[PayneTrain]

I don't want to just say the writing was on the wall... but come on, the writing was on the wall with this one. It was something that would inevitably happen if the merit slots take over open registration spots. The competition standards have changed a lot in the modern era from the second era, and this comes as no surprise to me or anyone back home when I said this kind of thing was coming.

It's great for the sport, as long as the overlap between this decision and the roll out of districts does not take too long. You don't have to go to the big event to see some of the best teams in FIRST anymore, when there is a top-tier team or teams in every FRC-active state and province in North America. If you adjust that to a true regional level for post-district championships, there are even more great teams in a central location that isn't halfway across the contiguous United States.

If you want to go to Championships, find someone who can sponsor the trip. If you want to take a robot you can enter in the event, double-down your efforts to build one that can stand up to dynastic teams and top-flight competition while also searching for sponsors. If you want to keep coming back, put your heart into it for a decade and your team can even get in the Hall of Fame!

Ok, it's not as easy as it sounds. Still, I think almost any team can do it, since I have seen KBOS teams make it to the big dance in their rookie years and teams bring average products but above average mindsets and goals to take home a blue banner. Good luck to everyone this year!