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Originally Posted by JVN
The solution is not to decrease the level of veteran play -- This doesn't seem like what FIRST is about. I believe the solution is to INCREASE the level of rookie play. If the gap between veterans and rookies seems too large, perhaps we need to "raise the rookies". Instead of asking ourselves how to limit the veterans -- ask yourself "How can we help the rookies kick butt...?"
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I have to agree with John on this one. I was with team 1114 Simbotics last season. We are a very well funded team with a strong mentor base. This season we decided to start up two more teams in the area with the help of our sponsor (GM). We call ourselves NIAGARAFirst.org and have a website by the same name.
We have spent a lot of time this year doing prototyping for the 2005 season. We have involved all the schools as best we could in this project and will give them all the designs and resources they need to re-create it in 2005 rules permitting (we will post a white paper once we know they work and can find some free time). We may even split up some of the building between schools.
We will likely build a practice robot again this year. But it will be available to all the teams in our area for practicing. If all goes well, Newman Brother, a local construction company will build us another playing field this year which will be shared by all three teams.
The expected results:
A strong veteran team
Two strong rookie teams that should kick butt....maybe even 1114's butt
A money savings by sharing transportation and resources
More teams with only a few more mentors
3 times as many kids inspired
More buzz in our area over the FIRST experience...which will hopefully lead to more teams!!
I understand that this isn't possible everywhere but I do think raising the rookies is the better way to go.
That being said...rules are rules. We are very careful not to use and prototype parts on our competition robot and no parts built outside the 6 week period should be used.
This is my opinion...