Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Blake
Let me add... NOBODY here is bad guy/gal.
Has anyone looked lately at the FIRST-in-Texas board roster? WHERE'S the experienced experts on running FIRST FRC and FTC teams?
ALL accomplished folks on the board, for sure, but _how_ would they know what we teams need and want in Texas competition robotics?
--Michael Blake
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I know for a fact that two of the FiT board members have experience mentoring both FLL and FTC teams. And one of them has participated as an FRC mentor as well. I also know that two others on the board are very active in organizing FIRST Robotics activities through their employer and have participated in a variety of FIRST related contests throughout the past. I believe the board of FiT is working toward improving robotics for all students in Texas. As the district model comes to Texas, finances to pay for the increased number of tournaments is a big factor. I have had conversations with no less than five of the board members.
UIL does not have any consequences on official FIRST activities.
I do not see now FIRST in Texas sees the lure of extra finances from increased number of teams. No money goes to FIRST in Texas in regards to an increased number of teams in Texas.
I am at a school district that does not allow students outside of my school to participate in our robotics program. I know there are FRC teams that do allow this. I am losing a student this year who is moving to a private school that does not have robotics. I cannot do anything about the situation except to help him impress on the administration at his new school on the impact robotics can have on students, find him a team he can participate on or help him start on a new team of some sort. We shall see what happens in the upcoming months on his plight.
UIL is the one who has chosen to recognize robotics as an activity and chosen BEST and FIRST as the ones to work with in the pilot. I for one was against UIL recognizing only one or two and not more. This year is a pilot program. As Jess said, this is the only year TRR will be impacted. UIL recognizing and promoting robotics is a good thing for all of us. It gives more credibility and raises the awareness.
I also believe that the conversation started higher up than FIRST in Texas and UIL. FIRST Headquarters have been involved in this conversation for a good while.
The meeting with UIL in Austin was not open to the public so many teams and individuals could not participate in the meetings with UIL. Even earlier than the planning meeting was the Executive Council meeting in October of 2014. Many active users here on CD were present as well representatives from multiple robotics programs. Robotics had more individuals speak about the importance of STEM and Robotics. Each made different points and different opinions. What was very apparent was the shock and surprise from the UIL Executive Council not only in the interest in robotics but also in the many different programs that were out there.