[Nathan Streeter]

Originally Posted by marshall

I would agree. Organizing a multi-state district requires a lot of communication and organization that doesn't exist at the moment.

I guess so... it seems like the regions that have moved to districts across state boundaries have managed it well by the fact that you can draw on a greater number of highly dedicated FIRSTers by broadening the district.

Originally Posted by marshall

I'm on the fence about districts right now. There are some downsides with teams having to raise additional funds to go play at district championships. There are upsides too, mind you.

I'm trying to be understanding, but I don't see how paying additional funds for an additional play can be construed as a loss... if you want to attend an additional regional in the current system you have to pay for it. Furthermore - as you know - you get to go to 2 district events for the same registration cost as 1 regional. People in NE seemed edgy about the finances beforehand, but I've not heard one complaint about the finances since the switch to districts.

Originally Posted by marshall

For us, it's a right royal pain because we now will likely have to find hotels and accommodations for students at multiple events along with the district championship. We also have a lot more paperwork than the average team for transporting some of our students due to the nature of our host school (It's a boarding school).

If the inconvenience to find accommodations is too great, then you can decline attending DCMP (or even, I suppose, your second otherwise free district event). Your team's attended NCR, Palmetto, and CMP for the last two years... that's about $15k, plus 1x 'close travel' and 1x 'distant travel.' In districts you could go to 2 districts and DCMP for less money ($10k, plus 2x 'close travel')... additionally going to 2 districts, DCMP, and CMP should be only more than your current setup by only 1x 'close travel' (about $15k, 2x 'close travel,' 1x 'distant travel').

Something that makes districts even better financially than the above might indicate is that with the district events only being 2.5 days long, rather than 3.5, you have fewer day of accommodations or busing... and one fewer day of time off school/work.

Originally Posted by marshall

I'm very much on the fence about this and I'm curious if these smaller district events are going to be as well organized as the more focused regionals were... particularly with the change in venue and the field equipment, AV setups, etc.

I've found that district events are more 'well-run' from a schedule and smoothness standpoint; most of them are less glitzy though (AV setup). The nostalgia factor was tough for me the first time I went to the Granite State District at Nashua HS rather than in the Verizon Wireless Arena (where I'd attended it week 1 for 11 years)... other than that? I've not looked back. I hope NC, SC, and more states realize the great benefits districts bring and make the switch sooner rather than later! NE is starting to grow faster again, after having experienced less growth over the prior few years.

EDIT: Districts were conceived of and formed in Michigan as a way to make FRC more cost effective... the first season of districts was 2009 in Michigan; right in the heart of the American auto industry as it was 'collapsing' in the recession... FRC not only held on in Michigan due to districts, but thrived despite the tough financial situation. It seems like this is proof enough that districts are only better for FRC financially.