I think FIRST has done an
EXCELLENT job with the new system.
I didn't think it would be possible, but they managed to come up with a solution that fulfills all the "meta-criteria" discussed by teams.
They spelled it right out for us at the beggining of Bob's message.
The main criteria they used were the same as
OUR criteria that we communicated to them. We want the championship to be as competitive as possible, while still allowing for *everyone* to get a chance to go eventually.
Given the rate FIRST is growing, and restrictions on the size of The Championship, I think the tiered system is about as fair as they could get. I'm also a big fan of the "rookie all-star" being a qualifying award. Something everyone emphasized was "rookies should get to experience The Championship". This rule allows for the *best* rookies to experience "the big show" while still keeping things competitive.
Sure with the tiered system it might take you 7 years to get a "free ride" to the championship, but at least you'll get to go
eventually....
In the mean time... enjoy yourself at FIRST's new (unconfirmed) "Mega-Regionals" and try to earn your trip down to The Championship.
I know there may be a few flaws with this system, but I think we should sit back and see how it actually works before we overly-criticize it. I believe FIRST has done a bang-up job in crafting this new system.
I'm also confident that FIRST will (again!) listen to team's comments/concerns about the system (as we see them this year), when they are looking at 2005.
Let's give this system a chance.
I think it will be GREAT for FIRST in the long term.
It will certainly bridge the gap between now and any "Regional Championship" system they might implement in the future.
Just my comments...
John
(If nothing else, this will light a fire under the butts of those *veteran* teams as they scramble to qualify... should be a fun and competitive season
I know I'm going to tell my guys... "We either put up, or shut up!"
).