Quote:
Originally Posted by dtengineering
Hmm... I was, of course, aware of IRI but I hadn't looked at the team list in detail before. I do recognize a lot of very competitive teams taking part in the competition and had not realized just how far some of those teams will travel for an off-season event.
Impressive.
Jason |
If it is an event sponsored by FIRST and becomes an event that is solely comprised of the 'top teams' of the FIRST competition season, then that is changing the face of FIRST pretty drastically. In recent seasons, including this one, change has been discussed in these fori, including having teams compete at their 'home' regional, if there is such a thing. Also, having teams submit their WFA and their Chairman's to said home regional. Talking about a FIRST tournament/competition for the elite teams and sponsored by FIRST sponsors is added change. As we continue to do the homework, creating new teams and including them in the program, and aggressively developing programs to help them acclimate, grow, succeed - are we pushing the elite to a top tier as well or is that just discussion?
What does not change in the scheme of things is the commitment of the mentors to the program and the participation of teenagers in all areas of the FIRST development and competition, whether they are members of new rookie teams, successful teams, or elite teams. When having these discussions, that should be kept at the forefront of the discussions as well as the equal amount of money paid to participate. I'm of the mind at this time, that the bigger the party, the better - may the best on that weekend, win - and may everyone have a blast and recognize that they have competed in the 2008 season.