[nparikh]

I personally disagree with giving out money, but I don't see an issue with giving out some kind of prizes. For example, the winners of the National Animation Award used to (it's unclear if they will this year) get a laptop & software from Autodesk as a reward(prize) for winning. Why not offer some kinds of other incentives--perhaps the opportunity to try out innovative products for next year, computers, or other gear to help teams.

It doesn't necessarily have to be money, but something in return wouldn't hurt--and it wouldn't spoil FIRST. Teams aren't going to cheat for something that isn't a cash prize--or so we'd like to think.