[Carolyn Duncan]

If FIRST is goint to limit nationals/championships this much what about kick off? I know plenty of people who look at kickoff as something really great that they wouldn't want to miss. I mean going to Dean's house is a big thrill for the adults who go up there, the same as Disney is for just about everyone at nationals. Will this limit the teams allowed to send representatives? I think it should, but that doesn't really mean anything. What would happen if many of the teams who cannot attend show up as spectators? Will they be turned away? That wouldn't really be a good PR move. I agree with the cutting costs idea, there were many things that could be done differently. That is, if cost is a factor. I am not saying this as a member of a team that has not already been granted the ability to attend, the fact is that I truely don't know if we do. I really think these guidlines have focused FIRST's attention on winning and that saddens me. Maybe we should plan to have web hugs at all of the regionals. That's just my $0.02 on this subject.
Edit: I feel bad for the teams who were rookies last year and had small teams. Recruiting this year will be nearly impossible. i think these new guidlines will drop the size of FIRST competions and interest. It has changed and I think people will turn more to BB, RW, JYW, etc. Also, what about teams from 1992 who did not compete in one or more years since then? Do they get to go?