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I have to agree... on some points...
I believe that the National Chairman's award is like a piece of cheese, teams need something to strive for, besides a national champion title. Sometimes their robot might not perform as well as others do; but that does not mean that the team is any less qualified to win the Chairman's award. The Chairman's award is not all about the robot, it is about the people. If this prestigious award is given to three or four teams it looses it's appeal and makes it easier to win. [Besides, I don't think Dean wants to make three more clocks.]
I do agree that only one representative from each regional is a little strict. As in many other competitions, including regional Science Olympiad competitions, at least two teams are sent on to states [from my experience with S.O.] That would mean that 17 more teams could be recognised at a regional level, to continue on to nationals where they would compete with the 34 other teams.
I propose that all teams that submit a video, scrapbook, ect... at a regional event be recognised by having an area set-up where other teams can view submissions and possibly get ideas to further the FIRST spirit in their hometown(s); which could help with their submissions for the next year.
I do not think that I do agree on the idea of recognising the finalists without giving them something. Even if it is just a framed sheet of paper or a small plaque. You could be surprised at how much a simple recognition of work done can improve the spirit of a person, a team, and anyone around them.
I feel that whatever direction FIRST decides to take this competion in, it will be well thought out and hopefully it might include / soothe everyone's comments and concerns.
-DUCKY-
PS- if they gave out comment sheets last year, I never saw ours... so I'll agree with you... the more constructive criticism, the better.
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We can lick gravity, but sometimes the paperwork is overwhelming. - Werner von Braun
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