Proposal: A New Way to Run FIRST Choice

[tsaksa]

The issue with FIRST Choice seems to be one of too many teams chasing too few resources. Perhaps the solution is not a draft or lottery, but one of scaling back the intent of the program. As was already mentioned, it is getting harder and harder to solicit donations that can benefit teams equally when there are now so many teams. I hope I do not offend anyone out there, but do I do not know if all the teams really need FIRST Choice, while for others it may mean the difference between being able to compete.

If we really want to have FIRST grow to the point where it can reach students in every school can we expect FIRST Choice to continually serve all of those teams equally? Right now there is an extreme discrepancy in the funding available to teams in smaller towns, rural areas, or economically depressed areas. And yet there are a lot of teams out there with budgets that should allow then to build a robot even without FIRST Choice. Allowing early access to resources based on need might be a way to more equitably distribute scarce resources.

I know that FIRST Choice was intended to be a part of the KOP, and not a funding program. But I for one would rather see early access to ordering on FIRST Choice offered to rookie teams and teams demonstrated financial need rather than a random drawing if that is being considered. The other teams could be offered access to what is left a few days later. Just trying to consider a new way to look at the issue. I hope no one takes offence.