Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Jason Kixmiller
I feel that FIRST is torn by the trends of development. How do you keep established/successful teams from becoming complacent while still keeping new teams encouraged? Learning is a very important aspect of FIRST, however, school boards, sponsors, and even some mentors can easily fall into the trap of using competitive success as a benchmark for the team’s achievement. I feel that it is FIRST’s intention to make learning and inspiration the primary achievements, while it is human nature to place competition at the forefront.
So what is the answer?
|
What about competition classes? I have felt for a long time now that the divide between the "have" and "have not" teams and the rookie and veteran teams is getting wider and wider. I see more and more use of sophisticated equipment like CNC and water jet machines which really increases that gap. It is really getting harder and harder for the little teams to be competitive. This one reason I really love the kitbot chassis and transmissions and drop in wheels from IFI and all of the wonderful products AndyMark markets specifically toward teams that may not have the resources to build their own. With the increase in popularity of FRC (well over 1000 teams this year) maybe it is time to start thinking of breaking up the FRC competitions into classes. Why not have a separate beginner/rookie only class, an advanced/veteran & rookie (if they want to) class, and then maybe even an "unlimited"/open class where either can compete together and some of the restrictive/penalty/materials (but not safety) rule don't apply? Or maybe an amateur vs. open sort of classes like in other sports? You can compete in the amateur class until you have reached some measure of success (i.e. competed for 3 years, or won a Regional, Chairman's Award, etc.).