[SteveB2977]

Overall I'm glad that MSHSL has recognized robotics and puts on a State Championship.

One question I have is the automatic bid for Chairman's Winners in light of the fact that performance for a teams first regional is the one that counts for state rankings.

Since teams can now submit for Chairmans at multiple regionals, this gives teams that compete in two regionals an advantage. If you compete in week 1 or 2, get feedback from the Judges, revamp your presentation at your second regional and win, you get an autobid (State & Champs). For teams that only do one regional, this seems to work against them. They only submit for CA once and have no chance to improve and resubmit.

Also, I'm not sure about the points for rookies and second year teams. As others have mentioned, it the objective to have the best performing teams, or a wide representation.

What about the date? Saturday's in May are crazy busy. Would a Friday competition work? Think about fan buses coming in from various parts of the state to cheer on their local team. That would be another way to showcase FIRST. (Of course, then volunteers would have to take another vacation day and after Duluth & Minneapolis, that might be tough)

There are many questions / discussions / debates that can be held but I think it's fantastic that we have this in Minnesota. It validates the hard work so many students put in, and when you can tell someone "Robotics is recognized by the MSHSL" it does change opinions.


Good luck to all the teams competing on May 17th.