Is Bag and Tag Necessary?

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by jason_zielke

Imagine the excitement that teams could build in their schools and local communities prior to a competition if they were actually allowed to demonstrate that robot BEFORE and DURING the competition season. Our teams need this ability to build a fan base and a following. We need students, parents and community partners outside of our teams to get excited about our robots before they get to competition so we have a way to get them to attend.

Teams could show off their robots at prep rallies just before they head off to district or regional competitions just like all the athletic teams in the district.

If we really want to be the "Varsity Sport for the Mind", we need to market ourselves like a varsity sport. I can think of no better time (and I have tried) to show off our robots than right before we head off to competition.

With this simple change, our ability to inspire others would grow immensely.

In my opinion, this benefit outweighs any of the possible downsides, because this is the true mission of FIRST.

I believe that if a team contacts FIRST, gives reason and follows direction that FIRST does allow a team to do a demo then rebag. I have seen the bag and tag forms that show it happening.