[Lhall]

Originally Posted by NRLeuenb

A host team is a team that "hosts" the qualifier. As far as I know they offer space, resources, volunteers, etc. to put on a qualifier. FIRST lists, in section 4.8.2 of game manual part one, that in the advancement rankings, OPTIONALLY, the host team of a competition may be granted an automatic slot at the regional championship.

Game Manual, Part 1, Section 4.82 states

"1. Optional – Qualifier Host Team (NOTE: Each region’s Affiliate Partner decides if this advancement
opportunity will be offered, and if so, when the host Team must be identified. The Team should
compete at one other Tournament within the region and must meet the criteria set forth by the Affiliate
Partner in the agreement. This advancement applies to Qualifying Tournament hosts only, and does
NOT apply to host Teams of Meets, League Championships or Championship Tournaments)."

The "optional" refers to the decision of whether a QT will have a Host Team, not to the advancement.