Quote:
Originally Posted by Basel A
As a Michigander, I don't like it either. One of a district system's largest benefits is that the most deserving teams qualify for the CMP. Going to an out-of-state regional subverts that intent. Michigan teams who qualify in Ohio/anywhere else take spots that are meant to be earned through our district system.
I've said several times that Michigan teams should not be able to directly qualify for the CMP outside Michigan. I don't think they should be allowed to compete for an RCA, and if they do win the regional, it should count as a qualification to MSC. Michigan teams should qualify from Michigan... But I guess it's a topic for a different thread.
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I'll note that this year's CCA winner did exactly what you described...
I do agree with this sentiment about qualification spot poaching. It didn't feel right when Indiana wasn't a district, and it doesn't feel right now that we are. FIRST did implement that when the district team qualifies outside district borders, it removes a spot from their district allotment.
That being said, I don't think it's a good thing to completely isolate teams in their silos until the World Championship. Having the experience of meeting teams from all over the country/world is a really great aspect. This is one of the apprehension points I have with being in a district now -- we'll see the same teams year after year without much variety unless we travel outside our district for a regional competition.
If the Indiana model works, it could signal a green light in how districts can be spread to states/areas with lower team populations. Long term, I think Regionals should co-exist overlayed with districts. Areas where districts still don't make sense can have their regionals, and then we can still have the larger events peppered throughout the world for that broader exposure.