[OZ_341]

I really want to thank Corey for bringing up this discussion and playing "Devil's Advocate" with this topic. I also want to thank the responders for the respectful way in which they are replying. Its great to stop and think about the benefits of each part of the year.

As the organizer of an off-season event going into its 9th year (Ramp Riot), I can tell you that our goal is to "simulate" the regular season as best we can. I think our event comes very close, but it is not quite the regular season. When people come to Ramp Riot as thier first ever robotics event, they are often amazed. But what I will tell them is that if you think this is amazing, come to the Philly Regional in March and you'll be knocked off your feet.

But I think the two seasons need each other for FIRST to thrive. They both hold importance in different ways. The off-season is an opportunity to experiment, train, have relaxed fun, and inspire new schools and sponsors The off-season provides an environment for very long term learning for new members.

The regular season experience goes beyond words and has been covered well by others in this thread. Enough said by me. :-)