rookies to see that FIRST has that kind of staying power in an individuals life.