2004 Championship Qualification?

[Andy Baker]

Competition registration is almost upon us. We start signing up for competitions on Sept. 29. We are going to sign up for Regionals and Championships.

At the same time, there will be about 1000 teams this year. Interestingly enough, all of the 5 rookie FIRST teams from 2003 in Indiana are even numbered teams. If all of the even numbered teams are eligible for the Championships, then those 500 even numbered teams will be trying to fill the "X" amount of open spots in Atlanta.

On the FIRST site, it is written that Championship qualification is not determined yet. This makes sense to me, since there will be many even numbered teams along with many pre-qualified teams who will be all trying to fill 280-290 spots.

I am wondering if teams realize that FIRST may be re-thinking Championship qualification criteria. Even numbered teams and teams who accumulated "points" or other qualification criteria should not assume that they are definitely going to Atlanta. We really need to hear what FIRST decides... and it should be soon.

What are your thoughts?

Andy B.