Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandon_L
As a one regional team before MAR due to a serious lack of funding, and barely scraping entry each year, I can attest that the number of matches and events for my money is more important than the "snazz" of an event - thats what the regional champs are for. I can see it not making a huge difference to more fortunate teams.
I believe seeing the robot the students put together for the last 1008 hours of their lives succeed is greater than a good sound system and light show in terms of inspiration.
Perfect example, TCNJ this year was a pure disaster for us. Couldn't get the robot running whatsoever. We used the time while eliminations were going on to figure out what was wrong and come up with a game plan for our next district, which, we won.
With our team being in such a high density area getting sponsors is pretty tough, I'd rather pay 4k for 24 matches at 2 events then play 8 matches with a boston regional setup for the same amount.
NOTE: Wheres everyone getting this 17k figure from? Districts+MAR CMP+CMP=13k, I'm assuming its the same for Michigan.
EDIT: I think I was missing the "super regional" step
|
Going to completely agree with Brandon here, especially after learning from and working with 2495 this season and 3929 last season, as well as working with many underfunded MAR teams in the area.
I don't give a crap about the extras at events anymore. It is all about the the inspiration that takes place on the field for me, my students, and the potential sponsors I bring in. Qualcomm reps we brought to TCNJ didn't care at all about the venue or anything else, they cared about the robots and the kids. More matches do equal more inspiration. Fancy lights and banners don't.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PayneTrain
There are a lot of really good teams in really dense, strong areas of robot country that may have limitations in funding because they are not providing winning results. I imagine that winning a district is a provides a morale boost for team members and supporters as well as attracts potential sponsors for a team trying to make itself as tough as the established powerhouses.
|
In addition to this, it is EXTREMELY difficult for new teams in dense areas to find the large amount of funding it would take to go to two normal regionals+travel+lodging.
Full disclosure: I freaking love the current district model in MAR. Sure it has some improvements that can be made, but I completely disagree that spending a bit more money in running them to add some random extra jazz is worth it to the teams who pay to compete in it. The atmosphere of an event is what the teams make it, not what regionals with cool lighting and banners and all used to be.