[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by exprg:melonhead

but see, it only takes one competition to make it to nationals. the way i see it, if you are a wonderful enough team to make it all the way, great for you, but finish practicing at home. other teams are at competition to secure their spot and if you're there just for practice and ruin another teams chances, i think that is hardly fair and definitely not an example of gracious professionalism.

If you're competing because you want to get to Atlanta, prepay and get a spot that way. The events are designed to stand alone as a fun, inspirational experience; they aren't just gates to a more inspirational experience.

Though I'll freely admit when I was in FTC, I hated competing against a team who already qualified, and then I joined the other side of the coin and my opinion changed. So take that as you will.

Originally Posted by XaulZan11

I think your missing the point of competing. It is not to win and going to the Championship. It is not just about winning. It is about enjoying all the time and effort you put into your robot and your team. Yeah, winning is nice (not that I would know...yet) but I think if your main goal is to win and advanced to the Championship, you will be dissatisfied more often than not. Those teams that have put in the extra effort to fundraise to attend 2x regionals, should have the right to enjoy all their hard work.

I think it's important to make the distinction that each individual event is a competition, not the FRC program as a whole. Then again, I could be off base here. I'm in the minority somewhat of supporting a non qualification only Championship Event...