Quote:
Originally Posted by cgmv123
A couple things I don't like about the districts are that District RAS, EI and Chairman's don't get to compete with their robots at District Championship, but do get to take their robots to the FIRST Championship if they advance from their district championship via award.
I feel like advancement between districts and district championship should be just like advancement between regionals and the FIRST Championship, with points used to fill extra slots.
I also don't like that the district championship costs an extra $4000 entry fee, especially since all that money (apparently) goes to Manchester and not towards the cost of running the event.
Short qualification windows between the district championships and the FIRST Championship may mean that not all teams that qualify may not be able to attend the FIRST Championship.
Otherwise, I'm generally happy with what I've heard about the district system. I'm sad that I'll only be able to (potentially) participate as a mentor/volunteer.
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Actually the Chairman's teams DO get to compete with their robots at District Championship (at least here in PNW) I tend to also wonder why the extra fee is the same for a regional yet the District bears all of the cost of putting on the event. Just remember that from what we have been told, the District ALSO pays for the cost of all other District events with the $5000-6000 initial registration fee also going to New Hampshire.
However, to put this in perspective, ALL regional event work the same way, the money goes to New Hampshire and the local regional event coordinators must fundraise to put on the event.
The District system seems to be working pretty well but that is due to the enormous effort put forth by volunteers both at the administrative level and the event level.
Little can be done about the short time frame.... PNW District coordinators have tried to help in all the ways they can (purchasing airline tickets, arranging for pit equipment shipping, etc) but it is tough.
It would be different if we could drive to St. Louis.
I think the PNW district volunteers have done an incredible job this year and that the kids are greatly inspired. The major benefit is the number of "winners" that you really get. 10 events where we had 4 before, a chance to play for the District Championship (an extra winning opportunity added to CMP) More inspiration and more chances to play.... I like it