FRC Blogged - Something New – FIRST Dean’s List Changes

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by Samwaldo

I'm hoping FIRST sees this, because I have an idea that would satisfy everyone.

If I recall correctly you can nominate 2 people. Maybe FIRST can require teams to nominate one Sophomore/Junior and the second person can be of any grade level. Equal consideration of all grade would continue.

Nomination 1: Required Sophmore/Junior
Nomination 2: optional Sophomore/Junior/Senior

This system would put more Sophomores/Juniors in the pool or nominations, increasing the likelihood of Sophomores/Juniors winning (which FIRST just showed they want), but still giving an equal chance to seniors.

Aren't Sophomores/Juniors inherently at a disadvantage when put up against a senior? By the simple virtue of being around longer, seniors have done more, and very likely have more leadership on their team (In our team, all captains have been seniors for 7 years, until this year with our first Junior as a captain).

So, even if Juniors are preferred, judges likely look at the students and think "Hmmm... A senior who is the captain of the team and did all this stuff for the past three years, or a Junior with 2 past years and less team leadership?"

So, having seniors eligible has probably ended up going against FIRST's preference for Juniors. Just something to keep in mind during the discussion.