[archiver]

Posted by Jason Morrella.

Coach on team #254, Cheesy Poofs/Bay Bombers, from Broadway High and NASA Ames.

Posted on 12/26/99 3:22 AM MST


In Reply to: I can go either way posted by Joe Johnson on 12/23/99 9:31 PM MST:



I for one think that FIRST's 'obsession with fairness' is commendable and should be applauded. I would think less of FIRST if they did not treat ALL 378 teams exactly equal.

There are three guarantees in life: death, taxes, and FIRST will be faced with 'new, unforseen, difficult decisions' every year. It also seems that FIRST always corrects the problems from previous years - so I am sure the scheduling conflicts this year will be fixed next year.

Given the unavoidable scheduling conflicts which exist this year, I am very happy with the efforts FIRST has made to alleviate the shipping concerns of the teams in the last two regionals and also their decision to make the shipping rules the same for ALL teams.

Part of the great experience of the FIRST season is that teams always seem to be able to overcome and excel in situations they thought they might not. They are presented with problems (the same problems for all, which are valid, such as shipping and repairs this year) and they find solutions to those problems.

I may be proven wrong, but I am have a feeling the shipping/repair issue ends up being much less of a problem than we fear. Don't get me wrong, I am nervous about it just like everyone else - but I have all the confidence in the world that the National Competition will be incredible as usual, with hundreds of working & impressive robots displaying their skills.
I can't wait for the Kick-Off and the start of the 2000 competition. Everyone have a safe and Happy New Year!!!

Jason