Quote:
Originally Posted by mastachyra
Thank you.
Has there been any downsides to becoming an official sport? The sponsorships and funding have not changed? Are there more rules you need to follow? Is FIRST the only official robotics competition?
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For one team I'm familiar with, I think the funding from the school district was largely unchanged -- mostly zero, other than teacher/coach stipends and use of shop. That's just one data point.
Jon mentioned the bagging until the state tournament, which is probably the biggest pain. Bot stays in the bag until mid-May, other than for media events. Limits demo season a lot.
Students have to follow the MSHSL rules concerning drug use penalties, and other such things, and there may be some fees (minimal) as well. FIRST is the only high school state wide sanctioned robotics program, I believe.