[Barry Bonzack]

But should we "discriminate" based on how long your team has been around? If you think about it, FIRST's goal is to inspire students, right?

...But students on rookie and second-year teams, if anything, are in greater need of being inspired.

I completely agree. Schools just starting up have problems with budgeting because it is a new idea to the community. Business that have not heard of such a competition may be reluctant to donate, and it's difficult to convey to a principal what kind of funds go into making a robot. My team this year had enough funds for only one competition, and barely had the funds for transportation to even get us there. Being a rookie team is not easy, and just because it is the team's first year, it should not automatically disqualify them from being able to compete at the Championship due to not being able to keep up from veteran teams. Like Ben, I was able to drive myself to Atlanta just so I could experience what it is like to be with more talented teams, and was able to meet many other students with knowledge far beyond my own. This would be something I'd wish for other teams just starting up. keep Letting the Rookie All-Star award winner have a chance to compete at the Championship.