Quote:
Originally Posted by wilsonmw04
I think that FIRST is trying to get back to what it did best: to inspire a generation of students. The board feels that increasing the number of students that attend Worlds is the best way to do that. After going to Worlds this year, I can agree that we can't fit in one location and accomplish what the board wants to do. The only reservation I have about the split is if there were some sort of year after year geographic split between the teams. It would be a shame if west coast teams never got to play with east coast teams.
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I absolutely agree with that sentiment. I have no problem going to 800 teams. However, I really haven't seen what FIRST is proposing on how to manage those 800 teams. What I've proposed is an organized method to ensure that a geographic mix of teams continues to go to both venues. A geographic split will not achieve that goal. It will be Michigan/Ontario/MAR at Detroit and Texas/CA/PNW at Houston unless FIRST institutes a system something like I'm proposing. I've thought about the problem of geographic rotation, but there's really no way to achieve it with the venues anchored in 2 of the most prominent FRC regions. Really, Michigan teams are going to Houston? Nothing I'm proposing here is inconsistent with FIRST's goals.
And I'm a mentor, not a student. What FIRST decides will affect my team in 2 years when I'm still working with them.