[Beth Sweet]

As someone who has been on both sides of this spectrum, I would have to side with the "allow practice 'bots" argument.

I am currently the team leader for a rookie team who is, to say the least, classified in the "have-nots" category. We're struggling right now to get enough money to just make a robot. But we have good kids and good mentors and we're going to make it because of our passion.

When I was on 67 the HOT Team, we always had practice 'bots. Anyone who has seen team 67 would classify them in the "have" category. They work hard and continue to do so, to gain and keep a good relationship with their sponsor who provides them with such things as the materials and machines to create a practice machine. Therefore, they have a bit more than others.

The way I see it, these are just byproducts of the fact that some teams will always have more than others. Those who want it, who have dedicated students and mentors, and who really care about the program will come back year to year and will work to get things that they want such as practice 'bots. This gives groups, like the one that I'm in charge of now, something to work for, something to look forward to. Give people something to want, to desire, all of a sudden you'll see them work harder than they ever have.

(This is solely my opinion and does not neccessarily reflect the views of my team or the rest of its members)