[Rob Colatutto]

My thoughts on this topic agree with what Andy suggested, FIRST might be rethinking the qualification process. There are many threads over the past year about this so if your interested in further reading you can check out those threads. The only reason I think the even odd was left in for the 2003 season was to make it fair to all the odd teams who missed out on 2002 championship. (Before 2002 nationals was always open registration for anyone who is new to the boards) But like I've said before, one thing I'd like to see with the championship is the qualification turn to a more technology award based and regional winner entry only event. So 2004 and 2003 technology award and regional winning teams should be the first allowed to register. I was thinking about this a few weeks ago and worked out a number of about 400 teams would then be able to register, but then taking away doubles and teams who win year to year you'd probably end up with about 240 teams, and then some teams just simply don't have the money to go to the Championship which would put you at about 200, leaving a few open spots for lucky teams. Thats just my little idea for qualifications that I feel would make a much more competitive Championship event.