[FRC Blog] Software Downloads and Administrative Manual Release

[BJC]

Regarding the loss of feedback forms and the change from "winning" the Chairman's Award to "earning" the Chairman's Award:


The Chairman’s Award represents the spirit of FIRST. It honors the team that, in the judges’ estimation, best represents a model for other teams to emulate, and which embodies the goals and purpose of FIRST. It remains FIRST’s most prestigious award.


When you really think about it, it is sort of backwards for a team to nominate themselves as the "best" team for others to emulate. If I had my way a team would have to be nominated by other teams in order to be eligible for this award. Then it would truly be something you earn* rather than win**.

I think that these changes are FIRST trying to de-emphasize the competition aspect that has slowly surrounded this award over time. When looked at from this paradigm, these changes are positive. There shouldn't be a feedback form telling teams what they should do to "earn" an award - that turns it right back into "winning".


*earn
- to merit as compensation, as for service; deserve.
- to acquire through merit.

**win
- to finish first in a race, contest, or the like.
- to gain the victory; overcome an adversary.

dictionary.com

Cheers, Bryan