[Collin Stiers]

We attended 2 events each year under the regional system, with the district model we attended 3

Regional drive times: 3hrs, 1 hr, we arranged lodging for one event

District drive times 2 hrs, 45 min, 1 hr(district champs) We arranged lodging for one event

we did qualify for the district champs, it was a 1 hr drive, we did not arrange lodging

I enjoyed the district system more than the regional system. The increased play time, and decreased cost are clear benefits. There are also some more subtle ones, the judging seemed more in depth, we received multiple visits from different judging teams, each one wanting to talk about different aspects of our team for different awards. I also think that a huge benefit of the district system is rewarding mid level teams. My team has often been in the middle of the pack at regionals, just missing out on eliminations, and there was no reward for us. At a regional event, if you don't win, you loose, there is no reward for second place. However at the district system, strong and consistent performers are rewarded by qualifying for district champs. District champs provides a great opportunity for mid level teams to get to experience a higher level of competition, and it provides an intermediate step between the local level and the world championships.