Quote:
Originally Posted by AGPapa
I see how districts keep the cost down for FiM, but how do they keep them down for teams? Doesn't each team still have to pay the $5,000 registration fee? If Michigan teams are paying less, it's because the government is paying for them.
|
FiM had originally set up the budget so that states would be free to all qualifiers. FIRST nixed that because they wanted their income.
In addition, if you do the math on a per-match basis, FiM went to two competitions for the single entry fee so you got far more for your money.
In addition, FiM themselves have used the substantial cost savings to pay it forward, giving many first and second year teams lower cost entry fees and grants. The state grants are gravy on top of all of that - though GREATLY appreciated.
I've tried to create culture change like this where I work - I can't imagine the amount of convincing and arguing that went on for FiM to convince FIRST that this was a good idea.