Back in my rookie year in 2008, and also our teams first year, we had a pretty decent run. Nothing spectacular. We were the second ranked rookie team if I remember correctly at our only regional (NJ). We sat through the award ceremonies and didn't win anything. Yet I have a FRC medal from 2008 with a white ribbon hanging in my room.
Everyone on the team from that year has one. We always assumed they were participation medals (We called it a pity medal for the last 5 years). We thought it a bit strange when we didn't get them again in 09 but thought nothing of it really. I didn't question it until this year, after getting to know more people on other teams. Its exactly the same medal you get for winning an event/being a finalist.
I know for sure that It wasn't from another year, because we've never won an award (ever.). Where could this have come from? xD
https://my.usfirst.org/myarea/index....ils&tpid=63677