The Annual Multi-Regional "Look"

[Natchez]

Below is the annual "how many regionals are there in a final four team" overview. The number of regionals are in (). Thanks Karthik ... your database made this very easy.

330(2)
67(3)
503(2)

64(3)
56(3)
254(2)

245(3)
217(2)
766(2)

175(2)
33(3)
108(2)

It looks as if you want an opportunity to play on Einstein, you might want to consider attending more than one regional or starting an FLL team.

Okay, UNCLE, I GIVE! I have FAILED at convincing everyone that teams should only be attending one regional and should be sponsoring more EARLY, FLL, BEST, & Botball teams. I've admitted it ... I'm a failure ... I'm finished with step #1 of my 12 step program. Step #2 ... why did I fail ... because I'm crazy ... okay, finished with that one! Step #3 ... join the other side. Okay, I'm joining the other side BUT I'm not giving up on "leveling the playing field" so here is my new proposal.

Warning: You have entered an it's-so-crazy-that-it-might-just-work zone.

Since the prevailing arguments against only one regional are that FIRST would never be willing to take the financial hit and the teams will never give up their second regional, I propose that ALL teams should receive two regional plays with their registration instead of just one. This would make all of the "I want to play on Einstein" teams happy and would make the finance department at FIRST very, very happy. For example, let's say 1,000 teams pay $9,000 each to register ... that's $9 million; if those same 1,000 teams pay for 1,300 regional plays, which is based on this year's stats ... that's $7.2 million ... 1,000x$6K + 300x$4K. A windfall of $1.8 million for FIRST and a savings of $1,000 per team that plays on Einstein. Oh, I almost forgot, charge the teams that play in 3 regionals $5K each and FIRST raises another $75 to $100K.

As far as downfalls, there are very few. Teams only have a 50% increase in registration and get twice the fun AND have an opportunity to play on Einstein. Concerning regional events, with a few more regionals, capacity will not be an issue. AND FOR THE HUGE BONUS: This plan instantly makes regionals in distant lands, such as the Magnolia Regional, instantly viable because all of the teams will be looking to attend a second regional.

There is more but I've got to go back to my padded condominium now and I'm sure you are anxious to call me crazy at this point,
Lucien

[Allison K]

I think there's quite a few teams that even have trouble coming up with the $5,000. Plus, it's not just the cost of registration that is tough on some teams, but the additional travel and robot shipment costs that come with each regional.

In a way, this plan almost forces teams to go to two regionals, and therefore forces the additional costs (to the team, not to FIRST) which I think could have a negative impact on participation.

Maybe FIRST could still offer the $6,000 for one regional plan, in addition to the $9,000 for two regionals to give teams an incentice to go to two. However, that could end up losing money if it doesn't convince any currently one regional teams to go to two regionals. Is there any data on why teams that go only to one regional do so? Is it registration costs? Travel costs? Less missed school? If the answer is registration fees, then a two for $9,000 plan would work out fine. If the answer is travel costs, then we'll need to think deeper to find the solution.

~Allison

[Not2B]

With that plan, many MANY teams would fold up and close shop. Too much money. Maybe FRC is headed that way anyway, I don't know. Hope not.

I know that we wouldn't be able to go to a championship event.

[Paul Copioli]

Lucien,

Didn't 118 go to two regional events? Your efforts to convince people not to attend two regionals didn't even make it past your own team, who obviously thinks highly of you Mr. Regional Woodie Flowers Award winner.

I am inferring from your post that attending multiple regionals and starting FLL teams is mutually exclusive. I know for sure that at least three of the teams (67, 217, and 254) have started over 100 FLL teams between them. 67 and 217 host two of the largest FLL tournaments in the Country. I think one can attend multiple regionals and start FLL teams (I assume it would be a money decision).

You are crazy ...

Paul