FIRST in Michigan details

[Sconrad]

Some of the higher-ups in our region (Virginia) are talking about joining with the DC and Chesapeake regions to form a system similar if not identical to Michigan FIRST. We wanted to gather more info on how the system works before we decide whether to support the switch or not. I found Joe Johnson's thread at http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php. However, we would like some more specific details as to how the system works and the pros and cons of the districts system over the regional system. For instance, where do the fields come from for the districts (Built by FIRST, paid by FIRST and built by host, built and paid for by host)? If they are not built by FIRST, how does FIRST assure that these fields meet quality standards? Any other details on the logistics of the system as well as thoughts on how well the system would work in our area would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[Andrew Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Sconrad

Some of the higher-ups in our region (Virginia) are talking about joining with the DC and Chesapeake regions to form a system similar if not identical to Michigan FIRST. We wanted to gather more info on how the system works before we decide whether to support the switch or not. I found Joe Johnson's thread at http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php. However, we would like some more specific details as to how the system works and the pros and cons of the districts system over the regional system. For instance, where do the fields come from for the districts (Built by FIRST, paid by FIRST and built by host, built and paid for by host)? If they are not built by FIRST, how does FIRST assure that these fields meet quality standards? Any other details on the logistics of the system as well as thoughts on how well the system would work in our area would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

I can't answer all of your questions but I think a lot of details are available in the Districts cast we did with Jim Zondag last week. (Direct)

[plnyyanks]

Pros and cons of the district system have been discussed thoroughly in the past. I'm not sure what the answer is for you guys, but just do some research (starting with the linked threads) and go from there. I can't say I'm very knowledgeable at all on the district system, having never competed in it myself, so I'm sorry I can't be too much of a help, but the linked threads should be a good place to start.

[nikeairmancurry]

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

I can't answer all of your questions but I think a lot of details are available in the Districts cast we did with Jim Zondag last week. (Direct)

This would be a great starting point.. I have talked to Jim numerous times about this system and he amazes me each time with the stats and information we throws at you to support the district system...

[BJC]

Originally Posted by Sconrad

Some of the higher-ups in our region (Virginia) are talking about joining with the DC and Chesapeake regions to form a system similar if not identical to Michigan FIRST. We wanted to gather more info on how the system works before we decide whether to support the switch or not. I found Joe Johnson's thread at http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php. However, we would like some more specific details as to how the system works and the pros and cons of the districts system over the regional system. For instance, where do the fields come from for the districts (Built by FIRST, paid by FIRST and built by host, built and paid for by host)? If they are not built by FIRST, how does FIRST assure that these fields meet quality standards? Any other details on the logistics of the system as well as thoughts on how well the system would work in our area would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

The FiM website is a good resource: http://www.firstinmichigan.org/

If you go to the "Contact Us" tab on the website you can get into contact with some of the FiM people.

[Carol]

You may want to also discuss this wiht MAR, which is running the district model for the first time this year. MAR can discuss all the issues involved in creating this.

http://www.midatlanticrobotics.com/

[Sconrad]

Thanks so much for all the responses guys!! I don't have much time right now, but I will be sure to look at all the info you gave me!

[Sconrad]

Just to be clear, I was assuming that some of the higher ups in our regional are talking about the Michigan system, mainly because of the amount of students I have found both here on Chief Delphi and in person who discussed the system and whether it was better or worse than the regional system. I do not know for sure if any discussion is actually occurring right now. I apologize if my previous post was misleading to anybody.