[Bob Steele]

I think we were well on our way to having teams compete for more championships by moving to Districts. At PNW last weekend and last year we had a great time and the competition was really fun. We got to crown champions and had GREAT robots there. It was exciting and we now have our District Champions. Each District can do this... and then send along a great set of robots to St. Louis.

If we stay the course and get everyone on the District bandwagon, this can happen for every team. MANY more teams get to go to District Championships and compete.

Trying to say that EVERYONE needs to be able to compete for CMP is ridiculous we simply can't host an event for everyone. These District CMP events are exciting and very much like competing in a division at St. Louis. The competition is very similar. to Divisional play at CMP.

If we want everyone to be able to experience CMP once why not give everyone a "golden ticket" that would be redeemable in any year that the team desires.... they could go to CMP and get the experience. It would give their team a boost. Some teams would use it early some later when the team needs it but it would be a chance for that team to utilize it as they see fit. I think that the 2nd or 3rd year is the critical time for teams and that may be the time to use their ticket.

Not a perfect solution of course but let's stay the course and get more areas on the District Bandwagon.


OK..caveat.... our team was on the winning alliance in our District CMP the last two years.... but I don't think that makes this argument any less powerful.

Other District teams should weigh in on this... I think you will find it supported by most.... District CMP costs less.... travel is easier....

the only downside is not being able to play against teams from other parts of the world. but perhaps interdistrict play might help in that regard when it starts happening on a larger basis.

I know this is not a perfect idea.... some teams will always have issues..so I apologize to them already.