Thread: Update #16
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Unread 08-03-2007, 01:12
indieFan indieFan is offline
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Re: Update #16

*sighs* I just got finished reading/scanning this entire thread after an entire day of helping set up the field at the Los Angeles Regional. The discontent shown in this thread is very disheartening.

While at the set up, I asked our regional director why this rule was put into place. I wanted to know why something that was going to significantly affect teams was created. I wanted the answer, not speculation. I was given an answer that nobody here has spoken about, and I will try to remember to ask the RD tomorrow if I can post it.

However, during my discussion with him, I brought up this thread which already had 3 pages in it and all of our concerns. The responded by saying that he wants me to talk to Paul Gidonis (sp?) and ask him about this rule. The RD stated that I would get an answer of "I'll have to talk to so-and-so", but he also stated that it would get this into the back of Paul's mind. And, he felt it far more important for me to talk with Paul since I have been mentoring teams since 2001 and understand the consequences of such a rule.

*****

Paul said that he knows about things going on behind the scenes that most of us don't know. How many of those posting in this thread know what goes on behind the scenes of even the most basic things that are required for a regional, such as setting up the field or finding judges or securing a venue? Having been on the regional committee for two years now, I'm slowly learning what's required behind the scenes. And, I'm sure that the majority of you would be significantly shocked at everything that happens to ensure the regional works. Until you've been in a position of doing these tasks, try to refrain from indicting FIRST for their actions.

Someone posted that they figured that they would be given the usual response of "I'll have my intern call you" (or something like that) if he called about his complaints. FIRST is highly understaffed (according to a former RD) with a group of people dedicated to helping you. I believe I was told that there are only 38 people working full time at FIRST trying to run 35 regionals and the championship. (38/35 = 1.xxx) They have barely over one person that could be dedicated to a regional if they chose to do it that way. (Someone feel free to correct the number of people working full time at FIRST, if you know for sure.)

I seem to have lost where I was headed in this section. Or, perhaps my point is to make sure you know what goes on before you speak ill of it.

*****

That's enough for now,
indieFan
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