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Try this idea-
FIRST develops 40 regionals across the world- spaced as uniformly as possible in time and distance so people can reasonably get to them. With 20 now that is not too far off.
With alliances of 3, the winners and finalists get to go to the nationals at Epcot = 6x40=240
All of the Chairman's Awards people get to go= 20 (someday)
The remaining slots are filled by teams winning awards OF ANY TYPE during the season. No awards count more than others. This would work by having all teams getting put on a list according to when they first register- first come, first served. At the end of the season the awards are tallied and pointed and the list of invites would consist of teams who won multiple awards first and also registered for FIRST first. Overflow positions are offered further and further down the list until all are filled. I figure we are looking at about 400 teams here, not all of which will make it.
Would this knock out rookies?- probably quite a few. But it would also insure that at least the 80 best ones (top rookie seeds) would have a shot. FIRST could offer more rookie based awards. It would also encourage teams to be active more in the off season preparing so they can register and pay up as early as possible.
It would also be fair to all in that EVERYBODY would have to deal with the nightmare of last minute arrangements. Only the regional winners would have any advantage over the pack by winning early. But hey- they DID win.
Of course the Championship could also be staged later or the building phase be staged earlier so there is a larger gap between the two for making travel arrangements.
Either this is a Championship or it isnt? If it is, ALL of the champions should be able to go. I propose this idea for 2004.
WC with my $.02
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