robotics as an official sport

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by mastachyra

I also wonder if someone in power makes money on this change. In Illinois, I'm sure the politicians/board members will find a way.

What about the teachers/coaches? Many schools basically ignored them previously... after recognition from the MSHSL, they tend to earn a similar stipend as coaches for other activities, or so I've heard. That, in turn, helps to increase team retention.

There haven't been any downsides here - the MSHSL has worked very closely with the MN Regional Planning Committee from the start. Maybe the only additional rule is an additional Bag and Tag from the team's last event (Regional/CMP) to the State CMP. It ensures the event is treated more like a regular event, than an off-season event - team's don't have all the time in the world to make changes to the robot before the event starts, they're competing with the same robot they competed with at the regional.