I feel like this thread has gotten way off topic and readers will get the wrong impression about what is really happening in Texas.
The facts as stated by a few people in this thread and the FIRST in Texas website:
- TRR is switching to an invite model similar to other off-season events this year only. Invitations will go out based on the points method described on the FIT website and UIL eligibility. 10 slots PLUS any unfilled slots will be application based entry.
- TRR is also serving as a pilot UIL Texas State Championship, so any team that falls into the UIL bucket can be recognized within UIL circles. This doesn't affect any other standings/awards at the event.
- Any Texas FRC team or collection of FTC teams can continue participating, competing, winning, etc. as they would.
- If and only if that team wants to get recognized in UIL circles with UIL awards and UIL standings, they must be UIL eligible and follow UIL rules.
- The fact that UIL recognizes FIRST doesn't mean that suddenly every Texas FIRST team must make themselves UIL eligible.
- If a school is telling its FIRST team that it must remove students to be eligible, then it is a school issue, not a FIRST or FIRST in Texas issue.
UIL recognizing robotics doesn't prevent any existing or future teams and students from participating in FIRST. It only gives one more avenue for recognition for those who happen to qualify.
I’ve said it on CD before and I think it would be good advice for this thread:
As it states on the front cover of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: DON’T PANIC