[GeorgeTheEng]

A couple of thoughts on this...

The "restrictions" (odd/even, points, and tiers)on teams attending nationals have only existed for about 4 years. So in the very low tiers (5-8) why has it been that long since they attended (or never attended)? Lack of funds? Lack of Interest?

In terms on basing it on the current years performance, that is a fund raising nightmare. It's hard enough to get all the money when you know you're going. When you have 2 business days to decide and only 2 or 3 weeks to get all arrangements made... Makes it very hard logistically. In terms of things like airline tickets, they will be much much more expensive because you are traveling so soon. (if you can even get the number you need for your team that close to the flight date). I think the financials and the travel planning need to be revised before this system will really work well. Some ideas brought up yesterday at the FIRST Forum in NJ were:
- Qualify for this year OR next year (your choice)
- Have a loan program. (w/ next years elegibility to compete dependent on paying off the loan)