[g_sawchuk]

Originally Posted by martin417

This sort of thing does tend to happen often, and there is much hubbub for a while, then it quietly dies out. FIRST almost never addresses it, and there are no visible repercussions.

What should happen? Lets suppose this is the only event that one of the teams attended. This team spent almost $6,000 just for the privilege of playing, plus thousands on tools, equipment and parts to build the robot, plus travel costs. That could easily be $10,000-$15,000. If I was on that team, (assuming the allegations made here are true) I would want that money returned to me. If an error was made by an official representative of FIRST (like a referee) then the onus falls on FIRST, not that referee, so FIRST should pony up the bucks. Remember, we are customers, even though that point is rarely made. We pay money in exchange for a product. If that product is defective, we should get that money back.

If FIRST truly wants to inspire people to pursue STEM careers, and doesn't want to risk "uninspiring" some, they should allow the entire 148 alliance entrance to worlds.