[MechEng83]

The FIRST® Community:



We just completed another strong season for all four of the programs at FIRST: Junior FIRST LEGO® League® (Jr.FLL®), FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®), FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®), and FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®). All programs experienced strong growth, with FTC and FLL leading the way.



We just wrapped up a great Championship 2013; but there is still room for improvement.



Other than some early FTC communications issues and a common Team Finale problem, the 2013 Championship went well for the Jr.FLL, FLL, and FTC participants. However, the vast majority of participants in St. Louis are FRC participants and there were some disappointments for them. They felt they did not get to play enough and some also felt that limited seeding matches led to ambiguous seeding results. Some others were disappointed with imprecise real-time scoring. And all four programs were let down by a too-long Closing Ceremony and a too-crowded and delayed Team Finale. (The rain shut down a major venue and resulted in under-estimated interior crowding.)



To address the concerns of our FIRST Community:



· FIRST will work hard to increase FRC seeding rounds by at least 25%;
· FIRST will reconfigure the Closing Ceremony to be more efficient and end sooner; and
· FIRST will change the Team Finale, targeting a much better result.


FRC had a wonderful game this year. Kudos to the FRC Game Design Committee!



All programs had strong seasons with good team satisfaction and team growth. However, the season ending could have been better. As the Closing Ceremony dragged on too long, I was inspired by the sustained enthusiasm generated by all the participants. FIRST owes you better solutions to the issues I mentioned and FIRST will respond.



Thanks to all the team members, Mentors, Volunteers, and Sponsors; YOU WERE GREAT!



Bob Tuttle, Interim President

So, 10+ matches next year at the Championship?