[Mike Martus]

As the team leader I am responsible for registration.

We were only allowed to go to three events - 2 regionals and the Nationals. As I was reviewing what teams were going where, I noticed several teams going to 4 events. I questioned FIRST about this. The response was that they had many teams change plans and drop regionals because of 911 and money problems.

Several regionals were very small. FIRST loses money if the regional is not to a certain level. In fact the more regionals a team attends the more money FIRST gets to support the regional. A 20 team regional would not cover expenses of the regional. Remember you pay for the kit 1 time but pay entry fee each time.

The West Michigan regional was down to 40 registrations ( 20 below capacity) 4 teams took this as a 3rd regional at the last min.( one team already had this as their 3rd regional).

If you look at the stats you will find more than a handful of teams going to 4 events this year, not just us.

We have done 4 events for the last 5 years.

I agree that decisions from FIRST have been difficult this year. Take a second and step back to consider the growing pains and effects of 911 as well as the economy. Their lives have not been simple or smooth. They are learning how to adjust and adapt.

Lets have faith in them. They are a very good hard working staff. Overworked and I am sure underpaid.