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Still Shocked
I found the letter today too and it totally floored me. Our team has been in this thing since 1997 and it seems like we too may not have a chance to get to Orlando this year since we are an odd number.
Here are a few thoughts-
1. Teams should be restricted to attending only one regional. The idea of Rookie regionals where the veterans may have an easy win is bad enough, but to be able to shop around until you get what you need to go is unfair. To get 5 points based on prior year's performance means you swept the field at one regional (definite qualifier) or went shopping and got a number of awards at several. How does a low budget team even think of competing?
2. Second year odd number teams with low level sponsors will probably drop from the competition like flies. The Florida trip is a big seller for motivating a FIRST team and many teams go just for the experience. I thought that FIRST was trying to reach ALL kids, not just those fortunate to have big business behind them in their area.
3. While what they did was great for FIRST and they should be commended, grandfathering the past Chairman Awards winners and original teams permanently is awful. To be able to attend every year regardless of performance does not match the idea of a Championship.
4. All of the regionals within our section of the country are being held on the same day. If we even thought of going to others it would be a major trip and time committment during the school year. Was this deliberate?
What the awful game last year didn't do to knock the wind out of FIRST I'm afraid this policy will. People want to go to Orlando and be a part of the big event. Our kids work all year to develop the funds for Fla. Now it is a matter of chance and the opinion of judges. How can you plan and promote a development program based on that?
WC
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