Future First Championship News

[nrgy_blast]

This is fantastic news! The students I've seen seem to be questioning the 'everyone is a winner' mentality lately, and this is the perfect opportunity to reinflate the theme for at least a generation (4 years) to come! When the next group of students catches on, we can do as another poster suggested and just stop the event with 'super regionals'. In all, I think we can perpetuate this for another 6-8 years before everyone gives up on FIRST all together!

[Carolyn_Grace]

Originally Posted by MissDaisyGirl

I'm going to leave a few things here that basically encompass just part of the feelings I'm having:

Philadelphia to St. Louis: 2 hr, 25 min
Philadelphia to Houston: 3 hr, 30 min
Philadelphia to Detroit: 1 hr, 35 min

Detroit is a winner, right? No. Is everyone overlooking the fact that Detroit is the most dangerous city in America? Its clear that the people making these decisions have never once in their life chaperoned 50 high school students through a large metropolitan environment.

"Violent crime rate: 2,137 per 100,000 residents
The Motor City tops the list of America's Most Dangerous Cities for the fourth straight year thanks to a stubborn problem mostly with gang-related violence. Violent crimes fell 10% last year but are still running five times the national average."
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlj45jggj/1-detroit/

While I'd rather it be another location instead of putting out scare statistics, I'd like to publicly ask the FIRST Detroiters what they think of this development? What does Detroit have to offer teams from around the world and out of state? I'm sure they have a unique perspective.

[mwmac]

Originally Posted by MissDaisyGirl

I'm going to leave a few things here that basically encompass just part of the feelings I'm having:

Philadelphia to St. Louis: 2 hr, 25 min
Philadelphia to Houston: 3 hr, 30 min
Philadelphia to Detroit: 1 hr, 35 min

Detroit is a winner, right? No. Is everyone overlooking the fact that Detroit is the most dangerous city in America? Its clear that the people making these decisions have never once in their life chaperoned 50 high school students through a large metropolitan environment.

"Violent crime rate: 2,137 per 100,000 residents
The Motor City tops the list of America's Most Dangerous Cities for the fourth straight year thanks to a stubborn problem mostly with gang-related violence. Violent crimes fell 10% last year but are still running five times the national average."
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlj45jggj/1-detroit/

But you are missing the obvious attractions: "Each city has been chosen with our visitors in mind and each location – St. Louis, Houston, and Detroit has many opportunities for outdoor and recreational activities, as well as arts and cultural experiences, and simply sightseeing."

Your point is well-stated and I can only surmise that facilities outweighed student safety in the calculus.

Still waiting for FIRST HQ to chime in...come on Frank, we know you are out there...

[Brandon_L]

Originally Posted by nrgy_blast

This is fantastic news! The students I've seen seem to be questioning the 'everyone is a winner' mentality lately, and this is the perfect opportunity to reinflate the theme for at least a generation (4 years) to come! When the next group of students catches on, we can do as another poster suggested and just stop the event with 'super regionals'. In all, I think we can perpetuate this for another 6-8 years before everyone gives up on FIRST all together!

This years game has been jokingly referred to as Sr. Jr. FLL, but with this change, it seems like that's exactly where FIRST wants to move FRC.

[MikLast]

Originally Posted by nrgy_blast

This is fantastic news! The students I've seen seem to be questioning the 'everyone is a winner' mentality lately, and this is the perfect opportunity to reinflate the theme for at least a generation (4 years) to come! When the next group of students catches on, we can do as another poster suggested and just stop the event with 'super regionals'. In all, I think we can perpetuate this for another 6-8 years before everyone gives up on FIRST all together!

i cant tell if this is sarcasm or something meant to be positive...

[MissDaisyGirl]

Originally Posted by Carolyn_Grace

While I'd rather it be another location instead of putting out scare statistics, I'd like to publicly ask the FIRST Detroiters what they think of this development? What does Detroit have to offer teams from around the world and out of state? I'm sure they have a unique perspective.

You are right to put it out to the group and I would not hesitate to visit Detroit on my own in an instant. I'm just pointing out that surely safety has to be a concern. Towards the end there in Atlanta I had a few altercations of my own with our team walking the streets mid-evening. I wouldn't want any recurrence of those types of situations.

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by mwmac

Still waiting for FIRST HQ to chime in...come on Frank, we know you are out there...

Not sure exactly who wrote this, but this is the post on the official FRC Blog.

We’ve got big news! Hear from FIRST President Don Bossi about how we plan to deliver the FIRST Championship experience to thousands more young people worldwide – starting in 2017.

That's it.

[mwmac]

Originally Posted by cgmv123

Not sure exactly who wrote this, but this is the post on the official FRC Blog.

I am aware that Mr. Bossi is the lead on the communique. However, Frank seems to be the man taking the measure of the FRC community and responding to its concerns....

[JesseK]

Originally Posted by Jared Russell

I was referencing the culture change aspect of FRC (robotics as a sport that appeals to non-participants, exciting finals matches on ESPN brought about by an incredibly high level of competition, building big and fast robots that make you say "wow!", etc.).

I don't think it is hyperbole to say that large decisions like this make me (and the majority of mentors with whom I have already spoken or who have posted about this) question FIRST's long term vision for this currently-unique-to-FRC idea, and open to the thought that FRC may at some point in the future no longer be the best fit for that idea.

This makes much more sense. Given that Champs is insanely large with 3 programs what would be your (or the Poofs') vision for FRC's future?

I only ask this specifically from the Poofs because (most) every post I've read from a Poofs mentor that has been proactive has produced insanely good ideas (some of which we don't realize how good until much later). The Poofs also produce incredible results when you put energy and focus into an effort. I think it's a fair statement that many teams already ask themselves "What Would the Poofs Do?" for many strategic and design decisions, so what would the Poofs do here?

[cgmv123]

Originally Posted by mwmac

I am aware that Mr. Bossi is the lead on the communique. However, Frank seems to be the man taking the measure of the First community and responding to its concerns....

That was Frank's blog. Given how short and non-informative the post is, I'm not sure it was written by Frank.

[bduddy]

I think it's pretty obvious that the same people behind the concept of this year's FR_ game are behind this "championship" idea.

[marshall]

I'm not sure how I feel about all of this at the moment. As a mentor, I have a lot of concerns and I haven't spoken to my students about it yet, which will help me make up my mind. Their input is by far the most valuable.

I did kind of figure that FIRST was going to have to split the big event in two after going through some of the nonsense last year and this year with hotel booking in St Louis. It's just too large for a single city at this point.

I'm just not sure that FIRST have fully thought through this plan but beyond that, it seems like they have left too many questions unanswered at this point. I think what we all want is a state of the union address from Kamen and Co that explains the thought process and the long term plan for FIRST and in particular, for FRC.

There is a lot at play here. From students and safety in a severely poverty stricken city, to an entire generation of FRC students who are becoming mentors, to a non-defensive game this year, to not being able to see some great friends we've met over the years at these events for a while... It's a lot to take in. I also suspect some of the frustration is because of the timing of this announcement.

I'll reserve final judgement and letter writing until after this season is over and the dust has settled but... It's hard for me to buy into the Olympic comparisons they are making when they are talking about having two sets of winners. You can't make everyone a winner... I think it takes away from the inspiration. That being said, two events was going to happen at some point.

[FrankJ]

Wow 7 pages in barely 3 hours. Oops 17 pages. Post 254. Suddenly I am feeling something strange.
Sorry I have not read all of them. So sorry if this is a me too.

First (a). I am amazed that they kept this a secret. Also a little input to the people it effects would have been be nice.

First (b) I am not looking as forward to a 600 team worlds as years past. It is going to be a logistical nightmare. Especial for the one responsible for transport the pits. Other have expressed concerned about QF matches with 64 team in the dome. So something had to give.

First (C) This it the last year for the undisputed worlds FRC champion!!! So bring your A game

First (D) I numbered this post to be consistent with the new world order.

[Wetzel]

Originally Posted by mwmac

I am aware that Mr. Bossi is the lead on the communique. However, Frank seems to be the man taking the measure of the First community and responding to its concerns....

Frank is the director of FRC, not the greater FIRST community which includes FLL and FTC.

[KeeganP]

Originally Posted by JesseK

This makes much more sense. Given that Champs is insanely large with 3 programs what would be your (or the Poofs') vision for FRC's future?

I only ask this specifically from the Poofs because (most) every post I've read from a Poofs mentor that has been proactive has produced insanely good ideas (some of which we don't realize how good until much later). The Poofs also produce incredible results when you put energy and focus into an effort. I think it's a fair statement that many teams already ask themselves "What Would the Poofs Do?" for many strategic and design decisions, so what would the Poofs do here?

I was just thinking the same thing -- if 254 were to "redo" FRC, what would they change?

Moving to a more broad question, what would happen if there was an FRC Advisory committee comprised of WFA winners from teams that helped direct the future of FRC? They wouldn't necessarily be on the GDC or anything, just helping to direct the future of FRC as would be best for the teams. Thoughts?