Quote:
Originally posted by Ken L
Questions 11/09/02: Do you think a qualification process is necessary for the future Championship Event, and if so, how should teams qualify for Nats?
Keep in mind there will be growth and changes in FIRST in the coming years… At the rate of gaining new teams, there won’t be room at Nats for 500 teams… or 1000… Maybe even 2000… And what if it will no longer be at Disney? Maybe some teams won’t care about going anymore because of that…? What do you think?
Have fun!
-Ken L
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I think that the qualification processes that are in place for the season need to stay in place, regardless of the capacity of the new venue. That's just as a courtesy to odd-numbered teams who were excluded from participating last year. However, if the venue can hold a larger capacity, and that capacity will maintain a high level of quality in the event, I'd encourage opening the experience up to as many teams as possible.
As FIRST grows, there will need to be a massive restructuring of the qualifying procedures or the Championship itself. I fear, of course, that this restructuring will make FIRST even more like a competitive sport, rewarding victory instead of presenting opportunities.