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Originally Posted by robotlover77
Admittedly I am new to FIRST. I was asked to watch a regional competition as a potential sponsor. It just so happened that this is the match that worked out logistically. I have however witnessed countless other competitive events in a host of fields on all levels. There is potential for bias in all competitive events and FIRST in no exception; to think otherwise is extremely naive.
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Coming from a sporting context, or the context of most other events, I understand why you might leap to the "realistic" conclusion of foul play, but the thing is, FIRST is fundamentally different from nearly any other competition on the planet, because the goal isn't building the robot, it's building the students, inspiring the community, changing the culture of not only our nation, but the world. A football game is inherently petty-- there is no higher cause, but if you took a bit more time to talk to students not just about their team, but ask them about the others, you might get a better understanding of just how far teams will go to help their competitors compete to their fullest. It isn't uncommon in eliminations for an alliance to take a time out in order to give their opponents time to fix their robot. Team 16 and the Novaks are a shining example of this-- there wasn't a single team at that regional who wasn't impacted positively by them. To accuse them of intentionally causing a fracture in the community they helped to build and nurture at a regional that they are so invested in is like accusing parents of poisoning their children.
Quote:
Originally Posted by robotlover77
The level of support you have for certain teams is impressive, however, nobody should be above review. Mistakes can be made regardless.
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I agree with you wholeheartedly. But we also need evidence of those mistakes, not broad accusations based on theory and hearsay.
Quote:
Originally Posted by robotlover77
So are you saying that past FIRST events have been "fixed" ? Was it called into question and rectified?
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Not fixed-- a couple of years ago, a mentor interfered with the wireless during the final matches of Championships. The mentor was banned from FIRST and measures were taken to improve wireless security at events.
Quote:
Originally Posted by robotlover77
I would appreciate any honest feedback as I am trying to make a decision regarding team sponsorship and I in no way want to be affiliated with an organization that condones such behavior and dishonesty. The team appealing for my sponsorship painted a much different picture of FIRST.
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Investing in a FIRST team is one of the best uses for your money out there, hands down. I don't know what team you were with, but I can almost without qualification say that your investment will help change at least one student's life, and quite possibly many more.