[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by Petey

... While waterproofing a robot is indeed a formidable task, it is nothing next to constructing a giant underwater practice field... Won't happen, man. Not even close. Think of the basic problems! It would be institutionally irresponsible of FIRST--and contrary to their basic messages of fairness, especially to new vs. established teams--to bring an underwater game to the fore...

Pete,

You are not thinking diabolical enough... Imagine an outdoor game played on a parking lot... No protection from the elements (OK, maybe a tent for the spectators)...

Think of it... Every school has a parking lot (so no whining over incredible resources)... And so does every venue...

You might say that it is not fair that one regional is in Rochester, NY and another is in Orlando, FL on the same weekend...

You might also say that it is not fair if it begins to downpour halfway through the finals...

Who ever claimed that this was a fair contest?

Think of the educational possibilities! Chaos theory as applied to weather prediction and last minute frost heaves! Ya gotta love it...

Just thank your lucky stars I'm not designing these games... ;-)

Keep Smiling and Good Night...

Mike