QUESTION OF THE WEEK!!! [11-11-01]

[Joe Johnson]

FIRST has given teams 3 days with their robot after a regional for every year I have been involved except 2000.

I think that it is a good system.

Is it an advantage for teams that go to local regionals? Yes.

Is it an advantage for teams that go to multiple regionals? Yes.

But... ...it is not a secret advantage, nor is it the only advantage to going to multiple regionals (e.g. at this point it is also a major factor in qualifying for the Championship Event).

I think in the end, FIRST is well served by having teams go to multiple regionals. If teams get an advantage by going to more than one, that may serve a useful purpose by encouraging this practice.

Bottom line: Keep the rule that allows teams to keep their robots for the 3 days following a regional.

Joe J.