[Bruceb]

Originally Posted by EricLeifermann

Have you competed in a district competition or even been to one? What about IRI? Do you feel that event is less because its in a gym?

I thought the same things back in 2009 when Michigan 1st went to districts. I even fought heavily against it, though my reasons were more financial than playing in HS gyms.

I can say with 1st hand knowledge that competing in a gym does not take away from the experience one bit.

I can also say that districts help growth. Both on the amount of teams, but more importantly on the quality of teams.

Thanks to districts team 857, which I mentored in college, has flourished. They were a perennial one and done team occasionally going to Champs through signing up(when that was still an option) not earning it. They have earned it the last 2 years now and have won district EI twice I think, as well as being an alliance captain at champs this last year, and several district finalists, and other judged awards.

I have yet to experience a negative with districts. It is the best path forward not just for Wisconsin but for all of FRC.

First let me admit that I don't know anything about district events. One of the things my team always looks forward to in going to a regional is playing with teams from around the country and around the world. We have played with teams from pretty much every state, Canada, Isreal, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, China and Australia. How does that shake out in a district model?