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Originally Posted by Mr. Van
The issue here between "haves" and "have-nots" is far, far less about money or CNC machines. It is about mentorship. How many teams have the MENTOR / COACH / TEACHER resources to expand the season from six weeks (and a few weekends) to four months? Or to year-round?
In addition, how many teams have a space where they can build a full field where they can really practice?
One of the major issues that FIRST must address is what kind of time is it going to ask from its volunteer mentors and coaches?
-Mr. Van
Coach, 599
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You'd be surprised how many mentors are willing to donate more time. I know I continue to be surprised. That's probably why the CDI, OCRA, and all the other pre-season competitions, as well as the IRI and all the other post-season competitions sprouted up. Students expressed an interest, and mentors were more than willing.
Regarding practice fields, I know of teams that take a classroom, move the tables and chairs, and use the classroom for practice. Or a hallway in the school. Or, if you're really lucky, the gymnasium during a school break when there are no athletic events. It's not perfect, but it saves money, and gets the job done.